The CCSA has approved the reopening of the country to STV tourists starting October 1. While this raises concerns among the public, it is essential to open the country to revive the economy, particularly Thailand's tourism sector. Therefore, we must learn to coexist with COVID-19 responsibly, as we cannot retreat any further.

Finally, the meeting of the COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA), chaired by Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, has agreed on a plan to allow foreign tourists to stay in Thailand for an extended period under limited conditions. This will apply to special tourists holding a Special Tourist Visa (STV), as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Foreigners will be allowed to enter the country under these conditions by October 1.

This approach not only reflects the COVID-19 situation in Thailand, which has improved to a satisfactory level, earning international recognition for Thailand's effective management of the pandemic. However, the limited reopening to tourists still raises underlying concerns among the government, relevant agencies, businesses, and the public regarding a potential new wave of COVID-19 in Thailand. Therefore, strict hygiene measures are being implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 alongside the gradual reopening of the country.

The government has likely demonstrated to some extent that under the "national recovery" strategy following the pandemic's impact, whether through financial and fiscal measures to assist those affected or boosting domestic purchasing power, these tools seem "insufficient" to tackle the severe slowdown of the Thai economy without relying on "other aids" that have historically been a key driver of the Thai economy, accounting for about 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), such as tourism.

Although the tourism industry is quite sensitive to the COVID-19 outbreak, being one of the first sectors severely impacted since the beginning of the year—from airlines to travel agencies, hotels, and related industries—it is also poised to be one of the first industries to gradually generate income for the country by welcoming foreign tourists in the remaining months of the year.

We recognize that concerns about a new wave of COVID-19 are valid and understandable. However, the guiding principle must be that as long as the world has not found a vaccine to prevent the outbreak, countries must "learn to live with COVID-19" to keep the economy and businesses moving forward. Otherwise, the repercussions of COVID-19 could escalate, affecting employment and the Thai economy, leading to a more prolonged "closure" of the country. Ultimately, the path to economic recovery and disease control is not through "closing the country" but through "opening up" to confront reality with strategic problem-solving, responsibly and with good management. "We cannot retreat any further."

SOURCE: www.bangkokbiznews.com