Thailand reopens to fully vaccinated foreign tourists today (Monday) following 18 months of Covid curbs.
Fully jabbed travellers from more than 60 “low-risk” nations including the UK and Ireland are allowed to enter the country and avoid hotel quarantine.
Tourist numbers are forecast to rise to as much as 15 million next year, bringing in more than $30 billion, but down on the 40 million annual visitors prior to the pandemic.
However, much of country still faces restrictions, with only around 42% of the population fully-vaccinated.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Phuket’s international airport will be the first to receive visitors under the relaxation, with the rest of the country following suit.
Vaccinated tourists previously had to undergo at least seven days hotel quarantine.
Tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said: “In 2023, we believe the revenues will be close with the figure of the year 2019.”