Tourism Authority of Thailand: Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao Reopen Today With the Launch of 'Samui Plus' Programme
Samui, 16th July, 2021 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce the launch today of the Samui Plus programme, under which Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao can be visited by fully vaccinated international tourists with no quarantine requirements.
The Samui Plus programme is for travel between July and December 2021, to these three islands located in Surat Thani province. General information on the Samui Plus programme; such as, entry requirements, on arrival procedures, safety and hygiene measures, and FAQs can be found here.
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “The reopening of Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao to tourism is another significant step toward achieving the Thai Prime Minister’s recently announced policy of reopening the whole country within 120 days, or by the end of October. Phuket is already open as the pilot destination, and other destinations will follow in the scheduled order with carefully planned disease control and public health measures, travel procedures, and the right tourism marketing all being addressed.”
Tourists visiting under the Samui Plus programme can choose to stay in ‘Samui Extra Plus’and ‘SHA Plus’ hotels for the first 7 nights and the remaining 7 nights, respectively. Both labels are officially approved in terms of hygiene and safety. The Samui Extra Plus hotels are formerly ALQ hotels (now referred to as AQ hotels) and have been specially assigned for the Samui Plus programme. SHA Plus-certified hotels mean they meet the necessary measures to control COVID-19, and also that 70% of their workforce has been fully vaccinated.
Mr. Vijvut Tjinto, Governor of Surat Thani Province, said “Surat Thani’s tourism sector together with the provincial authorities are committed to seeing that Samui Plus visitors enjoy a memorable holiday. This can be seen in the dedicated efforts made by all parties involved leading up to the destination’s reopening; such as, the arranging of preventive measures against COVID-19 and the vaccination programme for the local Samui people.”
Dr. Manu Sukolsakul, Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Doctor, said “When it comes to public health measures, everything from the quarantine system and testing and isolation of any positive cases to the accessibility of hospitals and medical personnel is at a state of readiness.”
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “With the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes now both in effect, more of the legendary tourism appeal that has made Thailand such a beloved destination for travellers the world over can again be enjoyed. The gorgeous islands of Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao are among the best beach resorts in Asia, and it is fantastic to see these welcoming tourists again.”
See more at TAT Newsroom
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
Email: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website:www.TATnews.org