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During this time of uncertain travel, the government of Thailand has established a new set of requirements that travellers need to prepare for your trips. There is so much information and from many sources. It is undaunting for many. However, travel to Thailand during Covid-19 is not as complicated as you have imagined. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Stockholm Office, has compiled information into small and easy steps. It is complete and easy to understand. Travel without a visa Thailand has allowed foreigners to enter the country by air under the Visa Exemption program. Travellers can travel without obtaining a visa and can stay up to 45 days. The travellers need a certificate to show they are free of Covid-19 72 hours before travel. They must obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE), provide health insurance covering covid-19 up to the cost of 100,000USD and undergo the mandatory quarantine. All travelers must quarantine for 15 days at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative (Local) State Quarantine (ASQ/ALSQ) facilities. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages. Please remark that your arrival day counts as day 0. In practice, it means 15 nights/16 days. A full list of participating hotels and resorts, along with package rates, can be found here: Asq.locanation.com You can find out information about ASQ/ALSQ, regulations and measurements before and after entering Thailand, update activities that may offer during your quarantine here: Happyquarantine.tourismthailand.org How to enter Thailand during Covid-19 1. Book Alternative (Local) State Quarantine Hotel (ASQ / ALSQ) 2. Prepare Certificate of Entry (COE) documents 3. Online register Certificate of Entry (COE) here. 4. Once arrive at the airport before departure, travellers must show the following documents Passport with a visa (if any) Certificate of Entry (COE) Fit to Fly Certificate (72 hours before departure) PCR test which is issued 72 hours before departure Health insurance including Covid-19 (coverage 100,000USD) Thailand’s Health Declaration Form (T.8 form). Download and register Thailand Plus App. The app is designed to assist travellers and make the journey in Thailand smoothly. Download via Google Play Or App Store 5. When arriving in Thailand, travellers will go through document checking and Covid-19 control checkpoint and then transfer to your hotel. 6. After the quarantine period, enjoy your vacation anywhere in Thailand. What to expect in Thailand? Masks are obligatory in public, particularly indoors, while temperature checks are the norm. It is common nowadays to see people on the street wearing masks, despite not being mandatory. Sanitary hand gel can easily be found in public places. Restaurants in most places remain open, but have had their operating hours shortened. Social distancing is a norm. Most beaches and national parks remain open, though some have imposed restrictions. Read more Thailand situation updates here.

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10 reasons to fall in love with Thailand

