Bangkok, Phetchaburi, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya City may reopen through sealed routes by 1 November 2021

All except Bangkok are most likely ready for planned reopening from 1 October, Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Spokesperson at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a briefing.

Bangkok, Phetchaburi, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Chon Buri (Pattaya City) could reopen through sealed routes by 1 November 2021, with all except Bangkok "most likely" ready for reopening as planned. 

In a press briefing broadcast on radio on Wednesday (22 October), Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Spokesperson at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined two approaches to the re-opening - the island approach which began in Q3 2021, and the inland approach happening in Q4 2021.

Bangkok may be part of the Q4 leg of the island approach, depending on how the COVID-19 situation turns out, he noted. 

He added the following:

• Considerations, including rates of vaccination achieved, will be taken to decide on any actual reopening.
  
  
• The Pattaya sandbox, named 'Pattaya Moves On,' is on track for reopening on 1 October.
  
  
• Citing the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Natapanu said the abovementioned provinces, except Bangkok, are most likely ready for reopening from 1 October, while Bangkok will be ready once infection numbers are lower and it has met considerations to be fully ready. 
  
  
• In Bangkok, over 99% of the adult population have received their first doses of the vaccine.

Apart from the above, Natapanu also announced that an announcement will be made soon on whether Thailand's Emergency Decree, which was in July extended to 30 September, will be lifted.

As of 22 September, Thailand recorded 11,252 new cases of COVID-19 infection.

Separately, Natapanu has shared on Twitter that the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the resumption of visa and Certificate of Entry issuance for travellers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives. This will apply to all types of visa categories travelling to Thailand.

All passengers must follow the necessary procedures, including the mandatory 14-day quarantine regardless of vaccination status, and fulfil the visa requirements.

Lead photo / 123RF 

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