New grand plan to bring tourists back to Thailand in fallout of COVID-19

[webfact]

New grand plan to bring tourists back to Thailand in fallout of COVID-19

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk

 

 

Thailand is preparing to welcome back foreign tourists – at least, those with deep pockets – from next month, with a strategy that seeks to restore its battered tourism sector without ruining its impressive COVID-19 record.

 

Foreign visitors must agree to abide by the mandatory 14-day quarantine and also book a long stay. While many tourists will frown on the new restrictions, the Land of Smiles insists the two-week lockdown will be a pleasant surprise. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is now busy preparing “14 days of fun” programmes to help international tourists enjoy themselves during quarantine.

 

“There is solid demand for Thai tourism. Thailand will definitely attract tourists from China, Europe and elsewhere,” Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said. “But we will make sure that only those from low-risk countries can fly in.”

 

Strategy in detail

Phiphat explained that under the strategy, Special Tourist Visas (STV) will be issued to long-stay travellers from overseas.

 

STV holders must spend at least 30 days in Thailand, including 14 days in quarantine. They can stay longer if desired, as the STVs will be valid for 90 days. If they really appreciate what Thailand has to offer, they can extend their visa twice for 90 days each time, for a maximum stay of up to 270 days or almost nine months.

 

To apply for the STV, tourists must first contact a licensed Thai travel agency, and make travel arrangements including booking a flight, a place for quarantine, and a hotel or apartment to stay at after completing their quarantine. Before flying to Thailand, they must also pass a COVID-19 test.

 

“The number of arrivals will be limited to 300 per week in the beginning,” Phiphat said. “We will decide later whether to scale up the strategy.”

 

Expectations versus reality

Thai travel agents and hotels have been waiting a long time for government initiatives to bring in foreign tourists, but the STV strategy is not exactly what they were hoping for.

 

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), for example, is calling on the government to show guts by waiving the mandatory 14-day quarantine for tourists from low-risk areas such as China’s Guangzhou and Kunming. It points out that tourists will be subject to COVID-19 tests before they fly and just after they land in Thailand, anyway.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-grand-plan-to-bring-tourists-back-to-thailand-in-fallout-of-covid-19/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2020-09-21

 

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[samsensam]

Thailand is preparing to welcome back foreign tourists – at least, those with deep pockets – from next month, with a strategy that seeks to restore its battered tourism sector without ruining its impressive COVID-19 record.

 

nothing new here just regurgitation of the 1200 per month initiative that, frankly, is not going to 'restore the battered tourism sector'.

[Mitkof Island]

No thanks just a scam. Any takers ?

[Gjk7777]

Where are all these Tourists going? Pattaya and Patong and Koh Samui, are like ghost towns!

 

 

[sammieuk1]

First things first how much are you paying me to come with these ridiculous caveats two weeks incasuration and isolation don't come cheap you fools ???? 

[lanng khao]

7 minutes ago, Gjk7777 said:

Where are all these Tourists going? Pattaya and Patong and Koh Samui, are like ghost towns!

After the quarantine was over I'd be going straight to my house in korat for 9 months.

[The Farang]

Tempting.   Need to waive the hotel quarantine fee as Thais don't have to pay and id be interested.   Not paying 14 days to stay in a high priced prison.  If I have to pay for the Thai travel agency, the plane ticket, the covid tests, the expensive hotel/prison, and insurance I am not sure how that is a tempting holiday.

[pantsonfire]

Anyone know how to apply? I want to see the costs.

[farang51]

18 minutes ago, Mitkof Island said:

No thanks just a scam. Any takers ?

I am definitely interested. It depends on the details and prices and the available quarantine hotels in Phuket. And, if they will allow people from my country.

[lanng khao]

12 minutes ago, pantsonfire said:

Anyone know how to apply? I want to see the costs.

Won't be much change out of £4000, haven't heard anything of which country's have got the green light yet.

