May 2022 marks a major step in Thailand's transition towards the new normal with the country's much-anticipated decision to significantly ease entry requirements for travellers from all corners of the globe. The adjustment coincides with Apec's Second Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM2) and related meetings currently taking place in Bangkok from May 9-19, in the lead up to the Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting on May 21-22. This month, Thailand will therefore play host to over 250 Apec delegates attending numerous meetings in person -- a fact not to be understated -- with 200 others participating online.
As Thailand makes concrete inroads on its "living with Covid-19" policy, the Apec SOM2 represents sustained efforts to operationalise the "Open. Connect. Balance." theme. We are all here with the mission to jumpstart economic recovery and leapfrog Apec member economies towards even more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable growth -- one that enables a smart and efficient response to new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
