#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40005465

Guidelines for people planning to visit Thailand

The Public Health Ministry has come up with a guide for travellers planning to visit Thailand under the pilot reopening schemes like Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus and Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension.

To be eligible to travel under the programme, Thai returnees or foreigners must be:

• 18 years old and above

• Should have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines that have been approved by Thailand or the World Health Organisation at least 14 days before arrival

Covid-19 vaccines approved in Thailand:

• CoronaVac by Sinovac Biotech: 2 doses / 2-to-4-week interval

• AstraZeneca or Covishield by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, SK Bioscience (South Korea), Siam Bioscience, and Serum Institute of India (Covishield): 2 doses / 4-to-12-week interval

• Comirnaty by Pfizer and BioNTech: 2 doses / 3-week interval

• Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S by Johnson & Johnson: 1 dose

• Moderna by Moderna: 2 doses / 4-week interval

• Covilo by Sinopharm: 2 doses / 3-4-week interval

• Sputnik V by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology: 2 doses/3-week interval

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Have you been fully vaccinated?

According to the Public Health Ministry, travellers are considered fully vaccinated if they have received:

• Second dose of two-dose vaccines like AstraZeneca or Pfizer no less than 14 days before travelling to Thailand.

• Single-dose vaccines like Janssen no less than 14 days before travelling to Thailand

• Second dose of mix-and-match vaccines like CoronaVac from Sinovac and AstraZeneca, no less than 14 days before travelling to Thailand.

Apart from being fully vaccinated, travellers to Thailand should have all their advance arrangements in good order.

These include a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by a Thai embassy or consulate, a Covid-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000; confirmation of a SHA Plus hotel booking, and a medical certificate with a negative RT-PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure.

Published : August 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thai-destination/40005450

AirAsia Thailand Returning with 11 Domestic Routes from this 3 September

AirAsia Thailand is offering a 30% Off All Seats with Highest Health and Safety Procedures

AirAsia Thailand will return to the skies starting with domestic flights beginning 3 September 2021 following an announcement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand allowing the operation of regulated flights.

The reinstatement of flights by AirAsia Thailand will kickstart with 11 domestic routes from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Panom, Roi Et and Narathiwat.

AirAsia Thailand is offering a 30% discount on all seats for all flights including weekends and public holidays to celebrate the restart of its domestic operations. Book from 28 August – 5 September 2021 and travel from 3 September to 31 December 2021 at the airasia super app or visit airasia.com. All bookings come with unlimited free flight change option while all flights will be operated under stringent adherence to health and safety protocols set by the government to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.

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AirAsia Thailand Returning with 11 Domestic Routes from this 3 September

AirAsia Thailand Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, stated that while AirAsia Thailand hibernated all its flights throughout August in accordance with government announcements, it remained busy at work, preparing to return to service. All aircraft undergo regular maintenance during the hibernation to ensure they are in top performance. The carrier has been working very closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Thai Airlines Association and other relevant public health agencies to ensure only the highest of safety and hygiene standards are in place when it resumes operations.

From September 2021, guests will be required to meet Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand conditions in accordance with the criteria specified in the travel conditions of the destination provinces, such as to present the documents indicated of having complete cycle of vaccination and/or have documents showing results of testing for COVID-19 by RT-PCR or Antigen Test Kit (ATK), or are exempt from other measures in the destination province (such as having a document certifying that they have been naturally recovered from the infection for no more than 90 days, or have a document certifying that they have passed the quarantine requirement, or have documents for the implementation related to the country’s initiative Sandbox Project). Passengers are also mandated to declare their essential travel information via https://covid-19.in.th/ prior departure.

The airline will also be maintaining stringent health and safety measures, including regular disinfection of all contact surfaces, limiting flights capacity to a maximum of 75% passengers on each flight, onboard food and beverage consumption is yet not allowed throughout the journey, and not more than 50 passengers allowed to be in the transfer bus each round to maintain social distancing and limiting contact. All AirAsia aircraft are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters that are able to filter out 99.99% of viral and bacterial particles in the air.

