'Swab hubs' for arriving tourists. Bangkok Post

'Swab hubs' for arriving tourists

Tourists kayak along Bangkok's Ong Ang canal, which is decorated with colourful flags and lanterns to brighten the mood for residents. The weekend market nearby was reopened on Friday, and people can visit Friday to Sunday from 3-8pm. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Bangkok is set to reopen to fully vaccinated international visitors next month with "swab hubs" being set up to test tourists upon their arrival in the capital.

Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said that the government has laid down a policy to reopen the country on Nov 1 and precautions include testing and quarantine measures.

As for the shortening of nighttime curfew hours starting on Saturday, City Hall will wait for an official announcement of the easing of virus curbs to be published in the Royal Gazette, Pol Gen Aswin said, adding that details regarding countdown events will then be discussed.

Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, City Hall spokesman, said that City Hall has put in place measures to welcome back foreign visitors that are in line with the government's reopening plan.

Bangkok needs to try and prevent transmissions among residents and foreign visitors so City Hall will set up Covid-19 screening points in the capital, similar to Phuket, he said.

In Phuket, screening points are set up at hotels where tourists check-in. But City Hall plans to set up swab hubs across the capital to carry out swab tests on foreign visitors. They will then be quarantined at hotels and wait for the result of RT-PCR tests, the spokesman said.

Measures will also be in place to contain transmissions, particularly at night entertainment venues which may be allowed to resume operations on Dec 1.

Measures include carrying out rapid antigen tests and administering vaccines in Bangkok's popular tourist spots, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said.

Asked about the Tourism and Sports Ministry's plan to invite Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned Italian opera tenor, to perform at a countdown event in Bangkok, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said that City Hall cannot make a decision on the matter as approval must be sought from the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirungson said that the centre has come up with a host of strategies for the country's safe reopening.

They include taking precautions to contain transmissions among at-risk and vulnerable groups and building public confidence about the so-called "new normal" way of life.

She also said the CCSA on Friday discussed a proposal by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for foreign visitors who have received two vaccine shots with the result of RT-PCR test before arrival to use the Thailand Plus tracing app instead of the certificate of entry, Dr Apisamai said.

She added that this will reduce their time of seeking permission to enter Thailand from 3-6 to 1-3 days.

Chiang Mai governor Prachon Pratchsakul has also welcomed the government's Nov 1 reopening plan, saying the northern province will welcome back foreign tourists despite some new infection clusters detected recently.

He said that one of the major clusters is centred around a market that has been ordered closed for 14 days.

The governor was confident that the cluster will be brought under control before the reopening date.

The Charming Chiang Mai tourism promotion project will also be launched to cover 25 districts of the northern provinces with about 1,000 Covid-free "blue zone" villages taking part in the project, the governor said.

On Monday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government will reopen the country to fully vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries without quarantine on Nov 1, in what is seen as a key effort to boost the economy.

The CCSA has also eased additional virus curbs, including shortening nighttime curfew hours starting today.

Why racism and ‘dual pricing’ is normal for Thai people October 16, 2021. Coconuts checked in with Kasetsart University’s Intercultural Communications Professor Rachawit Photiyarach, who has thought long and hard about this topic. Here, he answers our questions and makes some points you may have never considered. Bangkok Jack / Coconut



Racism is normal for Thai people

If you've been living in #Thailand for any length of time, chances are you have come across dual pricing. This is the practice of charging foreigners different prices for the same item or service than Thais pay.

In Thailand, this presents itself as differing prices for Thais and foreigners. While the issue never crosses most Thai people's minds, it can make foreigners feel angry or taken advantage of.

There are even websites devoted to this phenomenon. One popular site, 2PriceThailand, advocates for abolishing the dual price system and teaches foreigners Thai numbers so that they can better know when they are entering a place that employs a dual pricing system, whether overtly or covertly.

The admins of the site say, "The dual pricing system is hurting the image of both the tourism industry and Thailand itself. Thai people are internationally known for their kind and generous hospitality.