10 reasons to fall in love with Thailand once more

Thai smile warms your heart One of the reasons Thailand wins many hearts from all over the world is our smile and friendliness. Thai people are happily welcoming all the travelers to our home country just like you are one of our family members. No matter where you go or any trouble that you might get into, you are certain that you will always get the help you need. The services in Thailand also impressed many travellers. Friendliness and genuine hospitality is the real luxury nowadays. 2. Healthy and tasty Thai food Thai food is one of the healthiest and tastiest foods in the world. Cooking with nutritious ingredients, fresh vegetables and healthy herbs yet packed with flavors is the highlight of the Thai cuisine. No wonder why Thai food is always among the favorite cuisines and Thailand is a heaven for vegan lovers thanks to the clever use of many kinds of veggies. The best thing when it comes to food in Thailand is its 24hrs access to food. You can find many kinds of food and food markets for almost 24 hours. 3. Thailand is safe according to EU Council of the European Union has set up measures and recommendations for safe travel within the EU and outside the EU by following the current health situation and coronavirus resurgence globally. On the EU list of safe countries to travel to and to enter the Union, Thailand remains on this list since the beginning of the outbreak. This is thanks to the health situation in the country and the ability of the thai government to handle the pandemic effectively as well as the Thai people to follow the norms and the regulations set up by the government. 4. Confident while traveling Thailand has been able to control the spread of the disease thanks to the quick actions and the cooperation of every sector including Thai people. Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security in the United States ranked Thailand as number one in the world out of 184 countries for its ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort. To make travellers feel confident and safe while travelling in Thailand, Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) has been introduced to all stakeholders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all travellers. Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, transport services and other facilities in Thailand must strictly follow the COVID-19 control guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Health. 5. Activities suitable for all Thailand offers plenty of activities that fit all traveller types. Active travellers enjoy yoga or running on the beaches, foodies can join cooking class. The kids, on the other hand, can learn to make Thai toy craft. Those who are interested in the local lifestyle can visit a local community and experience the local life. Each traveller can design their own trip according to their likes and interests. Thailand has diverse activities to fit all types and all ages of travellers. 6. Nature recovery The pandemic period has brought a positive effect for the Thai nature. While tourists are gone, nature bounces back happily in Thailand. Beaches, national parks, rainforests and coral reefs have recovered to its best. It is the perfect time for animals and nature to enjoy their lives without any distraction and re-flourishment. As all the types of social, economic, industrial and urbanization activity suddenly shut off, nature has taken the advantages and showed improvement in the quality of air, cleaner rivers and beaches, less noise pollution, undisturbed and calm wildlife. Before the pandemic, Thai people have started paying attention to the environment and paved the way to environmental friendly travel as well as sustainable tourism. The pandemic has accelerated the trend. 7. No more mass tourism Many of us cannot travel due to many reasons, but those who have decided to travel now during the pandemic have a chance to experience the real and genuine Thailand. Be the first to re-discover Thailand. There’s no reason to wait until winter 2021 to visit Thailand again. Thailand during our summer and autumn can be beautiful. In order to control the outbreak of Covid-19, many tourist attractions are now limiting visitors or require tourists to book in advance, thus making it more enjoyable to visit those places from your bucket list you have dreamt of. 8. Enjoy outdoors activities Health authorities recommend us to keep active and do activities outdoors in order to stay fit and healthy. When you are in Thailand, it is warm all year round. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from hiking, snorkeling, biking, or simply relaxing on the beach. 9. Value for your money The next holiday in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to pamper yourself with better accommodation or luxurious experiences that it once was not possible before. Hotels and resorts are offering package deals and promotions in many of your favorite destinations. Food and the cost of living in Thailand is also economically friendly with today’s exchange rate. Travellers get more of what they pay for while in Thailand. 10. Thailand is everything you want and more Thailand is famous for beautiful beaches and exotic culture. Truth is Thailand is the hub of Asia, the country that has it all from budget to extravagance. Different regions are unique and offer varieties of activities to suit your traveling style. Those who enjoy vibrant city life and modern art choose for example Bangkok to explore the metropolitan culture. While others who seek rich history and culture can travel to Chiang mai or Chiang Rai in the north. Divers can discover underwater world in the south such as Koh Tao or Trang. Food lovers should not miss street food and all the Michelin star restaurants. Traveling in Thailand is simple and you can enjoy the diversity the country offers in just one trip.

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10 reasons to fall in love with Thailand

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Escape to Thailand – guide how to travel to Thailand during Covid-19

Golfing while staying in quarantine in Thailand now the reality

The Thai cabinet approved recently golf quarantine to boost tourism in Thailand. Allowing golf quarantine is essential to let those who wish to pass their quarantine time on the golf course. Rules and regulations for safety are in place. Thus, this is the significant step for Thailand to open the country for international tourists who do not wish to stay in a single room or area for several days. The 6 golf courses have now been certified by the health department as alternative state quarantines for Thailand. The 15 nights quarantine time remains. Golfers will have to stay at the golf resort and cannot leave. They can only go out to play golf. The golf courses will be closed for the public and serve as state alternative quarantine only. Mida Golf Club (Kanchanaburi) Sawang Golf Club (Cha-am) Blue Star Golf Course (Kanchanaburi) Evergreen Hills Golf Club & Resort (Kanchanaburi) Artitaya Chiang Mai Golf Resort (near Chiang Mai) Artitaya Country Club (Nakorn Nayok) What is golf quarantine? A 15 nights quarantine in a certified golf course. A quick PCR-test will be conducted on the 3rd day. The result will come out within 24 hours. If the test shows a negative result, the golfer can play golf on the next day. If the result is positive, the infectious golfer must be transferred to the contracted hospital and all members of the group must be under surveillance quarantine. The golfers will be tested about 3 times during the quarantine period. Enjoy up to 11 days unlimited golf rounds during the quarantine period. Is it safe? The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand will examine the golf course’s health safety management plan and will do an on site inspection to check the entire system before giving out the certification. The transfer from the airport to the golf course must be in a closed system, meaning no stopping on the way to the golf course. In addition, the driver must pass Covid-free testing and the bus is sanitized. The golf course must have a contracted hospital to provide PCR tests for the golfers and their companions as well as to take care of the infected cases. All staff at the golf course must stay in the golf course. They are not allowed contacting outsiders nor going out of the golf resort. They will be quarantined as well as the golfers. Thus all the measurements and steps taken are to ensure the safety and well-being of international golfers who would like to enjoy their golf games in Thailand. Travel without visas Thailand has allowed foreigners to enter the country by air under the Visa Exemption program. Travellers can travel without obtaining a visa and can stay up to 45 days. The travellers need a certificate to show they are free of Covid-19 72 hours before travel. They must obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE), provide health insurance covering covid-19 and undergo the mandatory quarantine. Check the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country for updates on the visas and Certificate of Entry (COE) process. As of today (2021-02-19), In the Nordic countries, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland are allowed to enter the kingdom. The list of countries that can travel to Thailand will be updated twice a month. The Royal Thai Embassy in Sweden The Royal Thai Embassy in Denmark The Royal Thai Embassy in Norway The Royal Thai Embassy in Finland After the quarantine period, golfers can enjoy playing golf anywhere in Thailand. It is easier to book tee time and enjoy the golf games and beautiful nature while there are fewer tourists in Thailand. For more information about golf quarantine, please visit www.golfquarantine.com Contact persons for more information and reservation Golf Digg, golfquarantine@golfdigg.com Pro Golf in Thailand, Juha-Matti “Juhis” Vuorinen, juhamatti_vuorinen@hotmail.com Remarks *The arrival day counts as day 0.

