Full reopening jump-starts foreign tourism

A South Korean couple read temple instructions and etiquette at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram (Wat Pho) or the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ in Phra Nakhon district on Friday. It was Thailand’s first day of fully reopening to foreign tourists. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Thailand fully reopened to foreign visitors on Friday when entry restrictions, particularly the Thailand Pass regis­tration requirement, were eased further.

Operators of tourism-related businesses have welcomed the move, hoping that an expected surge in international arrivals will help the tourism industry get back on its feet after being hit by the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.