Thailand Considering An End to Pandemic-Era Entry Requirements

[webfact]

Thailand Chonburi sunset. (photo by Paul Heney)

 

Thailand’s main COVID-19 task force may accept a proposal to end the pandemic-era Thailand Pass pre-travel registration program for international travelers during an upcoming meeting on June 17; if accepted, Thailand Pass could end as early as next month.

 

According to Bloomberg, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told reporters on Thursday that the new proposal to end Thailand Pass has the support of the country’s Health Ministry and could help the country’s economic recovery.

 

“Our country has been battered by this pandemic for so long,” Phiphat said. “It’s time to make a full attempt to restore our economic growth with tourism. The removal of Thailand Pass will make it more convenient for tourists to come.”

 

Full story: https://www.travelpulse.com/news/impacting-travel/thailand-considering-an-end-to-pandemic-era-entry-requirements.html

 

-- © Copyright TRAVEL PULSE 2022-06-11

 

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[aussiexpat]

Too late for me, already booked my July-August trip within Australia instead of my normal 2 month 'winter' in Thailand

[Onerak]

Booked my flights for July 2nd early morning (9AM) from US. When should I apply for the TP? Is June 27 OK? I know I may lose 650 baht if they remove TP requirements but I really don't care $20 loss. 

[ezzra]

47 minutes ago, aussiexpat said:

Too late for me, already booked my July-August trip within Australia instead of my normal 2 month 'winter' in Thailand

With the cost of living and inflation going up and on at the moment all over Australia, that 'within Australia' trip would cost you a lot more had you vacationed in Thailand

[ThailandRyan]

27 minutes ago, Onerak said:

Booked my flights for July 2nd early morning (9AM) from US. When should I apply for the TP? Is June 27 OK? I know I may lose 650 baht if they remove TP requirements but I really don't care $20 loss. 

You'll be happy to know the US will also be lifting the Covid testing for international travelers as well.  No test to return to the US will be needed. 

[garyk]

Philippines lifted all June 1 I believe. Heading there instead of Thailand next month hopefully. If Thailand opens will be there for my 3 month tourist visa.. 

Inflation is running so hight here in the US I will head over to get some relief. Win win for me, dollar is strong against the Baht. Perfect for a cheap vacation.  Spent 6 months in South America and the dollar was killing the Colombia Peso. , and had a killer time.

Edited June 10, 2022 by garyk

[Excel]

3 minutes ago, ezzra said:

With the cost of living and inflation going up and on at the moment all over Australia

Inflation is relentlessly going up all over the world yet many major companies are increasing profits extraordinarily, certainly in those countries with democratic governments.

Covid 19 should be acknowledged by those companies auditors on their yearly audited  balance sheets as an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity, professionally manipulated,  to maximise company profits and correspondingly increased shareholder dividends.

[ThailandRyan]

14 minutes ago, Excel said:

Inflation is relentlessly going up all over the world yet many major companies are increasing profits extraordinarily, certainly in those countries with democratic governments.

Covid 19 should be acknowledged by those companies auditors on their yearly audited  balance sheets as an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity, professionally manipulated,  to maximise company profits and correspondingly increased shareholder dividends.

Professionaly manipulated...how so?  You mean the pharmaceutical corporations?  Not sure about that. The gas and power companies? Who

[ThailandRyan]

If and when Thailand lifts their Thai Pass, and since the US as I said will be lifting the covid testing for travelers, my kids are planning a trip over to finally visit me and I will be able to return to a 3 months here, and three months there and so on as i did prior to Covid.

Edited June 11, 2022 by ThailandRyan

[Excel]

Just now, ThailandRyan said:

If and when Thailand lifts their Thai Pass, and since the US as I said will be lifting there covid testing for travelers, my kids are planning a trip over to finally visit me and I will be able to return to 3 months here, and three months there and so on as i did prior to Covid.

But you do realize don't you that by you, and many others, exiting and returning to Thailand 3/4 times a year that means to TAT that there has been an increase in tourists of 3/4 times ????

[mikebell]

Does that mean those lapping at the Health Insurance trough have had their fill?

[RichardColeman]

I think that picture sums up the current Thai tourism perfectly. HMS T.A.T. washed up on a lifeless beach !

[Onerak]

53 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

You'll be happy to know the US will also be lifting the Covid testing for international travelers as well.  No test to return to the US will be needed. 

Yes, I know that. There is no covid testing requirements for land crossing. I don't know why it has stayed for so long for air travels. 

[aussiexpat]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

With the cost of living and inflation going up and on at the moment all over Australia, that 'within Australia' trip would cost you a lot more had you vacationed in Thailand

What's your point? I'm not going to Thailand because I don't want to do Thai Pass with scam covid specific insurance and have to wear a mask everywhere I go (as well as bars closing at midnight). I'd rather enjoy my holiday with freedom as it was pre-covid

[nattaya09]

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

You'll be happy to know the US will also be lifting the Covid testing for international travelers as well.  No test to return to the US will be needed. 

