Thailand's Covid Restriction Easing Continues - What Does it Mean for You?
Thailand has long been known as one of the premier tourist destinations on the planet.
Its pristine stretches of azure waters, its friendly and hospitable people, its affordable and mouth-watering cuisine attracted a peak of nearly 40 million international arrivals in 2019, that is before you know what brought that number crashing down to just over 800,000 in the year 2021.
But it appears at long last, after an announcement from Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) the final bastions of international Covid-19 restrictions are to be dissolved on the 1st day of July, paving the way for a future of potential prosperity and a return to the major leagues of international tourism once more.
So what exactly did the CSSA announce and what makes it so important for the Kingdom’s tourism industries?
Thailand Pass, compulsory insurance in the past
Perhaps the most significant change announced last week was the removal of the Thailand Pass scheme for entries into the country as well as the 10,000 USD of mandatory medical insurance.
Instead, from the first onwards, individuals will be only required to show a certificate of vaccination or a negative PCR/ professional ATK test which can be in print or digital format.
To combat the specter of unvaccinated, untested travelers, random checks will be conducted at airports where those unable to show proof of vaccination or evidence of a negative test will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point at which they enter.
These changes will surely be a relief to prospective travelers to Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations as no longer will they be swamped by red tape, paperwork and anxiety which has slowed down the Kingdom’s covid recovery in past months.
But equally encouraging is the news from places within the country itself.
More relief for entertainment venues
Indeed, once tourists enter Thailand itself, they can rest assured that they will be greeted with an air of normality when compared to the pre-covid situation.
According to Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the CSSA, the following is to be in place from the 1st of July or from when they are published in the Royal Gazzette
- All 77 provinces are to be declared Green Zones - Subject to publishing in the Royal Gazette
- Face masks can be removed when in low risk areas such as uncrowded and open air spaces.
- Alcohol consumption in restaurants will return to pre-covid hours
- Night entertainment venues allowed to open until midnight
- Thermal scanning no longer required
Although there is still much to do before pre-covid normality is fully resumed, as travelers begin to cast their eyes east once again, here’s to hoping that these are the momentous steps towards a return to the Thailand we all know and love.
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