Update July 1: The promo video has been removed.
The still-climbing number of COVID-19 cases isn’t stopping Thai officials from celebrating the return of tourism.
With the country having just reimposed tight restrictions to flatten the curve, the Tourism Authority of Thailand today released a new video to promote the country’s reopening.
Dubbed Thailand now open, the 2-minute-long video runs like a “best hits” montage. In one scene, you spot a couple enjoying sit-down dining at Le Du with chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn in the background, despite the ban on doing exactly that across Bangkok. Another scene features indoor action shots at Nana Coffee Roasters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE8I0b_JlV4
Since the launch of the video, many have aired their grievances over government officials promoting tourism while the country suffers.
“This is such a shame,” YouTube user Urylia Greenleaf wrote. “Thailand is not ready to accept tourists. We still have many people who are infected with COVID-19 and die every day. Why would you put a picture of a skater everywhere? Our roads are not suitable for anyone to surf.”
Another user, Hanis tahe, shared similar frustrations: “Thailand is still not really open. Everybody must stay in quarantine for 2 weeks even if they are fully vaccinated.”
“As long as you don’t provide tourists with better vaccines like mRNA, admit no one in their right mind would like to come here. More than half of Thai people still remain unvaccinated; Even those who are vaccinated [with Sinovac] are virtually defenseless since it doesn’t stop the spread of the virus,” Paknam 536 wrote.
The final rules for the Phuket plan; which allow tourists, Thais and resident expats to enter the kingdom via the resort island starting Thursday; were finalized yesterday in the Royal Gazette. Among notable conditions: Returning residents must have been abroad at least 21 days (sorry vaccine tourists), they must pay in advance for three COVID-19 tests (So long, THB8,000!) even if they have proof of vaccination and carry US$100,000 worth of health insurance.
With partial lockdowns affecting restaurants and bars in the Thai capital, the traveling experience currently can be spent in the protection of luxury hotels and food delivery. Considering the current situation, the chances of reopening the whole country by October are murky, at best.
This story originally appeared in BK.
Related:
SNAPU: Knowns, unknowns and WTFs to Phuket’s ‘reopening’
Phuket says it’s back on track to reopen quarantine-free in 6 weeks
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