Thailand to reopen for some vaccinated tourists from November

Thailand plans to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists from countries deemed low risk from 1 November, the country’s leader said, citing the urgent need to save the kingdom’s ailing economy. Before the pandemic, Thailand attracted nearly 40m visitors a year drawn to its picturesque beaches and robust nightlife, with tourism making up almost 20% of its national income. But Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years. Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced Monday the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from “low risk countries”. The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany and Singapore. “When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test ... and test once again upon arrival,” the prime minister said in a televised address. After getting a negative test, “they can travel freely like Thais,” he said. His announcement significantly loosens up current restrictions in place for vaccinated tourists, who must undergo at least seven days hotel quarantine.<br/>