Thailand considering using golf resorts for quarantine to attract more tourists

Thailand-considering-using-golf-resorts-for-quarantine-to-attract-more-tourists
Photo: Black Mountain Golf Resort

On Monday, January 11, Thailand’s Tourism Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, confirmed that a new plan to boost tourism is being discussed.  

The country is about to allow foreigners to spend quarantine in some of its selected hotel and golf resorts. Tourists will not have to spend the mandatory 14-day insolation period at hotel rooms anymore. 

Instead, they will be able to freely move inside the facility and take part in some activities such as playing golf.

The proposal is being discussed with the Public Health Ministry and the country’s Coronavirus Task Force. It is also waiting for the cabinet’s approval.

Thailand-considering-using-golf-resorts-for-quarantine-to-attract-tourists
Luxury Resort Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand

The idea follows Thailand’s drastic drop in tourism since the beginning of the pandemic. The country fully reopened its borders for visitors in November 2020. However, the numbers remain low. 

Thailand saw zero foreign visitors in September 2020. Nevertheless, from October until the end of December, it welcomed nearly 10,000 travelers.

Similarly, the country launched a new Special Tourist Visa (STV) for long-stay travelers in October 2020. Those should also help recover the local tourism industry.

Applicants must present a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and proof of medical and travel insurance. 

All incomers must, as well, present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken no more than 72 hours before the flight.

Moreover, all visitors must quarantine. Therefore, Applicants should present confirmation of their ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine in designated hotels in Bangkok) or ALQ (Alternative Local Quarantine in accredited hotels in Chonburi or Prachinburi) with proof of payment in their COE (Certificate of Entry).

Thailand has been one of the countries with the least COVID-19 infections thanks to their strict lockdown measurements. However, there were several coronavirus resurgences throughout the country by the end of the last year.

So far, the country has reported 10,298 total cases and 67 deaths. At the moment, there are 3,803 active cases.

Thailand-to-use-golf-resorts-for-quarantine-to-attract-more-tourists