January 5, 2023, 1:49 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Thailand planned to implement stricter entry rules to prepare for a travel wave from China. A vaccination proof requirement for visitors from abroad was planned. Now, the change is not happening.
A few days after announcing stricter entry rules to Thailand due to quarantine relaxations in China, the government reversed its decision. Visitors from abroad will not need to present a vaccination certificate upon arrival, the newspaper “Bangkok Post” quoted Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The new rules, which would have required visitors to provide proof of at least two vaccinations against the coronavirus, are void.
Protests from Tour Operators
Protests from tour operators preceded this decision. They warned over the weekend that stricter entry rules would deter many tourists and hinder the desired recovery of Thailand’s tourism industry. Additionally, such a sudden rule change would harm Thailand’s image, emphasized the Phuket Tourism Association.
The background for the plans was concerns about China’s reopening. Thailand expects a large travel wave from the country, where the virus is currently spreading massively. Thailand is an extremely popular destination for tourists from China.
In December, Beijing announced the end of the quarantine requirement for travelers to the People’s Republic. On Sunday, authorities ended the nearly three-year isolation. Chinese citizens can now vacation abroad again.
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The Current COVID-19 Situation in Thailand
After a brief increase in mid-October 2022, the number of new COVID-19 infections has recently decreased. On Tuesday (January 3, 2022), authorities in the country with 70 million inhabitants registered 258 new infections, with a 7-day incidence rate of 2.5 (Source: corona-in-zahlen.de).
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What COVID-19 Restrictions Apply in Thailand?
Since July 1, 2022, the outdoor mask mandate in Thailand has been lifted and only applies in large crowds. Additionally, strict rules for bars and entertainment venues have been removed. Thailand’s condition is thus almost back to pre-pandemic times.
With material from dpa and Reuters