Chiang Mai Municipality on Wednesday spent 8.5 million baht to put up lanterns along the city’s canals to mark Yee Peng Festival or Lanna-style Loy Krathong.
Northerners mark the festival by releasing lit lanterns, and this year it is being held on November 19-20 under the theme “Chiang Mai City of Happiness”.
The atmosphere in the city was buzzing on Wednesday as people flocked to take selfies with the lanterns as a backdrop, especially at Tha Phae Gate.
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Celebrations will be held in Chiang Mai’s Old City and to participate, visitors are required to register via the “Yeepeng Chiang Mai Festival” application in advance and have their body temperature checked upon arrival.
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
The event will feature 10 giant krathong parades leaving from Tha Phae Gate, Three Kings Monument, Chang Puak Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Kad Somphet Intersection, Chiang Mai Gate and Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Other cultural activities and competitions, such as the lantern contest, will be held virtually to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently launched the “Thailand Tourism Awards Winners Celebration 2021” campaign to promote domestic tourism while offering up to 70 per cent discount for rooms and services from tourism partners.
“The campaign has been organized consecutively for 13 years,” said the authority. “It aims to honor and celebrate tourism entrepreneurs that provide quality products and outstanding services based on international tourism standards, along with being socially responsible and environment friendly.”
Under the campaign, travelers will enjoy several benefits and discounts from participating businesses nationwide. For every Bt4,000 spent at partner hotels or spas, customers will receive Bt100 e-coupon from Starbucks. Holders of KTC credit card will also receive 12 per cent cash back when using KTC Forever points equal to the total spent per sales slip (no minimum and maximum limits).
TAT launches tourism promotion campaign featuring up to 70% discount
ASAP is also offering a 70 per cent discount for car rental service, while Klook and Traveloka are offering on-top discount up to Bt200 when booking rooms worth over Bt1,000 via the applications. For those booking hotels that won the awards in Ayutthaya, Rayong, Chonburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Nakhon Ratchasima, they will be entitled to Bt500 fuel coupon from PTT.
Discounted package tours are also available from Royal Orchid Holidays, Udachi Tour and Quality Express, which include both air tickets and hotel rooms.
Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has joined the government’s “Thai Tiew Thai” (Thais travel in Thailand) campaign and will be offering two tickets for the price of one from November 16 to December 31.
Kampol Tansajja, director of the garden, said Nong Nooch has adhered to all policies in line with the Pattaya Move On project. He added that since promotions launched over the past two months have proved to be a success, he decided to offer the “buy one get one” deal to help boost tourism in the East.
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
The director also said the gardens have been renovated and new ones created such as a sky garden, as well as displays of potted plants, cacti, special plant nurseries and even “spotted” plants. The highlight of the garden now is the dinosaur valley featuring more than 60 species of dinosaur.
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Visitors can enter the garden under strict safety measures with SHA+ standards and Safe Travels certified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Chiang Mai’s popular Doi Inthanon National Park is opening its doors to tourists from 5am on Wednesday with some mandatory regulations.
The park has marked out 21 spots for tourists, who will be allowed to enter in three timeslots – 5am to 10.30am, 10.31am to 2pm and 2.01pm to 6pm. The number of people at each viewpoint will be limited to no more than 100.
Visitors are required to register via the QueQ and CM-CHANA applications before arrival and use the ThaiChana app to check in and check out. The QueQ app takes registrations up to 15 days in advance.
At the gate, Thai tourists are required to present their national ID or driving licence, while foreigners must present their passports or other government-issued documents.
Visitors are also required to present ATK or RT-PCR test results taken no more than 72 hours ago plus proof of double vaccination. Former Covid-19 patients who have recovered less than three months ago must provide a medical certificate. Visitors with a body temperature of more than 37.5 °C will not be allowed to enter.
People are required to always wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Those wishing to stay overnight can book a house or tent space via https://nps.dnp.go.th/.
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Sparks are flying in Surat Thani’s Koh Tao island again now that some of its fire spinners have returned.
The island, considered to be one of the top five diving sites in the world, is also one of the best-loved travel destinations in Southeast Asia. The 21-square-kilometre island, which houses some 12,000 residents, is also popular among migrant workers, especially those from Myanmar.
