Thailand to Shorten Quarantine Period for Vaccinated Visitors from 14 to 7 Days Starting October

10 Regions Including Bangkok Popular with Tourists to Reopen from November

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Thailand has decided to shorten the quarantine period from 14 days to 7 days for incoming travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

On the 27th, Thailand's COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA) held a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and decided to ease quarantine measures. The center also announced that starting in November, 10 areas popular with foreign tourists, including Bangkok, will be reopened.

This measure by Thailand aims to revive the tourism industry, which has been struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry accounts for 20% of Thailand's GDP. The Thai government also plans to resume operations of movie theaters, massage shops, and indoor sports venues from the 1st of next month, and has extended the curfew from 9 PM to 10 PM.

However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the emergency decree that bans gatherings will be extended again until the end of November. The emergency decree has been in effect since March of last year.