Thailand has announced that the “Thailand Pass” program will end on 1 July 2022, as well as the mandatory need for proven US$10,000 Covid-19 health insurance for foreign visitors.
As of 1 July, international visitors will only be required to show proof of either a certificate of full vaccination (two shots) or a negative RT-PCR or professional Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result within 72 hours of travel (these can be in a print or digital format).
Unvaccinated or not-fully vaccinated travellers who are randomly checked and who are unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will only be required to undergo a professional RAT test at the point of entry.
Face masks will also no longer be required in airy, outdoor spaces in Thailand from 1 July. Masks are, however, still required in public, indoor spaces, but can be removed in some instances.
In addition, Bangkok and the rest of the country are now deemed Green Zone’s which means that businesses and activities can resume as normal.
Night-time entertainment venues; such as pubs, bars and karaoke lounges in green zones are allowed to resume operation, including the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises until 2am.
In another big move regarding entertainment, Thailand plans to lift its notorious alcohol sales ban from 2 – 5 pm, in hotels at least, starting July 1.
What you need to know between now and 1 July
Until the new rules kick in on 1 July, Foreign nationals will still be required to apply for a Thailand Pass but will only need to provide passport details, vaccination, and a US$10,000 health insurance policy.
The system will then automatically issue a Thailand Pass QR code for the applicants.
Upon arrival in Thailand until 1 July, vaccinated travellers must undergo entry screening, and will then be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR or professional RAT test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system will also be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
Thailand is expected to receive seven to 10 million foreign tourists this year with the easing of restrictions in the country.
For more information visit www.tatnews.org