The actions of a few tourist attractions are damaging that reputation. We respectfully request a transparent pricing system in Thailand."

Coconuts checked in with Kasetsart University's Intercultural Communications Professor Rachawit Photiyarach, who has thought long and hard about this topic. Here, he answers our questions and makes some points you may have never considered.

What is dual pricing?

There are two types of dual pricing: interpersonal and institutional.

Institutional dual pricing is the practice of an institution, such as a museum, attraction or national park, having clearly stated policies for charge different groups of people different prices.

Places like the Grand Palace, for example, charge foreigners the exorbitant sum of THB500, while Thais are charged the somewhat smaller sum of, well, absolutely nothing.

Interpersonal dual pricing is when an independent seller charges different buyers different prices for the same item and it happens on a case-by-case basis.

This one is much more insidious since it feels, well, personal.

Interpersonal dual pricing happens when a street vendor looks at someone and decides that, for whatever reason, they can or will pay more than their peers for a plate of somtam.

It also happens when a taxi driver refuses to use the meter or when anyone, anywhere interacts with a tuk-tuk driver.

It can even happen when you are looking to lease an apartment and how much you are charged in rent.

What's the problem with dual pricing?

Dual pricing causes two kinds of issues for people: emotional and financial. It's hard for many foreigners — the most common victims of dual pricing — to make peace with the concept that they need to pay more than other customers simply due to their ethnicity.

You see, according to the professor, Asian tourists from outside of Thailand, such as Korean, Japanese or Chinese visitors, are charged the local rate based on their appearance despite the fact that they aren't Thai and can't speak a word of Thai.

Wait. Isn't that racist?

In a way it is. "They make their judgements about pricing based on stereotypes and racial profiling," said the professor.

What can people do to combat institutional dual pricing?

In cases of institutional dual pricing and attempting to get a lower price, the professor suggests strategies for showing the staff that you are not a tourist.

Some people have had luck with displaying a Thai ID, driver's license, work permit or even a local bank card to prove they are residents.

Others have had success when they speak Thai and explain that they are not tourists and would like to pay the local rate.

Many times, you simply won't be able to negotiate with staff because they have no authorization to give you a lower price.

Alternately, sometimes no matter what you tell them, they still simply see a foreigner who must pay the foreigner rate.

How can they deal with interpersonal dual pricing?

Any of the strategies above might help you negotiate with an independent seller as well. Speaking Thai is the most likely way to get them to give you the local price for your plate of krapow or cup of iced coffee.

If you'd rather not encounter interpersonal dual pricing at all, you can frequent businesses that don't employ the practice.

Ride apps like Grab and Uber ensure that you won't be overcharged for transportation while buying food from vendors with prices on display ensures that your server won't rip you off for not being Thai.

Rather than get into a brawl with your local fruit seller, the best way to deal with a vendor that insists on dual pricing is to simply not buy from them.

Dual pricing makes me so angry. How can I deal with that?

To deal with an emotional reaction to dual pricing, try thinking about the policy logically, understanding why it's done and remembering that it's not intended as an insult toward you, personally.

It's quite normal to have an emotional reaction to dual-pricing. Victims report feeling singled out, rejected, judged, stereotyped or even violated by episodes of dual pricing.

What's the reasoning behind dual pricing?

Some of the underlying reasons for dual pricing are based on assumptions and stereotypes that all foreigners are rich.

The professor explained that it's assumed that many foreigners, whether expat or tourist, have lots of money. The reasons for this are two-fold and, in some ways, make perfect sense.

As an expat, in order to secure a work permit in Thailand you must make a certain amount of money each month and that amount is far higher than most Thai workers make.

So, in that way, when an institution or vendor views you as someone with more money than a Thai peer, they may be right.

As a tourist, the assumption is that, if you live the sort of lifestyle that would allow you to vacation on the other side of the world, you must have money.

