Potential low-risk countries to reboot Thailand inbound travel

Thailand’s borders could be opened to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and certain cities in China. Those areas are now deemed to have a low-risk for spreading the coronavirus and being looked into as potential countries for the ‘travel bubble’ scheme.

In an tourism agreement with the low-risk countries, foreigners would be allowed to enter the country, but with restrictions. The tourists could be allowed in from August 1, but may have go through what officials are describing as a ‘villa quarantine’, meaning they would stay at their accommodation and not travel. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will discuss this next Monday as the committee tries to come up with a way to kick-start tourism but without also kick-starting another outbreak in the country.

Thailand’s public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the scheme revisited.

“Thailand will pair with countries considered low risk, under a travel bubble tourism arrangement, which will be reassessed periodically.”

While the travel bubble plan is still in the works for potential tourists, the first wave of foreigners – those entering for business, investment, medical and compassionate purposes – are set to start re-entering the country from July 1.

The CCSA says skilled workers, experts, those with Thai families, teachers, students and ‘medical tourists’ will be allowed to enter the country starting next month. Most will need to go through a 14 day quarantine. 50,000 foreigners are expected to arrive in the first wave of foreigners back into Thailand in a phase that could take up to 2 months to roll out.

Please note: If you believe you fall into any of the categories being offered for re-entry by the Thai Government at this time, then please contact your local Thai Embassy in your country to discuss your situation.

SOURCES: Thai PBS | Bangkok Post