Thailand Reinstates Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement for Visitors

0
1277
Thailand arrivals
Passengers arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

Thailand will require all visitors to show proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccinations under new regulations that coincide with the revival of travel from China.

Bangkok Post reports that authorities said on Thursday that the new measures are necessary because Thailand is a major destination for travelers from many countries “including China” but the measures must remain non-discriminatory.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that visitors who will be traveling onward from Thailand to a country that requires a negative RT-PCR test result must provide proof of insurance. This will ensure that the individual can meet the costs of treatment if their test in Thailand is positive.

“The principle is there will not be any discrimination against a particular country because Covid-19 is spreading in all countries and the strains are similar. So, Covid-19 should not be an issue of discriminating against any country,” said Mr. Anutin.

This comment came following a meeting between officials from the ministries of Public Health, Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Tourism, as well as representatives from the Office of the Insurance Commission and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

The new regulations are to take effect before the arrival of Chinese visitors, with China expected to reopen outbound tourism on Sunday.

Authorities in Laos and China have agreed to reopen the international border crossing between Boten and Bohan on Sunday.