Thailand further eases entry restrictions for international travellers

[StayinThailand2much]

36 minutes ago, ukrules said:

I'm sure more tourists will come to Thailand with these now reduced restrictions but I know for sure this 'Thailand Pass' is a step too far for a lot of people who just want to get on a plane and go on holiday.

I can only speak for myself, but the Thailand Pass (incl. insurance) is much more a deterrence to travel for me than a test and a one-night hotel stay. And that the insurance cover was reduced is irrelevant, as the premium charged will probably stay the same (certainly not halved), while the insurance itself is still useless. (If Thailand wants me to buy such an insurance policy, then they should guarantee paid treatment against this insurance policy in case I got Covid.)

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

I can only speak for myself, but the Thailand Pass (incl. insurance) is much more a deterrence to travel for me than a test and a one-night hotel stay

Everyone has their own concerns.

Thinking that you might be surprised how many tourists are worried about test on arrival.

Test and Go and what a positive test would entail. 

This is a major game changer.

 

[Irate priest]

23 minutes ago, DaveCW said:

We arrive on the 2nd May, so on the surface this sounds like good news.

 

However, should I take the risk of cancelling the Hotel/PCR test (can cancel before 24th for full refund) which may in some way end in screwing up the QR code, especially as the TP is temporarily closed to allow for changes.... and the potential for all this to go south. 

 

Perhaps better to stay on the side of caution and keep all as is - its a small loss in the grand scheme as well as piece of mind.

I am in the same boat arriving a little later however the QR code on the pass seems to contain information about vaccinations only. I can't see how cancelling the hotel and PCR can effect it and the hotel in theory would have no obligation to report such a cancellation if arriving after May 1.

 

I will wait until everything confirmed 

[Donga]

3 hours ago, Tom H said:

Soon 200 deaths per day?

Compared to all the other deaths per day?

Everyone's had the opportunity to be vaxed and dare say the vast majority of current deaths are either unvaxed and/or not long for this world.

I say vast majority, while recognising many healthy people die every day from various causes.

[peter zwart]

That is good news. although i still dont understand this proof of vaccination. It doesnt make any difference. Anyway, that will disappear next i hope.

[NanaSomchai]

*Looks at Thailand Pass*

Yawn...

[Bwazi]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai government cancels Test and Go, eases legal drinking hours, and more-Covid meeting recap

By Nop Meechukhun

 

 

Highlights of changes

 

●Test and Go is gone, no pre-booking of hotels required (except for unvaccinated). A.K.A. no pre or post-arrival mandatory Covid-19 tests.

 

●Thailand Pass remains mainly to prove insurance and vaccination status

 

●Alcohol serving venues can stay open until Midnight, although continue to be converted into restaurants and not legally bars or nightlife

 

●Mandatory insurance reduced to 10,000 USD

 

●Effective May 1st

 

The general meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha, has announced the cancellation of the ‘Test&Go’ scheme and zoning relaxation in controlled areas (orange zones), effective May 1st.

 

Firstly, Thailand Pass will remain, mainly to verify vaccination status and proof of insurance. This will be continually evaluated. Thailand Pass will also be paused temporarily to update the system for the new rules, set to start on the first of May. Those who have already booked will need to inquire individually with hotels/Thailand Pass about potential refunds or “grandfather” clauses after May 1st. Before May 1st, all current rules will apply.

 

As a result of scrapping the ‘Test&Go’ scheme, all mandatory Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travelers have been canceled upon arrival in the Kingdom and only one self-ATK test is recommended (but not compulsory) during their stay. If an infection is found, they are required to go for treatment through the insurance process. Essentially, once one enters Thailand and goes through confirmation of their Thailand Pass paperwork and customs, they are free to go where they wish as of May first.

 

Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/22/thai-government-cancels-test-and-go-eases-legal-drinking-hours-and-more-covid-meeting-recap/

 

-- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-22

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

I will now start looking for flights in May.

This is very good news

[doctormann]

This has probably been asked before but what actually constitutes 'fully vaccinated'?  Is a '2-jab' status considered to be fully vaccinated - maybe depends on the type of vaccine, I suppose - or is it necessary to have had at least one booster?  What about the timing - how long after your last jab are you still considered to be vaccinated?

[Nickelbeer]

Still too many requirements. They need to declare Covid as endemic and revert to pre-Covid rules. Another reason for me to leave Thailand as soon as possible. They are running an outdoor prison.

[daejung]

3 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

I can only speak for myself, but the Thailand Pass (incl. insurance) is much more a deterrence to travel for me than a test and a one-night hotel stay. And that the insurance cover was reduced is irrelevant, as the premium charged will probably stay the same (certainly not halved), while the insurance itself is still useless. (Thailand wants me to buy such an insurance policy, then they should guarantee paid treatment against this insurance policy in case I got Covid.)

