Thai government welcomes first six groups of foreign travelers to enter Thailand, starting this October

PHOTO: Thai News Agency

National –

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting on Monday, September 28, approved the country re-opening to welcome certain groups of foreigners for both short and long term visits, starting this October.

Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, the CCSA spokesperson, said that limited travelers are divided into 6 groups and must abide by a 14-day state quarantine, mandatory health insurance, multiple Covid19 tests and other strict health measures from the Public Health Ministry to prevent the possible spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The six groups are as follows:

1. Foreign athletes who participate in the “Tour of Thailand 2020” international cycling race from Samut Songkhram to Suratthani province on October 6-16. Participating cyclists have been quarantined at the Rattanakosin Hotel.

2. Holders of non-immigrant types of visas, who are business people and are willing to enter the country for business purposes. They are required to provide copies of six-month bank statements with not less than 500,000 baht, or the equivalent. This requires pre approval from local consulates and embassies and those in this group generally need pre approval from their company to ensure the trip is for business related purposes. The majority of those in this group are from Asian countries.

3. Foreigners who are seeking short-term and long-term visits and wish to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 90 days. They are required to provide copies of six-month bank statements not less than 500,000 baht, or the equivalent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for permission. This group must also be pre approved from their embassy or consulate.

4. Holders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card from low-risk countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, China, and Hong Kong. Holders must also have pre approval from their embassy and meet other requirements.

5. Holders of the Special Tourist Visa (STV) which has primarily been approved by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and is in the process for its last official approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related agencies.

The first group of 120 tourists from Guangzhou, China is planned to arrive at Phuket on October 8 under the tourism scheme, according to tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

6. A group of 340 pilots and cabin crew of Thai Airways who are on a repatriation flight from the United States for assisting foreign athletes to Thailand, and holders of non-immigrant types of visa, long-stay tourist visa. A state quarantine is also required for the group after traveling.

The CCSA also approved a proposal from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour organized by the Badminton Association of Thailand in January next year. However, the competition must still be held under strict disease control measures, Dr. Taweesin added.

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.