While many countries are closing up again due to the new COVID-19 variant, the borders of the kingdom of Thailand are still open. Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn has confirmed that the Special Tourist Visa program, or STV, is still ongoing.

Foreign travellers willing to brave the global pandemic for a paradise-like vacation in Thailand, they are welcome as long as they have all the requirements. Khaosod English quoted the governor that the same requirements still apply to foreigners travelling on the Special Tourist Visa.

Yuthasak added that the second wave of coronavirus outbreak in the kingdom seems to have no effect on the number of STV applicants so far. Bangkok and five other provinces are currently under certain restrictions, although not us rigid that was seen in March 2020.

Under the STV program, travellers can stay in Thailand for up to 270 days or nine months. Tourists can also fly to the country using the 45-day tourist visa that enables you to visit the kingdom for up to 90 days.

While some countries shun UK travellers, Thailand has no travel ban imposed. However, the kingdom strengthened its testing and quarantine measures.

Although the programs have fallen short of its goal, Thailand has welcomed 825 tourists from 29 countries through the STV scheme, according to the latest available figure announced in December by government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek.