Thailand welcomes tourists on cruise ships, yachts

 

Last week, Thailand welcomed the arrival of the first group of tourists from Shanghai after imposing a permanent tourist ban since April this year. (AP Photo / Decoration)

BANGKOK: The Thai Cabinet on Wednesday approved the entry of cruise ships and foreign yachts into the country, in an effort to revitalize the tourism sector badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy government spokesman Traisuree Taisaranakul said the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha yesterday, had agreed to allow cruise ships and yachts from low- and middle-risk countries to enter the country.

He said all passengers on board should adhere to strict health measures imposed by the government including undergoing a 14-day quarantine and obtaining health insurance covering COVID-19 and other diseases amounting to US $ 100,000 or equivalent.

"Cruise and yacht passengers will be given a Special Tourist Visa (STV) worth 2,000 baht. They are allowed to extend the visa for up to 90 days for twice," he told a press conference here yesterday.

However, Traisuree did not elaborate further on when the initiative will begin.

Last week, Thailand welcomed the arrival of the first group of tourists from Shanghai after imposing a permanent tourist ban since April this year.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday also approved an extension of another month, an emergency order until the end of November.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the eighth extension was aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 effectively in the country.

To date Thailand has recorded 3,759 COVID-19 cases with 59 deaths.