Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Thailand’s Health Minister optimistic about admitting business travellers

Published

Thursday, September 3, 2020 10:25

PHOTO: Thai PBS World

The Thai Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, admits Thailand is caught between a rock and a hard place and can’t go on locking all foreigners out forever, in an effort to prevent a resurgence of the Covid-19 virus.

“We will either die of the disease or of hunger, so we have to face the challenge.”

He adds that the Kingdom has sufficient medical equipment and supplies, as well as adequate PPE, and the government is now looking at other ways to fend off the virus, including research into potential treatments and investment in vaccine development. The health minister remains optimistic about a future vaccine and the robust nature of Thailand’s public health system.

“When the first batch of vaccines is successfully developed, I believe Thailand will be among the first countries to benefit.”

Anutin maintains that, in the absence of foreign tourists, domestic tourism is key, adding that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has advised state bodies to look beyond Bangkok when planning seminars and other gatherings, in order to generate income for the provinces.

“It is too late to wait for international tourists. The first movers to boost tourism are Thais.”

Meanwhile, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has come up with a proposal it hopes might boost the events and exhibitions industry in the Kingdom. TCEB president, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, hopes to persuade the government’s Covid-19 task force to agree to admit foreign business travellers without the 14 day quarantine requirement.

Visitors would be required to test negative for the virus no more than 72 hours before travel, as well as submitting to a further test on arrival, followed by 6 – 8 hours in quarantine while waiting for the result.

“Travellers would need to be accompanied by an escort team and use the government tracking app to record their movements.”

Chiruit says the TCEB is willing to work with the Public Health Ministry to ensure safety and hygiene measures, including social distancing, are complied with. He admits that while local residents may be wary of the plan, something has to be done to save the exhibitions sector, which is heavily reliant on foreign attendees.

“If we can begin the scheme to let business travellers into the country, we can manage the situation and business can move forward.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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8 Comments

Genevieve Hawkins

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 10:44 am

Why bother with vaccines if only 50% or less will take them? Most research should be on finding treatments for Covid-19, as has always been the case. And nobody mentions whether the disease has decreased in lethaility over time.

Reply
- Michael Lewis
  
  Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 11:59 am
  
  Hi Genevieve, there were reports a month or more ago that covid 19 has become more contagious since it originally arrived in Thailand. That refers to the version currently romping around the globe. More/less lethal, don’t know.
  
  Reply
Alan

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 11:03 am

I visited Thailand Chiang Mai every winter 2012 to 2017. I had amazing experiences. I met a medical massage therapist who fixed my whole body. I was recognized by a master/teacher Naga Yogi who was my double, we recognized each other, he told the people ‘he’s a Naga Yogi’, and gave me the Tiger apparel. I interpreted dreams of Thai people that didn’t speak a word of English and had never left Thailand. I still correspond with the therapist who calls me, uncle. Everything in the Spirit Mediums house, his alters, reminded me of my own cabin in the forest of Yukon T. Canada. What a beautiful culture.

Reply
Michael Lewis

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 12:19 pm

If they want tourists to come back they need to remove the quarantine burden from the tourists and place this burden on the Thailand hosts. Test the tourists before and upon entry into Thailand. Lock off the target tourist area in say Phuket such that it contains a variety of beaches, hotels, resorts, tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, nite life and medical facilities etc.
Give the tourists free reign in this zone for say one month or more. Then when all the tourists have departed shut off the complete zone and host occupants for 14 days quarantine/tests before the next guests arrive.

Reply
Newfie

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 2:16 pm

Hey Alan…LSD is good for you!

Reply
rinky stingpiece

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 2:35 pm

Is this the guy who was insulting farang for being dirty etc…?
If so, why would farang listen to him? Do these lot want to lock the gates to Thailand, kick all the foreigners out, and become a province of China?

Reply
- Ulli Shröder
  
  Friday, September 4, 2020 at 3:04 pm
  
  Same pig that call farangs dirty
  
  Reply
Chinese Empire fuck the World

Friday, September 4, 2020 at 9:29 am

Asia is Chinese territory. Only wealthy Chinese tourists are welcome in Thailand
Western trash go home and never comes back anymore.

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.

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