With the Kingdom of Thailand’s recognition of coming first out of 184 nations worldwide for its effective handling of the Covid-19 virus, Thailand prides itself on being ready for the ‘New Normal’.
This, of course, includes keeping social distancing, wearing a mask or cloth mask, and frequently washing hands. Avoid close contact with other persons, no hugging, especially with vulnerable groups like the elderly, or those who have underlying conditions, because it can increase the infection rate and potentially lead to severe disease more easily than in other groups.
- The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced the reopening of 127 national parks and put the New Normal measures in place throughout the country. Travellers must make a reservation online via the QueQ application in advance to limit the overcrowding of visitors in each place.
- Tourism attractions such as zoos, have adapted to a New Normal with measures to prevent the coronavirus disease. Zoos that have opened are Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chiang Mai Zoo, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, Songkhla Zoo and Khon Kaen Zoo, to name a few, and they have capped visitor numbers at 2 000 per day. On arrival, visitors must have their temperature checked and register their entry on the Thai Chana online platform, as well as check-out on exit.
- Four attractions in the Sattahip Naval Base have been awarded the Amazing Thailand SHA certificate, further affirming the city’s ability to manage and operate activities for the return of safe and healthy travel. The four tourist attractions that are open are the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Thai Island and Sea Nature History Museum Sai Kaeo beach and Nang Ram Rong Beaches.
- Bangkok’s leading commercial business centre, the Ratchaprasong, including the world-class shopping and tourist district, also received the SHA certification to facilitate the shift to the New Normal, boost the economy, and send a clear message to prospective foreign tourists that Thailand is ready to welcome and support them with internationally recognised health and safety standards.
- Street food is part of Thailand’s food culture, and there are many places scattered around the capital city where one can taste street food day and night. It reflects not only their vibrant culinary scene but also the current travel and tourism atmosphere in the country. Each street food area has its unique ambience and identity. All street food places are open in Thailand, and tourists need not worry as all eateries will be extra mindful about cleanliness and hygiene. To top it off, CNN has placed Bangkok on its list of 23 cities with the best street food despite this time of COVID-19. The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand took to the streets to see what the New Normal of street food is like in Thailand and savour the delights.
In order to keep up to date with Thailand’s POST COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN, we encourage you to register online with the THAILAND EXPERT portal http://www.thailandexpert.co.za All new registrants will receive an AMAZING THAILAND facemask which will be delivered to your home address.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is represented in South Africa by Lesley Simpson Communications. For further information, please contact: tel: +27 11 463 8195, fax: +27 11 463 8196, email: info@lscpr.co.za
