Thailand plans to reopen its borders in full and has set a 120-day timeline to make it happen. During a televised address, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said fully vaccinated visitors could return to tourism destinations across the country without needing quarantine in four months’ time.
In order to make this a reality, government organizations and provinces have been encouraged to begin preparations for a potential reopening. According to the Prime Minister’s timeline, Thailand would be fully reopened by the middle of October assuming everything went as planned.
The government noted that it will continue to monitor the situation throughout the country and adjust plans if necessary.
“The only exception to these guidelines will come if a truly serious situation arises or seems likely to emerge. We will look at and deal with such situations on a case-by-case basis,” the Prime Minister explained. “I know this decision comes with some risk because when we open the country, there will be an increase in infections, no matter how good our precautions.”
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Airports prepare to return to Thailand in 120 days
Airports throughout the country are already dusting off tarmacs and cleaning up check-in kiosks in anticipation of tourists returning. While it remains to be seen just how many people will travel to Thailand once it reopens, international flights are expected to resume to all major cities.
Department of Airports Director-General Apirat Chaiwongnoi told Thai PBS that improvements have been made to airport terminals and runways with COVID-19 measures also being fitted. It was noted large airports would be first in line for the upgrades.
All eyes will shift to Phuket on July 1 with the island being the first place to accept vaccinated tourists. Overseas arrivals won’t need to quarantine but must stay for a minimum of 14 days. Several airlines, including Thai, Emirates and Qatar, have announced that they will offer international flights once Phuket opens.
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Interesting Analysis
All signs have pointed to the government reopening the country in October, so this move comes as no surprise. Two distinct camps have formed about this decision. You have one side that thinks it is really reckless and another group who believe Thailand’s economy needs. Both are right to a certain extent.
There is nothing wrong with Thailand wanting to open in 120 days and planning for it. We don’t know what the situation will be four months from now and being prepared makes sense. However just because you are prepared to do something doesn’t mean you should follow through. If the country’s vaccine efforts remain dysfunctional and COVID-19 continues to be a concern, it’s vital the Thai government pull the plug on this.
