Led by Minister of Public Health and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, multiple government agencies agreed in principle this afternoon, January 5th, 2023, to more stringent Covid requirements for visitors to Thailand.
It’s important to note, however, that the agreements are essentially proposals still and need Thai Cabinet approval before becoming policy. This is by no means a certainty. This may come in the next several days, as the Thai Cabinet generally meets every Tuesday.
Anutin, however, has continually said that Thailand should not single out China individually for further Covid restrictions and measures as he feels that would be discriminatory. Therefore, measures discussed by multiple agencies today including health ministries, transportation and tourism industries, insurance offices, and more met to discuss guidelines for all international tourists, not just Chinese.
The proposals made today were that all international travelers must provide proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccinations and that travelers whose home countries require Covid testing for travelers to return must have insurance that covers Covid.
TPN media notes that the measures above are proposals still and as a result no firm set date or specific information around how to prove the requirements or what specifics around proof of insurance or vaccination is needed yet exists. It is unclear if the measures are passed by the Thai Cabinet if an alternative way of entry for unvaccinated tourists would be provided.
One possible solution for unvaccinated travelers to Thailand reportedly discussed by Thai medical officials was the ability for travelers to purchase a vaccine or booster upon arrival in Thailand, but it is unknown if this would be a final policy either. Thailand is also encouraging, but not mandating, all staff in the tourism industry to have at least four Covid vaccine shots before Chinese tourists begin to return in earnest.
This story will be monitored closely by our reporters over the next week as it continues to develop.
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