Thailand is set to welcome long-stay tourists from October

The cabinet yesterday agreed to welcome back international tourists who wish to stay in Thailand for at least 90 days and comply with 14-day quarantine. The policy is planned to be implemented this coming October, with the main goal to boost up the country's falling economy.

According to Bangkok Post, the government will be issuing a long-term tourist visa with a minimum of 90 days for up to 1,200 travelers per month (100-300 individuals per week), which is predicted to gain approximately one billion Baht a month.

Regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was dauntless about the re-emergence of the virus. "Our public health system is amongst the best in the world and people can have confidence in it," said the PM.

Tourists who wish to enter Thailand next month are required to show a document of a hotel reservation or an accommodation rental, and they are also granted permission to extend the visa twice (90 days each), meaning that they can stay in the country for nine months maximum.

Entry will still be subject to 14 day quarantine.

Finance Permanent Secretary Prasong Poontaneat asserted that the government expected to see the influx of tourists from countries and territories where the coronavirus had not affected in previous months such as China, Taiwan, and several European nation.

Previously, the government intended to turn Phuket into a quarantine destination, but now, there has been a change of plan as Thailand would be fully unlocked for tourism. The plans will however be further discussed with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.