Details
Thai Deputy Prime Minister: Ready to discuss reopening tourism with China
06-17
Thailand Headlines News Agency reported on June 15 that Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about the "travel bubble" plan during an interview. Anutin revealed that the Ministry of Public Health is currently discussing partner countries for the travel bubble plan, aiming for reciprocal tourism with countries where the domestic epidemic is not severe and that have efficiently and successfully managed the epidemic. There might be restrictions on the categories of travelers. This plan will then be submitted to the National COVID-19 Management Center for discussion and approval by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
Furthermore, Anutin stated: If someone brings the virus in, it can be treated, and they will not be given the opportunity to spread it to the public, which would make the public uneasy. Moreover, preparations are now underway to discuss the travel bubble plan with the embassies of China, Singapore, New Zealand, and South Korea in Thailand, taking into account not only public opinion but also various economic factors.
Additionally, according to Ms. Thaisuri Thapthong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, firmly believes in Thailand's potential to manage the COVID-19 epidemic and its tourism, which is why he is promoting the "travel bubble" plan. This involves mutual passage between countries that have successfully controlled the epidemic, a new type of bilateral tourism cooperation method that is currently attracting global attention, and the plan has also received approval from the National COVID-19 Management Center. Currently, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand are in preliminary discussions about the plan to reach conclusions for its implementation, including discussing target partner countries and operational procedures. A detailed plan will be presented again for discussion at the COVID-19 Management Center meeting on June 17th.
In addition, she stated: Both the Thai and global economies have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports hopes that the "travel bubble plan" can become a new starting point for welcoming foreign visitors, especially since Thailand has done well in its COVID-19 response. The first phase of the "travel bubble" plan will be open to businesspeople and individuals entering for medical services, with an estimated 1,000 arrivals expected daily. If the first phase proceeds smoothly and the epidemic is well-controlled, then discussions will be held to welcome other types of tourists.
Latest News
