After years-long procedures to travel into Thailand, the’ Thailand Pass’ scheme was eventually lifted on the 1st of July 2022. So, what does this mean for all of us? This article can provide you with the answer.
What is ‘Thailand Pass’?
It’s a system where foreign travelers must seek approval from Thai authorities before entering the country. Before this, travelers were required to upload documents such as passports as well as the confirmed and paid Alternative Quarantine hotels for five days. Travelers must also attach a paper proof of insurance worth at least 10,000 USD coverage for health insurance treatment in the country.
What are the New Rules?
Foreign travelers will now be required only to show either proof of vaccination certificate or a negative RT-PCR or ATK test result within 72 hours of arrival in either print or digital format. Unvaccinated or those who are not fully vaccinated will be randomly checked. If they cannot show proof of pre-arrival negative test results, they will be required to undergo an ATK test upon entry. These random testing will proceed until the Thai government decides to lift all state-of-emergency measurements relating to COVID-19.
What’s Next to Know for Thailand?
Apart from scrapping the ‘Thailand Pass’ scheme, according to Tourism Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn, people in Thailand can now have the right to choose whether or not to wear masks outside starting in July according to the Royal Gazette’s announcement. However, wearing masks in enclosed spaces, events, or concerts is still recommended.
So, if you plan to visit Thailand, there is no perfect time than this; also, if you plan to stay longer, Thailand is a popular place for retirees. This year, International Living magazine, in its 2022 Global Retirement Index, rated Thailand as the best country in Asia for retirees. The country is also ranked as the 11th best in the world. The top places to stay are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hua Hin, showing that Thailand is undoubtedly a great destination to go to!
