Thailand's endemic measures: Thailand Pass scrapped for incoming travellers from 1 July, and more

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Soon, mask-wearing requirements will vary for specific groups, but masks will continue to be required in indoor settings.

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the removal of Thailand Pass and the US$10,000 health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, effective 1 July 2022. This comes following the removal of the scheme for Thai nationals, which took effect on 1 June.

As such, starting 1 July 2022, foreign nationals are only required to produce proof of:

• a certificate of vaccination;
• a negative RT-PCR, OR
• a professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. 

Proof of the above documents may be in print or digital formats.

Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints in 22 provinces. Unvaccinated/not fully-vaccinated travellers who undergo checks and are unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry, the CCSA shared.

Thailand to loosen pandemic measures in preparation for the 'endemic' phase

In further updates, Thailand will also be relaxing certain COVID-19 measures, effective only after the announcement is published in the Royal Gazette:

• All provinces will be designated as surveillance areas, or "green zone.”
• Temperature screening in buildings is no longer required, except in high-risk areas.
• Per the updated mask mandate, there will be different requirements for specific groups and the general public.
  • For example, vulnerable/high-risk groups (also known as "608"), including people who are not fully vaccinated, are highly encouraged to wear masks when present with others.
  • COVID-infected and high-risk groups are strongly urged to wear their masks when with others.
  • For the general public, wearing a mask is required indoors unless you are by yourself, OR you are doing activities where masks cannot be worn, such as eating, exercising, receiving care/service on the facial area, and performing arts, in which case you are recommended to proceed with care. Upon completing those activities, you are required to put the mask back on.
  • Outdoors, the public is reminded to wear a mask when you are with others and cannot observe social distancing, OR if the area is crowded or not well-ventilated, such as in public transportation, markets, sports venues, and concert arenas.
• On booster doses and vaccinations:
  • Thailand's Prime Minister stressed the importance of booster shots to ensure the safety of the public as the country continues with its reopening measures, and has tasked the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, and all relevant agencies to work together towards this end.
  • The Bang Sue Grand Station will be open every day for walk-ins, from 9am - 4am, for individuals who want to take their first, second, third, fourth, and fifth COVID-19 vaccine shot.
• To be considered fully vaccinated, incoming travellers must be vaccinated in accordance with the list of MoPH/WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, in the right dosage and recommended interval between their first and the second dose, at least 14 days before their travel plan.
  • Thailand recognises all combinations of vaccine types, with a focus on the approved interval between the first and the second dose.
• Entertainment venues may be opened in accordance with relevant regulations. 

Watch the CCSA's announcement:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=723015325600475

Image / Shutterstock

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