What Expats in Thailand Need to Know About the June 2022 Easing of Restrictions

Expats, locals, and travelers alike have been eagerly awaiting Thailand to return to its pre-COVID-19-days. The country is gradually taking steps in that direction, albeit at a disappointing pace to some. As of June 1st, 2022, many nightlife outlets like bars, pubs, karaoke venues, and massage parlors are permitted to reopen. This reopening affects 31 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. What’s more, mask mandates are set to ease later this month.

Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand are here to get you up to speed on the latest.

Recent changes to nightlife

As daily infections in Thailand decline, nightclubs, karaoke bars, and other nightlife venues are permitted to resume regular hours. Since the start of the month, night entertainment venues in the country’s green and blue zones can serve alcohol as usual. This is excellent news for many, as only places categorized as restaurants were permitted to serve alcohol during the pandemic.

Despite being able to serve alcohol, nightspots in these 31 provinces must still close at midnight. Venues in the other 46 provinces, which fall under the yellow zone, are still required to operate as restaurants if they wish to serve alcohol. Similarly, nightlife venues must follow the Ministry of Public Health’s COVID-free Setting measures as they reopen. Some nightlife outlets, such as those in Bangkok’s Thong Lo and Ekkamai areas, screen customers for the novel coronavirus by using antigen test kits (ATKs).

More nightlife restrictions to be lifted later

Nightlife entertainment venue owners have expressed that the latest easing won’t help much, but the next phase could be promising. According to a COVID-19 task force spokesman, pubs, entertainment venues, massage parlors, and more could see opening hours extended after June. Staff in these establishments must have received booster shots, as well as take antigen tests every week.

In order to reopen, all night entertainment venues in Bangkok must register and self-assess using the Thai Stop Covid 2Plus (TSC 2+) and request permission. An inspection will then be conducted by the district office to check that the operator has met all the requirements and permit them to open. Rules for Thai Stop Covid 2Plus include:

●     Social distancing and proper ventilation

●     COVID-19-free staff who get regular screenings via ATKs

●     COVID-19-free customers with proof of vaccination

What about masks?

Following much public debate, new face-mask guidelines will be issued in the middle of June 2022. The easing of mandatory face masks will make it possible for people to go mask-less in open spaces - as long as they don’t have underlying conditions or are part of an at-risk group. The only exceptions are poorly ventilated places and large social gatherings.

With Thailand’s COVID-19 situation improving, the Ministry of Public Health is confident about moving into the endemic phase as scheduled.

Extending the emergency decree

On May 24th, 2022, Thailand’s cabinet decided to extend the emergency decree in an attempt to curb the pandemic for two more months. The emergency decree will be extended until July 31st, 2022. By this time, the Ministry of Public Health’s endemic criteria should be met. The extension should also give related agencies time to address COVID-19 in their work moving forward.

Thailand tourism

Thailand is currently losing its tourists to neighboring countries with fewer COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements like high coverage health insurance. Additionally, international tourists may be deterred by the emergency decree.

As of June 1st, unvaccinated travelers to Thailand no longer have to quarantine. Instead, they can present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before departure or take a test on arrival. With the outbreak easing and more people fully vaccinated, there is pressure on the government to speed up the country’s reopening. Japan, for example, has already relaxed face-mask rules in outdoor settings.

Thailand welcomed 1.01 million arrivals from January to the middle of May, whereas 2021 saw 427,000 tourists enter the country.

Looking for expat health insurance in Thailand or other types of health insurance for your time in the Land of Smiles? Pacific Prime’s highly-trained advisors can help you find and compare health insurance plans from the best health insurance companies in Thailand while keeping to your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for 100% unbiased insurance advice and a tailored plan comparison today!