PM in talks to reopen country for foreign tourists
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday he was in talks with state agencies on how to open the country to foreign tourists after the Covid-19 situation improves.
Being discussed are the timing for reopening and which provinces will be the first to open for foreign tourists.
The first phase may only see a small number of tourists allowed into the country and their areas of possible travel limited, he added.
The Thai Hotel Association (THA) recently urged the government to reopen the country to foreigners, as hotels struggle with near-zero occupancy rates and some small operators are forced to close.
THA chairwoman Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi said the government should focus on specific countries or cities and come up with promotions to bring back tourists.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said Thailand is focusing on online trade and boosting border trade.
The ministry's public-private committee will meet next week to seeks ways to boost exports and border trade volume.
