Looks like the rumors regarding tourist fees will become a reality.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), on 1 October 2022, confirmed that all COVID-related requirements—i.e., proof of vaccination and ATK test results—have been dropped for foreign tourists entering the kingdom.
Thailand first welcomed back international visitors in March 2022, after it closed its borders for nearly two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the implementation of initiatives like Phuket Sandbox and Test & Go. As the pandemic situation improved and infections were controlled to an extent, the government decided to fully strip away these tourist schemes and cancel all COVID-related travel requirements. These deregulations are also to prepare for a prospective influx of holidaymakers during the year-end season.
Apart from no longer requiring tests and proof of vaccination, the Thai tourism industry has made a few more exciting adjustments. Here’s what you need to know before making plans to visit us soon.
1. What does it mean by “Thailand has fully reopened”?
Simply put, the kingdom is back to how it was pre-COVID. You no longer need to meet any requirements or comply with any regulations that have to do with COVID-19 when you travel to Thailand.
Tourist schemes like Thailand Pass or the Sandbox programs are no longer in effect. Visitors can now enter Thailand hassle-free, although some may still need to apply for a visa.
2. What is this “visa” all about?
Now that all COVID-related tourist schemes have been cancelled, Thailand has gone back to its usual regulation of screening visitors by means of visas.
Most travelers can enter Thailand visa-free up to a certain number of days, although citizens of certain countries would need to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA). Check whether you’re qualified for visa exemption via this link.
3. How long can I stay in the country?
Here comes the exciting bit. In addition to restrictions being dropped, the Thai authorities also agreed to extend the period of stay for international visitors during this new phase of Thailand’s reopening.
For those eligible for visa exemption, the stay period has been extended from 30 to 45 days. Meanwhile, those entering the country with a VOA can stay up to 30 days (previously 15 days).
These new adjustments are in effect until 31 March 2023.
4. Is COVID-19 still a thing in Thailand?
Preventive measures among Thais are still quite strict. Bangkok residents, as well as those living in big provinces, remain careful about health safety. Everywhere you go, you will still see the majority of people wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, practicing social distancing, and doing temperature checks before entering a certain venue. Some businesses, like spas and restaurants, may ask to see a negative ATK test result.
The government stopped imposing face mask obligations in July 2022, so you are welcome to explore the city mask-free. No judgement.
If they catch the virus, people in Thailand will instantly quarantine themselves and follow universal precautions such as staying and working from home, and taking medicines until they test negative.
5. Is everything—say, restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues—back to normal?
Yes. Unlike those days when we were told to go home before a certain time, businesses now operate on their usual opening hours.
Shopping malls are generally open until 22:00 while restaurants—both street food vendors and fancy establishments—allow you to dine in until as late as midnight or beyond, similar to a wide range of bars and nightclubs.
Bangkok’s backpacking destination Khaosan Road is also looking to allow entertainment venues in the area to open until four in the morning.
Other highlights outside Bangkok are also promising. The famed Full Moon Party, for one, is making a grand comeback in Koh Phangan, with at least one event set to launch each month from October 2022 onwards.
