News
01-Jul-2021
Phuket Welcomes First Tourists Today as Thailand Restarts International Tourism
The Phuket Sandbox program sees the island reopen to fully vaccinated travellers, quarantine free
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm that the island of Phuket, the Pearl ...
The Phuket Sandbox program sees the island reopen to fully vaccinated travellers, quarantine free
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm that the island of Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman, reopened to international travellers from today, Thursday 1st July 2021, in the first step to restarting tourism to Thailand. Fully vaccinated travellers* can stay quarantine free as part of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ model. Re-opening details for the island of Koh Samui are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Thailand’s reopening strategy will continue to roll out from July with Koh Samui next and in August, under an ‘Extension’ concept, tourist favourites such as Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak and Koh Yao will start to welcome visitors again.
From September, further destinations and routes will start to welcome travellers including Chiang Mai in the north and Pattaya on the east coast. From October onwards, Thailand aims to open Bangkok and nearby Hua Hin & Cha-Am. The gradual reopening of Thailand’s 76 provinces will align with the country's vaccination program, ensuring locals have been inoculated, and low case rates.
For full details of entry requirements and how to apply for entry to Thailand visit Tourism Thailand's website for a step by step guide.
*Travellers must travel from countries/territories (list) approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), per the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) and TAT, and must have been in the said countries for no less than 21 days before their travel date – except Thai nationals and foreign expatriates returning from overseas.
**Non-vaccinated travellers must still quarantine for 14 nights in an Alternative State Quarantine (ALQ) hotel.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm that the island of Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman, reopened to international travellers from today, Thursday 1st July 2021, in the first step to restarting tourism to Thailand. Fully vaccinated travellers* can stay quarantine free as part of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ model. Re-opening details for the island of Koh Samui are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Thailand’s reopening strategy will continue to roll out from July with Koh Samui next and in August, under an ‘Extension’ concept, tourist favourites such as Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak and Koh Yao will start to welcome visitors again.
From September, further destinations and routes will start to welcome travellers including Chiang Mai in the north and Pattaya on the east coast. From October onwards, Thailand aims to open Bangkok and nearby Hua Hin & Cha-Am. The gradual reopening of Thailand’s 76 provinces will align with the country's vaccination program, ensuring locals have been inoculated, and low case rates.
For full details of entry requirements and how to apply for entry to Thailand visit Tourism Thailand's website for a step by step guide.
*Travellers must travel from countries/territories (list) approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), per the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) and TAT, and must have been in the said countries for no less than 21 days before their travel date – except Thai nationals and foreign expatriates returning from overseas.
**Non-vaccinated travellers must still quarantine for 14 nights in an Alternative State Quarantine (ALQ) hotel.
23-Mar-2021
Phuket launches Thailand’s first ‘Digital Yacht Quarantine’ project
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) together with Thai yachting organisations in Phuket, as well as key public ...
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) together with Thai yachting organisations in Phuket, as well as key public and private sector technology providers, are partnering to launch Thailand’s first ‘Digital Yacht Quarantine’ project.
The initiative is meant to stimulate yacht tourism to Phuket and allow visitors to conveniently complete their 14-day quarantine requirement in the comfort on their own yacht.
Digital Yacht Quarantine is based around smart watch health trackers using NB-IoT technology that will allow Thai medical officials to monitor the health of visitors up to 10 kilometres offshore. After arrival, visitors are to liaise with a representative from the Thai Yacht Business Association (TYBA), which will act as the coordinating agent between the Thai health authorities to arrange COVID-19 RT-PCR testing.
After testing, visitors will then be fitted with one of two smart watch health trackers, either the Active 10+ or the Smartwatch Active 30+ models, developed by PMH Holding Company Limited (POMO House).
The smart watch health tracker must be worn by visitors at all the times to measure the pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature. The information will be monitored in real time by relevant Thai health authorities via a dashboard at the Ao Po Pier. Both devises can also send out an emergency SOS signal if visitors need urgent medical assistance.