It actually makes sense. It's not the poorest segment of the population that can afford exotic vacations.

Of course, the legitimate counter-argument is that, even if it's true, a bowl of tom yam should have the same market price no matter who it's being sold to.

An additional reason why locals are often admitted free or very cheaply to attractions such as temples, museums and historical landmarks is because the government does not want them to miss out on seeing important parts of their heritage simply because they don't have the money to pay the admission fee.

The belief is that all Thais, even the poorest citizens, have the right to visit these places and should not be penalized for having little money.

How should foreigners NOT react to dual pricing?

The professor noted that it's not worthwhile to get angry with institutional staff that employ a dual price system. They didn't create the policy and may not even agree with it.

We've all seen a foreigner shrieking at a blank faced ticket booth worker who can do little to help them and, if they could, they certainly aren't going to after being shouted at.

In fact, it's best not to get angry at street vendors that use this practice either. The best thing to do is to calmly take your money and spend it elsewhere. – Coconuts



Clear entry edicts demanded now. Tourism operators urged the Thai government to issue clear and definitive entry regulations for foreigners as soon as possible or the country stands to lose out on lucrative markets in the high season. He said if the government plans to replace the certificate of entry (CoE) system with the Thailand Pass, tour operators need to know more details about the new system to prepare their operations in advance. Bangkok Post

Clear entry edicts demanded now

Tourists take photos at Samed Nang Chee viewpoint in Phangnga province.

Tourism operators urged the Thai government to issue clear and definitive entry regulations for foreigners as soon as possible or the country stands to lose out on lucrative markets in the high season.

The Russian government indicated it plans to lift the ban on international commercial flights with Thailand from Nov 9.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, acting president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, said tour operators such as Pegas Touristik cannot sell packages to Russians nor operate charter flights here without clear regulations.

He said if the government plans to replace the certificate of entry (CoE) system with the Thailand Pass, tour operators need to know more details about the new system to prepare their operations in advance.

"If complete travel requirements are not announced soon, the country might lose the chance to welcome the Russian market this high season, as they will choose destinations with more convenient entry," Mr Thanet said.

Pongsakorn Ketprapakorn, president of the Tourism Council of Phangnga, said travel agents are ready to arrange charter flights to Khao Lak once hurdles from both countries are cleared, including the withdrawal of the CoE programme, as tourists don't want to deal with the cumbersome process.

He said Phangnga tourism is depending on this market from Phuket, as the island was accustomed to welcoming 800,000 Russians via charter flights per year prior to the pandemic, of which 80,000 visited Phangnga.

Since Phangnga has been allowed to receive tourists directly from Oct 1 without waiting for the seven-day mandatory quarantine in Phuket, around 5,000 room nights have been booked, surpassing the whole month of the 7+7 extension programme, which tallied only 3,000 room nights.

A wider reopening for low-risk origin countries, greater relaxation of requirements for the international market and domestic trips under the We Travel Together hotel subsidy campaign should raise the overall occupancy rate from 10% to 30-35% in the last quarter, said Mr Pongsakorn.

He said more hoteliers are planning to reopen on Nov 1, when the whole province is expected to open to international visitors, if the vaccination rate reaches 70% by the end of this month as predicted.

Lodging operators still have to monitor demand closely before making such a decision, said Mr Pongsakorn.

"The government has to implement clear regulations on its quarantine-free reopening plan on Nov 1, publishing them in the Royal Gazette soon to help tourists make decisions," said Danny Sukomol, deputy managing director at Santhiya Resorts and Spas.

Unclear guidelines encourage tourists to visit other countries with clearer, less stringent requirements such as Greece, the Maldives or the Caribbean for year-end holidays, said Mr Danny.