The contrary for me a test on arrival and a one-night hotel stay is much more a deterrence to travel for me than Thailand Pass (incl. insurance) . I don't want to be quarantined or go to hospital if I am seated in the plane near a positive traveler, or if I get positive myself without any symptoms. I got covid in France, having 3 Pfizer shots, but without any symptoms and was negative 1 week later.

[kennw]

3 hours ago, madmitch said:

I really don't believe you posted this!

 

There's a lengthy process to go through to change these things. It ain't just pressing a button!

Hotel booking still required? please quote your source. Surely not for expat resident returning to own residence.

[GreasyFingers]

28 minutes ago, Donga said:

Everyone's had the opportunity to be vaxed and dare say the vast majority of current deaths are either unvaxed and/or not long for this world.

Great information, where did you get it.

[kennw]

15 minutes ago, doctormann said:

This has probably been asked before but what actually constitutes 'fully vaccinated'?  Is a '2-jab' status considered to be fully vaccinated - maybe depends on the type of vaccine, I suppose - or is it necessary to have had at least one booster?  What about the timing - how long after your last jab are you still considered to be vaccinated?

How do you show for Thai pass 2 jabs here (AZ) one overseas (Pfizer) 4th jab here (Pfizer) only the first 2 show up on Mor Prom app.

 

[Thailand]

Almost, but not quite.

 

Pre Covid regulations before tourism/travel is hot to trot.

[D M G]

1 Thailand Pass application per entry?

What if you come and go several times?

[anchadian]

I just noticed this part: “Unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.” Otherwise it’s a 5-day quarantine. #Thailand

 

https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/1517457807888760832

 

[misterphil]

4 hours ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

Are you considered vaccinated if your last shot was over 6 months ago?

No problem. Had mine nearly a year ago and pass was approved in 6 hours when i applied 2 weeks ago. 

[anchadian]

40 minutes ago, doctormann said:

This has probably been asked before but what actually constitutes 'fully vaccinated'?  Is a '2-jab' status considered to be fully vaccinated - maybe depends on the type of vaccine, I suppose - or is it necessary to have had at least one booster?  What about the timing - how long after your last jab are you still considered to be vaccinated?

Every four months after a pfizer booster jab as I stated above.

[Mike Galley]

Only the step to get rid of Thailand Pass will help Thailand to get back into the track for international tourism.

If not done Vietnam and other countries will continue to enjoy the benefit and send flower gifts to Thai government.

 

[spidermike007]

This is sure a good step in the right direction. It means Thailand might start seeing a tourism rebound. I do think permanent damage was done to the industry. The numbers will be alot lower than before. But, it is something, the expensive 1st nite hotel was an issue for many, and it will put some people back to work. 

[novacova]

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Sure and my name is PigPen...

Pigpen? Don’t quite understand. Only two pigpens I know of:

1) boozed out on MD 2020 in ‘73

2) a pork house

I assume you’re #2 cuz #1 is long gone 

[wensiensheng]

3 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Actually, I can't fault them for this (though I don't know of any other country that currently requires it). I don't know how many healthcare runners there are, but having such insurance should be considered a neccessity for any responsible traveler. Perhaps they're just nudging the weakest links among us to do the right thing?

Having health insurance for needed medical care isn’t the issue though. It’s the requirement to have insurance to cover medical costs when feeling perfectly healthy, but covid positive.

[brianthainess]

4 hours ago, 2 is 1 said:

 Thailand Pass will also be paused temporarily to update the system for the new rules, set to start on the first of May. Just said there!

So funny they take a week to update their system, when this change has been on the books for weeks. "We want people to come to Thailand but first we will take our holiday for Songkran before we bother to update our site, let 'em wait '' said someone with medals trying to hitch his cart before his horse.

[brianthainess]

38 minutes ago, D M G said:

1 Thailand Pass application per entry?

What if you come and go several times?

I was wondering that myself, do you still need "Thailand Pass'' when returning with Re-entry stamp ? 

[CartagenaWarlock]

5 hours ago, PJ71 said:

Thai Pass website still requires hotel booking to process.

No it does not. Hotel booking is not required from May 1. 

[CosmicSurfer]

I'm travelling in Mid-May, and already Pre-Paid my Sha+ Hotel, Car and PCR test... Will they be giving refunds???  OR TIT !!!

 

[cheapcanuck]

Finally they are getting it. TAT may reach there numbers after all.

[cheapcanuck]

1 minute ago, CosmicSurfer said:

I'm travelling in Mid-May, and already Pre-Paid my Sha+ Hotel, Car and PCR test... Will they be giving refunds???  OR TIT !!!

 

The article said "potential refund". In other words, don't count on a refund. Sorry for you.

[heiri007]

Anyone up to speed what the requirements for Thai nationals are? They still need ThailandPass?

 

And can ThailandPass already be applied for now for entries after May 1st?

[Bkktodd]

6 hours ago, PJ71 said:

Thai Pass website still requires hotel booking to process.

Will update 1 may.  Some still will come before.