Thailand Continues Cautious Reopening

Thailand is continuing to cautiously reopen the entire country, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Canadian office reminding people that as of Nov. 1, fully vaccinated travellers are able to enter without having to quarantine under a “Test & Go” program.

The Thai government requires tourists to get a PCR test upon arrival in Thailand and wait for the test result at the SHA+approved hotel. Those that test negative will then be free to “go anywhere you want,” Kayla Shubert of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Canadian office told a Tuesday Toronto gathering.

Shubert’s colleague Viktor Spysak reported that next year has been declared “Visit Thailand Year 2022” and “we expect to have a lot of exciting promotions and events.”

Fall saw Spysak lead a fam trip to the popular resort destination of Phuket and “I would say…it was the best experience ever.”

Hotel deals are available and the fewer tourists found these days means social distancing is easy in a country that has implemented safety protocols, he said.

The pandemic has meant far fewer tourists visiting Thailand this year and last, which in turn means nature in the tropical country “has had time to rejuvenate,” the gathering was told.

Those on hand saw a video that featured such iconic Thailand sights as beaches, jungle, wildlife and Buddhist temples, with video narration saying Thailand is “bigger, brighter and better than ever before.”

The tourist authority noted that the venue for Tuesday’s event — midtown Toronto’s PAI restaurant — was a showcase for Thailand as it serves authentic Thai food.

In the photo

Seen here are Lisa Lau of Okushu Tours, Spysak, Thara Vanaprasert and Misty Khaola-iead of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Linda Warner and Moira Smith of Goway, Lorna Gaweco of Jade Tours, Harold Ho of Royal Scenic, Vincent Veerasuntharam of Suvara Travels Canada Inc., Tres Lobo of Dan Tours, Shubert and Jenni Berg of Contiki Holidays.