Launched on Monday (1 March), the Open Thailand Safely campaign has already been backed by more than 2,000 people.

It says that without a firm commitment to reopening this summer, Thailand risks losing its 2021 business to other destinations.

"The continued closure of international travel has decimated Thailand’s tourism and related industries," reads the coalition’s letter to the government.

"It has severely damaged the Thai economy with profound negative effects on hotels, aviation, tour operators, restaurants, attractions, retail, medical tourism, meetings, conferences, agricultural supply chains and many more support sectors.

"We are seeking a commitment by the Thai government to reopen borders on 1 July to let tourists with proof of vaccination enter Thailand without quarantine."

Signatories include a number of DMCs operating in Thailand, as well as a handful of operators and accommodation providers.

The campaign is advocating 1 July, as it should offer sufficient time for the majority of potential tourists in Thailand’s key source markets to be vaccinated, and for Thailand to vaccinate vulnerable citizens and frontline hospitality staff.

Additionally, it says 1 July will give international travellers time to plan and book their travel, and airlines, hotels and tour operators time to plan for a resumption of tourism.

‘Leadership role’

"To ensure the safest reopening of Thailand, international tourists can be asked to satisfy any safeguards the Thai government may require," the coalition adds.

"This may, for example, include showing officially recognised proof of a Covid-19 vaccination from their home country, purchasing health insurance, showing proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure, and so on.

"The 1 July reopening would be a strategic opportunity for Thailand to show a leadership role among Asian countries and prepare the way for a solid recovery of the Thai economy in 2022."