🔴 #COVID19 on Saturday: ⬆️ 10,648 new cases ⬇️ 82 deaths. Richard Barrow









Bangkok Post highlights 16/10



THAI announces its winter flight schedule 2021- 2022 Bangkok, 15 October 2021 – Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced its winter flight program from 31 October 2021 – 26 March 2022. Friday, 15 October 2021, 21:04. Pattaya News

PHOTO: Prachachat

THAI's winter flight schedule 2021- 2022 are as follows:

Flight operations in support of the Phuket Sandbox campaign:

1. Bangkok – Phuket – London (v.v.): 3 flights per week every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

2. Bangkok – Phuket – Frankfurt (v.v.): 3 flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

3. Bangkok – Munich – Phuket – Bangkok: 1 flight per week every Friday, starting 1 January 2022.

4. Bangkok – Phuket – Paris (v.v.): twice-weekly flights every Tuesday and Thursday.

5. Bangkok – Phuket – Copenhagen (v.v.)1 flight per week every Thursday.

6. Bangkok – Phuket – Stockholm (v.v.): 1 flight per week every Friday.

7. Bangkok – Zurich – Phuket – Bangkok: 1 flight per week every Friday.

Intercontinental (return flights):

1. Bangkok – London: 4 flights per week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

2. Bangkok – Frankfurt: 4 flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

3. Bangkok – Munich: 1 flight per week every Sunday, starting 1 January, 2022.

4. Bangkok – Paris: 1 flight per week every Sunday.

5. Bangkok – Brussels: twice weekly flights every Wednesday and Friday.

6. Bangkok – Milan: twice weekly flights every Thursday and Saturday, starting 1 January 2022.

7. Bangkok – Copenhagen: twice weekly flights every Wednesday and Sunday.

8. Bangkok – Stockholm: twice weekly flights every Tuesday and Thursday.

9. Bangkok – Zurich: twice weekly flights every Monday and Wednesday (operating 1 flight per week during 31 October – 31 December 2021).

10. Bangkok – Sydney: twice weekly flights every Wednesday and Sunday.

Regional (return flights):

1. Bangkok – Manila: 5 flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

2. Bangkok – Osaka: 4 flights per week every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

3. Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita): 4 flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

4. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): 3 flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

5. Bangkok – Nagoya: 4 flights per week every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

6. Bangkok – Taipei: 4 flights per week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

7. Bangkok – Hong Kong: 3 flights per week every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

8. Bangkok – Seoul: daily flight.

9. Bangkok – Singapore: 4 flights per week every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

10. Bangkok – Jakarta: 1 flight per week every Wednesday.

11. Bangkok – Delhi: daily flight, starting 1 January, 2022.

12. Bangkok – Mumbai: 5 flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting 1 January, 2022.

13. Bangkok – Bengaluru: 3 flights per week every Monday, Friday, and Sunday, starting 1 January, 2022.

14. Bangkok – Hyderabad: 3 flights per week every Monday, Friday and Sunday, starting 1 January, 2022.

15. Bangkok – Chennai: 4 flights per week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

16. Bangkok – Dhaka: 3 flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

17. Bangkok – Karachi: 4 flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

18. Bangkok – Lahore: 3 flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

19. Bangkok – Islamabad: 4 flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, starting 1 January, 2022.

According to THAI, it strictly complies with the COVID-19 preventive measures of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for flight operations. All THAI flights are also operated in accordance with the COVID-19 control measures regulated by each destination country.

For more information about flight schedules, reservations, and ticketing services, please visit www.thaiairways.com.

Press Release from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Wowwwww ! Idag når de målet 1 miljon doser per dag !! 3:e gången sedan målet sattes 24 september.

 

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Thailand is planning on throwing a massive extravaganza to celebrate the country’s reopening. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning on hosting concerts in Bangkok and Phuket, with a budget of 500-600 million baht. The concerts will feature famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Thai K-pop singer Lisa Monaban. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says bringing the 2 artists to the country is beyond economic value. The Thaiger 😂😂😂😂😂

 Thailand plans huge reopening event with matching price tag

By 

Ann Carter

Friday, October 15, 2021 12:33

Thailand is planning on throwing a massive extravaganza to celebrate the country's reopening. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning on hosting concerts in Bangkok and Phuket, with a budget of 500-600 million baht. The concerts will feature famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Thai K-pop singer Lisa Monaban. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says bringing the 2 artists to the country is beyond economic value.

