Workers install acrylic partition shields in taxis as part of the preparations to reopen the country at the Land Transport Department in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 October 2021. The Thai Ministry of Transport has announced the free installation of a special acrylic barrier on taxis to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in preparation for the country's reopening to tourists. From 01 November 2021, Thailand will reopen to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from at least 10 low-risk countries without quarantine requirements, boosting the tourism industry and economy. EPA pic
Workers install acrylic partition shields in taxis as part of the preparations to reopen the country at the Land Transport Department in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 October 2021. The Thai Ministry of Transport has announced the free installation of a special acrylic barrier on taxis to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in preparation for the country's reopening to tourists. From 01 November 2021, Thailand will reopen to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from at least 10 low-risk countries without quarantine requirements, boosting the tourism industry and economy. EPA pic

SWAB hubs have been set up to test tourists upon arrival next month as Bangkok is set to reopen to fully vaccinated foreign visitors.

Reports in Bangkok Post said the country is set to reopen on Nov 1 and the government has implemented several precautions which include testing and quarantine measures.

Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said as for the shortening of nighttime curfew hours starting today, City Hall will wait for an official announcement of the easing of virus curbs to be published in the Royal Gazette.

City Hall spokesman, Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said City Hall has put in place measures to welcome back foreign visitors that are in line with the government's reopening plan.

Bangkok needs to try and prevent transmissions among residents and foreign visitors so City Hall will set up Covid-19 screening points in the capital, similar to Phuket, he said.

In Phuket, screening points are set up at hotels where tourists check-in. But City Hall plans to set up swab hubs across the capital to carry out swab tests on foreign visitors. They will then be quarantined at hotels and wait for the result of RT-PCR tests.

Measures will also be in place to contain transmissions, particularly at night entertainment venues which may be allowed to resume operations on Dec 1.

Measures include carrying out rapid antigen tests and administering vaccines in Bangkok's popular tourist spots, Pongsakorn said.

On the Tourism and Sports Ministry's plan to invite Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned Italian opera tenor, to perform at a countdown event in Bangkok, Pongsakorn said City Hall cannot make a decision on the matter as approval must be sought from the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirungson said the centre has come up with a host of strategies for the country's safe reopening.

They include taking precautions to contain transmissions among at-risk and vulnerable groups and building public confidence about the so-called "new normal" way of life.

She also said the CCSA on Friday discussed a proposal by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for foreign visitors who have received two vaccine shots with the result of RT-PCR test before arrival to use the Thailand Plus tracing app instead of the certificate of entry, Dr Apisamai said.

She added that this will reduce their time of seeking permission to enter Thailand from 3-6 to 1-3 days.

Chiang Mai governor Prachon Pratchsakul has also welcomed the government's Nov 1 reopening plan, saying the northern province will welcome back foreign tourists despite some new infection clusters detected recently.

He said that one of the major clusters is centred around a market that has been ordered closed for 14 days.

The governor was confident that the cluster will be brought under control before the reopening date.

The Charming Chiang Mai tourism promotion project will also be launched to cover 25 districts of the northern provinces with about 1,000 Covid-free "blue zone" villages taking part in the project, the governor said.

On Monday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government will reopen the country to fully vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries without quarantine on Nov 1, in what is seen as a key effort to boost the economy.

The CCSA has also eased additional virus curbs, including shortening night-time curfew hours starting today.