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Thailand’s government has revealed its plans to completely drop the Thailand Pass needed for entry, paving the way for the country’s easiest entry requirements since the start of the pandemic. The popular Southeast Asian country, whose capital city Bangkok was once crowned the world’s most visited city back in 2019, has struggled to welcome tourists in large numbers since introducing strict entry requirements as Covid-19 spread, but that could all be set to change with the removal of the pass.
The removal of the Thailand Pass is just one of several measures that Thailand will be adopting next month as it repeals several Covid-related rules, such as the mask mandate and strict regulation of its nightlife industry. Here’s a look at what is set to change in the country, and how travelers can enter the country from next month.
Thailand Pass Removed – Information For Travelers
Ever since the Thailand Pass was launched last year, it has undergone several different facelifts and rule changes as the country reacted to the changing situation regarding the pandemic. From large insurance requirements and proof of vaccination, to booking stays in quarantine hotels and post-arrival testing, Thailand hasn’t made it easier for travelers to be able to enter the Land Of Smiles – until now.
Following a government meeting, it was revealed yesterday that Thailand would be removing its Thailand Pass requirements for all foreign travelers from July 1st. That means that travelers will no longer have to apply for a Thailand Pass in order to enter, nor will they need to purchase an insurance policy that covers Covid-19 prior to flying to the country. Thailand will also be removing its thermal scanning facilities at its borders.
There are still some Covid-19 related restrictions that are set to remain. Travelers will still need to have either proof of vaccination against the virus or a negative test result to enter the country, as arrivals will be randomly checked for these documents. Tests can be either a RT-PCR or professional ATK test taken within 72 hours of travel. Unvaccinated travelers who are randomly checked and cannot produce a negative test result will need to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry.
The Thailand Pass – with its bug-filled website and out of date entry requirements – has longer since been viewed with travelers as a significant barrier to travel, with many choosing to visit other, requirement-free destinations instead. Now that it is set to be removed, travelers are expected to travel to the country in their droves, bringing respite to the country’s ailing tourism industry.
Travelers will also be glad to know that the removal of the pass isn’t the only significant policy change starting on July 1st. Also from this date, the country will be partially repealing its mask mandate, making the wearing of masks when outdoors or in uncrowded places voluntary. Masks will still be required in situations such as public transport, markets and at concert venues, but travelers can look forward to mask-free strolls on the beach. More provinces are also set to become “green zones”, allowing more business types such as bars to open for longer.
Each of these changes are subject to their publication in the Royal Gazette, a process in the Thai legal system that is needed before changes become law, but their ascension into law is expected to be granted. It’s been a month full of change in Thailand, with the country also recently legalizing the use of cannabis – making it the first country in Asia to do so.
Read More:
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Hiddie
Friday 1st of July 2022
Is this article true? Some people say the Thai pass and the COVID insurance ($10000) are still needed after 1 July? Please let me know because on the internet I can’t find any info.
John
Monday 20th of June 2022
Excellent. Now other Asean countries need to follow Thailand's lead.
Are you listening Philippines? Immediately get rid of the One Health Pass requirement to enter the country. Older tourists, you know like retirees that have money to spend, are not computer or cell phone savvy are going to different places to vacation because they don't want to deal with the foolish nonsense of trying to upload their information to get the OHP.
Wake up Philippines or continue to lose millions of tourist dollars.
covidvaxinfo
Monday 20th of June 2022
@John, I'm computer savvy, though I choose not to own nor use a SICKphone. Though I can get around Android (Have a tablet) All these "app" requirements...stupid if you comply. Just pawns. I'll have none of it.
No clot shot thanks
Sunday 19th of June 2022
It is not good enough if PCR test is needed or randomly needed.
P
Saturday 18th of June 2022
Do I understand this correctly that unvaccinated can enter, but may be checked at random for a negative test, but can take it on arrival if they don't have one?
I mean... That ain't perfect but if they can keep in this direction they might be back on the map before the end of the decade.
John
Sunday 19th of June 2022
@P, Don't be ridiculous. Thailand will repeal all Covid rules when the emergency decree ends, probably on August 1. It's been possible for the unvaccinated to enter quarantine free since May 1, which was the same time that vaccinated arrivals could enter without hotel quarantine. At the time, the unvaccinated needed to upload a PCR test result. Since June 1, an antigen test has been allowed as well (also within 72 hours, not 24 or 48 like most other countries with this requirement) and from July 1 to July 31, it will be the same, but you can just bring it along without pre-registration.
David
Saturday 18th of June 2022
Thaìland did not legalize the use of cannabis. Licensed shops can sell snacks or drinks infused with cannabis in a very low percentage. Licensed farmers can grow it. You cannot enter the country with or smoke personal use marijuana.
James II
Sunday 19th of June 2022
@John, Agreed. Be discreet Thai style
John
Sunday 19th of June 2022
@David, You can. However, you are not supposed to smoke cannabis in public. There are dispensaries selling the buds now.