Since the island reopened earlier this year under the government’s “sandbox” schemes, there has been a constant flow of tourists.
Life is slowly returning to normal, as the sight of spinning fire wheels at night and the island’s astounding beauty during the day is more than enough to bring tourists back.
Koh Tao’s Sairee Beach buzzing again with spinning fire wheels
Those fortunate enough to visit Lamphun during the Yi Peng Festival, held from the beginning of October until November 19, can not only catch the beauty of Lanna lanterns, which locals use to decorate their houses, but can also hang a lantern of your own at a special spot for good luck.
The Grand Lantern Festival in Lamphun is held annually during Loy Krathong, known in the North as “Yi Peng”.
Yi means “two” and peng stands for a “full moon day”.
The most important spot for the Grand Lantern Festival is at Wat Phrathat Haripunchai Woramahawihan. People normally offer lanterns as a form of worship to a relic of the Buddha, which brings a rare, colourful touch to the atmosphere as around 10,000 lanterns are lit as offerings.
The Buddha relic is specially for Lamphun locals and people born in the Year of the Rooster. The relic has been in evidence for 500 years since the era of King Tilokaraj.
The origin of the Grand Lantern Festival is unknown but lanterns were used in ancient times to decorate and light up houses and footpaths and as a way of worshipping fire for prosperity, protection and a happy life.
Residents or tourists normally hang lanterns at two main spots – Phra Nang Chamathewi Monument and Wat Phrathat Haripunchai Woramahawihan.
Tourists can also write their names and wishes on their lanterns and hang them at designated spots for good luck.
There are many types of Lanna lanterns, from Dhammajak to star and jar lanterns to diamond ones. They are usually made from bamboo sticks with mulberry paper or calico fabric and beautifully decorated with silver or gold paper – an art passed down through the generations.
So if you can, do not pass up the opportunity to visit this Northern province anytime until November 19.
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckonsLamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Saturday presented the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus Certificate to three of Bangkok’s most famous and revered attractions, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the City Pillar Shrine.
Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said the SHA Plus certification indicated that an attraction or a business not only had in place the required safety and hygiene standards to control Covid-19, but that at least 70 per cent of its employees had been fully vaccinated.
“The SHA Plus standard criteria also requires that all frontline staff be fully vaccinated as part of the assurance to international travellers who are returning to Thailand following the broader reopening schemes from November 1 that the safety and well-being of all visitors is of utmost importance to Thailand,” he said.
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and City Pillar Shrine received SHA certification in 2020, and this year have continuously upgraded their sanitary and health measures, which is reflected in the upgraded certification to SHA Plus. They are among 510 SHA Plus-certified attractions and businesses in Bangkok (as of November 5, 2021).
All three attractions reopened to the public on November 1, 2021, after a temporary closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the same day on which Thailand began welcoming fully vaccinated tourists from 63 countries/territories and from around the world via the Test & Go Exemption from Quarantine entry scheme and Living in The “Blue Zone” (17 Sandbox Destinations) programme, respectively. Partially or unvaccinated visitors are also much welcomed via the Happy Quarantine requirements.
The Grand Palace complex is open daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The entry fee is 500 baht per person with tickets purchasable at the entrance or online at www.royalgrandpalace.th/en/home (online tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance).
Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is open to tourists daily from 8am to 4.30pm. with admission at 200 baht per person. The temple is situated a comfortable stroll from Wat Phra Kaeo and is renowned for its 46-metre-long reclining Buddha that is covered in gold leaf. It is also considered the leading school of massage in Thailand and is a wonderful place to enjoy a traditional massage.
Across the road from the Grand Palace, the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine (open daily from 6.30am to 6.30pm) represents the founding of Bangkok as the new Thai capital and comprises a square building with openings on all four sides, inside which are two gold pillars and six elephant tusks.
Yuthasak presented the SHA Plus Certificate to the Grand Palace on October 28, while Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Market, presented the SHA Plus Certificate to Wat Pho and the City Pillar Shrine on November 5.
Thailand’s secondary provinces are finding new ways to revive their economies now that the Covid-19 crisis is easing. Lopburi, for instance, is getting ready to host its annual Monkey Buffet Festival, while Trang and Rayong are preparing for island hoppers.