The measures are including service personnel, that all staff on duties must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be tested for COVID-19 according to the regulations. Pilots go through regular recurrent training and aircraft are well maintained. Flight and ground crew have been strictly trained to ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests at all times.

In September 2021, AirAsia will begin its return to service with 11 routes before considering further flights. The flights are being introduced with a promotion of 30% off all seats on all flights, every day including weekdays and holidays. Bookings will come with unlimited flight change option that can be done conveniently through the Booking Management Menu or AVA Live Chat at no charge. Details and conditions can be viewed at the AirAsia Official Facebook page, airasia super app and www.airasia.com

Safety of staff and guests is always the top priority for AirAsia Group, which was one of the first airlines worldwide to achieve the top 7/7 rating for being Covid-19 safe by the aviation experts at Airlineratings.com. All of the airlines in the Group are IOSA accredited which is the global benchmark for upholding the highest safety standards at all times. Furthermore, the airline has used the downtime in flying to implement robust procedures and innovations to make flying even safer and more hygienic than ever.

Published : August 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thai-destination/40005406

Bangkok Airways announces the resumption of its five routes

(BKK-USM, BKK-CNX, BKK-HKT, BKK-THS and BKK-LPT) Starting from 1 September 2021 onwards

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited announces the resumption of its five routes which are Bangkok – Samui, Bangkok – Chiang Mai, Bangkok – Phuket, Bangkok – Sukhothai and Bangkok – Lampang, starting from 1 September 2021 onwards.

Flight schedules for the resumed routes will be as follows;

1. Bangkok – Samui (v.v.) 3 flights daily

2. Bangkok – Chiang Mai (v.v.) 5 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

3. Bangkok – Phuket (v.v.) 5 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

4. Bangkok – Lampang (v.v.) 4 flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday), *starting from 9 September 2021 onwards

5. Bangkok – Sukhothai (v.v.) 3 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), *starting from 16 September 2021 onwards

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In addition to that, the airline continues to support Thailand’s re-opening projects which are Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus by offering the following services;

Bangkok – Samui (v.v.) (sealed-route flights) which accommodate transit/transfer international passengers, connecting from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Koh Samui (2 flights per day)

Samui – Singapore (v.v.), available 3 flights per week (Monday, Thursday and Sunday)

Samui – Phuket (v.v.) available 5 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Passengers can visit the website https://www.bangkokair.com/flight/flightSchedule for more details about flight schedules.

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Additionally passengers are also required to strictly follow guidelines issued by each provincial office and/or destination. Passengers can check announcements, orders, and travel procedures, for each destination prior to travel from the related authorities such as:

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)

http://www.moicovid.com/ข้อมูลสำคัญ-จังหวัด/

Airports of Thailand www.airportthai.co.th/th/

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Department of Airports www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfAirports/

Passengers can contact the airline via the following channels;

Call Center: Tel. 1771 and 02-270-6699 (during 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Email: Reservation@bangkokair.com

PG Live Chat: https://bit.ly/PGLiveChatEN

Bangkok Airways remains committed to the safety and hygiene of our passengers and employees as the highest priority. The airlines strictly implement surveillance measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Published : August 28, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thai-destination/40005405

Nok Air back to service at Don Mueang Airport from 1st September

Guaranteed flights for passengers who reserve seats in/from Don Mueang Airport. during 27 August 2021

Terms and Conditions

•. Guaranteed flights for passengers who reserve seats in/from Don Mueang Airport. during 27 August 2021

-7 September 2021 and travel dates from 1-7 September 2021

• In the case of a passenger whose flight is cancelled

• Passengers will be entitled to a free flight on an alternate flight on the route specified by Nok Air

• and free credits in the amount of airfare on the delayed flight for booking on future travel with Nok Air until 31 March

2022.

