Ministry of Tourism & Sports will propose plans to reopen domestic tourism in June even though the State of Emergency (SOE) has been extended until June 30.
Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan said on Tuesday that his ministry will propose safety measures for reopening domestic tourism to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at its meeting on Friday.
Travelling between provinces is still discouraged under the SOE.
Although the rate of confirmed cases has dropped to single-digits over the past week, some provinces continue to apply strict travel restrictions.
Pipat’s proposal would mean the easing of travel restrictions between provinces. Coupons may be used as incentives to encourage people to travel within the country again.
As the ban on international passenger flights was extended until the end of June, domestic tourism is the only available option left to aid in the recovery of the tourism industry.
“The easing of lockdown measures in phase three will allow tourism activities to resume,” Pipat said.
“Towards the end of phase three, boxing rings without an audience will be allowed to reopen, along with hotels, restaurants, and tourism spots in order to encourage tourism activities. This will be in line with the measures to stimulate domestic tourism that are about to come out as well,” he added.
Thailand is currently in phase two of the easing of lockdown measures which saw department stores reopen on May 17.
Phase three is expected to come into effect after CCSA’s 14-day assessment period which will end on June 7.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday that he has yet to discuss the issue with Pipat but he has commented that everything should be done in accordance with the new normal.
“We should keep on hearing good news from now on,” Anutin said.
“But we cannot let our guard down… [we must continue] to wash [our] hands, wear masks, use separate spoons and adhere to social distancing measures,” he added.
