Thailand’s government has offered a novel solution to soften the blow of travellers’ mandatory quarantine in the Kingdom. According to the minister of tourism, returning visitors could soon be permitted to spend the 14-day interim period in one of Thailand’s many stellar golf resorts.
Under the new plan, international tourists would be able to enjoy a holiday-within-a-holiday, as the Kingdom’s many golf resorts provide enclosed environments that are ideally suited to social distancing, while also providing attractions in their own right. Plans for government-approved golfing quarantines are reportedly at an advanced stage, with several ministries already on board.
“We are discussing with the Public Health Ministry and the country’s coronavirus taskforce to offer hotel and golf quarantine for tourists with medical certificates,” confirmed Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister for Thailand, in a recent statement.
If approved, the scheme would allow international visitors to begin their Thai travels with 2 weeks in an approved golf resort, where they could actively begin their vacation, rather than simply waiting for the time to pass. Other proposed options include beach resorts and coastal enclaves, where tourists can enjoy a fortnight of acclimatisation and relaxation in the sun before venturing out to other destinations nationwide.
Thailand is currently open to international tourists, with two types of visa available: the long-term Special Tourist Visa (STV), which has attracted around 1,000 visitors since its launch at the end of last year; and a 60-day regular Tourist Visa. Approval of both is subject to various criteria, including health certificates, and requires a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in Thailand.
Until recently, the quarantine aspect of the new Thai visas has been seen as a deterrent for many travellers who would otherwise be willing to return. The latest scheme for golfing and beach breaks during this interim period comes as a welcome solution for those unwilling to delay their precious vacation time.
