Thailand's COVID-19 updates from 1 June 2022: Revised Thailand Pass rules, no quarantine for high-risk contacts, and more

Effective 1 June 2022, the Thailand Pass will only function as a pre-arrival registration system, not an approval system.

Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) had on 20 May 2022 (Friday) announced a series of COVID-19 updates both within the country, and for international travellers to note.

These updates are as follows:

New requirements for entering Thailand effective 1 June 2022

Entry requirements for travellers entering Thailand will be adjusted starting 1 June 2022, including the registration for Thailand Pass, which the CCSA said has been made simpler and more convenient.

In particular, effective 1 June 2022, foreign travellers to Thailand will only need to provide the following information for entry:

1. COVID-19 vaccination certificates or COVID-19 test results;
2. A minimum of US$10,000 equivalent of travel insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19; and
3. a copy of a valid passport.

As shared by the CCSA, the Thailand Pass QR code will be auto-generated immediately after registration, and airlines are required to pre-check for the Thailand Pass QR code prior to issuing boarding passes to travellers. Upon arrival in Thailand, travellers are required to go through a health screening process at the airport.

Foreign travellers are reminded to ensure they upload the correct documents and carry them along, in case they are required to show the documents for verification.

Effective 1 June as well, Thai nationals will no longer be required to register for Thailand Pass. The Pass will only function as a pre-arrival registration system, not an approval system.

Foreign visitors need to make sure they upload the correct documents and carry them along, in case they are required to show the documents for verification.

Do note that until the revised Thailand Pass measure takes effect on 1 June 2022, Thais and foreign visitors are still required to register with Thailand Pass and seek approval from the system. Additionally, travellers entering Thailand before 1 June still need to adhere to the same entry requirements as announced earlier. Under the current mandatory measures, unvaccinated and partially-vaccinated travelers who opt out of quarantine must undergo an RT-PCR test before departure.

The adjusted entry requirements for travellers entering Thailand "are in line with public health measures and practices in the Southeast Asian region," the CCSA noted, citing practices in Singapore and Malaysia as examples.

Relaxed COVID-19 measures within Thailand effective 1 June 2022

With Thailand moving towards the endemic phase, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has issued a new set of recommendations on public health measures for high-risk contacts of COVID-19 cases to self-monitor for 10 days, without having to quarantine.

Additionally, nightclubs, bars, and karaoke venues have been approved for reopening.

However, the CCSA cautioned: "The endemic designation does not mean the disease is no longer dangerous. The government will continue to ensure the healthcare system remains capable of handling [any] emergency situation."

Finally, the CCSA shared the state of emergency will be extended for two more months, from 1 June to 31 July 2022, with all necessary public health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 remaining in place, until the country is ready to enter the endemic phase, which will be determined by the relevant public health authorities.

Adjustments to Thailand's provincial zoning effective 1 June 2022

Last, the CCSA also announced adjustments to Thailand's provincial zoning, taking place from 1 June.

Specifically, the number of provinces designated as "green" or "surveillance" zones will go up to 14; while the number of provinces designated as "blue" or "Pilot Tourism" zones will go up from 12 to 17. Authorities in these zones will be encouraged to implement prevention measures that are similar to those adopted in the "surveillance" zones.

Image / 123RF

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