Since 5 September 2021, Hua Hin has had 66,558 vaccines or 73% of the target population. One criterion for secure reopening is Vaccination rates.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chair of Hua Hin Recharge, confirmed at a press conference that Hua Hin is on track to reopen in October, allowing international visitors who have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus to visit without having to go through the mandatory quarantine period.
“Regarding the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s goal of 120-day deadline for fully reopening Thailand, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport has proceeded with the plans and achieved the reopening of phase one with the Phuket Sandbox. Hence, we are moving forward to phase two – starting with the list of 5 pilot areas including Bangkok, Chonburi, Petchaburi, Prachuab Khiri Khan and Chiang Mai for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s approval,” Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.
He stated, “The key factors include the area’s readiness, which has been seen in Hua Hin and importantly the number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand in mid-September. If it shows a significant decrease and is under control, the ministry will proceed for approval from the CCSA. By the deadline, the 5 pilot areas are expected to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to over 70% of their population.”
He continued, “Additionally, the ministry will propose to decrease number of quarantine days from 14 days to 7 days. As reported from the Phuket Sandbox up to this date, from over 25,000 travellers, the Covid cases found in incoming travellers was only 80 cases or 0.3% and 80% of them were screened out by the first test.”
Despite the fact that Hua Hin met its goal, the province of Prachuab Khiri Khan’s immunization rate remains at 45.8% of the population aged 18 and up. The province, on the other hand, is optimistic that the goal immunization rate will be met by the time of the planned reopening.
“The most important thing to re-opening is the herd immunity. Petchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan, as a connecting route, need to be provided sufficient vaccines. However, as stated, both areas could evidently meet the timeline. This accomplishment could also lead to some restriction relaxing for a smooth environment for tourism, such as dining in restaurants and bars, tourism activities and traveling around in the area. The preparation and plans or SOP are required to be on set.” Minister Phiphat said.
The goal of reopening is to ensure the area’s safety for both domestic and inbound visitors. The government must strike a balance. With Rao Tiew Duay Kan phase 3 and Tour Tiew Thai goal, which will be submitted to the National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand’s Tourism Authority hopes to promote domestic tourism in the fourth quarter.
According to Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of Thailand’s Tourism Authority, inbound tourism is planned to restart in the pilot regions in order to welcome a minimum of a million foreign visitors in the remaining months of 2021. The average cost per person is also increased from 50,000 THB to 75,000 THB per person each trip under COVID-19.
