Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has not yet made a decision on the reopening of Bangkok to fully vaccinated and COVID-19 negative international arrivals by October 15^th, but mandatory quarantine will remain in place for visitors or returnees to the city, according to the CCSA today (Friday).

A proposal to reopen Thailand’s capital from October 15^th, by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, has been submitted to a CCSA subcommittee, but any decision is pending discussions with the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant agencies, said CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Apisamai Srirangsan.

“This does not mean that we can’t proceed with the plans amid ongoing infections, but the public health system must be ready first, similar to the process for the ‘Phuket Sandbox’, for which the operations have been excellent. Doing a ‘sandbox’ scheme anywhere must be done carefully,” said Dr. Apisamai, who pointed to the large size and diversity of the capital.

Dr. Apisamai’s remarks come amid confusion over Bangkok’s reopening schedule, as Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn declared, at a press briefing on Wednesday (September 15^th), that Bangkok will reopen in a month. Bangkok’s Governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, said today, however, that City Hall will decide the date of reopening.

The 14-day quarantine requirement at “Alternative Quarantine” hotels in Bangkok will remain unchanged, she said.

Currently, only the provinces of Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang-nga are welcoming overseas arrivals without the 14-day quarantine requirement. Chiang Mai, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Phetchaburi are set to reopen on October 1^st, pending CCSA’s approval.