Is Thailand Still Open to Tourists?

After World War II, tourism became a much more common phenomenon. Especially for countries with amazing nature and that managed their tourism marketing well. Thailand happened to be a USA ally in the Vietnam War in the 1960s and early 1970s. By that time the people of Thailand began to understand the concept of tourism; as large numbers of GIs played on the beach, searched for interesting food and explored the beautiful architecture and natural sights of the country. Later on, after the Cold War had ended, larger numbers of international tourists came to Thailand every year.

Although some tourism experts believe that quality tourism offers a better ROI than quantity tourism, business analysts and the government like the climbing number of tourists every year. Whether large or small numbers, they are all a financial resource that partially and significantly help to boost the country’s economy. Before covid hit the world in 2020, in 2019, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million international visitors. Quite an impressive number.

Does Thailand Still Allow Tourism in 2021?

Yes, Thailand is still open to tourists. Both Thailand’s government and private sectors, always wants to welcome tourists. The new coronavirus has created devastating impact (mostly political) that the whole world has had to accept to slowly curb or stop the “pandemic”.

On and off border closure in many countries were also applied to Thailand during regional outbreaks from time to time. The situation seems better (lower patients, low death toll) near the end of 2020 up to early 2021, with officials claiming that with vaccines coming things will get better soon. Many foreign visitors also took the vaccine already, so, tourism should be on track of back to normal although at the moment (April 2021) foreigners are still required to be in quarantine for 14 days before they enjoy traveling in Thailand.

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Can foreign businessmen, sportsmen, tourists, students, and/or spouses of Thai citizens enter Thailand?

The short answer is Yes. Not only tourism, business, sport activities and students from foreign lands who want to study in Thailand are also welcome with education visas even during this time. ED visas for studying course like Thai language, massage, self-defense, Buddhist teachings, etc. can be obtained by school’s staff as part of their duty to help their customers. These types of visas allow them to stay as long as they are completing their study.

At the moment can tourists enter Thailand as easily as previously?

The short answer is No. Foreign travelers, although welcomed, still need to deal with a lot of restrictions. All types of visitors whether they be a tourist, businessman, retired person, medical tourist, marriage with Thai spouse, student, academic exchange, etc. must conform to the new rules.

However, with some recent rule changes for those who were vaccinated with a certified vaccine, the number of days for quarantine can be lowered from 14 days to 7 days. And those who are not vaccinated but are from countries free from Covid-19 mutations, the quarantine period is 10 days. A recent outbreak from Bangkok in early April 2021 caused a little panic but relevant authorities and parties are trying to bring situation to normal; and foreign visitors are still welcomed.