Thailand has announced new Covid entry requirements for visitors in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
The country’s Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced that all visitors must now provide proof of receiving at least two doses of a Covid vaccine in order to enter Thailand. Tourists from countries that require negative RT-PCR results on their return must have travel insurance covering Covid-19 testing and treatment before entering Thailand.
Previously, Thailand had only required visitors to present a negative Covid test upon arrival. However, with the emergence of more contagious variants and an increase in cases within the country, the government has decided to take stricter measures.
According to Anutin, the new requirement will apply to both foreign tourists and Thai citizens returning from abroad. Exceptions will be made for those who are unable to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, but they will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
The Health Minister emphasized the importance of vaccinating as many people as possible in order to control the spread of the virus and protect the country’s citizens. He stated that the new requirement is not meant to deter tourists from visiting, but rather to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the Thai people.
Tourists who have already received two doses of the Covid vaccine will be able to provide proof through a vaccine certificate or digital vaccination record. Those who have only received one dose will not be allowed to enter Thailand unless they are able to provide a valid reason for not completing the full vaccine regimen.
The new Covid entry requirements come as Thailand is in the midst of Covid infections. The country’s tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many popular tourist destinations remaining closed or operating at reduced capacity.
The government is hoping that the new vaccine requirement will help to boost confidence in the safety of travel to Thailand and encourage more visitors to come to the country. However, it remains to be seen how the new requirement will impact tourism numbers in the long run.
In the meantime, travelers planning to visit Thailand are advised to check the latest Covid entry requirements and make sure they meet all necessary criteria before booking their trip. It is important for tourists to understand that these requirements are in place to protect the health and well-being of both themselves and the Thai people, and to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus.