Thailand’s Tourism Reopening Might Be In Doubt With New COVID-19 Surge

Thailand was slated to reopen in three phases, but a recent outbreak has dampened that outlook.

DID

At the beginning of April, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced his plan for the country to reopen to vaccinated travelers in three phases.

In the first phase, vaccinated travelers were admitted into the country, but had to be quarantined for seven days upon arrival. The next two phases, due to start in July, would allow more flexibility and slowly allow travelers more freedom to move around the country. The plan was to start some sort of pilot program in Phuket this summer and with five other provinces in the fall.

Although the plan is officially still in effect, a new surge of COVID-19 in the country made the way less easy.

The New York Times a few days ago published a piece Explain why Phuket is now less likely to open in July due to recent waves. According to another reportA lack of vaccine supply also affects his chances. The private sector, including those in tourism, is now stepping up its calls for leaders to step up vaccination efforts to combat recent outbreaks and make reopening tourism a real possibility this summer.

Just a few weeks after the plan was announced, it is already entering murky waters. We have be careful in relation to all “vaccination records” programs and this is a prime example of why. Destinations strive to be self-promoting and attract visitors, and announcements advertise themselves well.

But regardless of whether it is Europe, Asia or Europe right here at homeStarting such programs is difficult and always fluid in relation to the current conditions.

With that in mind, no matter how good the news is right now, it’s hard to rely on going anywhere this summer because, as illustrated here, it only takes a few weeks for things to change drastically.

We wish everyone in Thailand all the best in tackling the recent surge as the country remains in a gentle stalemate. More than two months until Phuket re-opens on July 1st, there is still plenty of time to turn the corner, although obviously nobody really knows for sure. We will keep an eye on how things are going.