• For credit redemption, the booking must be made at least one day before travel. The credits are available for travel between 2 Sep 2021 and 31 Mar 2022 only.

• Credits can be redeemed on all domestic routes, excepts on ‘Fly ’n’ ride and ‘Fly ’n’ Ferry’ services.

• Credit booking can be made through Nok Air Call Center 1318 and Nok Air Sale Counter, credit bookings are exempted from booking fee. If the airfare exceeds the value of booking credits, passengers will have to pay the fare differences.

• If the airfare of the credit redemption flight is lower than the value of the credit, the differences will not be refunded.

• For passengers not wishing to travel, normal flight cancellation compensation rule applies.

• If the credit redemption flight has been cancelled, normal flight cancellation compensation rules applies. The cancelled flight will not be entitled for this promotional condition and will not be refunded.

• If the credit redemption flight has been cancelled by government measures, normal cancellation policy applies.

• Other Nok Air terms and condition apply.

Published : August 28, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40005391

Thai Prachan offers respite from challenges of urban life for Bangkokians

Thai Prachan National Park is a part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, but most people are not familiar with this tourist attraction.

Last month, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in the west of Thailand was added as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The forest is well-known among travellers as home to famous national parks, namely Kui Buri and Kaeng Krachan. However, only some people know that Thai Prachan National Park is located in the same area as the two.

In the past, this area was a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. There were several violent clashes in those times, causing damage to people and property.

The government later seized the area from the communists, and in 2003 set up a national park, in accordance with Queen Mother Sirikit’s commitment to preserve forest areas in Thailand.

A highlight of Thai Prachan National Park is the Pong Krathing hot spring, located in Ban Kha district of Ratchaburi province. Many travellers used to visit the hot spring before the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was still not as popular as Chae Son hot springs in Lampang province.

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Thai Prachan offers respite from challenges of urban life for BangkokiansThere is a camping area in the national park, near Ban Thai Prachan reservoir. Also, there are routes to the forest in the same area, which can lead adventurous tourists to numerous attractions, such as the Thai Prachan waterfall and gorges. To reach the waterfall, travellers must start their 20-kilometre journey from Leela gorge.

Thai Prachan offers respite from challenges of urban life for Bangkokians

Though Thai Prachan National Park has not been very popular, it is worth spending your precious time exploring the area.

Thai Prachan offers respite from challenges of urban life for Bangkokians

When the Covid-19 situation in Thailand improves, this park could be the ideal choice for a break from city life, as its location is not far from Bangkok.

Thai Prachan offers respite from challenges of urban life for Bangkokians

Published : August 28, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40005386

Thai Vietjet resumes domestic flights from 1st September 2021

Thai Vietjet offers Welcome Back to The Sky special fares from only 499 THB (inclusive of taxes, fees, and surcharges) available for booking from 27 – 31 August, 2021 with during 1 September – 30 November, 2021 (exclude of public holidays).

Following latest policy of the competent authority on travel relaxation and domestic flights allowed to/from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, Thai Vietjet confirms its resumption of domestic services from 1 September, 2021. Further details of requirement for traveling passengers will be advised soon by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailland (CAAT) on 28th August 2021.

Celebrating the travel restriction uplift, Thai Vietjet offers ‘Welcome Back to The Sky’ special fares from only 499 THB (inclusive of taxes, fees, and surcharges) available for booking from 27 – 31 August, 2021 with during 1 September – 30 November, 2021 (exclude of public holidays). The promotional tickets are available at http://www.vietjetair.com, applied to Thai Vietjet’s domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani; cross-regional flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai (starting form 15 September, 2021), Chiang Rai to Hat Yai and Phuket (from 1 October, 2021) and Phuket to Udon Thani (from 10 November, 2021)

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Thai Vietjet resumes domestic flights from 1st September 2021

On this special occasion, Thai Vietjet’s loyalty SkyFUN members would also get double Funcoins for any ticket purchase during the promotion period. On every 10 THB spending, members will earn 2 coins (instead of 1 coin as normal rate). Funcoins can be redeemed for various discount rewards and vouchers. Membership subscription is free and passengers are encouraged to do so by simply sign-up at www.vietjetair.com before purchasing tickets for full benefits.

