Bangkok, Thailand: As Thailand’s golf courses await the re-opening of the country to golfing tourists, the Kingdom has been named as ‘the world’s safest destinations to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic’.

According to a study by Germany-based travel company Tourane, Thailand was considered the world’s safest travel destination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The results of the study were based on various criteria, including the 14-day notification rate of new Covid-19 cases and deaths per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), International Health Regulations score, population density of the country, hours of sunshine per day for outdoor activities, and flight connections with Germany.

Thailand recorded a low number of Covid-19 cases and was scored 85 for International Health Regulations. These coupled with moderate population density, at 135, and the hours of sunshine per day for outdoor activities, 6.6 hours, plus having the most number of direct flights with Germany have placed Thailand in the top spot.

Tourlane’s study was carried out on July 26, 2020.

As of yesterday, Thailand has reported no new local Covid-19 cases for 86 days. So far, the Kingdom has recorded a total of 3,382 Covid-19 cases, with 58 deaths.

Tourlane’s rating has added to recent accolades for Thailand during this time of difficulty. In late July, 2020, Thailand has ranked number one in the world out of 184 countries for its on-going Covid-19 recovery effort, according to the Global Covid-19 Index (GCI).

Despite the positive news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reminded all travellers that Thailand’s international airports and borders remain closed to international tourists for the time being.

“However, Thailand is ready to welcome back tourists again once the Covid-19 situation has improved,” said a TAT spokesperson.

Domestically, golf has continued to be played around the country with numerous local tournaments going ahead.

One of the forthcoming events is The Expat Golf Societies Tournament, to be held on August, 30 at Rayong Green Valley Country Club in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province.

The TAT is inviting Thai and expat golfers to participate.