2,424 travellers arrived at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday (Monday), the first day Thailand reopened to international arrivals, on 40 international flights. 890 were Thai nationals and 1,534 were foreign travellers, said Permanent Secretary at the Public Health Ministry Kiattibhoom Vongrachit.

Dr. Kiattibhoom said that the systems and processes within the airport went well.

Director of Suvarnabhumi airport Kittipong Kittikachorn said that there were some issues with the health screening process, with a number of arrivals being delayed due to documentation issues, while some of them were waiting for pickup. So far, no one has been detected with a high fever.

Currently, fully vaccinated travellers from 61 countries and two territories can enter Thailand through seven airports with only one day of hotel quarantine, namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and U-Tapao airports. At Buriram airport, only charter flights are allowed, but most charter flights passengers enter through Suvarnabhumi and Phuket.

About 6,600 foreign travellers entered Thailand through the seven airports yesterday.

Meanwhile, Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirisamatthakarn said that there are currently no issues at Suvarnabhumi Airport because they are prepared. While some people are concerned over COVID-19 as foreign travellers enter the country, Nitinai insisted that the appropriate public health measures are in place.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob was also at the country’s main airport to welcome foreign tourists.

While Suvarnabhumi airport was busy processing international arrivals, taxis are only allowed to pick up domestic travellers. Everyone, Thai and non-Thai, arriving from abroad have to leave the airport in hotel vans.