Happy New Year 2021 best wishes to the world

IT’s the beginning of a brand-new year.May 2021 be a year of Happiness… A year of great health…And also a year of smile… Wishing you a very Happy New YearUntil, we meet again. Amazing Thailand #amazingthailand

Thai Massaman curry topped “The World’s 50 Best Foods,” CNN Travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that CNN Travel has placed Thai Massaman curry as the No. 1 dish in “The World’s 50 Best Foods list, along with Tom Yum Kung in the eighth place and Som Tam papaya salad, which ranked at 46th. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “This listing is a testament to the already solid reputation of Thai cuisine that is increasingly perceived as a world-class culinary experience. Thailand is certainly a great destination for foodie tourism. “Once the COVID-19 situation improves, we are more than ready to welcome tourists and foodies from around the world to embark on a culinary journey and explore Thainess through Thai dishes in unique destinations across Thailand.”The CNN Travel World’s 50 Best Foods list was published since 2017 and have been updated ever since. CNN Travel staff said that they had scoured the planet for what they thought were 50 of the most delicious foods ever created. The three Thai dishes were ranked and described as follows: Massaman curry, 1st place: Emphatically the king of curries, and perhaps the king of all foods. Spicy, coconutty, sweet and savoury. Even the packet sauce you buy from the supermarket can make the most delinquent of cooks look like a Michelin potential. Thankfully, someone invented rice, with which diners can mop up the last drizzles of curry sauce. “The Land of Smiles” isn’t just a marketing catch-line. It’s a result of being born in a land where the world’s most delicious food is sold on nearly every street corner. Tom Yum Kung, 8th place: This best food Thai masterpiece teems with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Usually loaded with coconut milk and cream, the hearty soup unifies a host of favourite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet. Best of all is the price: cheap. Som Tam papaya salad, 46th place: To prepare Thailand’s most famous salad, pound garlic and chilies with a mortar and pestle. Toss in tamarind juice, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar cane paste, string beans and a handful of grated green papaya. Grab a side of sticky rice. Variations include those made with crab (som tam pu) and fermented fish sauce (som tam pla ra), but none matches the original’s flavour and simple beauty. For more information click here

Thailand starts reopening the country

Thailand is beginning cautiously its first step in reopening the country for international visitors

Chiang Khan and Nan Old City listed among the “2020 Sustainable Top 100 Destinations”

TAT introduces “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” certification

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the public and private sector partners, is introducing an “Amazing Thailand Safety and HealthAdministration: SHA” certification aimed at elevating the country’s tourism industry standards and developing confidence among international and domestic tourists. The project is part of TAT’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and accelerate recovery in the travel and tourism sector. The Amazing Thailand SHA certification is to prepare Thai tourism operators to be ready for the return of tourism post COVID-19. TAT is currently working on details of the Amazing Thailand SHA certification together with the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Board of Trade of Thailand, Federation of Thai Spa and Wellness Association, Thai Retailers Association, Thai Hotels Association, Association of Domestic Travel, Thai Amusement and Leisure Park Association, Thai Restaurant Association, Thai Spa Association, Thai Boats Association, and Event Management Association. Works in the process include establishing the SHA criteria, introducing the committee, preparing the application and selection process, and planning marketing and publicity for the SHA-certified tourism establishments and services. The evaluation methods and methodology of assessment for tourism establishments and services to be certified with the Amazing Thailand SHA certification will cover five key areas. Tourism establishments and services must strictly follow the COVID-19 control guidelines by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. The safety of attractions and facilities with development plans or operation procedures that focus on ensuring tourist safety while maintaining local culture and promoting interaction between local communities and tourists. Hygiene and sanitation in tourism establishments and services; such as, homestays, lodges, souvenir shops and restaurants. Convenience, cleanliness, and safety of linkages between communities and attractions, as well as the safety and health standards of transportation, including private cars, public buses, and airlines. The confidence in tourism personnel in tourism establishments, including tourist safety and security protocol For more information click here

