BANGKOK, July 8 (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Tourists from Malaysia and Singapore flocked in great numbers to the Betong border checkpoint in Yala province on Friday, in keeping with the trend of Thailand’s southernmost region seeing an increase in arrivals via land following the easing of entry rules.
Through Betong alone, an estimated 2,000-3,000 visitors from the two southern neighbouring countries were expected to cross the border into Thailand on Friday to spend the weekend.
Local officials attributed the sudden increase in arrivals to the recent cancellation of the Thailand Pass entry registration system, Covid-19 insurance, as well as the extension of opening hours for entertainment venues.
Visitors from Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Thai expatriates in Malaysia, started gathering at the Betong border checkpoint early on Friday morning, waiting to pass the immigration process.
They came in tour buses, public vans and passenger cars after staying away for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Locals officials expected even busier days in the latter months of this year.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (July 8) that in the past 24 hours there are 2,144 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19 in the country.
Death toll increased by 20, while 1,946 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.
Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,317,520.
The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,540,955 – 4,485,075 of whom have recovered, 25,082 are still in hospitals and 30,798 have died. - The Nation Thailand/ANN
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