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 9