Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has conducted a workshop for the country's provinces outlining the appropriate response plan to a COVID-19 outbreak following the arrival of international tourists under the new Special Tourist Visa scheme.

The Phuket News reports MoTS Permanent Secretary Chote Trachu told offices from each province to prepare to welcome visitors shortly.

It comes after from group of China arrived in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport from Shanghai last Tuesday, becoming the first international tourists to enter the country under the STV scheme.

The STV allows for a 90-day stay in the Kingdom, which can be extended twice for a further 90 days each time and is available through until 30 September 2021.

The visa fee is 2,000 Baht and an additional 2,000 Baht per extension.

Another group is set to arrive in Bangkok from Guangzhou on 26 October, and Thai Airways International plans to fly in another group of Chinese visitors on 28 October.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the STV was offered to non-Thai nationals under the conditions that they comply with Thailand’s strict public health rules.

"Firstly, they must be visitors from a low-risk country according to the Ministry of Public Health," he said.

"Secondly, they must undergo all procedures and provide documents as required under the scheme.

"Thirdly, last but not least, upon entering Thailand, they must undergo COVID-19 testing and enter alternative state quarantine for 14 days – the same rules that apply to Thai nationals who return from overseas.”

Similar to this: 

Phuket to host Travel Blog Exchange 2021

Time running out for tourists to renew visas

Thai Airways announces flights for foreign tourists to Phuket