Thai Prime Minister insist Vigorous Screening of Foreigners Arriving under “Travel Bubble” Scheme

The Prime Minister of Thailand, expressing his concerns about the future resumption of international travel under the Travel Bubble scheme, stressed vigorous screening of foreigners arriving under the proposed “Travel Bubble” Scheme.

The “Travel Bubble” is a proposed limited resumption of international travel to and from countries where a bilateral agreements are made. Most of the countries opening their borders to foreigners are adopting this selective approach to contain the import and spread of coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, discussed the proposed Travel Bubble scheme, saying that Thailand must be prepared to allow the resumption of international travel, with the other countries involved carefully considered, and adding that a mutual agreement must be reached, to ensure compliance with public health measures.

The Prime Minister said the government is concerned about the economic prospects of international aviation and the country’s external revenue.

He said though Covid-19 restrictions are being eased, however that all businesses must remain strict with their precautionary measures in order to minimize the persistent risk of a new viral outbreak.

The Thai government strict implementation of Covid-19 preventive measures has largely got the local outbreak under control in late May, early June. There hasn’t been a locally transmitted case in Thailand for 40 days.

Thais are now making more domestic trips, with many hotels reporting a slow return of customers, thanks to the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions. But tourist locations, like Pattaya and Phuket, remain quiet due to their popularity with foreign visitors.