"Particularly Lalisa 'Lisa' Monaban, the young Thai K-pop singer, who is a huge inspiration for the youth of the country."

He also confirmed that Lalisa Monaban will be singing in Phuket at the Sarasin Bridge, while Andrea Bocelli will be performing in Bangkok at the Sanam Luang public square. The government and private sector are co-sponsoring the event by spending 200 million baht. The rest of the funding is from private sponsors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has requested for the artists to perform as part of a New Year's celebration, and is waiting to hear back from the artists' agents. But Piphat says Covid-19 protocols must also be taken into account.

"We also need to discuss with the Public Health Ministry the number of audience members allowed and other health and safety protocols for such big events when we are still battling an outbreak."

The CCSA has recently announced that vaccinated visitors from certain countries could enter the country without undergoing a quarantine, starting November 1. These visitors will also be allowed to travel wherever they want, instead of being restricted to certain parts of the country. Additionally, Bangkok has approved a plan to allow business events with 500 participants or fewer.

The president of the Thai Spa Association and head of the Hua Hin Recharge programme, Krod Rojanastien has high hopes for the reopening plan. He says that opening up Hua Hin to international travelers will double the city's occupancy rates, from 20% to 40%.

Krod says that official timelines should be published to make it easier to plan for both tourists and tourism operators alike. He also said that guests are waiting for these official announcements to be made before making plans to come.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

CoE will be replaced by Thailand Pass, in development By Neill Fronde Friday, October 15, 2021 10:16. The Thaiger



 CoE will be replaced by Thailand Pass, in development

By 

Neill Fronde

Friday, October 15, 2021 10:16

The much-maligned certificate of entry is on its way out, with the digital Thailand Pass set to replace the CoE for most – but not all – people from November 1. The Digital Government Development Agency is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create an online system to replace the CoE process for international flight arrivals.

The Thailand Pass would be a replacement for international travellers, both foreign and Thai, who enter the country by air. A spokesperson for the Ministry said that those entering by land or by sea would still require the CoE, and vaguely left the door open to the idea that not all international flight travellers would be eligible to enter without the certificate.

But development is underway for the Thailand Pass system, a web-based application that would guide people through the process of gathering and uploading all the necessary documents for entry.

The digitising of the immigration process will address the challenges of expanded documentation requirements the Covid-19 pandemic brought on, including vaccination certification that will be handled online by the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the umbrella of the Public Health Ministry.

But it will also help facilitate the filing of the traditional TM6 immigration form as well as the T8 health declaration form.

Before the development began on the new Thailand Pass to replace the CoE, the Foreign Affairs Ministry had approved over 400,000 CoEs for people to travel internationally to Thailand, a figure 25% higher than the total number of predicted arrivals for 2021, despite the government's generous expectations.

The CoE has often been maligned as a difficult process that is driving away potential visitors to Thaialnd and hurting programs like the Phuket Sandbox.

SOURCE: The Phuket News

For more information on how to get into Thailand during the pandemic, CLICK HERE

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 No One Asked, But Anutin Offers Ideas on Rules for Thailand’s Nov. 1 Reopening. He suggested visitors should be required to spend a night in the city of entry to wait for their coronavirus test result. Visitors, of course, would have to cover the cost of the test and the pricey government-approved hotel. 😂😂😂😂😂😂Bangkok Herald

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul always has something to say, even when no one asked.

The details have not been announced. Nothing has been decided. And the public health minister doesn't have a vote. But Anutin Charnvirakul has laid out his idea of what rules for Thailand's Nov. 1 reopening should look like.

Never one to shirk the spotlight, Anutin offered his unsolicited advice on the the regulations that will govern the admittance of fully vaccinated foreign tourists next month.

