06 Oct Tourist haven (even in the Covid era)

Thailand is the ultimate tourist destination not just in Asia but globally. From pristine beaches to dense forests, ancient monasteries to coral reefs, from Buddhist monks to floating markets and finally the fragrant and rich food to treat your taste buds, Thailand has something for everyone.

In 2019, Thailand recorded 40 million tourist arrivals, a slight increase from the previous year. Foreign tourists accounted for 33% of the total tourist number in Thailand, which enjoys the top slot as the most visited country in South East Asia.

Bangkok, the capital, is a centre of various cultures, faiths and experiences. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai cater to those looking for the quiet countryside. Beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui offer some of the best tropical experiences. Ubon Ratchathani is a spiritual and historical escape where one can learn about Buddhism.

Now in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government of Thailand is implementing a plan to revive tourism.

The country and announced plans to reopen Phuket as part of its broader tourism reopening plan on 1 July 2021, and remove most travel restrictions by 1 October 2021. According to the announcement, foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid‑19 can visit the island of Phuket—Thailand’s second‑most important tourist destination—from 1 July 2021, without having to undergo the mandatory quarantine of 14 days. As per EIU reports, Phuket is a pilot for the planned nationwide reopening of the tourism sector, with the government hoping to vaccinate 70% of the 500,000 residents there.