Lacking vaccination plan, TAT sees Q3 return for foreigners

The plan to welcome back international tourists in the third quarter is on track even though there is no timetable for vaccination of locals, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said it is important for the tourism industry to start the first batch of vaccine distribution to gain tourists’ confidence.

If tourism workers are part of the second batch to be vaccinated, following medical staff on the frontline, provincial administrations and companies may not have to purchase vaccine supplies themselves to kick-start the tourism industry, said Mr Yuthasak.

The TAT expects to discuss a vaccine distribution plan with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration for the next phase.

He said the private sector buying additional vaccines could accelerate the pace of inoculation, but there is a vaccine shortage around the world at…