[Davo369]

Those with deep pockets....... 

I've got £150 in my left front pocket, I've got £250 in my right front pocket, 

I've got £350 in my left back pocket, and I've got £450 in my right back pocket............. 

WHAT HAVE I GOT........... Someone else's trousers on 

[ChakaKhan]

48 minutes ago, Gjk7777 said:

Where are all these Tourists going? Pattaya and Patong and Koh Samui, are like ghost towns!

 

 

And if theres Ghosts then thais are sure to avoid...too scary!!!!!! Oy!!!!

 

Note LEFT side by "open" sign..one lone kitty....upset that the Hooters is closed I guess--no free "milk"

[Youlike]

It's taking too long now Thailand, we'll go to Italy first, just booked for 3 months...i won't go in a hotel for qarantin.

 

[Gjk7777]

1 hour ago, lanng khao said:

After the quarantine was over I'd be going straight to my house in korat for 9 months.

So would I be, I have a house near Ubon Ratchathani, I just couldn't do the 14 days quarantine, I will stay in the UK until all this is over...could be a while though..

[alianware]

Sad to know that thailand is a country of smile only for those deep pockets. Most of the ASQ hotels they offer are between 40000 - 80000 for 14 nights with only one breakfast. Farang who make long stay holiday have money but not prioritize luxus hotel. That money they could use for shopping or good food. I feel sorry for people who are beeing discriminate through this one side regulation. 

[Lingba]

These numbskulls are dillusional..another grand scheme of a joke.....keep dreaming....

[alianware]

Sad to know that thailand is a country of smile only for those deep pockets. Most of the ASQ hotels they offer are between 40000 - 80000 for 14 nights with only one breakfast. Farang who make long stay holiday have money but not prioritize luxus hotel. That money they could use for shopping or good food. I feel sorry for people who are beeing discriminate through this one side regulation. 

[steven100]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

now busy preparing “14 days of fun” programmes

unless it's 14 days of free booze and naked romp parties in the room I'm not buying it ..... 

[Crossy]

1 minute ago, steven100 said:

... naked romp parties in the room ... 

 

You can romp all you like (naked or clothed), alone!!

[colinneil]

Grand plan, ???? load of cobblers aint gonna happen.

Tourism went of the boil here before covid, come up with all the crazy ideas they want, tourists are not coming back anytime soon.

[Destiny1990]

He sounds very upbeat and confident about his grand new plan ????????..

[yellowboat]

???? pass.

[Oxx]

I can't see this appealing much to genuine wealthy tourists.  However, it sounds pretty good for mafia types and boiler room operatives.

[YetAnother]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 While many tourists will frown on the new restrictions, the Land of Smiles insists the two-week lockdown will be a pleasant surprise.

no clue

[LukKrueng]

3 hours ago, Gjk7777 said:

Where are all these Tourists going? Pattaya and Patong and Koh Samui, are like ghost towns!

 

 

They're not here yet. It's only a plan for next month

[impulse]

I think it's going to be a success, with chartered planeloads of Chinese investors coming down to buy up condos, sign contracts to import Thai produce, and get great deals on distressed businesses.

 

Genuine tourists?  Not the way it's structured.

 

[domomc]

3 hours ago, pantsonfire said:

Anyone know how to apply? I want to see the costs.

It's what I went through in august to return to my home & family, all up was circa 200k, 80k chartered flight, 100k insurance+quaritine + 20k in covid tests, visa, fees, etc via the local Thai consulate. 

[rott]

So it's changed from "minimum 90 days" to "at least 30 days". Well I suppose that's something. 

[Dialemco]

Unfortunately the Government's hands are tied. Just look at other countries in the region their borders are closed for tourism  until at least next year. Do not foresee any significant tourism for Thailand until second half 2021 earliest. 

[bbbbooboo]

Hmmm... I suspect the horse had already bolted before the pandemic. Call me cynical....