After the 14-day quarantine period is complete, all data will be analysed again before allowing visitors to embark and go ashore in Phuket.
Thailand first launched the yacht quarantine in October 2020, with no COVID-19 infections detected since then and expects the expanded digital project could attract more than 100 yachts and 300 to 500 visitors during 2021.
The Digital Yacht Quarantine project is led by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), together with Advanced Info Service (AIS), PMH Holding Company Limited (POMO House), PMH-service providers, and the Thai Yacht Business Association (TYBA). The expanded project endeavours to build confidence in the Thai public health sector and create additional arrival and revenue streams for Phuket tourism operators as the destination gradually reopens to more international visitors.
The initiative is meant to stimulate yacht tourism to Phuket and allow visitors to conveniently complete their 14-day quarantine requirement in the comfort on their own yacht.
Digital Yacht Quarantine is based around smart watch health trackers using NB-IoT technology that will allow Thai medical officials to monitor the health of visitors up to 10 kilometres offshore. After arrival, visitors are to liaise with a representative from the Thai Yacht Business Association (TYBA), which will act as the coordinating agent between the Thai health authorities to arrange COVID-19 RT-PCR testing.
After testing, visitors will then be fitted with one of two smart watch health trackers, either the Active 10+ or the Smartwatch Active 30+ models, developed by PMH Holding Company Limited (POMO House).
The smart watch health tracker must be worn by visitors at all the times to measure the pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature. The information will be monitored in real time by relevant Thai health authorities via a dashboard at the Ao Po Pier. Both devises can also send out an emergency SOS signal if visitors need urgent medical assistance.
After the 14-day quarantine period is complete, all data will be analysed again before allowing visitors to embark and go ashore in Phuket.
Thailand first launched the yacht quarantine in October 2020, with no COVID-19 infections detected since then and expects the expanded digital project could attract more than 100 yachts and 300 to 500 visitors during 2021.
The Digital Yacht Quarantine project is led by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), together with Advanced Info Service (AIS), PMH Holding Company Limited (POMO House), PMH-service providers, and the Thai Yacht Business Association (TYBA). The expanded project endeavours to build confidence in the Thai public health sector and create additional arrival and revenue streams for Phuket tourism operators as the destination gradually reopens to more international visitors.
15-Mar-2021
Phuket rolls out new events and festivals for 2021
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, in cooperation with Phuket’s public and private sector partners, is pleased to announce a series of new events and festivals, scheduled bet...
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, in cooperation with Phuket’s public and private sector partners, is pleased to announce a series of new events and festivals, scheduled between now and November 2021.
Leveraging on Phuket’s outstanding beaches and charming Sino-Portuguese buildings as well as popular local delicacies, the events and festivals include:
Seafood festival: The first of the “Roi Rim Lay Phuket Festival” was held on 26-28 February, 2021, at Saphan Hin. The event featured more than 170 stalls, mostly offering renowned local delicacies, fresh and cooked seafood, as well as agricultural and tourism-related products at reasonable prices.
The next “Roi Rim Lay Phuket Festival” will be held at Patong Beach on 19-21 March, 2021, and at Laguna Grove in Cherng Talay on 10-12 April, 2021.
Sports event: The island’s first-ever Amazing Thailand Phuket Surfskate Series 2021 was launched on 20 February, 2021, at Phuket Old Town. Next events of this fast-growing street surfing sport are scheduled for 20 March at Kata Beach, 23 May at Karon Beach, 14 August at Patong Beach, and 13 November at Surin Beach.
Arts event: The Kata Karon Hotel Association has initiated the “Art Vasion” project featuring street art paintings by 35 artists from Phuket and Bangkok to create new ‘check-in’ points for visitors. The paintings can be found at five key locations: the canal-side area between Club Med Phuket and OZO Phuket; the beachside alleyway near The Boathouse Phuket; Kata’s beachfront wall near the Surf House Phuket; the wall in front of The SIS Kata, and The Pizza Company’s wall.
