The Nation/Asia News Network
BANGKOK — Foreigners and Thai nationals returning to Thailand from abroad can choose special services at their own expense during their 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
The Public Health Ministry has collaborated with private organizations to provide Alternative State Quarantine accommodation, the PR Thai Government Facebook page informed this week.
This kind of quarantine venues are for those who need more services and conveniences compared to normal state quarantine.
According to the Facebook page, participating hotels must have a contract with a hospital to take care of their guests, regarding healthcare and treatment, throughout the quarantine period.
Hotels offering Alternative State Quarantine are required to pass the assessment of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Defense, it said.
There are currently five places ready to accommodate people returning from foreign countries — Movenpick Wellness BDMS Resort Hotel, Qiu Hotel Sukhumvit, Grand Richmond Hotel, Royal Benja Hotel, and The Idle residence. The places are located in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani.
The quarantine promotions offered by the hotels vary in price and service. Those interested in the Alternative State Quarantine accommodation can check the hotels’ websites or their social media channels.
According to Qiu Hotel Sukhumvit, around 90 guests have totally taken its Alternative State Quarantine accommodation since the service started. Also, the hotel informed that total rooms, prepared for being Alternative State Quarantine, were 79.
Moreover, Qiu Hotel revealed that around 600 to 700 people have asked it about this service, estimated from those Facebook’s direct messages and comments.
On Friday (May 29), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that foreigners with work permits or permission from the Labour Ministry or other government agencies would be allowed to enter the country after registration, under the third phase of lockdown relaxation.
Eligible foreign nationals can submit their applications to the Thai embassies in their respective countries, deputy spokesman Natapanu Nopakun said. “They must have a health insurance and a health certificate, and will also be subject to 14 days quarantine in Thailand, either at a state facility or in a private facility at their own cost,” he added.