<p>Thailand plans to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from countries deemed low risk from November 1, Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said Monday.</p>.<p>Before the pandemic, the kingdom attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year drawn to its picturesque beaches and robust nightlife, with tourism making up almost 20 percent of its national income.</p>.<p>But Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years.</p>.<p><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/tag/covid-19"><strong>SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE ONLY ON DH</strong></a></p>.<p>Prayut announced Monday in a televised address the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from "low risk countries".</p>.<p>The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany and Singapore.</p>.<p>"When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test... and test once again upon arrival," the prime minister said.</p>.<p>After getting a negative test, "they can travel freely like Thais," he said.</p>.<p>His announcement significantly loosens up current restrictions in place for vaccinated tourists, who must undergo at least seven days quarantine in a hotel.</p>.<p>Thailand's so-called "sandbox" scheme in Phuket -- which allows vaccinated tourists to move freely around the popular beach island -- currently requires them to remain there for a week.</p>.<p>Visitors outside of Thailand's designated 10 low-risk countries are welcome, "but they have to be in quarantine," said Prayut, adding that more nations would be added to the greenlit list in December.</p>.<p>He acknowledged the decision came with the risk of more coronavirus cases.</p>.<p>"But I think the people will not able to stand it if they have to lose a second chance at this business opportunity."</p>.<p>Last year, Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 percent to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million two years ago.</p>.<p>Currently, the kingdom has more than 1.7 million cases, and has recorded 17,751 dead.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>Thailand plans to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from countries deemed low risk from November 1, Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha said Monday.</p>.<p>Before the pandemic, the kingdom attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year drawn to its picturesque beaches and robust nightlife, with tourism making up almost 20 percent of its national income.</p>.<p>But Covid-related travel restrictions have left the economy battered, contributing to its worst performance in more than 20 years.</p>.<p><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/tag/covid-19"><strong>SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE ONLY ON DH</strong></a></p>.<p>Prayut announced Monday in a televised address the country will be reopening its borders to vaccinated tourists travelling by air from "low risk countries".</p>.<p>The 10 nations considered low risk include Britain, the United States, China, Germany and Singapore.</p>.<p>"When they arrive, they should present a (negative) Covid test... and test once again upon arrival," the prime minister said.</p>.<p>After getting a negative test, "they can travel freely like Thais," he said.</p>.<p>His announcement significantly loosens up current restrictions in place for vaccinated tourists, who must undergo at least seven days quarantine in a hotel.</p>.<p>Thailand's so-called "sandbox" scheme in Phuket -- which allows vaccinated tourists to move freely around the popular beach island -- currently requires them to remain there for a week.</p>.<p>Visitors outside of Thailand's designated 10 low-risk countries are welcome, "but they have to be in quarantine," said Prayut, adding that more nations would be added to the greenlit list in December.</p>.<p>He acknowledged the decision came with the risk of more coronavirus cases.</p>.<p>"But I think the people will not able to stand it if they have to lose a second chance at this business opportunity."</p>.<p>Last year, Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue as foreign arrivals plunged 83 percent to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million two years ago.</p>.<p>Currently, the kingdom has more than 1.7 million cases, and has recorded 17,751 dead.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>