First you did, then you didn’t, then you did again, then you didn’t after all… After another abrupt U-turn from the Thai government, officials have confirmed that proof of vaccination will not be required to enter Thailand after all.
According to a Nation Thailand report, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has confirmed that a plan to re-introduce the requirement has been ditched. But only after a few tries. The brief re-introduction caused significant backlash from the tourism sector, with a number of organisations submitting a letter to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha asking for the requirement to be dropped.
Following confirmation from Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that proof of vaccination would not be required after all, the DDC has now issued their updated rules for entering the kingdom. According to government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul, they are as follows:
– Covid vaccination is no longer required
– Arrivals from countries that require a negative PCR test on return must have health insurance coverage of at least US$10,000 for the duration of their time in Thailand, plus an additional 7 days. (China and India currently require a negative PCR test prior to entry). Arrivals found not to have insurance will be required to purchase it at Thai immigration at the airport. Airline crew, students, and those on special business can provide a letter from their host or other forms of insurance.
(In reality it appears that check in counters are not asking for this, but you should be ready to purchase it if asked, either at your home port or destination in Thailand)
– The health insurance requirement does not apply to Thai passport holders or transit passengers
– Airlines must comply with the regulation that passengers must wear face masks at all times, other than when eating or during an emergency.
(Again, in reality, some airlines are policing this more heavily than others)
– Passengers who show Covid-19 symptoms on arrival will be tested.
Passengers can get more information from the DDC Hotline on 1422 or by visiting the DDC website.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has issued an updated Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to reflect the revised DDC regulations.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
