A chef stands on an empty beach as he waits for customers on Koh Chang in Trat on July 31. (Reuters photo)Authorities are finalising a plan that would make it possible for retired, sun-seeking foreigners to spend the coming winter months in Thailand in an effort to save the ailing tourism industry, says a prominent hospital executive. These long-term visitors would begin their stay with a mandatory 14-day quarantine and frequent virus tests in of Phuket. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn reiterated on Saturday that he supported the idea of a long-stay tourist visa for selected groups. The opening-up would offer a lifeline to the devastated tourism and hospitality industry, which is struggling to survive after five months without foreign visitors.

Source: Bangkok Post August 29, 2020 10:41 UTC