Markets in border areas are also offering special deals to attract shoppers. The Rim Moei market in Tak’s Mae Sot district at the Thai-Myanmar border was bustling again on Friday, with shops offering gems and jewellery at cost price to clear stocks.
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Chiang Rai’s Sailom Joy Market, which is popular among local tourists, was also buzzing as vendors put products damaged by floods up for sale at huge discounts.
Meanwhile, in Lopburi, preparations are being made for the “Wheelchair Monkey Party”, which will be held on November 28 in areas around Muang district’s Phra Prang Sam Yot and the Phra Kan Shrine. Last month, organisers held a rehearsal Monkey Buffet, with treats served up in wheelchairs that were later donated to the needy. The organisers said many foreign tourists have shown interest in the event and there have been many media inquiries.
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid eraHuge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid eraTrang province, meanwhile, invited PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to preside over the opening of its Pak Meng Pier. The premier was attending a mobile Cabinet meeting in neighbouring Krabi province. The Pak Meng Pier, located in Trang’s Sikao district, will serve as a gateway to islands in the Andaman Sea.
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Rayong’s Koh Samet island, which is very popular among domestic travellers, was also buzzing with more than 4,000 tourists over the past weekend with no record of new Covid-19 cases.
Thailand opened its doors on November 1 to fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries. The travellers are allowed to spend their first seven days quarantine-free in 17 provinces before heading off to other destinations in the country.
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Phuket’s famous Bangla Walking Street was buzzing again now that restaurants are allowed to serve booze until 11pm and bands of up to five members can play sets.
Visitors are screened for their temperature at the entrance of the street and asked for vaccination and test records. People are also urged to keep their masks on, though some tourists were spotted ignoring the regulation.
A restaurant staff member said they have tried to get people who are not eating or drinking to keep their masks on, but some refuse to comply.
Meanwhile, very few tuk-tuks were spotted because many of the drivers said they want to wait for more tourists to return.
The Foreign Ministry released answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Thailand Pass on Saturday.
The Thailand Pass system was launched on Monday (November 1) and will replace the Certificate of Entry (COE) required from travellers.
The Thailand Pass can be applied for at the Department of Consular Affairs website.
The FAQs:
REGISTRATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS
1. When will Thailand Pass be open for registration?
– Thailand Pass will be open for registration starting from November 1, 2021 at 9am (Bangkok time).
2. Is registration in Thailand Pass required for all 3 schemes travelling into Thailand?
– Effective from November 1, 2021, all travellers arriving in Thailand by air are required to register with Thailand Pass in order to travel into Thailand.
3. Can I use my approved COE (Certificate of Entry) to enter Thailand?
– If you have an approved COE, you can travel to Thailand using that COE, and will be eligible to enter Thailand via one of the three schemes, depending on whether you meet the scheme’s requirements. Your COE will indicate which schemes you are eligible for.
4. What should I do if my COE is still under consideration?
– If your COE has been pre-approved, you will need to submit the rest of the required documents by November 7, 2021, otherwise your COE request will be automatically rejected, and you will need to register with Thailand Pass to travel to Thailand.
– If your COE has been pre-approved, you will need to submit the rest of the required documents by November 7, 2021, otherwise your COE request will be automatically rejected, and you will need to register with Thailand Pass to travel to Thailand.
5. How long does the approval process take with Thailand Pass?
– Applicants are required to submit their registration at least 7 days before their intended travel date.
6. Can I change my travel date once I have registered and received my QR code?
– No. If you would like to change your travel date or other details, you will need to re-register on the Thailand Pass system.
7. I am travelling as a family or a group, can I submit one application for the whole family/group?
– No, except when travelling with children if the conditions below are met.
– For the Exemption from Quarantine scheme, everyone aged 12 or over must submit an individual registration through Thailand Pass. Children aged under 12 can be added into their parents’ registration under the section Personal Information.
– For the Sandbox Programme, everyone aged 18 or over must submit an individual registration through Thailand Pass. Children aged under 18 can be added into their parents’ registration under the section Personal Information.