He suggested visitors should be required to spend a night in the city of entry to wait for their coronavirus test result.

No matter the city they stay that first night, tourists soudl be requried to spend the first night at an Alternative State Quarantine facility or an authorized SHA+ hotel to wait for the result.

Visitors, of course, would have to cover the cost of the test and the pricey government-approved hotel.

But once a negative test result comes back, visitors would be free to go where they like, Anutin said, echoing the concept laid out on television by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Normally more conservative than Prayut, Anutin actually wants to the see the November reopening expanded from the proposed 10 "low-risk" countries.

According to Thai-langugage media sources, Anutin is not alone and a larger list of countries is being prepared and will be proposed to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administraiton.

On this list are 24 European Union countries, five Nordic nations (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Israel, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, India, Japan, South Korea and Qatar.

The CCSA defied expectations Thursday when it did not release the list of 10 countries referenced by Prayut.

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 434 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 3 new deaths, October 15th. Pattaya News

Chonburi new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 drop to a three month low with 434 and 3 new deaths

Friday, 15 October 2021, 10:29

PHOTO: Post Today

Highlights:

• 434 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 825 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 3 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 434 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 3 new deaths, October 15th.

Additionally, 825 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 86,659 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

This makes a total of 95,775 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 8,448 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 668 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

The three new deaths yesterday had an average age of 67 who have contracted Covid-19 from previous confirmed cases in families. Most of them had personal health issues and none were vaccinated according to the Chonburi Department of Public Health.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 75, Si Racha 70, Banglamung (Pattaya) 75, Panat Nikhom 28, Sattahip 52, Ban Bueang 15, Phan Thong 17, Ko Chan 1, Nong Yai 1, soldiers in Sattahip 64, and 36 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 64 cases
2. Cluster, Zing Whor Thai company in Banglamung, 5 cases
3. Cluster, Angthong Building Co., Ltd. in Banglamung, 4 cases
4. Cluster, Vanda Pac in Mueang Chonburi 4 cases
5. Many establishments in Rayong Province brought to Chonburi for medical care, 29 cases
6. A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 5 cases
7. 2 medical staff
8. Back from a risky area in Rayong – 6 cases
9. Close contacts of confirmed patients in the family – 121 cases, in workplaces – 74 cases, friends – 19 cases, and joined parties – 2 case
10. Close contacts of confirmed patients (under investigation), 26 cases
11. 73 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease

Will European tourists return to SE Asia? Europeans ‘just don’t bring much money’ Frederick Kliem, a research fellow and lecturer at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said he didn’t think that European tourists would be key in the considerations of Southeast Asian tourism industries.“Europeans will always travel and will always be welcome — they just don’t bring much money to the overall tourism income,” he said. Bangkok Jack

It's little wonder Southeast Asia is now in a rush to welcome back tourists: In 2019, the tourism sector was worth $393 billion (€340 billion) for the regional economy. Tourism accounted for about a third of Cambodia's GDP and one-fifth of Thailand's.

But the coronavirus pandemic has hit hard. The region welcomed 143 million tourists in 2019, but this collapsed by 81% last year, bringing down visitors to just 26.1 million, mostly from neighboring states, according to data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

In 2019, the UK accounted for the 13th-largest share of tourists in the region, with 3.1 million British travelers visiting Southeast Asia. Some 2.1 million Germans and 2 million French also visited the region, according to ASEAN data.

Europeans, excluding Russians, accounted for just 5.9% of the 143 million tourists who visited Southeast Asia in 2019. This was down from 6.4% in 2015 and 7.8% in 2010.

Europeans 'just don't bring much money'

Frederick Kliem, a research fellow and lecturer at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said he didn't think that European tourists would be key in the considerations of Southeast Asian tourism industries.

"Europeans will always travel and will always be welcome — they just don't bring much money to the overall tourism income," he said.

