Thailand, Australia: Joy on the first day of international reopening.

Thailand: Hopes for tourism recovery

Right from the start of November 1st, the first flight carrying 27 passengers from Tokyo (Japan) landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Following this, the airport continuously received numerous other flights from Munich (Germany), Seoul (South Korea), and other destinations, bringing thousands of excited tourists back to Thailand. On November 1st alone, a total of 61 commercial flights landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport with over 3,000 passengers, while other international airports recorded approximately 3,613 international visitors.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director General Kittipong Kittikachorn said that the majority of flights were coming from Europe and there had been some congestion at the screening stations, where airport staff checked passengers' vaccination certificates. Due to eased restrictions and the elimination of quarantine requirements, many travelers have chosen Thailand as their destination, aiming to avoid the "gloomy winter" expected in December in Europe, the US, and China.

According to Thailand's international airport authority, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is expected to welcome around 15,000 passengers in its first week of operation. Furthermore, the country anticipates welcoming 10-15 million tourists in 2022, and by 2023, tourism revenue is projected to nearly reach the 2019 level.

Tourism accounts for nearly one-fifth of Thailand's economy. Before the pandemic hit in late 2019, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million tourists annually. "Reopening is necessary because it's the way to ensure the survival of the people and the country," said Sanan Angubolkul, President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Australia: Tears of joy at the reunion.

After nearly 20 months of closure, Australia has gradually eased restrictions and officially reopened its borders to welcome its citizens back from overseas. From early morning on November 1st, Sydney Airport was filled with emotional scenes of many families and loved ones who had been forced to part ways for such a long time. Some could not hold back their tears of happiness and exchanged loving hugs.

"Tears, laughter and hugs – there were touching scenes at Sydney and Melbourne airports today, the first day Australians could return on flights without quarantine," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared on his Facebook page on November 1st, "Today is a great day for Australia! We are ready to take off!"

For nearly 20 months, Australian citizens have only been allowed to travel overseas, with many states and cities shutting down and severely restricting contact with the outside world. This has resulted in families being separated within Australia, along with tens of thousands of people stranded overseas. A few have had to pay thousands of dollars to obtain entry permits to Australia and undergo a 14-day hotel quarantine. Australia's border regulations are considered among the strictest in the world during the pandemic.

According to data from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, there are currently around 47,000 people hoping to return home. Those who have not been vaccinated will be required to quarantine, while those who have received all doses will not have to go through this step. For now, Australia is only welcoming back its citizens and permanent residents; however, as part of its reopening plan, Australia will gradually open up to international tourists in the future.

Khanh Ha