It floats like the perfume of a past life in the Land of Smiles. After several months of (very) gradual lifting of Covid-related restrictions, Thailand is lifting the two main restrictions that were still preventing tourists from arriving on its territory from July 1st. First the “Thailand Passport”, this sesame which required travelers to provide health and travel documents as proof of vaccination at a government location before departure. But also in parallel the obligation to take out insurance that covers at least $10,000 in health costs, the estimated amount of treatment during their stay, should they contract Covid-19. If these two restrictions are lifted, however, the obligation remains to be submitted, as for most countries in the world;
- For vaccinateda valid vaccination certificate confirming a complete vaccination schedule with one of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Thai Ministry of Health (Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson). , Sputnik V, Nanovax, Medigen, Covaxin, Turkovac), at least 14 days before their departure;
- For unvaccinatedPCR or antigen test result performed 72 hours prior to travel. Those who do not pass this test will not be denied entry to the country, but will have to follow the instructions of the health authorities locally and undergo medical tests or treatment at their own expense.
Nothing but very classic, most countries around the world still require these documents, which can be presented in printed or digital form, according to the country’s tourism authority, the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It is also good to know. a French traveler is not required to present a visa for a stay in Thailand of no more than thirty days.
Random spot checks can be carried out at international airports, as well as at road crossing points between different regions. The obligation to wear a mask was lifted on June 24, but it continues to be recommended in closed public places. If Bangkok also keeps that commitment on its subway trains, revelers will be happy to know that the capital, like the country’s 76 provinces, has passed the “green belt.” Therefore, some activities can resume there, and bars and other entertainment venues are authorized to open until 2 am.
From obstacle course to return to normal
These announcements mark the final phase of a very gradual reopening process in Thailand, which began with the introduction of the “sandbox” protocol in Phuket, a real barrier for tourists, and ended on May 1 with the withdrawal of the test. arrival for the vaccinated.
Will this return to more comfortable travel conditions bring tourists back? In 2019, they were 40 million, compared to only 430,000 in 2021. “In the first four months of 2022, the country received 1.4 million visitors, which is better than our expectations. During the whole year, we have a goal of 10 mln.trusted Figaro in June, Director of the Tourism Department of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn. These expectations mainly refer to the end of the year, the peak of the tourist season in Thailand.
And the country seems to have learned the lessons of the epidemic by shrugging it off “mass tourism” who could “ruin his image” in the past. “Our goal is no longer to find attendance records that we had before the crisis. (…) We are turning this page to focus on modernizing our tourism offer based on specific areas such as well-being, honeymoon where? migrant workers “, adds Jutasak Supasorn. Thailand before, but better.
Source: Le Figaro
