Bangkok, 01 March, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that following the Royal Thai Government’s decision to further ease COVID-19 control measures, interprovincial transportation has resumed new normal operations while some routes remain suspended in some areas considered at higher risk.
DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on 25 February, 2021, allowed airline operators to serve food and drinks to passengers, as well as sell souvenirs on board domestic flights.
Air Asia resumed direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Narathiwat, from 22 February, 2021. Direct flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Nan, Nakhon Ratchasima, and direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Loei, Buri Ram, Sakhon Nakhon, Chumphon, and Ranong resume from 1 March, 2021. Cross-sector routes will start from 15 March, 2021.
Bangkok Airways resumes its passenger lounge service, in addition to food and beverages kiosk services at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Krabi International Airport, Samui Airport, Sukhothai Airport and Trat Airport from 1 March, 2021, onwards.
The airline also announces that the Phuket-Hat Yai service will resume from 28 March, 2021. This will bring the total number of its destinations to eight, which are Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Lampang, Phuket, Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat – all operating from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).
However, it will delay the launch of two planned new routes: Bangkok – Khon Kaen and Bangkok – Hat Yai to 2022. At the same time, flights on the Phuket – U-Tapao, Phuket – Samui still remain temporarily suspended until further notice.
Thai Lion Air is operating direct flights from Don Mueang International Airport to 13 Thai cities: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Surat Thani, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai – Udon Thani, from 13 January, 2021.
Thai Vietjet Airlines resumed its four-weekly Phuket – Chiang Rai service from 26 February, 2021. The airline is also undergoing a check-in system upgrade at Suvarnabhumi Airport from 1 March, 2021.
LAND TRAVEL
Train – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) resumes 14 local train services, involving those on the Eastern, Northern and Southern line trains, from 1 March, 2021.
Mass Transit Systems
The Airport Rail Link, BTS Skytrain, and MRT Subway are operating as per normal.
Bus
Transport Company Limited is operating new normal operations in line with the easing of the COVID-19 control measures.
North – Operating 20 bus services on eight routes, between Bangkok and several cities including Chiang Kham (Phayao), Chiang Mai, Khlong Lan (Kamphaeng Phet), Lom Kao (Phetchabun), Mae Sai (Chiang Rai), Mae Sot (Tak), Nan, and Uttaradit.
Northeast and East – Operating 31 bus services on 22 routes, between Bangkok and several cities including Buri Ram, Chiang Khan (Loei), Khong Chiam (Ubon Ratchathani), Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Rattanaburi (Surin), Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Saraburi, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani.
South – Operating 17 bus services on seven routes, between Bangkok and several combined cities including Hat Yai – Songkhla, Ko Samui (Surat Thani), Krabi, Phuket, Su-ngai Kolok (Narathiwat), Takua Pa-Khok Kloi (Phang Nga), Trang-Satun, and Yala.
Nakhonchai Air has resumed its Ubon Ratchathani to Rayong route. Tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via the Call Centre 1624 and www.nakhonchaiair.com
WATER TRAVEL
Ferry to Ko Chang from two piers will resume operations on 6 March, 2021. Roundtrip ferry services between Ko Chang and Centre Point Ferry Pier leave every hour from 06.00 – 19.00 Hrs., while boats between Ko Chang and Natural Bay Pier leave every 45 minutes from 06.30 – 19.00 Hrs.
Royal Passenger Liner continues to suspend its Pattaya – Hua Hin Ferry services until further notice.
Raja Ferry Port continues operating the new normal operations on the Don Sak – Samui route as usual, with ferry services scheduled during 05.00 – 19.00 Hrs. daily. For its Don Sak – Phangan routes, passengers are advised to transit at Ko Samui. The company also offers airport transfer services, from either Surat Thani Airport or Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to hotels on Ko Samui or Ko Phangan.
TAT is constantly providing updates on the tourism-related COVID-19 situation in Thailand at the TAT Newsroom (www.tatnews.org); Facebook (tatnews.org); and Twitter (Tatnews_Org).
For additional information and assistance relating to Thailand’s tourism, contact the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or Tourist Police 1155.
