The first group of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand will comprise business representatives, skilled workers, experts, people with Thai families, teachers, students and patients who agree to quarantine, according to the government.
Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), on Wednesday elaborated on the government’s plan to allow foreign nationals back into the country. The plan was drafted by a sub-committee of CCSA.
He said most will be required to accept 14-day quarantine after their arrival.
The spokesman said about 50,000 foreigners are likely to visit the country under the new rules.
They include about 30,000 people expected to arrive for medical and wellness tourism.
Others include about 15,400 skilled workers/experts; 2,000 teachers, educational personnel and students; 2,000 foreigners with Thai families or with residences in Thailand; and 700 businesspeople/investors. Members of this group have already registered for visits and agreed to undergo quarantine.
Another group to be admitted includes businesspeople and investors who will pay short visits, and guests of the government and governmental organisations.
They would be tested for Covid-19 both before and upon arrival, have health insurance and be monitored by medical personnel.
A further group to be welcomed consists of tourists and travellers who would arrive under the travel bubble scheme, Dr Taweesilp said. Details for this group had yet to be finalised.
Foreign businesspeople/investors who accepted quarantine could arrive immediately. Skilled workers/experts, people with Thai families and residences in Thailand, educational personnel, students, businesspeople/investors with short visits and guests of the government would be allowed in on July 1, he said.
Those who would arrive for medical and wellness tourism could also arrive on July 1.
Tourists who would arrive under the travel bubble scheme could be allowed in on Aug 1 on condition they undergo “Villa Quarantine”, meaning they stay in their accomodation and do not travel.
The draft measures would be submitted to the CCSA for consideration next Monday, Dr Taweesilp said.
The arrivals were expected to boost investment and tourism income, he said.
This article is taken from Bangkok Post