By Adam Judd

 

A new requirement for Indian tourists returning from Thailand and four other countries to conduct a mandatory Covid-19 RT-PCR test is severely hurting tourism, say Thai tourism officials.

The requirement, which went into effect on January 1st, is applicable to Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and China/Hong Kong. A specific reason for the countries chosen and why the unpopular testing has returned was not given but is believed by some to be connected to the reopening of China to tourism. However, TPN media notes, the requirements were announced by India before China officially announced it was essentially reopening after three years of Covid Zero related closures.

 

No specific end date for the new policy has been given by Indian government officials but they have stated the policy is not permanent and only temporary.

 

Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/05/new-mandatory-covid-19-testing-for-visitors-from-thailand-going-to-india-hurting-indian-tourism-to-pattaya/

 

-- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-05

 

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Doubt Thailand will be too bothered about this, if fact they are probably relieved that the temporary and insincere wooing of the less desirable Indian tourist market can now move to the back burner as the tourism mother load from China is back in action - yeah, baby !

 

Thailand is being quite liberal with covid entry requirements for the Chinese tourist market, let's hope it doesn't come back to bite them on the xxxx. I also wonder where this liberal attitude fits in with their stated "quality tourist" strategy, or should we just resign ourselves that all visitors with a pulse are welcome in the struggle to get Thai tourism back on its feet ?

As the photo is from the Russian atrocity story perhaps TAT can make up the shortfall by getting some more Russians.

 

How about  psychological tests for propensity to air-rage, while at it?

2 minutes ago, worldexpress said:

How about  psychological tests for propensity to air-rage, while at it?

Hmm I'll pee where I want to - so there !

I won't be surprised if more and more countries require a negative PCR test for people to enter their country.  When the Chinese spread the new sub-variant all over the world governments will be forced to act.  Remember that China requires a negative PCR test before people enter China.

Most of these test requirements are more of a political call than one based on science. There are shots , masks, paxlovid available and everyone is free to make decision for themselves so there is no need to panic and dont play into these political motivated decisions. People have better immunity and with therapeutics around, we shall be ok.

So indirect India doesn't trust the Chinese tourists, as if the Indians come back from Thailand, where the Chinese can enter without any testing, there is a possibility that the returning visitors from Thailand will bring Covid infections from the Chinese in Thailand. Smart move ..... a country with brains..... and Thailand.. Oh no problem... now the Chinese are coming we can miss the Indians again until the Chinese don't come anymore 

It would be ironic if after all of Thailand's effective (luck?) of keeping covid numbers down that it became a hub for some new variant spreading or developing. Economy would be seriously fffffffed then. 

 

But my crystal ball and the silver coins hanging off my head-dress says all will be fine. 

 

 

And the confusion continue to reign supreme, that country can come, the other one can not, and another one maybe, when will all this be over i wonder?...

IMO, Thailand will suffer in another way  by allowing Chinese Tourists to visit the Country without any Policing at all for Covid..

Many Countries will follow Indias lead, and demand tests for arrivals from Thailand, if the Country allows a free for all on Chinese Tourists, effectively reducing or stopping their Tourists to Thailand..

Covid has cost ( and is still  costing ) many Countries a great deal, not just in terms of Money, but also in terms of Human suffering.

Countries are going to be very wary and guarded of the approach by China to their sudden reversal of their Covid policy, as there are so many reports coming out of the Country of rampant Covid, and the apparent cover up going on with true numbers and non release of info to WHO

Thailand - Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

And the confusion continue to reign supreme, that country can come, the other one can not, and another one maybe, when will all this be over i wonder?...

It's not terribly confusing, just look at entry requirements and ensure wherever you live you don't need a test either.  

I mean, let's be frank, who wants to go to india anways?  

I'm sorry for the news story but honestly I don't think Indians are travelling in great numbers anyways.