Bangkok, 23 September 2022 – Thailand’s new policy Center of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the ending of the nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree on 30 September 2022, as the kingdom reclassifies COVID-19 as ‘a dangerous communicable disease’ to a communicable disease under surveillance’ from 1 October 2022.
From the beginning of July, 2021, Thailand's new policy will bring tourists back. Tourists will be able to participate in the Phuket Sandbox Samui Plus program and many other government programs. Thailand decided to reopen tourism according to a 4-phase schedule from October 2021 to January 2022.
Pilot Phase
The pilot phase is from October 1 to 30, 2021, to open 4 famous beach resorts starting from Phuket to Sumai, Koh Pha-ngan, and ending at Koh Tao. This phase will also reopen newly designated areas in Krabi - Khlong Muang and Thap Khaek.
First Phase
The first phase will reopen from January 1-30, 2021, expanding reopening to 10 other tourist destinations in Thailand’s new policy includes all areas of Bangkok, Krabi and Phang-Nga with designated areas in Buri Ram (Mueang), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and Doi Tao), Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung). , Na Jomtien and Sattahip), Loei (Chiang Khan), Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Ranong (Ko Phayam).
Second Phase
In the second phase from December 1-3, 2021, the reopening extends to 20 other provinces focused on tourism or known for their arts and culture, or border destinations.
Third Phase
In the third phase on January 1, 2022, Thailand’s new policy reopens 13 border provinces, including Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Surin, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.
Tourism in Thailand accounts for 18% of the country's GDP. Therefore, the country is under great pressure to reopen. Thailand recorded an 83% drop in tourist arrivals from 2019 to 2020 and lost about $13.54 billion in potential tourism revenue in 2020 - the most of any country - according to the report. Report of travel agency Next Vacay.
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