Thailand Travel Restrictions Updates

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Public Health Ministry are set to propose for the resumption of the Test and Go Program by February 2022 to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

Tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn mentioned that the Ministry of Public Health can control the spread after data shows that the number of new cases has decreased each day and that the Kingdom has already passed its infection rate peak. This was also aligned with Thailand’s vaccination rate which is doing well.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the Public Health Minister, also added that they want to see a balance struck between disease control and rebooting the struggling economy.

Last December, the new application for the Test and Go Program was temporarily suspended due to the Omicron variant concerns. 

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao

When Thailand temporarily suspended the Test and Go scheme, Ratchaporn Poonsawat, chairman of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, mentioned that the number of tourists visiting fell by up to 30%.

The chairman also mentioned that he talked with the Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn noting that the number of tourist arrivals might not be met. Because of this, he has suggested the government reinstate the Test and Go in the third quarter of this year.

Krabi

A total of 84 hotels have agreed to offer 10% of their rooms for those tourists who have been infected with COVID-19, adding to about 3,000 hospital rooms and 2,000 alternative quarantine (AQ) rooms of the province.

Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, president of the Krabi Tourism Association, mentioned that many tourists are still asking many questions regarding the rules and restrictions after the suspension. She noted that it’s due to a lack of communication with a case in Phuket where there had been a misunderstanding in terms of the process.

Phang-Nga

200-300 visitors who spend an average of 5,000 baht are arriving in Phang-Nga daily. Before the pandemic, 80% of visitors to the province were from overseas, mostly from the UK, Germany and Scandinavian countries and 20% were Thais. After Covid-19, the numbers were reversed.

I plan to go to Thailand. How is the situation there?

It is not only in Thailand, but the whole world went to a pause. However, it is not as strict as before wherein the borders were closed and the curfew was enacted. Because of the restrictions, some destinations have fewer tourists and are not as busy as pre-pandemic days. Thailand welcomes tourists from around the world. You may enter Thailand under the Bangkok Quarantine or Phuket Sandbox programs.

How do I transfer from the airport to my hotel?

Your hotel booking package should include the transfer as it’s the government’s way to trace the tourist’s quarantine. However, there are also transfer services when you arrive at the airport.

Can I extend my insurance?

You can contact your insurance for this. However, some insurance companies don’t offer extensions or applications for those who are already in Thailand. It’s better to directly contact your insurance provider for this matter.

What kind of insurance is allowed in the Thailand Pass application?

Any insurance that covers the expenses when you contract COVID-19 is allowed. However, based on experience AXA Sawasdee Thailand is the most popular option. Please visit: www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance for more information.

Foreign tourists will now have a chance to apply for Thai health insurance after the Department of Health Services Support (DHSS) mentioned that Thai insurance companies will be allowed over packages to cover COVID-19 treatment for foreign tourists and expand hotel isolation for patients with mild symptoms.

One key problem among foreign tourists is that the health insurance that they bought does not cover the expenses when they are infected with COVID-19 and show mild symptoms, as explained by DHSS director-general Tares Krassanairawiwong.

“This will help foreign tourists to make faster claims for treatment expenses. It normally takes 7-10 days to claim expenses with some foreign health insurance companies,” he added.

This is also a part of the government’s move to attract more tourists. Recently, hotels were also given a green light to have “hospitels” or hotel isolation rooms.

“Treatment expenses under the hotel isolation scheme will remain at 1,000 baht per person in line with National Health Security Office regulations,” Tares added.

What kind of Vaccine Certificate is required for the Thailand Pass?

Vaccine certificates are accepted as long as it is accepted by the World Health Organization and/or the Thai government can verify them. The vaccination document must be in Thai or English language.

Do restaurants and destinations in Thailand require a vaccine certificate or a COVID test?

Not necessarily but because of the recent pandemic situation, some establishments might require you to bring them with you as part of their health measures.