In addition, Laguna Phuket is staging the ‘Revive 555 Festival’, a series of events starting from 31 March to 18 April, 2021 (more details about the Revive 555 Festival here).
Tourism operators in Phuket are also offering special discounts and privileges at www.phuketgreattime.com.
Leveraging on Phuket’s outstanding beaches and charming Sino-Portuguese buildings as well as popular local delicacies, the events and festivals include:
Seafood festival: The first of the “Roi Rim Lay Phuket Festival” was held on 26-28 February, 2021, at Saphan Hin. The event featured more than 170 stalls, mostly offering renowned local delicacies, fresh and cooked seafood, as well as agricultural and tourism-related products at reasonable prices.
The next “Roi Rim Lay Phuket Festival” will be held at Patong Beach on 19-21 March, 2021, and at Laguna Grove in Cherng Talay on 10-12 April, 2021.
Sports event: The island’s first-ever Amazing Thailand Phuket Surfskate Series 2021 was launched on 20 February, 2021, at Phuket Old Town. Next events of this fast-growing street surfing sport are scheduled for 20 March at Kata Beach, 23 May at Karon Beach, 14 August at Patong Beach, and 13 November at Surin Beach.
Arts event: The Kata Karon Hotel Association has initiated the “Art Vasion” project featuring street art paintings by 35 artists from Phuket and Bangkok to create new ‘check-in’ points for visitors. The paintings can be found at five key locations: the canal-side area between Club Med Phuket and OZO Phuket; the beachside alleyway near The Boathouse Phuket; Kata’s beachfront wall near the Surf House Phuket; the wall in front of The SIS Kata, and The Pizza Company’s wall.
In addition, Laguna Phuket is staging the ‘Revive 555 Festival’, a series of events starting from 31 March to 18 April, 2021 (more details about the Revive 555 Festival here).
Tourism operators in Phuket are also offering special discounts and privileges at www.phuketgreattime.com.
17-Sep-2020
Cabinet approves ‘special tourist visa’ for long-staying visitors
Bangkok, 16 September 2020 – The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle a proposal by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to grant a special tourist visa (STV) for long-staying visitors.
Under t...
Bangkok, 16 September 2020 – The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle a proposal by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to grant a special tourist visa (STV) for long-staying visitors.
Under the STV scheme, long-staying visitors can stay in the country for 90 days, which can be extended twice, each for a further 90 days. The visa will cost 2,000 Baht per 90-day extension.
The special visa scheme is expected to become effective after the official announcement and will be available until 30 September 2021. The STV will be granted to long-staying visitors who comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 control and preventive measures. They will be required to undergo a 14-day alternative local state quarantine (ALSQ) upon their arrival. They must also have proof of their long-term residence in Thailand such as, hotel reservation, rental contract, or evidence of ownership of a condominium.
The policy is expected to become effective after the official announcement and will be available until 30 September 2021.
The policy is expected to become effective after the official announcement and will be available until 30 September 2021.
For more information visit https://www.tatnews.org/2020/09/thai-cabinet-approves-special-tourist-visa-for-long-staying-visitors
16-Sep-2020
TAT Governor urges industry patience and solidarity to overcome the COVID-19 crisis
Bangkok, 12 September, 2020 – Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn has appealed to the Thai tourism industry to be patient, united, and confident in weathering the ...
Bangkok, 12 September, 2020 – Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn has appealed to the Thai tourism industry to be patient, united, and confident in weathering the current crisis, which under a best-case scenario will almost certainly be over by 2021.
Speaking to the Thai Hotels Association (THA), the country’s largest travel trade grouping, the Governor said that although this was the worst of the many crises that Thailand has experienced, it would be overcome with the same spirit of solidarity and unity like in the past.
He said TAT would lead the country’s largest foreign exchange earner and job-creating industry into a new future that would see creative and innovative solutions being applied to building a more sustainable and resilient industry.
The Governor said he did not want to focus on how much pain the industry had suffered, but rather on how to prepare positively for the time when a vaccine would be found and restrictions on international travel lifted.
