Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao reopen today with the launch of “Samui Plus” programme
The 3 beautiful islands in Surat Thani province are once again welcoming overseas tourists.
Samui, 15 July, 2021 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce the launch of the Samui Plus programme, under which Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao can be visited by fully vaccinated overseas tourists and tourists from other regions of Thailand.
The Samui Plus programme is for travel between July and December 2021. General information on the Samui Plus programme such as procedures and FAQs can be found at https://www.tatnews.org/2021/07/samui-plus-faqs/
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that the reopening of the 3 islands is an important step to reopening the country in the end of October. Other destinations will follow Phuket to reopen as a pilot destination with carefully planned disease control and public health measures, travel procedures, and the right tourism marketing.
Tourists under the Samui Plus programme stay in ‘Samui Extra Plus’ hotels 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) that 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 that the tourism sector and provincial authorities are working together to ensure that visitors enjoy memorable holidays. All involved parties put in dedicate efforts leading to the reopening, for example, arranging preventive measures against COVID-19 and the vaccination programme for the local Samui people.
Dr. Manu Sukolsakul, Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Doctor, said that 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.
Samui Plus tourists visiting Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao can rest assured their health and well-being is considered of utmost importance during their time in Thailand.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said that the legendary tourism appeal that has made Thailand such a beloved destination for travellers over the world can again be enjoyed with the programmes in effect. 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.
Mr. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, President of Tourism Association of Ko Samui, said that they are ready to welcome tourists back to these three beautiful islands again to enjoy quality times among wonderful scenery, to experience some exciting activities, to enjoy a lot of tasty dishes and the warm hospitality. He hopes that the programme will bring vitalisation and a lively ambience to the 3 islands again.
Phuket and Surat Thani’s 3 islands are the first of Thailand’s destinations to reopen to tourism.
The next destinations to reopen on 1 September, 2021, will be Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, and Railay Beach), Phang Nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao), Chiang Mai (Mueang District and Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao Districts), Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, and Sattahip), and Buri Ram (Mueang District and Chang Arena).
The scheduled date for the reopening of Bangkok, Phetchaburi (Cha-am) and Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) is 1 October, 2021, with the rest of Thailand due to reopen throughout the month of October.
Cr. TAT Newroom
Photo by Tourism Authority of Thailand
Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.tatnews.org
