The chief of the Thai Hoteliers’ Association has called for the government to set up a 100 billion baht fund to save the tourism industry devastated by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Suphawan Thanomkiatphum was speaking after the Tourism Authority of Thailand met with representatives from the private sector yesterday.
She said that 1.6 million workers in hotels, other accommodation, restaurants and tour companies had been laid off representing 30% of the workforce.
A 10 billion “soft loan” arrangement should also be set up, she said.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents’ (ATTA) chief Wichit Prakopkoson promoted the “Save and Sealed” travel plan.
Under this plan, only those from countries deemed to have the virus under control would be allowed entry and they would then be subject to quarantine and severe restrictions on where they are allowed to go.
Wichit said that this was better and safer than the previously mooted “travel bubble”.
Countries that would be eligible were China, Taiwan, the US and several in Europe.
He wanted to see foreign tourists allowed to re-enter in the fourth quarter, well before the end of 2020.
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