Thailand welcomes foreign tourists again as “Test&Go” scheme relaunched today under new requirements

PHOTO: Thansettakij

National –

Thailand has widened its door once again for international arrivals from all countries as it relaunched its “Test&Go” scheme and the registration of “Thailand Pass” today, February 1st.

For a video version of this story see below:

However, due to the ongoing concern of the Omicron variant, the entry procedures and requirements of the scheme may be slightly complicated to prevent the domestic spread. Some critics in the tourism and hospitality sectors may not consider this reopening as a potential economy and tourism reviver.

On the contrary, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects some 200,000 arrivals per month after the reopening. They are expected to spend about 60,000 baht per person, according to TAT.

Under the new “Test&Go” scheme, travelers are required to book and pay for SHA++ accommodation to stay for two nights while waiting for the RT-PCR results. A medical certificate of an RT-PCR negative result no more than 72 hours before traveling must be presented to the authorities when arrived in the kingdom.

Foreign travelers are also required to have a Covid-19 insurance policy with a coverage of no less than USD 50,000. The insurance should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with Covid-19, including in-patient hospitalization and isolation. If not, then the traveler is responsible for the isolation expense themselves.

PHOTO: tatnews.org

Upon arrival, travelers must stay in the room of the prepaid SHA++ hotels/accommodations as they must wait for the result of the first RT-PCR test. If testing is negative, they are free to go anywhere in Thailand. However, they must stay at a SHA++ accommodation on Day 5, undergo their second Covid-19 test using the same method, and stay within the room for the result.

During the visit to Thailand, travelers are highly advised to strictly follow the preventive measures, standards, and hygiene practices; such as wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance of at least 1 meter from others.

As of this morning, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reminded the public that wearing a facial mask is highly mandatory in all public areas, both inside and outside, across Thailand. While not many countries have rules about masks, especially outdoor, Thailand still strictly enforced it as a law and fines can be up to 20,000 baht, if anyone, Thai and foreigners, are found violating the rule.

More information and full procedures/requirements for the “Thailand Pass” and the new “Test&Go” scheme can be found at tatnews.org.

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Need Covid-19 insurance for your next trip to Thailand? Click here.

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.