Thailand and Hong Kong to open talks on setting up ‘travel bubble’

Governments aim to create a corridor to revive business and tourism links between the two destinations

Talks expected within days after Thailand from Wednesday opens to some Hong Kong business travellers

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Attractions such as the Prang Sam Yod Buddhist temple in the Thai town of Lopburi could be in reach of Hong Kong travellers if bilateral talks proceed as planned. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:38am, 30 Jun 2020Updated: 1:02pm, 20 Oct 2020

Thailand and Hong Kong are to hold talks on establishing a so-called travel bubble, with the country starting to ease border restrictions as the coronavirus pandemic loosens its grip in the region.

The Hong Kong government on Monday welcomed the move towards opening up travel between the two destinations, saying discussions with the Thai authorities would start within the next fortnight.

From Wednesday, a handful of short-term business travellers will be allowed into Thailand from five jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, according to Chinese state media Xinhua.

But a comprehensive bilateral agreement between the city and Bangkok also covering tourists is to be negotiated in the coming days.

Thailand’s Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Dr Kobsak Pootrakool, revealed the plan during an online business forum jointly organised by Thailand Board of Investment and the Hong Kong government, although no specific details were offered on how the corridor might work.

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