He said that under a best-case scenario, if there are no more disruptions, TAT is projecting 20.8 million international visitors in 2021, which would be about half the record arrivals of 39.8 million arrivals in 2019. The primary source markets would be Northeast Asia and the ASEAN countries, with a customer target of people in good health and high-purchasing power.
The crisis had created an opportunity to deal with old problems; such as, illegal hotels, tour operators and guides, waste problem and tourist exploitation. “I would like to see these problems disappear along with COVID-19. Let’s rebuild the industry. How can we learn to play a new game? How do we create this new future together?”
Citing one positive outcome, he noted that national parks had now set strict limitations on the number of visitors in line with carrying capacity principles. He expressed hope this would remain in place after the COVID-19 crisis recedes. Another positive outcome is the new focus on improving the quality of hygiene and sanitation.
He said that TAT was working overtime to help hotel businesses tap the potential of domestic tourism and maintain an occupancy of at least 30%, not so much to enhance business profitability, but rather to help maintain employment levels.
Mr. Yuthasak said he had formulated a three-dimensional (3D) strategy for the transition to a new era.
1) Domestic tourism, which would now get more priority than previously. “It is clear that we have to stimulate and open up more opportunities to help each other, especially to tap the potential of the 12 million Thais who travelled abroad in 2019.”
2) Digitalisation of business processes would open up many new opportunities to find new customers, improve retention, cut costs, create value and grow revenue. TAT is very active on this front, and has many more projects in store for next year.
3) Dynamics: the industry as a whole has to create new dynamics and seek a better balance between creating efficiency and managing risk. “We don’t know what kind of crisis will happen next, but we have to be better prepared to deal with it. If there is ever a situation where we have to work from home, we will need a proper instruction manual on how to do it.”
Mr. Yuthasak said that nothing will be the same again, but that TAT is ready to help the industry adapt to new challenges and to support, encourage, motivate, and lead it towards a more promising future. “We are ready to be the wind beneath your wings. I believe we have to come back stronger. Never give up. You are not alone. TAT will help you all overcome the COVID- 19 crisis together.”
For more information visit: https://www.tatnews.org/2020/09/tat-governor-urges-industry-patience-and-solidarity-to-overcome-the-covid-19-crisis/
11-Sep-2020
Covid-19 Update
08-Sep-2020
Thailand allows resumption of inflight services on domestic routes
Bangkok, 4 September, 2020 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced guidelines on resumption of inflight services on domestic routes, as part of the its relaxation measure...
Bangkok, 4 September, 2020 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced guidelines on resumption of inflight services on domestic routes, as part of the its relaxation measures implemented to curb the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
As of 3 September 2020, airlines operating domestic flights in Thailand are now allowed to resume their inflight food and beverage services as well as onboard sales. These activities, however, must adhere to the rules and regulations or measures on disease prevention as stipulated by the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, all domestic flight passengers are required to wear a surgical or cloth mask at all times, except when eating or drinking.
For more information visit: https://www.tatnews.org/2020/08/thailand-tops-the-list-of-the-worlds-safest-destinations-during-covid-19/
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30-Jul-2020
Thailand ranked number one on the Global COVID-19 Recovery Index
Bangkok, 29 July, 2020 – Thailand has ranked number one in the world out of 184 countries for its ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort, according to the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI).
Published ...
Bangkok, 29 July, 2020 – Thailand has ranked number one in the world out of 184 countries for its ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort, according to the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI).
Published on 28 July, Thailand received an index score of 82.06, putting it on top of the global chart as an example of best practices in tackling the ongoing global pandemic.
As of today, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand stood at 3,298, with 129 currently being treated, while 3,111 have recovered and 58 have died. South Korea ranked second with a recovery index of 81.09, followed by Latvia (80.81), Malaysia (79.37), Taiwan (78.94) and New Zealand (78.55). Australia, which used to be number one in previous months, fell to sixth, with a recovery index of 77.18.