Yes...That was the last obstacle I was waiting to go away

[ThailandRyan]

2 hours ago, Excel said:

But you do realize don't you that by you, and many others, exiting and returning to Thailand 3/4 times a year that means to TAT that there has been an increase in tourists of 3/4 times ????

I know right, I count as many, I always did and found it funny especially since I would return on a re-entry pass for my Non Imm O extension or my extension based on retirement.....

Edited June 11, 2022 by ThailandRyan

[Stefanix]

Too late for the summer holiday season in Europe. Most people have booked their vacation already and those who would decide for Thailand now cannot get a payable ticket anymore. We bought return tickets from Germany for July in January for 750 €. The same flight has just a few tickets left for 2.300 €, flights are full. Airline’s capacity is not back to where it was before Covid, A380s retired. Even with super easy entry and personal greeting by Prayut, coming to Thailand now is difficult. Effects of easing might only be noticeable in the winter season. 

[Chiang Mai Will]

And the requirement for a $10,000 Covid insurance?

[Tom H]

6 hours ago, ezzra said:

With the cost of living and inflation going up and on at the moment all over Australia, that 'within Australia' trip would cost you a lot more had you vacationed in Thailand

Australia more quality:). Inflation rate Thailand 8%. One filet steak at El Gaucho 48 USD:). No wine included:).

[4MyEgo]

Once again, Thailand is behind the ball, way behind the ball, this from a week ago, spot the masks if you can. Normality has been back for a while, someone better tell them ????

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

“Our country has been battered by this pandemic for so long,” Phiphat said. “It’s time to make a full attempt to restore our economic growth with tourism. The removal of Thailand Pass will make it more convenient for tourists to come.”

It's been largely over for the last 6 months... 

the government has battered the country by hanging on to draconian measures.

[mikeymike100]

1 hour ago, Chiang Mai Will said:

And the requirement for a $10,000 Covid insurance?

If the Thai Pass goes on 1st July as is expected, the insurance should go with it, but in Amazing Thailand who knows anything could happen?

[spidermike007]

End the masking, now. It serves little purpose at this stage, other than to keep people scared and paranoid.  It is getting to the point to utter stupidity, and a total lack of common sense. The lack of science in this debate, and situation is stunning.

It is really about keeping the people scared, at this time. Numbers continue to drop, standard cloth masks have limited effectiveness, wearing them outdoors is downright silly, and this ultra paranoid behavior has to stop. The government and goons like Anutin are largely responsible for an environment of fear at this stage of the game. This is about maintaining paranoia, control, and fear. After all, you would not want the people to get too comfortable. They might take to the streets again, and show their disdain for this thoroughly toxic, and nearly useless administration.

I for one, will not be wearing a mask for much longer. This is getting ridiculous. Embrace science and common sense. Thailand is likely one of the last remaining countries in the world to require this. It is juvenile. It is oppressive.

 

Especially mask use outdoors.

It is likely a way to keep the people afraid, paranoid and prevent them from taking to the streets and expressing their extreme disappointment with the leadership here, who have failed them on nearly every level and are despised.

 

Masks disappear and so does the emergency decree.

 

Edited June 11, 2022 by onthedarkside
trolling comments removed

[XJPSX]

I have entered 5 times using Thai pass doing work trips outside Thailand and think it is just a complete waste of time. I have HR at work do mine but I see no sense at all in it neither do the people working on the counters.

It wouldn’t stop me coming as a tourist though as it only takes an extra 5 mins but not sustainable as it gets busier.

[TTSIssues]

Having avoided COVID since the pandemic started, we just had a three week trip to Phuket and whilst there - saw thousands of Arabs, Indians and other tourists - none of which were wearing masks. The result - I now have Covid. Maybe some testing for tourists isn’t such a bad idea ! 

[10baht]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand Pass could end as early as next month.

???????? Great

[thailand49]

Let's hope the top two got some balls to agree with the Health minister this time so far each month they have laugh at his request and table it. ????

[StayinThailand2much]

8 hours ago, ezzra said:

With the cost of living and inflation going up and on at the moment all over Australia, that 'within Australia' trip would cost you a lot more had you vacationed in Thailand

There is more in the world to see than just Thailand... ????

[cardinalblue]

Finally buy that hybrid club rather than covid insurance....about the same price...

 

See what the 17th brings...really can't keep insurance if they get rid of TP...One is dependent on the other.

[ThailandRyan]

2 hours ago, Tom H said:

Australia more quality:). Inflation rate Thailand 8%. One filet steak at El Gaucho 48 USD:). No wine included:).

Thats the truth, was just there this past Wednesday, Walked out after dinner, 4800 Thb lighter, same meal last year was 3600 Thb.  Not sure why the prices jumped like they did, but this time around we received a free shot of Caramel Vodka, took a little of the sting away......