Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled that the first group of tourists from Shanghai will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport later today at approximately 17:00. This group of 41 Chinese tourists are holding Special Tourist Visa (STV), and there will be another batch of about 100 visitors from Guangzhou coming in on October 26. The authority confirms that there will be no welcoming ceremony at the airport.
According to Voice TV, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn believed that these two batches of Chinese tourists would greatly benefit Thailand's economy, because Loy Krathong Festival was imminent and these vacationers could help boosting the local businesses, especially ones around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province where a major Loy Krathong fair takes place during October 29 and 31.
Regarding preventive measures for COVID-19, Mr. Yuthasak insisted that these travelers must undergo thorough examinations, including multiple screens for the virus, and 14-day quarantine at the government's designated accommodations. They also have to follow every preventive measure such as tracking applications like all Thai citizens.
The governor also revealed that the authority is currently working on allowing more international flights into Thailand. However, they are still figuring out where the next destinations of these tourist prospects should be. Buriram, Chonburi, Prachinburi, Phuket, and Samui are among the names.