In the previous GCI ranking published on 14 June, Thailand came in second for its COVID-19 recovery work among 184 nations across the globe. The GCI bases 70 per cent of its calculation on big data and daily analysis from 184 countries, while the other 30 per cent comes from the Global Health Security Index, an assessment of global health security in 195 countries prepared by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security in the United States.
01-Jul-2020
TAT update: Thailand allows entry to several groups of foreigners from 1 July
Bangkok, 30 June 2020, at 10.00 Hrs. – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to share the latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) that several group...
Bangkok, 30 June 2020, at 10.00 Hrs. – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to share the latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) that several groups of foreigners will be allowed entry into the kingdom from tomorrow, 1 July 2020, onwards.
CAAT’s “Notification on Conditions for International Flight Permit to Thailand” dated yesterday, 29 June, 2020, referred to its previous notifications issued since 3 April, 2020, imposing a temporary ban on all international flights entering Thailand for the prevention and control of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID – 19) pandemic.
According to CAAT, as the present situation of COVID–19 in many foreign countries remains severe, it is necessary to impose measures to restrict the travel to Thailand in accordance with the screening capability of the competent officers or the communicable disease control officers in order to efficiently control and prevent the new epidemic in the Kingdom.
CAAT hereby issues the notification on the conditions for permitting aircrafts to fly over, fly into or out of, and take off or land in the Kingdom, from 1 July 2020, onwards as follows:
1. The following aircraft will be allowed to fly over, fly into or out of, and take off from or land at an international airport in the Kingdom when permission is given by the CAAT:
• State or military aircraft
• Emergency landing flights
• Technical landing flights without disembarkation
• Humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights
• Repatriation flights
• Cargo flights
2. Permission for passenger aircraft will be given by the CAAT for flying over, flying into or out of, and taking off or landing at an international airport in the Kingdom only if the passengers or persons on board are one of the following categories:
• Thai nationals.
• Persons with exemption or persons being considered, permitted, or invited by the Prime Minister, or the head of responsible persons accountable for resolving state of emergency issues to enter the Kingdom, as necessary. Such consideration, permission or invitation may be subject to specified conditions and time limits.
• Non-Thai nationals who are a spouse, parents, or children of a Thai national.
• Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid certificate of residence, or permission to take up residence in the Kingdom.
• Non-Thai nationals who hold a valid work permit or are allowed to work in the Kingdom, including their spouse or children.
• Carriers of necessary goods subject to immediate return after completion.
• Crew members who are required to travel into the Kingdom on a mission, and have a specified date and time for return.
• Non-Thai nationals who are students of educational institutions approved by Thai authorities, including the parents or guardians of the students.
• Non-Thai nationals who need medical treatment in Thailand, and their attendants. However, this shall not include medical treatment for COVID–19.
• Individuals in diplomatic missions, consular affairs, international organizations, government representatives, foreign government agencies working in Thailand, or individual in other international agencies as permitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including their spouse, parents, or children.
• Non-Thai nationals who are permitted to enter the Kingdom under a special arrangement with a foreign country.
3. Aircraft and passengers or persons entering the Kingdom under Item No. 2 must comply with the conditions, time limits and rules of the authorised persons under the Thai immigration law, communicable diseases law, air navigation law, and the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation in force, for prevention of the disease and the organisation of the number of persons entering Thailand in accordance with the screening capability of the competent officers or the communicable disease control officers, and the arrangement of quarantine facilities.
For more information visit: https://www.tatnews.org/2020/06/thailand-allows-entry-to-several-groups-of-foreigners-from-1-july/
23-Apr-2020
VISA Extension Relief Measures
As the South African Marketing representative office for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), The Thai Government has officially announced that foreigners within the country from as of 26 Mar...
As the South African Marketing representative office for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), The Thai Government has officially announced that foreigners within the country from as of 26 March 2020 will have their VISAS automatically extended until 31 July 2020.
Please see below links to the latest information supplied by trusted sources:
