Agoda Upgrades Thailand's ASQ Booking Process

[31 Oct 2021] Thailand's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Department of Health Service Support (HSS) has partnered with Agoda to improve the booking process of Alternative States Quarantine (ASQ) packages for those returning to Thailand from overseas.

The collaboration makes Thailand one of the first countries in the world to digitalize the booking process.

Inbound travelers, both Thais and foreigners, can now search for and book MOPH-approved ASQ properties via a dedicated booking platform that allows them to search availability, room type, and pricing in real-time.

Booking the quarantine hotel package is required by Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates overseas as part of the process of obtaining approval to get on a flight to and enter Thailand.

The listed ASQ properties on the platform include those in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Phuket.

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, said, “ASQ is an important mechanism that aims to benefit Thailand in two ways. The first factor is in the prevention and control of the spread of COVID19, and the second is as a stimulus to help drive the economy by generating income for entrepreneurs.

“For these hotel entrepreneurs to be part of the ASQ program however, they must pass strict standard checks in six categories from the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Defense. These include safety protocols that ensures on-site personnel fully equipped with medical supplies and training, processes that minimise disruption to the wider community and have an environmental management system to protect and control guests, and thus prevent the spread of COVID19.

“Alongside these requirements are is the professionalism of our hospitals to support foreign travelers and Thai’s repatriating. ASQ helps to promote the country's economy with the 113 hotels participating as ASQ properties generating 1.2 billion Baht revenue for Thailand to date. ASQ facilities, which allow flexibility to choose where to stay for quarantine, can be one way to attract foreign tourists again from all over the world and generate income for the country.”

John Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Agoda, said, “Agoda has a team of over 1,000 tech engineers in Bangkok working around the clock on cutting-edge solutions for customers, businesses, and governments across the globe. We strive to innovate and improve the travel experience every day, and technology is at the heart of everything we do, so we are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking project here in Thailand.”

More technology partners are expected to join the ASQ program in the coming months.

See also: Thailand, COVID19 and Shorter Quarantines - WHO Press Conference.

See latest Travel News, Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: COVID19, Agoda, Quarantine, ASQ, Thailand.