Fifteen Thai villages conferred first Thailand Rural Tourism Awards 2020

Fifteen village communities nationwide have become the first recipients of the Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020 launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to help the villages attract visitors and create jobs in the rural areas. Bangkok, 28 September 2020 – Fifteen village communities nationwide have become the first recipients of the Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020 launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to help the villages attract visitors and create jobs in the rural areas. Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana presided over the royal awards ceremony on 27 September, World Tourism Day, at the Grand Hall, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said the inaugural awards were the result of very successful cooperation between more than 40 organisations, including government agencies, educational institutions, the private sector and the mass media. These included the Community Development Department, Department of Tourism, Department of Cultural Promotion, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department Of Industrial Promotion, Cooperative Promotion Department, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism (DASTA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), National Village and Urban Community Fund Office, Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Cooperatives, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), public universities, travel agents, and tourism associations totalling 40 agencies. He congratulated all the winners and also praised the many other tourism villages for their ongoing efforts to raise their standards and maintain the product quality, which reflect their own identity of community and the beautiful nature drawing the tourists to visit. TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said that all communities underwent a very strict selection process and were judged by a panel of experts based on a voting formula of 70% committee members and 30% media representatives. The winners received a plaque from Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana. All of the 15 awarded villages will be provided with sales and marketing support. They are divided into five categories including: 1. Best Creative Experience Village: Winner: Ban Chiang Cultural Tourism Community in Udon Thani Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Laem Homestay Mangrove Forest Conservation Group Enterprise (Na Thap House) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Hat Som Paen Community-based Tourism Group in Ranong Province 2. Best Agro-tourism Village: Winner: Ban Huai Hom Community-based Tourism in Mae Hong Son Province 1st Runner-up: Wang Nam Khiao Agricultural Tourism Community Enterprise Group in Nakhon Ratchasima Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Nong San Community-based Tourism in Sakon Nakhon Province 3. Best Homestay: Winner: Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Mae Kampong Ecotourism Village in Chiang Mai Province 2nd Runner-up: Bo Hin Farm Stay (a community enterprise to raise fish) in Trang Province 4. Best Responsible Tourism: Winner: Ban Thung Yipeng Ecotourism Community Enterprise in Krabi Province 1st Runner-up: Sappaya Old Police Station Market Community in Chainat Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Khao Lak (Rafting Community Enterprise) in Trang Province 5. Best for Company Outing: Winner: Ban Rim Klong Homestay in Samut Songkhram Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Tham Suea Homestay in Phetchaburi Province 2nd Runner-up: Takhian Tia Community in Chon Buri Province In addition, the project includes opportunities for those interested to win awards for packaging, promoting, and selling the tourism villages via online channels. The winner is those who can sell the maximum number of vouchers. The list of the winning teams are as follows: Winner: Ban Khao Lak (Rafting Community Enterprise) in Trang Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Tham Suea Homestay in Phetchaburi Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province 3rd Runner-up: Ban Laem Homestay Mangrove Forest Conservation Group Enterprise (Na Thap House) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 4th Runner-up: Prasae Homestay in Rayong Province With the highest total scores of all categories, this made Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province receive the Best of Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020. Mr Yuthasak said, “This will maximise the publicity and promotional exposure for the villages, build confidence amongst potential visitors, and improve the brand image of Thai tourism in preparation for the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. It is in line with our overall emphasis on aligning the benefits of tourism with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” Contact InformationInternational Public Relations DivisionTourism Authority of ThailandTel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.thWebsite: www.tatnews.orgFacebook: TATNews.org

