This is a news article by Southeast Asian Tourism Associate, Alizee Drizet.

‍

- The first country to reopen its provinces in mid-2021.

‍

On July 1, 2021, after vaccinating 70% of the province's population, Phuket was able to welcome back vaccinated international travelers under the "Phuket Sandbox," a program that allows tourists to land on the idyllic island and stay quarantine-free for 14 days in certified* accommodations, before being able to travel anywhere they want in the Kingdom of Siam.

‍

Since then, the program has been successful and other Thai provinces (with vaccination rates above 70%) have been able to follow in Phuket's footsteps, such as: Ko Samui, Krabi and Phang Nga. It is now even possible to combine these programs by staying 7 days in Phuket, then 7 days in Krabi, Samui or Phang Nga.

‍

- What is the way forward for Thailand?

‍

According to a recent communication from the Thai government, on October 1, 2021, 5 other provinces should also reopen: Chiang Mai, Rachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Chon Buri (Pattaya), Phetchaburi, and Bangkok!

‍

Finally, with the goal of reaching a vaccination rate of 70% by the end of 2021, the government announced that the country should reopen its borders completely without any quarantine for vaccinated travelers in January 2022!

‍

Learn more about Trove’s Strategic Planning practice, and how it can help your destination reopen to international travelers.

‍

*Accommodations must be SHA+ certified to open their doors to international travelers, which means that at least 70% of their staff must be vaccinated.

‍