On the list of the top 10 most popular destinations in Asia, Bangkok secured 5^th place and Phuket 6^th place. On the worldwide list of the most popular destinations, Bangkok was 21^st and Phuket 23^rd.

Further securing its reputation as a must-visit gastronomic wonderland, Bangkok was also named 9^th top destination in the world for food lovers. And for city lovers, it was named 17^th best destination around the world.

Among the best destinations for sunseekers, Phuket was ranked in 13^th spot globally.

Tripadvisor said of the Thai capital: “Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires…you’ve never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok. Visit Pratunam or Siam Square for premium shopping, then unwind in the European-style gardens of Dusit. Thon Buri is home to the awesome Wat Arun temple, and over in Phra Nakhon, you’ll find the Wat Pho temple of the Reclining Buddha. Savour mango sticky rice at a food stall before taking in the gilded splendor of the Grand Palace.”

And of Phuket: “Thailand’s largest island is an international magnet for beach lovers and serious divers, who enthusiastically submerge themselves in the Andaman Sea. Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal. Water sports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve…

Thailand will allow fully vaccinated travellers from around the world to apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance with confirmed payments for accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5, two RT-PCR tests, and a prearranged airport transfer on Day 1.

 Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme, the reopening of Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox destinations, and the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension programme effective from 1 February, 2022, from 09.00 Hrs. Thailand time.

Thailand Pass system reopens for new TEST & GO applications

From 1 February, 2022, 09.00 Hrs. Thailand time, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance.

While existing rules under the scheme remain unchanged, the CCSA approved additional requirements to ensure stringent COVID-19 precautions.

All new TEST & GO applications must submit a proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s, such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5, and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5. 

The prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the…

While Asia witnessed a return to growth following the economic uncertainty of 2020, a number of factors such as supply chain bottlenecks, weak global demand and the persistence of Covid-19 somewhat hindered the region’s economic recovery in 2021.

• – Lockdowns and factory closures led to supply chain shortages
• – Economic difficulties in China weighed on overall demand
• – The region led the world in reopening to foreign tourists
• – Despite continued headwinds, most of the region expects a return to growth

As it did last year, the pandemic continued to affect Asia’s economic prospects significantly throughout 2021.

After a strong first half of the year, in which many countries recorded double-digit year-on-year growth, the spread of the Delta variant in the third quarter led to the implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions across the region.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were among those that experienced some form of lockdown throughout the year, as governments attempted to halt the spread of the virus.

This led to the closure of factories in key manufacturing countries, severely hampering the region’s industrial output.

Although certain exemptions were made – in Malaysia, for instance, electronics companies were allowed to operate at 60% capacity and automakers at 10% – the disruptions created…