BANGKOK, THAILAND – With the onslaught of the COVID-19 in Asia, Europe and the rest of the world, it’s easy to think that any existing or future travel plans will have to take the backseat. While proper observance of hygiene and preventive practices will always be at the forefront of the fight against the virus (aside from boosting one’s immunity to diseases), several countries expecting tourists remain staunch in their efforts to make sure that both citizens and visitors alike enjoy peace, health, and security while on vacation amidst this virus.
Thankful for the slew of travel bookings to Thailand in the next few months despite the ongoing pandemic, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reassures the public that the country has strong preventive measures set in place while the world seeks containment of COVID-19.
Set forth in place by the Department of Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, 33 airports within the country—including the five major entry points Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi airports—are fully equipped with health surveillance systems, thermal scans and stepped-up hygiene measures covering all areas of the airport. Airport staff, personnel, tenants and individuals coming in and out of Thai airports undergo strict surveillance, with exceptions. It is important to note that more stringent health monitoring measures on Covid-19 are in place at all entry Checkpoints (air/land/sea) from infected countries into Thailand by the Ministry of Public Health (Thailand) for the well-being of its visitors and residents.
Outside the airport, the rest of Thailand is expected to comply with higher standards of cleanliness, hygiene and disease prevention, especially in government offices, commercial areas and public transport. Since the start of the year, the Ministry of Public Health has been releasing health guidelines and recommendations for private individuals to follow, as well as for restaurants, hotels, public or communal areas, malls, food stalls, petrol stations, as well as buses, rapid transit vehicles, ferries, and all other means of public transportation.
Even with COVID-19, Thai people will still solemnly celebrate Songkran. It’s their version of New Year’s celebration and it is held every April 13-15. For the safety of everyone, all popular tourist activities are cancelled. Meanwhile, another one of the most-awaited festivals in Thailand is Lou Krathong—a Thai celebration paying respect to the Goddess of Water—falls on the 12th month in the traditional Thai Lunar calendar which will fall on October 31, 2020.Thailand continues to welcome tourist to visit within these periods, but invites all visitors to be updates on information about Thailand and advisories by the Ministry of Public Health (Thailand) through www.tatnews.org, www.moph.go.th and https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php. Follow the Tourism Authority of Thailand at facebook.com/TATPhilippines.
