More changes. The public health minister, via the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, has cancelled the requirement for foreign arrivals, from countries which require PCR tests on return, to have at least US$10,000 health insurance coverage for the duration of their holiday, plus seven days.
The requirement for proof of Covid vaccinations, to present while checking in for your flight to Thailand, has also been scrapped. It was in response to complaints from Thai tourism associations, foreign embassies and travel groups who say the measures, originally imposed on January 7, would discourage many people from visiting Thailand.
Social media has been full of people being turned away at check-in, concerned travellers cancelling trips and people just confused about the original regulations and then the sudden reversal of policy.
Thailand’s Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob says that the CAAT’s revised measures include…
- Passengers who do not have health insurance coverage will be allowed to board the plane, but Thai officials at health quarantine checkpoints will conduct random checks for health insurance coverage. Passengers who do not have any will be advised, before entering the country, how they can get coverage.
- Passengers who hold Thai passports and passengers in transit will be exempt from health insurance checks.
- Passengers who develop Covid-19 symptoms during their travel will be advised to get screened for Covid infection upon arrival at their destination.
- Airlines should advise their passengers to wear face masks at all times while they are on board, except when eating food or in an emergency situation.
The revised measures came into force at 8am this morning, January 10, and will remain in force until at least January 31.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