Workation - be digital nomad in Thailand

Workation – be digital nomad in Thailand

The global spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is keeping people at home. Work from home has been our new normal lifestyle. Many companies and the governments encourage people to work from home as much as possible and in an indeterminate amount of time and probably will be with us after the pandemic. But we keep dreaming of changing the working environment to get more energy and to be more productive. Thailand is an ideal place to combine vacation and remote working for your new digital nomad lifestyle. Thanks to today’s technology that makes things more efficient in all sorts of ways and enables many of us to change how we work. We are no longer tied to our office desks in the way that we were used to. Depending on your life current situation, workation can last for weeks, months or years. The global pandemic has accelerated the communities of digital nomads who are location-independent and use technology to perform their job. They are strongly represented in places which fits their needs best. Important for digital nomads is fast and easily accessible internet, cheap lifestyle opportunities and a vibrant culture to explore. Thailand for digital nomads at glance Affordable cost of living and convenient lifestyle Variety of working space and facility that meets your needs Internet is everywhere Friendly people and excellent hospitality Food is available 24 hrs. Excellent healthcare Rich culture and beautiful nature landscape Thailand is a perfect choice for your digital nomad lifestyle. Work and play are easily combined. Enjoy your favourite activities from spa and massage to golf or cycling and many more before or after work and embrace the beautiful nature and culture around you. In the time of the pandemic, travellers are required to undergo quarantine. They can use this time to work efficiently with very few distractions To ease your nerves during quarantine, the Tourism Authority of Thailand creates a guideline of how to escape to Thailand together with a list of variety activities that fits your interests. Read more here. New Smart Visa Rules Digital nomads might soon be able to apply for the Smart Visa, allowing an up to 4 years stay without a work permit. The Board of Investment (BOI) is proposing changes to visa requirements. The rules have already been approved by the Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration and the next step is Cabinet approval. Under the proposal by the BOI, those currently in Thailand on a tourist visa would be able to transfer to a Smart Visa. To apply for the visa, applicants need to have an employment contract with a foreign firm for at least 6 months as well as proof of qualifications and experience. Read more here Thailand’s best places to go for workation For typical travellers, Thailand is a beach and food paradise. Professional nomads who combine vacation and working, need more than that. For these professional travelers, they need spaces to work. Across Thailand, co-working space is emerging and gains popularity. They offer great wi-fi, meeting rooms and even hammocks! Each person is unique and has their own personal preferences. Some prefer beaches, some prefer megacity and some prefer a rich cultural life. Common things people are looking for in a workation includes excellent internet access and low cost of living. We guide you where in Thailand suits your needs as a digital nomad. Bangkok Bangkok is a bustling city and fun to explore. The city is a center of culture, has a diverse food scene and a shopping paradise. Upsides for Bangkok is super fast internet connection, unlimited cafés to check out and abundance of luxury yet affordable condominiums. For coworking in Bangkok Hubba Thailand Hubba is Thailand’s first coworking space. It is a collaborative working environment with high speed internet access. They offer meeting rooms, private offices, power lunches and events to spice things up. It is where you can meetups, discuss your projects, interests or share life stories with each other. www.hubbathailand.com The Hive The Hive Thailand has 2 branches in the upcoming district of Ekamai and Prakanong. It is an amazingly designed, vibrant, open-office environment. The Hive offers hot desks, private offices, a dedicated desk, meeting rooms and event venues plus a beautiful rooftop café lounge and terrace. www.thehive.co.th Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is a cultural hub in the north of Thailand and has been a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years, thanks to high quality living at a low cost, high speed internet and a community of other nomads to network with. It has mountains, national parks with plenty of activities for outdoor lovers including caving, trekking, zip lining, golf and many more. The surrounding scenery is gorgeous with lush green hills, rice paddy fields, dense jungles and waterfalls. There are nomad workshops, nomad conferences, seminars, meet-ups, co-working spaces, Chiang Mai has virtually become the perfect city for the nomad tribes. For coworking in Chiang Mai Hub 53 Inspired by digital nomads, travelers and location-independent entrepreneurs, Hub 53 is designed as a gathering spot, a coworking space, a coliving area, a home and a community. The coworking space features different types of needs, from a communal open floor plan for those who want to socialize with others to private offices or a conference room for a big pitch. The coliving area is in the same building making it convenient to work productively. www.hub53.com Koh Lanta Koh Lanta is a tropical island in the south of Thailand with a laid back and relaxing atmosphere. It has everything you need without chain restaurants and shopping malls. It is safe and family friendly with many beach activities for both adults and kids to enjoy as well as international school. Coworking space on Koh Lanta KoHub KoHub is a more relaxed and calm meaning to the words “working environment”. With that said, it is a family style environment, a haven for someone who wants a city break and enjoys island life for a while. There is a spacious coworking...

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