Thailand has curbed the COVID 19 pandemic very well in the country and was ranked number one in the world out of the 184 countries for its ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort, according to the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI). Thailand received an index score of 82.06, putting it on top of the global chart as an example of best practices in tackling the ongoing global pandemic. The situation continues to be good with not many cases reported for the past few months. As for the air-bubble agreement with India, there are on-going negotiations between the two countries and we are hopeful of the talks coming thru, keeping in consideration the COVID situation in both India as well as Thailand.
There is no doubt that tourism to Thailand from India and all over the world has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many service providers and tourism products have gone through difficult times due to a complete halt in tourism. There has hardly been any travel between both the countries (except for repatriation flights) since the pandemic. Now Thailand is slowly opening up for international travellers under the special Tourist visa and single entry Tourist Visa schemes under strict public health measures in order to keep both visitors and locals safe and healthy. However we are certain that the industry will bounce back better and stronger and Thailand will continue to remain a most favoured country for Indians and welcome Indian tourists with open arms.
India is a very important market for Thailand and stands at number six in the overall arrivals. Indians also remain as one of the highest spenders in Thailand. In 2019, the country welcomed almost 2 million Indian tourists, making Thailand one of the top destinations for Indians to visit. Thailand is also the number one destination for Golfers, Indian weddings and celebrations including honeymoon. We were recently awarded the “Best Honeymoon destination” by Travel & Leisure India & South Asia annual “India’s Best Awards 2020” In the publication’s Readers’ choice online voting, Thailand was identified as a “must- experience” honeymoon destination for 2021.
Going forward, we are certain that the outbound traffic from India to Thailand will reach pre Covid-19 levels once the country opens up next year. By summer of 2021 we hope to welcome international tourists to Thailand. TAT has taken several measures to ensure safety and hygiene as priority for all tourists visiting Thailand. Keeping the “New Normal” of travelling in mind, TAT has introduced “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” or SHA Certification. This is aimed at elevating the country’s tourism industry standards and developing confidence among domestic and international tourists. The Amazing Thailand SHA Certification is to prepare Thai travel and hospitality business to be ready for the return of tourism post COVID-19.
Thailand at present is issuing STV ( Special Tourist Visa), which is a special visa created during the Covid-19 Pandemic for long stay tourists who would like to travel in Thailand for at least 30 days. Foreigners will be able to apply for this visa until 30 September 2021 and can stay up to 90 days and get extension two times making a stay up to 270 days.
