Photos: Sun Guangyong/ People's Daily

Bangkok (People's Daily) - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand will open the country to visitors from 46 countries starting from November 1, expanding on an earlier plan that covered only 10 nations at low-risk for COVID-19.

He said he was aware the acceleration brought with it the risk of more local infections.

"But this is a risk we must take. I think, like other countries, Thailand is now better equipped to deal with the risk. And we need to learn to live with it,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Visitors from the 46 countries, described as the first low-risk group, may enter Thailand by air without quarantine, provided they have been fully vaccinated and have evidence of pre-flight negative test results. They must also agree to take another test upon arrival.

Prayut urged people to adhere to the prescribed Covid-19 health measures — wearing masks, cleaning hands frequently and observing social distancing.

The Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the names of the 45 countries and a territory shortly after the prime minister's announcement.

On October 11, the prime minister said tourists from 10 countries would be allowed to visit Thailand starting November 1 without quarantine under the same conditions.