The government's Center for Covid-19 Condition Administration (CCSA) announced on Thursday (May 21) that affluent returners are offered the option of a luxurious upgrade to their compulsory quarantine.
State officials provided alternative state quarantine for people "who need more options" during the 14-day quarantine period, CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said. Returns are currently either sent to local quarantine (provided by provincial authorities) or to state quarantine (government facilities provided for people arriving on planes). The government calls it "alternate state quarantine" and works with luxury hotel operators and hospitals to provide the special privilege. Foreign returns with Thai work permits – mostly businessmen and diplomats – are among those who can take advantage of the option. Many are willing to pay more for the upgrade to a quarantine.
Dr Taweesin continued that the government would not be able to continue with free state quarantine until the state of emergency has been removed and more citizens from other countries have started coming. However, in hotels that had partnered with hospitals to provide healthcare services, travelers could choose paid accommodation. The quality of hotels will vary from two-star to luxury. He also encouraged interested hotels and hospitals to support the initiative by approaching the CCSA with specifics of the arrangements they made. Meanwhile, international students and others also requested the government to remove the travel ban on low-risk countries when the third step of lockdown easing is introduced. They point out that the government has a tracking system that can call people up for testing, allowing foreigners to visit Thailand for purposes other than business, including students attending Bangkok's international schools scheduled to open on June 1.
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