Thailand is gradually welcoming international tourists with initiatives such as the Sandbox and the government’s opening plan. However, a survey by Agoda found while Thai people expect outbound travel to return soon –  with one in two think travel in Asia will be possible within the next six months and 29% for travel outside Asia, they are not inclined to hop on a plane to travel just yet until they feel more assured by health and safety protocols and vaccination rates.

Travel expectations

Half of Thai respondents anticipate that travel within Asia will be possible in the next six months, with 2 in 5 (40%) anticipating some travel restrictions in place or travel through travel bubble or corridors only.

When it comes to taking trips after restrictions are lifted, 51% plan to travel in Asia and 42% outside of Asia within a year or more, while 4% and 5% respectively hoping to travel immediately.  Just under a quarter, 23%, don’t plan to travel within Asia until at least 80% of the world’s population is vaccinated against COVID-19.  The figure is even higher for travel outside Asia (28%) and is the highest among Baby Boomer (1946 – 1964) 32% and Gen X (1965 – 1980) 29%.

Travel confidence

The Agoda survey found that the top three factors that will give Thais the confidence to explore again are (#1) health and safety protocols followed by accommodations, (#2) knowing that hotel service staff are vaccinated, and (#3) being vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one shot.

• The same proportion of Male respondents view vaccinated hotel service staff and themselves being vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one shot as important.