Thailand will allow some foreigners to enter the country from July 1, in an easing of the months-long travel lockdown.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said on Wednesday (June 24) that the first group would comprise businessmen and investors in the waiting list who have agreed to Alternative State Quarantine.
The second group to be allowed entry from July 1 include: skilled labour and experts, foreigners married to Thais and permanent residents of Thailand, educational personnel, teachers, and students.
Meanwhile, businessmen on short-duration stays may be exempted from quarantine but officials are considering alternative ways to monitor them. CCSA will hold further discussions next Monday.
Medical and wellness tourists will be allowed when health institutions and hospitals are ready and have received the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration standard which could start from July 1. The areas of the country open for this group are: Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces
Of the groups that have registered seeking entry, there are 700 business people and investors; 15,400 skilled labourers and experts; around 2,000 foreigners married to Thais or permanent residents of Thailand, around 2,000 educational personnel, teachers and students, and 30,000 medical and wellness tourists.
Discussions are still on about letting in the second group — businessmen on short-duration stays, government guests, and tourists under the “travel bubble”, especially the tourists — since the virus situation around the world remains a cause for concern.
The CCSA has tentative plans to let in tourists under the travel bubble in August under villa or state quarantine if the virus situation shows improvement.
