Tapping Down the Quarantine Helm: Thailand Welcomes Vaccinated Tourists
Bangkok’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑ocha is basically handing the country a green light for any vaccinated visitor hailing from a handful of low‑risk states. Starting Nov 1, any passport stamped with proof of vaccination from the following 10 nations can skip the dreaded “stay‑home contract” that once kept Bangkok traffic from coalescing.
Which Countries Are Getting the Big Pass?
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Germany
- China
- United States
- And five more low‑risk places that will roll onto the list soon.
Why the Sudden Relinquishment?
After a decade and a half of economic slump with tourism – the country’s lifeblood – almost gone to the floor, Thailand’s numbers plummeted from nearly 40 million arrivals in 2019 to a fraction that’s only a sliver of the past. “The pandemic hit us so hard that the loss was a staggering $50 billion,” said Prayuth. That’s an 82 % shock to the tourism economy.
The government is now re‑opening Phuket (entrances started on July 1) and allowing for a 100,000 foreign visitors this year. Other goals? Alcohol sales back in restaurants, entertainment venues reopening by Dec 1, and at least 170 vaccine doses lined up for the end of the year.
What About the Risks? Panic or Pragmatic?
Prayuth openly admits a spike in serious cases is “almost certain” if the heat is turned off. “We’ll keep our eyes peeled and learn to live with that situation,” he promised. The plan: tighten enforcement if a new, dangerous variant shows up – because anyone wants people safe while the economy takes a caffeine hit.
Re‑Easing the Taipei, Bangkok & Bangkok-Styled Restrictions
Only around 32.5 % of Thailand’s 72 million citizens have been jabbed against COVID‑19, yet the infection rates have been steadily dropping in the capital and regional hubs. That gives the authorities room to loosen the yoke on travel and tourism – from the green‑lit beach bars to the noisy karaoke nights again.
