Dhaka: Thailand is eyeing a four-phase reopening starting from April this year, with the relaxation of quarantine rules for arrivals. However, the country might not fully reopen to foreign tourists till January 2022, according to the latest recovery plan proposed by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The recovery plan includes four reopening stages starting with the “Wellness Leisure area Q and Hotel Q” scheduled to start on April 1 and to continue to the end of May. Under this latest proposal, tourists from UAE, Israel, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Russia staying in five provinces will be eligible for relaxed quarantine rules. The five provinces that are eligible for eased quarantine rules are Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani (Samui, Tao, and Phangan islands) Chonburi (Pattaya), and Chiang Mai.

Also, groups of one to four tourists must stay in their room for the first three days, and then they will be allowed to access hotel facilities from the fourth day until the rest of the quarantine period.

Currently, tourists staying in quarantine are given limited access (around 1 hour per day) to some of the hotel facilities after their first negative COVID-19 test conducted on the fourth day. Access to more activities and facilities are allowed after the second COVID-19 test on the twelve day.

Phase 1: April and May

During this phase, tourists will be able to enjoy fitness facilities, swim, and go on cycle rides on the grounds. Tourists are also allowed to eat food delivered from outside the hotels.

Phase 2: June to September

In this phase, tourists will be allowed access to an exclusive travel area or “seal route” while doing Area Quarantine for 10 days. Once they completed their quarantine, they can travel anywhere in Thailand.

The plan is to have Area Quarantine in Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani (Khon Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan), Phangnga, and Bangkok.

Phase 3: October to December

Also known as the “SandBox” reopening phase, this phase will have seven specified tourism provinces that are mostly by the sea where tourists that completed vaccination must test negative and stay in quarantine for a day. Moreover, the required Certificate of Entry document will be replaced by a vaccine certificate.

Phase 4: January 2022 onwards

This phase will see the “Sand Box” reopening phase all throughout the country. Also, tourists will be able to come for a stay of 45 days (up from the previous 30) or utilize Special Tourist Visas, Yacht Quarantine, or Elite cards.