Thailand's government today confirmed that it will end its quarantine requirement for vaccinated visitors from 10 nations from November 1st. Passengers from the likes of China, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States will be exempt from the country’s quarantine requirement.

A vital industry

Thailand's carriers will be making the most out of this reopening. Airlines such as Thai AirAsia and Nok Air were quick to react following the easing of domestic flight restrictions at the beginning of last month. Air travel requirements were eased along with the opening of shopping centers in some of Thailand's most affected areas regarding the virus.

Overall, Thailand is keen to revive its economy after over a year and a half of tough conditions following the rise of the pandemic. Notably, tourism accounted for approximately 20% of Thailand's jobs and GDP before the global health crisis.

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Thailand's tourism industry has suffered badly over the COVID pandemic. Photo: Getty Images

Aware of the risks

Thailand understands that there is plenty to consider with the reopening. Importantly, if new virus variants emerge in the coming months, the country’s government will respond.

"I know this decision comes with some risk. It is almost certain that we will see a temporary rise in serious cases as we relax these restrictions," Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha shared, as reported by Reuters.

"We will have to track the situation very carefully and see how to contain and live with that situation, because I do not think that the many millions who depend on the income generated by the travel, leisure and entertainment sector can possibly afford the devastating blow of a second lost new year holiday period.”

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Promising news for carriers

Thai Airways is one airline that will be raring to go following the government's announcement. Operating a fleet of all widebody aircraft, the flag carrier of Thailand will be keen to get more planes in the air to transport tourists to and from its country. Presently, most of its units are parked, but with the easing of restrictions, more of the airline's jets will be spotted across the continents from November.

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THAI's only active widebodies are twinjets like the Boeing 777 family. Photo: Getty Images

Progress has been slow with Thai Airways' rehabilitation plan. As a result of the challenging climate, it recently had to sell three Airbus A330s and a flight simulator, joining plenty of other assets that have been sold due to the operator's restructuring.

Thailand had been placed on “red lists” in countries such as the United Kingdom earlier this year due to rising cases. However, the Southeast Asian country is now finding itself on approved lists as conditions ease. Therefore, there will be plenty of prospective passengers for airlines to carry to Thailand for some winter sun as 2022 approaches.

What are your thoughts about Thailand reopening its borders? What do you make of the prospects of travel to the country in this next chapter? Let us know what you think of the overall situation in the comment section.