Thailand reopens to tourists after more than a year and a half of closure
Audio 01:15
This Monday, November 1, Thailand, a major global tourist destination that received up to 40 million vacationers per year before the pandemic, reopens its doors after more than a year and a half of closure.
Lillian SUWANRUMPHA AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
This Monday, November 1, Thailand, a major global tourist destination that received up to 40 million vacationers per year before the pandemic, reopens its doors after more than a year and a half of closure.
On site, we are feverishly preparing to welcome again millions of visitors from all over the world.
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With our correspondent in Bangkok,
Carol Isoux
On street number 11 of Bangkok's main boulevard, an unusual calm has reigned for months.
Yet in recent days, hotels have been preparing rooms, restaurants are getting a makeover, and street vendors' carts have been pouring in.
Bangkok is preparing to receive tourists from 63 countries.
While the economy is dying, this is good news, sometimes greeted with a little apprehension, by the most fragile like this saleswoman: “
Before, in this street, there were plenty of tourists, business was fine. for everyone, so of course we're happy, but I'm a little afraid that the virus will come back…
”
► To read also:
Thailand will reopen its doors to vaccinated tourists to revive its economy
What about the nightlife industry?
On the contrary, some criticize a timid reopening, since the bars and nightclubs that have contributed to Thailand's success remain closed for the moment, a possible desire to rid the country of a sulphurous image linked to sex tourism.
But the nightlife industry is one of the country's assets, for this manager of several Bangkok establishments, and it is called upon to reinvent itself.
“
Without the bars, it's going to be complicated, because Thailand is still known for its nightlife,”
says Sanya.
It may imply a desire on the part of the government to clean up girly bars, etc.
which are part of the Thai night scene.
What is certain is that we are not going to do the same thing.
"
Thailand is counting on the return of at least one million tourists by next March.
►
To read also: Thailand: the island of Phuket opens with many restrictions to vaccinated tourists
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Thailand
Tourism
Coronavirus