Thailand To Open or Not to Open? 

Thailand is one of the few countries that so far may appear to have regulated the internal dissemination of COVID-19. The nation has yet to cross 3500 cases in all, with minimal incidents, currently at 58. 

To this arguably effective containment, a timely border closure backed by measures that were largely welcomed by Thai people has led. In total, the population of Thailand is almost 70 million people. But was it actually a success? 

Thailand To Open or Not to Open? 
Several analysts have challenged the importance of preserving Thailand's tight lockdown in the past few weeks. Particularly in light of the reliance of the country on tourism. That comprises a large proportion of its GDP at somewhere between 10 and 20%. The Bank of Thailand predicts about 8 million travelers in 2020, following a reported 39.8 million tourists in 2019. Nevertheless, even smaller figures were feared. 

According to a new survey by the National Council for Economic and Social Development (NESDC), more than 4 million Thais are unemployed because of the shortage of visitors. If a remedy is not sought by year-end, as many as 14 million may already be in the same condition. In comparison to the current economic distress which has struck the manufacturing sector, much of this is. 

Talks with countries deemed secure, such as South Korea or New Zealand, over "travel bubbles" also faded easily. A second COVID-19 surge hit larger regions, which ultimately contributed to resumed lockdowns. 

The Phuket Thailand Re-opening First 
The authorities proposed a proposal at the beginning of August to progressively reopen the land, starting with Phuket. The Thai government hoped that the situation could be controlled in Phuket more effectively. The proposal quickly posed some questions regarding its possible viability and challenging execution. In addition, the first case of domestic transmission in 100 days was found well before further specifics were put out. And residual doubt as to how it could have unfolded. This culminated in the possible reopening of Phuket being further postponed. 

More recently, another idea has been advanced and is actually being debated to welcome visitors with longer permits and other compromises. In the meantime, it seems like it is feasible to extend the narrow Phuket model to cover the whole region. It is also uncertain, though, who the intended consumer is and whether costly quarantine intervals in luxurious hotels are also obligatory. And more so if more economical options are presented. 

Back in July, economists identified the economic outlook of Thailand as the "worst in Asia" with a possible GDP contraction of 8.1 percent, much worse than the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997. This is partially due to the dependency of the world on tourism and exports. Furthermore, the baht, the national currency of Thailand, was strengthening against the US dollar, hampering the export turnaround thus exacerbating the general economic woes of the region. 

Economic Dissatisfaction: Too Low, Too Late? 
Quick forward to the beginning of September and no systematic approach has yet been established. There were a few limited groups permitted to join the world. In addition, to ease the condition, a domestic tourism incentive has been implemented. These initiatives alone, though, would not be enough to sustain local industries in the long term. Discontent is rising as well. 

Thailand may still be in a good place to introduce the long-awaited "Secure and Secured" strategy, all things considered. Over everything, to draw visitors to a place free from viruses. The desire to reopen their boundaries has also been felt by many other nations. Or for a company or leisure passengers. Many of them, most especially in Europe, have undergone second waves. For a nation with comprehensive hospitality expertise and a competent healthcare system such as Thailand, nevertheless, threats can be handled. 

For example, it is important to carefully analyze the original concept of recruiting an affluent audience that is likely to spend much of their time in resorts or circumscribed areas instead of more ambitious 'backpacking' trips of numerous destinations. Visitors who are still keen to come to Thailand are offered the expense of travel, COVID-19 examinations, and required health care and quarantine. The financial resources to support themselves for longer stays may be expected from them. With the minimal chance of wrongdoing, which is a normal incident, such as visa overstay.

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