According to an assistant spokesperson at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Thailand hopes to open its doors to the world by October of this year. Even so, there are still a few hoops to jump, and the spokesperson is being careful with her words.
Apisamai Srirangsan made the announcement, said that it was just a goal, not a “set decision or promise.” She says that the shift to reopening would start in April, with reduced quarantine times and more “quarantine freedom.” Phase 2 would require the planned changes, with Phase 3 involving the complete reopening of the country.
According to Apisamai, such a decision would be made well in advance, taking into consideration the tourist industry's need for preparation time. Despite the possibility that the quarantine would be eradicated, she says it's unclear whether the reopening would be just for those who have been vaccinated.
She also said that the reopening was also dependent on the Covid situations in other countries, as well as the vaccine situation and airline safety measures. If there is still a high rate of Covid infections, a reopening could also rule out certain countries. Africa would not be included in the decreased quarantine program, the CCSA announced previously this week, acknowledging the continent's multiple virus variants.
Even if the country isn't fully reopened by October, Apisamai hopes for a wider re-opening in time for Thailand's high season. Several meetings with the CCSA will be taken next Monday, March 15 to discuss the decision. Meetings with the Thai Cabinet are also held next Tuesday and Friday.
Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
