Thailand Covid Emergency Decree lifted on 30th September

After 2.5 years, the Thailand Covid Emergency Decree will finally be lifted on 30th September 2022. This means that all domestic and entry restrictions ordered by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will be lifted.

Find out more about what this means for travellers headed to Thailand.

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No more ATK & quarantine for travellers

After the emergency decree is lifted and CCSA dissolved, Covid-related restrictions will be removed in Thailand. Travellers will no longer be required to provide a Covid-19 vaccination certificate and an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) test result. There will also be no more random checks.

Image credit: informationcovid19

As for those who test positive for Covid-19, you’ll no longer be required to self-quarantine. Instead, people who have mild symptoms – or are asymptomatic – will be asked to wear a face mask and strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures, including social distancing and regular hand-washing.

Apart from making it easier to enter the country, Thailand is also looking to allow tourists stay for longer.

New visa rules to boost tourism

Thailand’s visitors can expect to enjoy longer stays, thanks to the Ministry of Interior’s edict approved by the Thai cabinet on the 20th of September.

Visitors with a visa on arrival will be able to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days, up from the usual 15 days. Those hailing from countries with a visa exemption scheme or bilateral agreement may stay in Thailand for up to 45 days (originally 30 days).

Image credit: thailandprd

Do note that this extension is temporary and will begin on 1st October and last until 31st March 2023.

The verdict on Thailand’s Covid-19 situation

Officially, Covid-19 will be downgraded from a “dangerous communicable disease” to a “communicable disease under surveillance” from the 1st of October.

An additional 801 cases on the 27th of September were logged, according to CCSA. As for active reported cases, the total stands at 6,400 – including 492 hospitalised with severe symptoms.

Image credit: informationcovid19

Though the numbers do seem high, CCSA reassured citizens that Thailand has enough Covid-19 medication and vaccines to handle the situation.

Now that the rules have changed, you may be wondering if it’s time to make travel plans to Thailand?

Understand the risks and make an informed decision

Thailand’s relaxation of the rules suggests that the Land of Smiles is game to welcome new travellers in a bid to revive its tourism economy. In 2022 so far, over 5.25 million tourists have visited Thailand.

While the situation is the best it’s been in over 2 years, it is still important to fully understand the risks of international travel. Do remember that we all have unique circumstances when it comes to our personal health, so do try to make informed decisions before making travel plans.

Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): thailandprd

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