For those who hold Thai Vietjet domestic tickets with travel date during 1 – 30 September, 2021, yet wish to amend their itinerary due to travel restrictions, may choose to change travel date free of charge with new departure by 31 December, 2021 (black out period applies) or to keep value of the ticket as ‘Credit Shell’ for future use valid until December 31, 2021. For further information and support, please visit www.vietjetair.com.

Published : August 28, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40005239

Phang Nga ready to welcome tourists under extended sandbox scheme

Phang Nga can expect to earn up to 2.5 billion baht in tourism revenue after joining the 7+7 Phuket Extension scheme, the provincial tourism association said recently.

The government announced on its website earlier this week that foreigners arriving under the Phuket Sandbox scheme can travel to specific destinations in Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga after they have spent the first seven days in Phuket.

The destinations they can travel to are:

• Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao in Surat Thani

• Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay Beach in Krabi

• Khao Lak, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga.

Phang Nga’s tourism association told the press that the province is ready to greet foreigners and the first group of seven to eight persons is expected to arrive this weekend.

The association said the province can expect some 5,000 visitors next month and earn about 400 million baht in tourism revenue. Phang Nga can be expected to get some 30,000 tourists in the last quarter and earn about 2.5 billion baht in revenue.

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“We are targeting European travellers like Britons, Germans, Swiss, Dutch, Russian or Polish people. However, the plan will remain flexible based on Thailand and Phuket’s overall situation,” the association said.

More than half of Phang Nga’s population have been vaccinated against Covid-19, while 180 local establishments have been given the government’s “SHA Plus” stamp for safety and hygiene.

Of the 75 hotels given the stamp, 20 or so will reopen in September before the rest start reopening gradually later in the year, the association said.

Published : August 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40005190

Updates on transport services in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Monday announced changes to air and road travel in response to the extension of Covid-19 control measures.

Air Travel

Bangkok Airways

From August 25, the airline will resume direct flights to Samui and Phuket in line with the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes that were launched on July 1 and July 15 respectively.

Passengers travelling to Samui and Phuket are required to present a medical certificate, a negative Covid-19 test result and proof of complete vaccination. Only tests using the RT-PCR technique and issued no more than 72 hours before travel will be considered.

In-flight meals and use of the airline’s passenger lounge will continue being suspended.

Bangkok Airways has also adjusted flights to other destinations in Thailand as of September 1 in line with the Covid-19 control measures that are in place until August 31.

Flights between Samui and Singapore under the Samui Plus scheme will continue as normal.

Nok Air

From August 19 to 31, Nok Air will be offering round-trip flights from U-Tapao Airport to Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Phuket.

Thai AirAsia

Thai AirAsia has announced it will temporarily cease all operations in August.

Thai Smile Airways

Thai Smile will operate a special charter flight from Phuket to Bangkok on August 26. Flight WE 8784 will depart Phuket at 2.30pm and arrive in Bangkok at 4pm.

The airline has suspended all domestic flights until the end of August and will resume flights from September 1.

Road travel

Interprovincial Buses

The Transport Company has temporarily suspended services to the North, Northeast, East and South from August 3 until further notice.

Passengers who have bought tickets in advance for travel after August 3 can either seek a refund or have the ticket rescheduled for travel at any time this year. Travellers who have bought their ticket using the state welfare card are not eligible for a refund but can reschedule their trip.

Sandbox Express Bus

This bus service from Phuket to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is only provided for foreigners travelling under the Phuket Sandbox scheme.

Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, the Sandbox Express will leave Central Festival Phuket at 5am and the Thalang PTT station at 5.30am and will arrive at Suvarnabhumi at 9pm on the same day.

When booking a seat on the express, passengers are required to provide their email address or telephone number, destination, flight number and flight date if applicable. They will also be required to provide a Covid-19 negative test result taken either via RT-PCR or rapid antigen test kit no more than 72 hours before departure if not a Sandbox guest or a valid “release form” if a Sandbox guest. Also required is a scanned copy of the passport, immigration stamp and visa number.

Minivan

Tourists travelling under the Phuket Sandbox scheme also have the option of taking a minivan to Bangkok every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Train Travel

The State Railway of Thailand is providing selected services to the North, Northeast, South and East of Thailand.

Boat Travel

Raja Ferry

The company is operating the following routes as normal:

Don Sak-Samui-Don Sak: 5am to 6pm daily

Samui-Pha-ngan: Last boat at 7pm.

Published : August 24, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40004905

Dugongs spotted around Lawa Yai island after park closed to tourism

Lawa Yai island, the precious gem of beautiful Ao Phang Nga National Park in Takua Pa district, has become abundant in coral and seagrass, with dugongs now spotted living around the bay after the national park was closed to tourists.

Also called Koh Lawa, the little island is 1.5 kilometres off the mainland and lies amid water trenches between Phang Nga and Phuket provinces.

Before the pandemic, many Thais and foreign tourists  travelled to the island to relax, sunbathe and swim in its crystal-clear waters. 
The island is well-known for its picturesque natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere, where tourists can view Phang Nga bay and Phuket island. 

With the national park having been closed for some time, the island has become fertile ground for nature and marine life. The beach is now cleaner, filled with colourful coral in  shallow waters as well as abundant seagrass, and a number of dugong have been found inhabiting the area.
The Ao Phang Nga National Park has made the island a true model of sustainable tourism. 
Only 100 tourists are allowed at a time on an island visit with a specified duration. 

Lawa Yai is not a mass-tourism island. It is in fact the first marine education station in Thailand.

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Dugongs spotted around Lawa Yai island after park closed to tourismDugongs spotted around Lawa Yai island after park closed to tourism

Published : August 19, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thai-destination/40004624

Thai Vietjet extends Support to Passengers during Travel Suspension Period

In order to support passengers holding the airline’s tickets across its entire domestic flight network with travel date between July 21 – August 31, 2021

According to the escalating COVID-19 situation and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) announcement on travel suspension to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, Thai Vietjet has confirmed its temporary suspension of domestic services until August 20, 2021. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will advise for any further update.

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Thai Vietjet extends Support to Passengers during Travel Suspension Period

In order to support passengers holding the airline’s tickets across its entire domestic flight network with travel date between July 21 – August 31, 2021, regardless of booking period, the airline has extended service recovery policy which assengers may choose one of the following options:

1. Free change of flight date for one time. New travel date must be by December 31, 2021 (Black-out dates: October 13 and 23 – 25; November 18 – 21; December 4 – 6, 10 – 12, and 25 – 31, 2021) and subject to flight availability. Rerouting is not applicable. Or

2. Keeping the value of the ticket as Credit Shell, which extended validity to until December 31, 2021

Passengers may contact the airline to seek support as mentioned above (at least 72 hours prior to departure time), via the following channels:

1. Passengers, who booked ticket via airline’s website www.vietjetair.com/, can self-change flight conveniently through ‘Manage Booking’ feature on the airline’s website

2. By E-Form at https://1th.me/zRE1K

3. By Line: @Thaivietjet and social media live chat

4. By email: vz.support@vietjetair.com

Currently, the airline still maintains its cargo flights operation and international semi-commercial flights as usual. Thai Vietjet is committed to providing the highest level of safety and has made continued efforts to provide all possible contact channels and policies to best support its passengers during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Published : August 13, 2021