Thailand in July launched a so-called sandbox scheme on Phuket, its most popular beach island. Since early October, Thailand has halved the quarantine period for fully jabbed visitors, to seven days. Bangkok, the Thai capital, including five other tourism destinations, will reopen to sandbox schemes from November. Most other areas will open in December.

Vietnam wants to open Phu Quoc island as a sandbox scheme from next month. Cambodia, which has the region's second-highest vaccination rates, expects to welcome back tourists by the end of the year.

Malaysia and the Philippines are also looking into ways of kick-starting the vital part of their economies, although Kuala Lumpur's newly passed Tourism Recovery Plan focused first on domestic tourism.

"Before the pandemic hit, Southeast Asia inbound arrivals were predominantly from Asian countries," said a spokesperson for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), an industry body. Chinese people accounted for 21% of all inbound tourists to the region, Singaporeans were 10%, and South Koreans made up 7%. In 2010, just 5.4 million Chinese visited the region. By 2019, it was up to around 32 million, according to official data.

Chinese nationals vital for tourism

The difficult question for Southeast Asian officials and businesses is whether what was true in 2019 will be true in the coming years.

In May, the Economist Intelligence Unit forecast that China would have vaccinated 60% of its population by the second quarter of 2022, but quarantine requirements for returning tourists won't be eased until late 2022, first for travelers from Hong Kong and Macau, and then in 2023 for people traveling from other countries.

It expected China's outbound tourism to return to pre-pandemic levels in early 2024.

This is a big problem for Southeast Asia economies. Thailand, for instance, saw the number of Chinese tourists fall by 88.6% in 2020, compared with the previous year. According to the UN's World Tourism Organization, Chinese tourists spent $254.6 billion overseas in 2019, accounting for around one-fifth of global tourism spending.

Last month, new Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob received mixed reviews after he argued that ASEAN should create a "travel bubble" with China for fully vaccinated tourists. "By doing this, we will be in a much better position to revive not only the tourism industry, but also our people-to-people connectivity," he said.

Some analysts, however, say it's premature to talk about Southeast Asian tourism sectors ever returning to pre-pandemic norms.

"Tourism as we knew it will not return," Kliem said. "What will henceforth always be required is full vaccination, including boosters, and tracking apps. Neither Singapore nor Malaysia will ever drop these requirements again," he added.

"The easy, virtually unrestricted travel we are accustomed to will never return to the same degree. New and permanent regulations will make it much more burdensome, and pricier," he said.

This will be a concern for Chinese tourists. The Economist Intelligence Unit report noted that they "will be drawn to countries that they see as safe and which offer an easy visa application process."

Opening quarantine-free travel could be key

If Chinese tourists cannot be expected to return en masse for several years, Southeast Asian governments and industry bodies must pay attention to previously less-important tourism markets, analysts said.

Steven Schipani, the principal tourism industry specialist for the Asian Development Bank's Southeast Asia Regional Department, said the pandemic had shown the importance of market diversification.

"Southeast Asian countries will redouble their efforts to attract visitors from diverse source markets, including those in Europe," he said.

"The region is an incredibly popular long-haul destination for European travelers, so opening borders to Europeans is critical," the WTTC spokesperson said, adding that Europe is recovering faster than many other regions because of high vaccination rates and recently relaxed travel restrictions.

In August, Singapore opened its first quarantine-free travel program for vaccinated people with Germany. The city-state opened Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) with France, Italy, Spain and the UK this week, allowing for quarantine-free travel.

Are some countries opening too early?

The measures have sparked concerns that Southeast Asian countries are reopening to tourists too early. One big problem is vaccine inequality, said Abhishek Rimal, the Asia-Pacific emergency health coordinator at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Though Singapore and Cambodia have fully vaccinated about 80% and 66% of their populations, respectively, less than a quarter of people in Indonesia and the Philippines have been vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Thailand, the country most reliant on tourism, has fully vaccinated just a third of its population.

