Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Phase 6 of re-opening to see thousands of foreigners granted entry to Thailand

Published

Thursday, July 23, 2020 13:26

PHOTO: Chuttersnap on Unsplash

A number of additional categories of foreigners will be able to apply to re-enter the Kingdom. These include migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Elite Visa holders, medical tourists, film crew, convention exhibitors and select business visitors. Anyone that doesn’t fall into one of those groups will remain excluded from the country as the borders remain shut to almost all other international arrivals.

That’s the latest proposal for the next phase of re-openings of Thailand’s borders.

Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for Thailand’s Covid-19 task force, hasn’t provided a date for when the new groups may start to arrive, but interested parties should contact the Thai Embassy closest to them to get the ball rolling. Each request will be treated on a case by case basis, and it’s important to note that falling into one of these groups does not automatically mean you will be granted entry. Migrant workers are being advised to contact their employer, while Elite Visa holders should get in touch with their dedicated representative.

All arrivals will still have to carry out the mandatory 14 day state quarantine. This requirement has now been extended to diplomats after the daughter of the Sudanese Ambassador in Bangkok tested positive for the virus a week ago. Taweesin says that special “migrant quarantine” facilities are being prepared, adding that as it is not cost-effective to have migrants quarantine alone, they will do so in groups. He did not mention how large the groups would be but did say that migrants will not be permitted to leave the quarantine facility under any circumstance.

It’s hoped that allowing migrant workers back into the country, albeit with strict controls, will lead to a reduction in the number trying to cross into Thailand illegally. Last weekend, border officials arrested dozens of illegal immigrants from Cambodia who had been hoping to find work in Thailand.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News

Get more from The Thaiger

📱 Download our app on Android or iOS
👋 Have your say on our Thailand forums
🔔 Subscribe to our daily email newsletter
📺 Subscribe / Join YouTube for daily shows
👍 Like/Follow us on Facebook
🐦 FOLLOW us on Twitter
📷 FOLLOW us on Instagram

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Create an Account

5 Comments

Bobby m

Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 2:48 pm

Thailand should take example from the rest of the world.

You cannot eradicate Covid 19. You need to learn how to control it and get on with life. You have an amazing recovery rate and even if you treated everybody for free. It would be far cheaper than the damage you are doing to both your economy and people.

Reply
Patricia Taylor

Friday, July 24, 2020 at 12:02 am

Keep tourists out entertainment venues bar night life goes bust buy up closed buisneses up cheap let all tourists back make a killing

Reply
Rogier

Friday, July 24, 2020 at 4:07 am

Although I am very sorry to have to cancel my trip to Thailand in December, I admire how Thailand has mastered the virus. Only this approach works, which we can see every day in America, India, Brazil etc .. Contries where the virus kills hundreds of thousands of victims through a weak approach. Soft docters make smelly wounds. We have to wait for a properly working vaccine. That’s just the way it is.

Reply
Rogier

Friday, July 24, 2020 at 4:09 am

Although I am very sorry to have to cancel my trip to Thailand in December, I admire how Thailand has mastered the virus. Only this approach works, which we can see every day in America, India, Brazil etc .. CoUntries where the virus kills hundreds of thousands of victims through a weak approach. Soft docters make smelly wounds. We have to wait for a properly working vaccine. That’s just the way it is.

Reply
elizabeth dobson jeffords

Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 10:56 pm

Are retirement visa holders…holders of ‘elite visas’..??..I miss Thailand very much…and have been in self-isolation in Denver for almost 5 months…I should never have left for my annual health tests…all came out perfect for a 70 year old…now I am locked out..

Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

Up Next

Red shirt leader warns activists against insulting Monarchy

Don't Miss

10 returning soldiers found with high fever