8. My children are unvaccinated; can they enter Thailand through the same scheme as their parents?
– For the Exemption from Quarantine scheme, all persons aged 12 or over must have a vaccination certificate confirming that they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their travel in order to be able to enter Thailand.
– For the Sandbox Programme, all persons aged 18 or over must have a vaccination certificate confirming that they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their travel in order to be able to enter Thailand.
9. What are AQ and SHA+ hotels?
– AQ hotels are hotels that are eligible to be used as quarantine sites under the AQ scheme as well as designated venues to wait for your RT-PCR result under the Exemption from Quarantine scheme.
– SHA+ hotels/accommodations are hotels that meet the “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” standards and are eligible to be used as hotels under the Sandbox Programme and as venues to wait for your RT-PCR result under the Exemption from Quarantine scheme.
10. Can I travel in Thailand freely if I have entered through the Exemption from Quarantine scheme / Sandbox Programme / Alternative Quarantine?
– Exemption from Quarantine scheme: You can travel to any destination in Thailand if the RT-PCR test conducted on your day of arrival is negative.
– Sandbox Programme: You can travel freely in the Sandbox area for the duration of 7 days if the RT-PCR test conducted on your day of arrival is negative (can stay in the province that your hotel is located only, travelling across different Sandbox areas is not permitted). Once you have completed your 7-day mandatory stay at SHA+ hotel within the Sandbox area, you can travel to any destination in Thailand.
– Alternative Quarantine scheme (without vaccination): You will need to undergo your 10-day mandatory quarantine at your AQ hotel/accommodation. Once you have completed your 10-day mandatory quarantine, you can travel to any destination in Thailand.
11. Do I need to register with Thailand Pass if I plan to travel to Thailand by land or sea?
– No. Currently, Thailand Pass is for those who plan to travel to Thailand by air only. Passengers who plan to arrive by land or sea must contact the Royal Thai Embassy / Royal Thai Consulate-General in your area for COE issuance.
12. When will Thailand Pass be expanded to include those arriving by land and sea?
– The related agencies are still considering the issue of expanding the registration system for passengers who plan to travel to Thailand by land and sea.
13. My country is currently not one of the listed countries/territories eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme. Will my country/territory be included in the future?
– The list of countries/territories eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme are constantly being considered and revised. Please stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime, if you want to travel to Thailand, you can do so through the Sandbox Programme or Alternative Quarantine, depending on your vaccination history.
14. Do I need to submit my Covid-19 test result (RT-PCR) into Thailand Pass?
– No. However, you must provide your Covid-19 test result (RT-PCR) issued within 72 hours before your travel to the officers at the airport, except if you are a Thai national arriving in Thailand through Alternative Quarantine. For others, failure to provide your Covid-19 test result (RT-PCR) may result being denied entry into Thailand. Please note that your test result must be a hard (not digital) copy or print-out and in the Thai or English language only.
15. If my international flight to Thailand includes transit in a non-listed country/territory, will I be eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme?
– Yes. However, your transit in a non-listed country/territory must not exceed the duration of 12 hours and you must not pass immigration control; otherwise you will not be eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme.
16. If I am travelling to Thailand in order to transit to other country/territory (not passing through immigration control), do I need to register with Thailand Pass?
– No. However, you must have a proof of insurance with minimum coverage of at least 50,000 USD and a Covid-19 test result (RT-PCR), issued within 72 hours before your travel.
17. How long do I need to have stayed in the listed countries/territories before being eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme?
– You need to have stayed in the listed countries/territories for at least 21 consecutive days (can stay in several listed countries/territories for a total of 21 consecutive days) before being eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme.
18. If I am travelling out of Thailand to stay in listed countries/territories for a duration of less than 21 days, am I eligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme?
– Yes. However, please make sure that you do not stay in non-listed countries/territories during your travel after leaving and before re-entering Thailand (except for Transit purpose as described in FAQ15); otherwise you will be ineligible for the Exemption from Quarantine scheme.
—
DOCUMENTATION
1. I am an expat living and working in Thailand, do I have to submit an insurance policy document?
– Yes
– Expats living and working in Thailand under a valid visa or residential permit are required to provide proof of insurance coverage in Thailand with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD or a valid social security card or certified letter from their employer.