I just finished my quarantine under Sandbox. Will the hotel give me anything as proof that I’ve finished it?

The hotel shall give you a “Quarantine or Sandbox Release Form” as well as the negative result of your second RT PCR test. You may contact your hotel for more details.

I didn’t receive any confirmation after applying for Thailand Pass. What should I do?

Please check your spam folder or make sure that you have correctly spelled the email address. Additionally, there had been reports that people using some emails like Hotmail weren’t receiving confirmation. This, however, hasn’t been confirmed if it’s a problem with the Thailand Pass application. Many people suggest using Gmail.

I cannot pay for my RT-PCR test online. What should I do?

If your payment keeps on failing, try to use a different card. Also, try to use a debit card if you first tried a credit card or vice versa. Another option, you may ask your Sandbox hotel to book it for you since the system may reject some credit cards from US and Canada.

What’s the difference between SHA Plus (SHA+) and SHA Extra Plus (SHA++)?

• SHA Plus (SHA+) hotels not only meet the usual SHA certification criteria but also at least 70% of hotel or business staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotels are those that not only meet the Amazing Thailand SHA Plus standard but also provide an accommodation service in partnership with certified hospitals for the RT-PCR test.

I registered twice for the Thailand Pass due to circumstances. The first one got approved while the second didn’t. Can I use the first application?

Yes, you can use the Thailand Pass that has been approved. The rejected application will not cause any problem. If you have been approved for two Thailand Passes, you may use either of the two passes.

I’ll travel to Thailand with my approved Test & Go Pass. Do I still need a 2nd RT-PCR Test?

Yes. All new arrivals will now be required to take a second RT PCR test.

I have just finished my quarantine. Do I need to take the RT-PCR test when traveling to different provinces?

You don’t have to take RT-PCR whenever you travel around Thailand. However, please take extra precautions as the Kingdom is still in a pandemic. The government asks the people not to go for unnecessary travel. If you do, private vehicles are advisable.

Can I have multiple hotels for my Sandbox stay?

No, you can only stay in one Sandbox hotel for the first 7 nights. It must be the same hotel for the whole duration of your sandbox stay. You may stay in another hotel or in a non-SHA+ hotel after you have completed the 7 nights.

What must the hotel package include? How do I make sure that I will also get the COVID-testing and transport to the hotel in the package?

Many hotels offer a package that includes the hotel stay, transport, and COVID-19 testing. Just be careful and ask for complete information from the hotel. There was a report of some travelers arriving at the airport just to realize that they only paid for a hotel reservation without the transport and COVID-19 testing so they had to avail again when they arrived.

I will only do transit in Thailand. Do I need to register for a Thailand Pass?

No, the Thailand Pass is not required for international transit passengers. You are only required to have COVID insurance, negative COVID 19 RT PCR test result, and make sure that your connecting flight does not require you to pass through immigration and customs.

What is the earliest date that I can apply for a Thailand Pass?

You can book a flight 90 days prior to the date of your arrival. Your Thailand Pass can be used within 90 days but changing of flight can only be not later than 72 hours of your original flight date.

I cannot upload my PDF file onto the Thailand Pass application. What should I do?

You can convert your PDF file to JPG or photo file. There are free websites that can help you or you can just take a screenshot of the PDF file from your phone or computer.

I want to cancel my Thailand Pass, do I need to contact anyone?

Not necessarily. You can just re-apply when you’re ready to fly to Thailand.

To ensure that COVID-positive travelers in Phuket will be assisted better, Phuket officials have launched a “Phuket Tourist COVID Call Center”.

Travelers can contact the call center at 076-254200 ext 88 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Operators can provide support in Thai and English.

The call center can answer queries regarding quarantine, SHA+ hotel coordination, locations on getting RT-PCR tests, and more.

The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has also launched a 24-hour “Phuket COVID-19 hotline” at 094-5938876 in Thai language. They can also answer queries through their Facebook page.