Thailand’s baht and stocks fell on Friday, hit by reports of a delay in the tourism-reliant nation’s plans to reopen capital Bangkok to international travellers, while other emerging Asian currencies came under pressure from a firmer U.S. dollar.
Stocks in Thailand fell 0.6% to hit a 3-week low, while the baht weakened 0.4%.
The Bangkok Post on Thursday reported that Thailand’s tourism minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said the reopening of the city to foreigners should be delayed by two weeks, as the country attempts to inoculate a larger proportion of its population.
“Thailand remains under pressure from a precarious political situation, an uncertain path out of the pandemic and fast approaching policy limits,” analysts at Mizuho Bank said in a
note.
Bangkok’s irresponsible governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, then made things much worse by insisting that, despite the Tourism Ministry’s plans, he has no intention of reopening the capital city on October 15 or on any set date until at least 70% of the Bangkok population has been vaccinated.
The governor said that Bangkok will not reopen without any quarantine requirements to fully vaccinated international travellers who test negative for Covid-19 just yet as it’s still not safe to do so. (continues)
Less than 40% of the city’s population over the age of 18 has been vaccinated and once 70% have received 2 vaccine doses, arrangements would still need to be made with relevant agencies.
He says that infections prevention measures need to be improved significantly before welcoming in international tourism, continuing that a resulting outbreak from the reopening would be disastrous for the city.
Governor Aswin insists that he never confirmed a Bangkok reopening date, and he will base any reopening decision by prioritising the people of Bangkok and their safety.
He stated authoritatively that the decision to reopen and the date of reopening will be determined by City Hall.
International confidence in those running Thailand’s political system has never been lower.
