Thailand’s Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has confirmed a roadmap and timeline for reopening international tourism in the Kingdom. This will proceed in four phases, during which restrictions are gradually lifted, destinations reopened and travellers welcomed back.
The plan was officially approved on 27 September, in a meeting between the CCSA, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Government of Thailand. According to an official announcement by TAT, “the CCSA has approved a four-phase timeline for the country’s reopening plan to revitalise the nationwide tourism industry.”
The first phase – also known as the ‘Pilot Phase’, will take place from 1-31 October. This period will focus on reopening all of Thailand’s most popular beach and island destinations. Many of these – including Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao and parts of Krabi – have already opened under the 7+7 Extension of the Phuket Sandbox arrangement. New destinations include Khlong Muang and Thap Khaek in Krabi; other notable comebacks include the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Ngai; and the beaches of Railay, Khlong Muang and Tub Kaak.
Following successful completion of the Pilot Phase, next month (1-30 November) will see 10 more tourism destinations reopened as part of the First Phase. This will include all areas of Bangkok, Krabi and Phang-Nga, along with designated areas in Buri Ram (Mueang), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao), Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Na Jomtien and Sattahip), Loei (Chiang Khan), Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Ranong (Ko Phayam).
The Second Phase (1-31 December) will extend the revival to 20 more provinces; tourism hotspots that are famed for their historical significance, their art and their cultural heritage. These destinations are Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Pathum Thani, Phatthalung, Phetchabun, Phrae, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Trang, Trat and Yala.
The Third Phase, scheduled for 1 January onwards, will reopen a total of 13 border provinces, including Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Surin, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.
For travellers who can’t wait until then, there are already many destinations to explore in Thailand, with the Phuket Sandbox plan operating safely and successfully since 1 July. The 7+7 extension also lets travellers in the Sandbox enjoy their holiday in other nearby locations around Surat Thani. With relaxed quarantine restrictions for vaccinated travellers and more destination openings just around the corner, the future looks bright for tourism in Thailand.
