Experience the Lush "Golf Quarantine" in Thailand
Buxom sixty-six-year-old entrepreneur Heo was amongst the initial 41 South Korean tourists to embark on Thailand's "golf quarantine" luxury getaway, an innovative strategy crafted by the Thai authorities to inject a much-needed timely boost to the tourism industry. This unique concept sees visitors tested for COVID-19 at Atitaya Country Club, three days following their arrival, and subject to at least two additional tests before exiting the "quarantine" zone.
Regrettably, the closure of bars and other resort amenities renders social interaction among avid golfers and chat sessions about their less-than-perfect scores an impracticality. Yet, the spirits remained high as Heo and co. juggled the excitement of two rounds of golf daily – a pastime he'd always cherished – alongside the quaint allure of the glorious, sprawling golf courses.
"Picture yourself strolling through this colossal golfing paradise, with 41 South Korean competitors teeing off, coupled with over 100 dedicated staff at your beck and call. It's like golfing in a piece of royalty," Heo beguiled, attired in a visually arresting pink golf shirt and softer, pink shorts.
Xu, another enthusiast, vouched for the merits of emulating the Thai model, suggesting that other countries should reduce quarantine duration while permitting residents to stroll or jog within their confines.
"Given the stark challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel, notably for golfing, has been severely restricted in South Korea," Xu lamented. By the time the stay concludes, Xu aims to immerse further in Thai business ventures. "It's truly a golfer's utopia."
For an appealing sum of 2,49 Million Won (roughly 2,240 USD), the experience compensates reasonably for a two-week quarantine in a standard hotel room, Ku Jung-keun, Managing Director of Atitaya, chimed in, in dialogue with Reuters. Ku highlighted the advantageous combination of three COVID-19 tests, ample leisure time and golf session, and daily health check-ups.
According to Hong Soon-bong, Chief of Staff at a Seoul-based golf club, the upcoming group of travelers departs for Thailand in two weeks. With approximately 100 rooms accommodating up to 150 guests, the club experiences triple the usual number of inquiries for the package.
"Our business saw a close-to-nonexistent turnout since COVID-19 gripped the world in early February," Hong confessed. "It's a challenging time, but opportunities like these help rekindle optimism within us."
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Despite the shackles of quarantine, Heo enthusiastically anticipates his foray to Thailand's service-oriented "golf quarantine", intending to indulge further in the country's gastronomic delights subsequent to his two-week escape.
