Let’s cooperate

Re: “Transparency essential for reopening,” (Opinion, Oct 1).

I agreed with the writers regarding their suggestions on improving Covid management in the interests of a full reopening, but I think they missed a few issues which are hurting Thailand’s prospects for a grand reopening success.

High reopening numbers to some extent start at the foreign embassy where long tourist visas and other visas are applied for.

Right now, many of the apps required to file for a visa and certificate of entry are poorly designed and glitchy, and this needs an overhaul. I’d also suggest increasing consulate staff to manage increased traffic, reopen embassies to vaccinated foreigners for walk-in service, and enact a policy whereby embassy/ consulate workers leave their names on messages so applicants can talk to the same person about problems, rather than get passed from one representative to the next.

Additionally, there needs to be regional cooperation with neighbouring countries on best practices. My friend just took a regional tour in Europe and regretted it as the Covid policy was different in each place, resulting in many expensive tests and delays. If all the nearby countries are using a different rulebook, that will hurt tourism as many young travellers like visiting multiple countries next to Thailand.

Finally, I’d suggest the PM draft a committee with both embassy workers and expats to summarise the visa problems abroad and listen to advice. A grand reopening requires input from all stakeholders; especially average people whom the government needs to provide tourist and expat dollars. JASON A JELLISON