Thailand tourism rebounds as attractions reopen

With inter-provincial travel restrictions eased since earlier this month, many people have paid visits to domestic tourism attractions, bringing back lively excursions, with precautionary measures to prevent COVID-19 in place.

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Last weekend at Khao Kho in Phetchabun, many people visited the mountain to enjoy the scenery and cool breeze, despite being outside the peak tourism season.

Khao Kho district has enforced measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, by providing alcohol gel dispensers or hand washing sinks at tourism attractions, screening visitors for fever or any suspicious symptoms, and requiring all visitors to wear a face mask. Those who fail to wear a mask can be fined up to 20,000 baht.

Most of the visitors travelled in groups with family or friends, making visits to famous attractions such as Wat Phra Thart Pha Sorn Kaew, Khao Kho Post Office observation point, Kanchanapisek Pagoda, and the Windmill Field, as well as trendy restaurants and cafes. Some of the attractions such as Khao Kho Royal Palace are still closed.

Moving to the eastern region, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi reopened on 15th June, with COVID-19 precautionary measures being fully enforced. Visitors are screened for fever, required to check-in and out, wear a face mask, and practice social distancing.

Visitors are now required to park only in designated areas, and refrain from feeding the animals. The visitors appear to be satisfied with the measures in place, while giraffes, zebras, flamingos, pygmy hippopotamus, and elephants are the most popular animals in this open zoo.

Meanwhile, in the northeast, Khon Kaen Zoo has arranged a Khan Tok traditional dining ceremony for a family of three giraffes, consisting of a 14-year-old mother named Chae from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, a 11-year-old father named Khem imported from South Africa, and a 3-year-old son named Wang, who was born in Khon Kaen Zoo on 1 August 2017.

The zoo has implemented strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, placing alcohol gel dispensers where needed, requiring all visitors to wear face masks, and asking visitors not to feed or touch the animals with their hands. (NNT)