Before the corona virus reached the Southeast Asian holiday paradise, Bangkok was the most visited city in the world. Thailand was considered one of the most popular travel destinations around. When in March 2020 the government finally made the decision to seal off the entire country to foreign visitors, little did they know that the crisis would drag on for 18 months. A very strict lockdown with nightly curfews and the suspension of air, bus and train services was part of the measures. Although the first tourists were back from October 2020 - they had to endure a two-week quarantine in their hotel rooms. A circumstance that only long-term travellers took on. The further opening followed step by step. Phuket, for example, was considered a pilot project with the "Phuket Sandbox" from July 1, 2021. It allowed fully vaccinated travelers to enter conditionally and without quarantine. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao followed suit in mid-July with a similar concept. Although the first seven nights must be spent in a quarantine hotel. After three days, however, one was allowed to leave the hotel complex.

The next relaxations

According to Thai media, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn wants to welcome international travellers in the country again from October 1. The provinces of Bangkok, Chon Buri, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chiang Mai will be the first to do so. The remaining 21 Thai provinces are to follow suit in mid-October. In general, the models known from Phuket and Koh Samui are to be followed. That is: open Thailand for international tourists, but only if they are fully vaccinated and stay in a special, certified hotel for the first days. These so-called SHA hotels meet particularly strict hygiene requirements. Although it is allowed to leave the hotel, there is a tracking app that you have to download. In addition, you have to take three Corona tests during the first 14 days of your trip. But one antigen test is enough for that. 

Current Information:
tourismthailand.org