– Thai nationals are not required to provide proof of insurance coverage as they are covered by Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme.
2. Does my insurance have to be a Covid-19 insurance in order to register with Thailand Pass?
– No. You can also use general insurance or health insurance with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD.
3. What are the required documents for Thailand Pass registration?
– Requirements vary depending on the scheme which you plan to apply for your entry into Thailand. Details are as follows:
A guide to Thailand Pass
** The applicant is also required to have an RT-PCR test result that is issued within 72 hours before departure and bring the results to present to the Health Control station upon arrival. This requirement is not compulsory for Thai nationals entering under the AQ scheme. Please note that your test result must be the hard (not digital) copy or print-out and in the Thai or English language only.
4. What if I do not have a mobile phone, how can I present my QR Code?
– If you do not carry a mobile phone with the QR Code, you may print out a hard copy of the QR code and bring it with you to present it to the officers at the airport. In this case, you may register with Thailand Pass on your PC and then be able to print out the QR Code as a hard copy.
5. Can I use a Covid-19 test result other than the RT-PCR to enter Thailand?
– No. Your Covid-19 test result must be obtained using the RT-PCR testing technique(ATK is not permitted) and issued within 72 hours before your travel only.
6. What are the vaccines approved by Thailand?
– The vaccines approved by Thailand include CoronaVac (Sinovac), AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, COVILO (Sinopharm), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and Sputnik V.
7. Does Thailand recognize mixed vaccination?
– Thailand fully recognizes mixed vaccination. However, your second dose needs to be administered based on the recommended timeframe for each vaccine type (first dose), as follows:
– 1st dose (Sinovac) = 2nd dose after 2 weeks
– 1st dose (AstraZeneca) = 2nd dose after 4 weeks
– 1st dose (Pfizer-BioNTech) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks
– 1st dose (Moderna) = 2nd dose after 4 weeks
– 1st dose (Sinopharm) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks
– 1st dose (Sputnik V) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks
*To be considered fully vaccinated, your 2nd dose must be administered at least 14 days before your travel.
*Those vaccinated with Jansson (Johnson&Johnson) vaccine do not need to receive their 2nd dose to be considered fully vaccinated.
8. I have previously been infected with Covid-19; can I travel to Thailand?
– Yes. Those previously infected with Covid-19 are considered fully vaccinated if they have received a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine within 3 months after their recovery. In this case, your proof or medical record of Covid-19 recovery must be submitted alongside your single-dose vaccination certificate. However, if you have been fully vaccinated before contracting Covid-19, you are still considered to be fully vaccinated.
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SECURITY AND PRIVACY
1. Will my personal information be safe with Thailand Pass?
– Your personal information is encrypted and safe with Thailand Pass as it will be used for the purpose of approving and facilitating your arrival in Thailand only.
2. I have inquiries regarding my travel to Thailand/Thailand Pass system, where can I find more information?
– More information can be found on the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand’s website or you may contact the Royal Thai Embassy/Royal Thai Consulate-General in your area for more information
– Thailand Pass is also designed to be user-friendly and provides step-by-step instructions on how to register correctly.
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
Chiang Mai dresses up for its very own Loy Krathong Festival
TAT launches tourism promotion campaign featuring up to 70% discount
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Special ‘buy one get one’ promotion at Nong Nooch from Nov 16
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Inthanon opens, but with restrictions
Koh Tao’s Sairee Beach buzzing again with spinning fire wheels
Koh Tao’s Sairee Beach buzzing again with spinning fire wheels
Koh Tao’s Sairee Beach buzzing again with spinning fire wheels
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Lamphun’s Grand Lantern Fest beckons
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid eraTrang province, meanwhile, invited PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to preside over the opening of its Pak Meng Pier. The premier was attending a mobile Cabinet meeting in neighbouring Krabi province. The Pak Meng Pier, located in Trang’s Sikao district, will serve as a gateway to islands in the Andaman Sea.
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Patong’s Bangla Walking Street vibrant again
Patong’s Bangla Walking Street vibrant again
Patong’s Bangla Walking Street vibrant again
Patong’s Bangla Walking Street vibrant again
A guide to Thailand Pass
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