A handful of nations in the Asian region have expressed interest in a bilateral agreement that would allow their citizens to be among the first to enter Thailand as tourists when travel restrictions are eased.
Among the nations that have expressed interest in a so-called “travel bubble” are China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
Countries that enter a pact with Thailand would provide advantages for their citizens. These include not being subjected to quarantine upon arrival and gaining easier access to the country during the first stages of reopening borders.
The idea to make travel easier for citizens of selected countries has been a primary objective of the Thai Government as they consider when and how to reopen Thailand’s borders for tourists.
A formal discussion regarding the travel bubble will take place on June 26th at an Asean meeting where Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, will join the conversation via video conference.
Bansarn Bunnag, an aide to the Prime Minister, told reporters that several countries had expressed interest in creating an agreement with Thailand, most of them from the local region.
As Thailand continues to ease domestic tourism restrictions, attention will turn to encouraging the return of foreign tourists. Before the covid-19 pandemic, tourism counted for approximately a fifth of the country’s economy.
However, with the emergency decree and ban on incoming international flights still in effect, any return of tourists is likely to be slow and gradual.
The government had previously stated that any relaxation of inbound travel restrictions was likely to happen in the third or fourth quarter of this year.
Source: Bangkok Post