"There is a critical balancing act taking place in Asia every day between the devastating infection rates and death toll, and the huge impact this pandemic is having on the casual labor force and daily wage earners, including many who rely on income or the flow on from the tourism industry," Rimal said. 

Kingdom 'ready' for reopening. Bangkok Post

Kingdom 'ready' for reopening

Air passengers check in at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province on Sept 22. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday urged the public, businesses and government to cooperate in preparing for the country's reopening to fully vaccinated tourists next month.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has also eased additional virus curbs, including shortening nighttime curfew hours starting on Saturday

Speaking after chairing a CCSA meeting, Gen Prayut confirmed that Thailand is ready for the reopening. It will go ahead as planned on Nov 1 and more restrictions will be relaxed on Dec 1, he said.

Gen Prayut said disease control measures will stay in place to build confidence among Thailand's international visitors.

"We will spend the remaining time in October and November considering the reopening of the country and easing curbs on businesses and activities based on recommendations from the Public Health Ministry," he said. "Right now, visitors from several countries want to travel to Thailand, but we must tread carefully.

"What I want to declare today is that everyone should join hands," the prime minister said. "I also want to ask for cooperation from the public. This will be a small start for people so they can resume making a living.

"When Thais join forces, they will always do things beyond expectations. I know everyone is working hard to make sure this [reopening] will happen," Gen Prayut said.

"I am here to confirm our readiness to join hands and bring Thai tourism back to life. I want to seek cooperation from the public to tell the world how well-prepared Thailand is for the reopening."

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the CCSA, said it decided on Thursday to allow fully vaccinated people from Britain, the United States, Germany, Singapore and China to visit the kingdom, if they can pass an RT-PCR test before they arrive from Nov 1 to Dec 31.

Travellers from these five countries are considered as having a low risk of spreading Covid-19, he said, noting they will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

The number of destinations opened to tourists will also be expanded from four provinces -- Phuket and parts of Surat Thani, Phangnga and Krabi -- to 15 provinces of economic significance from Nov 1-30.

The 15 provinces would include all of Bangkok, Samut Prakan (only Suvarnabhumi airport), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin district) and all of Krabi and Phangnga, Dr Taweesilp said.

From Dec 1, another 16 major provinces would reopen, including Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Phrae and Sukhothai, he said. The operations committee of the CCSA had yet to finalise the entire list of the additional provinces, Dr Taweesilp said.

The CCSA on Thursday also announced that starting tomorrow, the number of dark-red provinces of maximum and strict Covid-19 control will be cut from 29 to 23, and the nighttime curfew will be shortened. More businesses also can resume.

The number of red provinces of maximum control will also decline from 37 to 30, and orange-coded provinces will rise from 11 to 24.

The 23 dark-red provinces will include Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachin Buri, and Pattani.

In dark-red zones, the curfew will be eased to 11pm to 3am for at least the next 15 days, instead of the current 10pm-4am. Convenience stores and markets could open until 10pm, and amusement areas could reopen.

Cinemas, eateries, theatres, stadiums, public parks and shopping centres could stay open until 10pm. Daycare centres for elderly people could reopen, and public transport vehicles could make use of all passenger seats.

Trade, convention and exhibition centres and the like at hotels and department stores could organise meetings of up to 500 people, but food would have to be served in individual servings, and people must wear face masks. Meetings would be limited to two hours and end by 10pm.

Shopping centres, except those in dark-red zones, would be able to reopen their arcades.

Entertainment venues will remain closed, including pubs and karaoke parlours, because of the high risk of disease transmission, Dr Taweesilp said.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, who was also present at the CCSA's meeting on Thursday, said this was a positive signal for all sectors to prepare measures to reduce infection risks and move the economy forward.

🔴 #COVID19 on Friday: ⬇️ 10,486 new cases ⬆️ 3,577 probable cases (ATK) ⬇️ 94 deaths. Richard Barrow



Bangkok Post highlights 15/10



From October 16th. Bangkok Post