With outstretched arms, Thailand is re-opening for visitors. Yes, after two years of the pandemic, some lockdowns and even some attempted opening to visitors, the kingdom is implementing a four-phase re-opening plan. This plan will see the pandemic downgraded to endemic, and from 1 April, entry requirements to the country will be eased further.

Specifically, pre-travel Covid testing is no longer required from 1 April 2022. Travellers from any country can enter under one of these three streams:

TEST & GO
Sandbox programme
Alternative Quarantine

Whether you are returning to live in Thailand, coming for business, visiting family and friends, or coming for that much needed holiday – Thailand is open and ready to welcome you.

Although some travellers are already enjoying Thailand’s delights, it’s a tiny fraction compared to pre-Covid visitor numbers. Popular tourist destinations are clamouring for your business with great deals on hotels, tours, etc. The beaches, islands, attractions, temples, national forests and mountain trails are crowd-free, so social distancing is easy. For long term stays, appealing rental deals await.

Keen investors and buyers have their eyes firmly on the Thailand real estate market. Whether you are thinking of investing in Thailand, living in Phuket, moving to Bangkok or any other beautiful Thailand destination, you will find a greater choice of properties – some in new developments and some with irresistible deals.What are the details?

Visiting Thailand has become more accessible, and here are a few things to consider and do.

A Thailand Pass must be obtained in advance. Details in the link.
No longer needed is a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel, taking some hassle out of the last few days before take-off. However, the RT-PCR test requirement for the arrival date remains unchanged. Travellers must have a fully paid hotel reservation confirmation for the arrival date, including an RT-PCR test, ATK test kit, and airport pick-up.

Note: Some airlines may require an RT-PCR test or extra documentation before boarding. Travellers must check with the airline on specific requirements they stipulate.

Health insurance must be in place with a US$20,000 minimum coverage. Ensure that it includes Covid medical expenses for the entire duration of the stay plus ten additional days. Do read your policy’s fine print to ensure it complies with Thai government requirements.

Fully vaccinated travellers can arrive under either the TEST & GO scheme or the Sandbox program.

TEST & GO: Travellers can arrive by air, land, and water with one night of prepaid SHA Extra Plus accommodation. One RT-PCR test is to be undertaken on arrival and provided the test is negative, you are free to travel. A self-ATK on Day 5 needs to be uploaded to the Mor Chana App. This option is ideal for vaccinated travellers returning to Thailand after a break or those planning to visit multiple destinations.
Sandbox Program: Many visitors have spoken highly of the Sandbox scheme, staying in beautiful destinations in Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Chonburi and Trat. With the Sandbox, you must stay five nights in your Sandbox destination hotel/s. After undertaking the RT-PCR test on arrival, you are free to travel within the designated area. After a negative self-ATK test on Day 5, you can travel domestically throughout Thailand.
The Alternative Quarantine entry scheme is for those visitors who can’t confirm their vaccination status.
Upon arrival, you will be whisked off to your pre-booked and pre-paid Alternative Quarantine (AQ) accommodation and undertake an RT-PCR test. You must quarantine for the full five days and have a second RT-PCR test on days 4-5. Providing a negative test for day 5, you will be free to travel domestically.

If you test positive? Should you return a positive test result, you will be referred to appropriate medical treatment, including remaining in your accommodation, transfer to a hospital, or community isolation. Your health insurance must cover these expenses.

These websites have some remarkable accommodation packages available under either of the three schemes.

https://www.agoda.com/th-th/quarantineth
https://asq.locanation.com
https://asq.ascendtravel.com
https://asqthailand.com
http://entrythailand.go.th/en/

To stay up to date on entry requirement news, visit Tourism Authority of Thailand News.

Wherever you plan to go in Thailand, it is a great time to visit and even better if you stay longer. Retirees and working professionals relish the fabulous lifestyle, and many choose to buy property in Thailand. You will find a vast range of housing, modern condos, private pool villas, detached houses, seaside, city or greenside locations, and they are amazingly inexpensive compared to many countries.

And to finish on more fantastic news, Bangkok has once again taken the crown of the ‘Best City’ in the latest Readers’ Choice Awards – from DestinAsian magazine. Phuket and Koh Samui were named third and fourth ‘Best Islands’. This recognition confirms that Thailand remains a great choice!