Thailand to re-open to vaccinated tourists from November 1

People enjoying the sunset at a beach as Phuket opens for foreigners, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), to visit the resort island without quarantine, in Phuket, Thailand. - Reuters

BANGKOK, Oct 12 (AFP): Thailand plans to fully re-open to vaccinated tourists from countries deemed low risk from November 1, the country's leader said Monday, citing the urgent need to save the kingdom's ailing economy.

Before the pandemic, Thailand attracted nearly 40 million visitors a year drawn to its picturesque beaches and robust nightlife, with tourism making up almost 20 percent of its national income.