Faced with the urgency of reviving tourism, Thailand will end the measures which deterred many potential travelers from visiting the country, from July 1, 2022.
On June 17, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced that face masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor ventilated spaces in Thailand.
The CCSA also announced other important changes, such as the cancellation of the Thailand Pass (Thailand Pass) and compulsory insurance as well as allowing bars to close later.
All of these changes are to take effect on July 1.
This is the biggest step since the reopening of the country, the removal of the last barriers, Thailand will once again be able to attract tourists from all over the world.
A change that comes at the right time for people who have not yet made a decision for the summer holidays.
Drop the masks
Thai dancers with a face mask. Photo: chiangraitimes.com
The CCSA agreed on Friday to relax the requirement to wear a face mask, making it purely voluntary outdoors or in low-traffic places.
Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin said the public should decide for themselves when wearing a face mask is appropriate…
“Masks can be removed in certain areas.
I want to emphasize that it depends on the discretion and the will of each one.
Masks can be removed in outdoor spaces and athletes can remove masks during exercise.”
The CCSA recommends wearing a mask in crowded spaces and in situations where social distancing is not possible, for example on public transport, in concert halls with large audiences, in crowded markets, etc
Wearing a mask remains compulsory in indoor public spaces, but it can be removed in certain cases.
According to the CCSA, masks can be removed indoors if you are alone, eating or exercising.
Masks can also be removed in well-ventilated indoor spaces where social distancing is possible.
The CCSA recommends that the high-risk “608” group continue to wear face masks, both indoors and outdoors.
The “608” group includes unvaccinated people, people with underlying health conditions, the elderly and people infected with Covid-19.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha thanked the public for their cooperation in wearing face masks and said the measure was effective in controlling the spread of Covid-19.
Thailand’s health ministry said it was preparing “detailed guidelines” on mask wearing.
End of Thailand Pass and Covid-19 insurance
Verification of Thailand Pass at Suvarnabhumi airport. Photo: Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Pass Thailand registration system will be discontinued from July 1, 2022.
At the point of entry into Thailand, vaccinated travelers will only need to show proof of a vaccination certificate and non-vaccinated travelers only need to present a negative RT-PCR test result or a professionally performed ATK test within 72 hours. before the journey.
It can be a printed or digital document.
The CCSA has approved the removal of the Thailand Pass and the requirement for health insurance with US$10,000 coverage for overseas visitors, effective July 1, 2022.
Both of these requirements were originally waived for Thai nationals on June 1, 2022.
Random checks will be carried out upon arrival at international airports or Thailand’s land border checkpoints (in 22 provinces).
Non-vaccinated or non-fully vaccinated travelers who are randomly screened and are unable to present proof of a negative test prior to arrival will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry.
Bars allowed to stay open longer
Nightlife in Thailand. Photo: National News Bureau of Thailand
The CCSA has also decided to allow pubs, bars, karaoke and nightclubs to operate after midnight during their normal opening hours, following a call from night venue operators to allow them to open until 2 a.m.
More details are awaited, but it appears from statements that they will be able to stay open all night (at their normal opening hours).
Resumption of normal activities throughout Thailand
The CCSA also approved the designation of Bangkok and 76 provinces as a surveillance zone or green zone, allowing the resumption of normal activities across the country.
While maintaining safety and health measures as part of universal prevention, the Royal Thai Government is set to announce a new set of guidelines as the nation enters the post-pandemic phase.
An air of freedom will float over Thailand from July 1st.
Source: The Thaiger, Tourism Authority of Thailand: TAT News