Backtracking, Thailand cuts quarantine time for only 6 nationalities

Six lucky nations will soon be able to slash four days off Thai quarantine, a top health official announced Friday.

Arrivals from countries deemed low risk – China, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand – will only have to quarantine 10 days after the plan wins approval, Kiattiphum Wongrajit of the Public Health Ministry said.

The original plan was to reduce quarantine for all arrivals, but it went over poorly with the public. For now, everyone else will still have to do the full 14 days.  

Kiattiphum added that visitors who have completed quarantine will be required to use a tracking device and check in by phone.

The permanent secretary said tourists would only be allowed to travel to approved provinces based on how effective they are in disease control – and how willing their residents. Ten provinces are loosely planned for now, including…