Seeking to restart its devastated tourism industry, the Thai government has recently announced its plans to re-open to fully vaccinated visitors in October. According to AP, the goal is to open the country within 120 days “without quarantine or other inconvenient restrictions,” Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha acknowledged.
As we’ve already published on June 6, the government has already approved its Phuket Sandbox pilot to allow inoculated travelers to enter Phuket for a mandatory stay of 14 days before moving on to other parts of the country. But that may not be enough for the crucial and devastated tourism industry, which might explain why Thailand urgently needs to double its efforts to jumpstart the economy.
“I know this decision comes with some risk because, when we open the country, there will be an increase in infections, no matter how good our precautions,” said the Prime Minister. “But I think when we take into consideration the economic needs of the people, the time has come for us to take that calculated risk.”
The recent announcement may mean that foreign travelers will be able to enter the country directly through Bangkok International Airport, starting October. That is great news for travelers and hotels alike, including the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, the latest hotel to open in the capital in 2020, only to close down again during the pandemic.
Rising above the majestic Chao Phraya River in the luxurious Sathom District, the fourth location in the Four Seasons Thailand Collection is an enclave of art-filled spaces, sophisticated lounges, and lush tropical greenery away from the bustling city. Designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy, it is a complex filled with tiered buildings, connected at ground level by a series of indoor and outdoor spaces, quiet courtyards, and lively restaurants.
General Manager Lubosh Barta must be thrilled with the recent announcement, as he sums up and says: “Like the city of Bangkok, our new Four Seasons is full of surprises, whether it’s the breath-taking river views, the rich design details, the perfect cocktail or a striking piece of art. We look forward to offering personalized experiences in an environment of safety and trust.”
