Thailand’s international borders not re-opening for tourists until 2021

What is opening and what is not opening is changing on a daily basis, if not even more often. Yesterday I could read in SCMP that there is talks about a travel bubble between Hong Kong and 11 other countries, including Thailand, but then I also have come across some statements made by the deputy governor for international marketing at Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chattan Na Ayudhya.

A couple of weeks ago he was quoted saying that he does not expect Thailand to welcome tourists until at least 2021. There has been talks with countries about travel bubbles, but due to recent outbreaks in some of those countries, like Hong Kong and Vietnam, those talks have been halted.

There has though been some relaxation on the rules of who can enter Thailand, whereas before it was only diplomats and UN officials, they have now expanded it to also include business people, investors who have an agreement with the government, film crews, some migrant workers, exhibition personnel and the holders of Thailand Elite visas.

There were also talks about certain tourists spots (like Phuket and Koh Samui) would open up for long term visitors soon, but it seems like this has all been shelved after they recorded their first local transmission in more than 100 days recently.

Eva Air was supposed to resume flights to Thailand this month, but they have now announced that those plans are delayed until March 2021, so it does not look promising for any holidays this winter to the Land of Smiles.