TAT Promotes Thai Golf Internationally

 

 

International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Chief Executive, Peter Walton, got up to speed with the current situation in Thailand by talking to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Deputy Governor for Marketing & Communications, Tanes Petsuwan.

 

Peter: TAT has focused on making Thailand’s tourism product safe for visitors through the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA). How many tourism facilities in Thailand have so far qualified for SHA Certification and how widespread do you think this will be by the end of the year?

 

Tanes: It is estimated that about half of all major tourism establishments including hotels, resorts, golf courses, restaurants and other attractions have already qualified for SHA Certification and the remainder are in going through the certification process at the moment which also includes on-site inspections.

 

Peter: Is the prioritisation of safety also reflected throughout Thailand's golf tourism industry?

 

Tanes: The golf industry as a whole is in line with the tourism industry with about half of all golf clubs and golf facilities having already received their SHA Certification. All golf clubs were quick to implement safety measures because of the high demand for local play that we have experienced throughout the past few months.

 

Peter: Describe the experience of visiting and playing golf at an SHA Certified golf course in Thailand?

 

Tanes: Thailand is focusing on testing and tracing, so most golf courses require players first to have a temperature check before they are given a ‘Health Kit’ in a clear recyclable bag. The Health Kit usually includes a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and a Covid-19 safety guide for golf.

 

If not already known to the golf club, personal details are taken and every player is required to download personal tracking software if they do not already have this app on their smartphone. All changing rooms, toilets and showers are managed in accordance to the Ministry of Health’s strict guidelines, as are all public areas of the club house.

 

The actual experience of playing golf is fantastic as the courses are in great condition and the caddies have all been extensively trained on the new operational guidelines. In each golf cart there is usually 1 player and 1 caddy with a curtain between the two.

TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing & Communications, Tanes Petsuwan

 

Peter: Thailand has worked incredibly hard to minimise Covid-19 cases – what is the current situation?

 

Tanes: We are proud of the fact that, as of today, Thailand has enjoyed a zero rate of Covid-19 infection among resident Thais for the past 100 days. Anyone returning to Thailand from overseas must stay 14 days in a recognized quarantine facility, such as a government appointed hotel, and is regularly monitored. So I can say that the local situation is under control and life feels as if it is almost back to normal.

 

Peter: Can we expect to see ‘air-bridges’ or ‘corridors’ open up with neighbouring countries with low Covid-19 cases, and when do you think that might happen?

 

Tanes: Although this was considered likely earlier this year, it is now unlikely to happen any time soon.

 

Peter: What conditions will have to be in place to see international travel return to Thailand, and when do you think that might happen?

 

Tanes: It is important to maintain the health of our nation and to ensure that international visitors, when they do return, have both a safe and amazing experience. The best case scenario would see some international travel return in the 4th Quarter of 2020, with the 2nd Quarter of 2021 currently envisaged as the worst case scenario. Whenever it happens, Thailand will be ready!

 

 

 

I believe nothing that TAT says.

 

 

Trying to justify their existence by dreaming of allowing tourists back.......................................... how is the Phuket bubble going, exactly?

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

I believe nothing that TAT says.

Not surprised when they say this -

1 hour ago, Thaivisa Golf said:

before they are given a ‘Health Kit’ in a clear recyclable bag. The Health Kit usually includes a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and a Covid-19 safety guide for golf.

 

If not already known to the golf club, personal details are taken and every player is required to download personal tracking software if they do not already have this app on their smartphone.

I obviously haven't played at a SHA certified course because, other than personal details (name and phone no.) none of this has happened to me and that is having played 13 different courses around Pattaya since the restart. 

Tanes: We are proud of the fact that, as of today, Thailand has enjoyed a zero rate of Covid-19 infection among resident Thais for the past 100 days.

Hmmmm I am not a resident then......just on my 4th straight year of passing through.

Probably get my "Health Kit" at Greenwood tomorrow or Burapha on Monday or......

1 hour ago, keithsimmonds said:

Probably get my "Health Kit" at Greenwood tomorrow or Burapha on Monday or......

If it doesn't appear you could ask them if they are SHA certified and if the answer is yes further ask them where is your "Health Kit" 

21 hours ago, Thaivisa Golf said:

TAT Promotes Thai Golf Internationally

Yes come to Thailand - We welcome you. 

1. Get Covid Tested within 72 hours of departure
2. Get Fit to Fly certificate
3. Get Visa
4. Get Covid Insurance - Minimum $100,000 USD

5. Spend 14 days in quarantine at your expense

6. Now go out and enjoy Golf in Thailand. 

19 hours ago, topt said:

If it doesn't appear you could ask them if they are SHA certified and if the answer is yes further ask them where is your "Health Kit" 

No "Health Kit" today at Greenwood.....and to be honest did n,t really want to ask just in case it opened a can a worms. Still going up market and on Monday it is now Siam Plantation at an all in price of 2000baht......must be given a "Health Kit " there......surely

No "Health Kit" at Siam Plantation today either.....surprise surprise. Great course and facilities though, real quality and a good price at 2000bht all in. Only down downside really is that carts are not allowed on the fairway so the normal price of 850bht for a cart is way over the top. Our little group of 12 walked most holes as it was easier.