Thailand reopening in October: 5 things to keep in mind before booking that flight

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism has announced that the beloved Asian destination will finally open to foreign tourists starting October.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn made the bold announcement on 21 August adding that the island of Phuket will serve as the experimental ground for the upcoming opening of borders testing how successful restarting tourism is.

Since the country is testing the waters, it is taking cautious strides coming up with several conditions for foreign tourists to enter the country.

1. Travellers must fly directly into Phuket. A negative PCR test may also be required by all arrivals to fly into Phuket.
2. Tourists must stay in Thailand for at least 30 days.
3. Half of the 30 days stay will include 14 days staying in quarantine at their hotel and common areas within the hotel’s property.
4. In order to leave the hotel premises and explore Phuket, travellers must register two negative PCR tests. Tourists who want to leave Phuket and explore other parts of Thailand must conduct a third PCR test on the third week of their visit.
5. It is still unclear which countries will be welcomed in its shores. However, it is most likely that the country will open its borders first with countries in Asia which the virus has also been successfully contained, and/or nations that are vital for Thailand’s tourism and economy like China and Russia.

Currently, only foreigners who are medical tourists, direct family members of Thai nationals, business investors, and skilled foreign workers are given permission to enter Thailand.