Several local residents and tourism operators surveyed want Thailand to reopen borders to international tourists with a 14-day quarantine still in place, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).
A survey conducted by TCT found 60% of locals and 50% of tourism operators agree with the idea.
Quarantine was considered necessary, with 60% of operators only agreeing if tourists use the special tourist visa and have a 14-day quarantine.
On lifting the quarantine for travellers from low-risk countries, only 39% of locals polled approved, while half of operators agree.
The TCT surveyed 785 tourism-related operators and 1,444 Thais from Nov 11-Dec 10.
According to the survey, travel firms topped the business closures rate in the fourth quarter last year, with 2% of companies permanently closed, 17% temporarily closed and 4% shifting to other businesses.
Even though 77% of tour companies surveyed are still operating, most of them reported little to no demand.
The survey showed 45% of Thais consider the virus situation their greatest concern for their travel decisions, followed by financial status (38%), time to travel (28%) and political unrest (13%).
