Thailand is gearing up to reopen the country from November even as its high COVID-19 rate poses a dilemma for the government, which seeks to control the pandemic while mitigating its impact on the tourism-reliant economy.
Although Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced in mid-June that the country would fully open within four months, a daily infection caseload exceeding 10,000 has forced his government to settle for a partial reopening starting Nov. 1.
Thai tourists and elephant trainers wear face masks and shields as they ride elephants at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal on June 6, 2020 in Ayutthaya, Thailand. (Getty/Kyodo)
Addressing the nation about the reopening plan on Oct. 11, Prayut said fully vaccinated visitors from certain low-risk countries will be allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine from next month.
The list of eligible…
