Announcement

**Steve** · 01-21-2022, 11:22 AM

Sealed route proposal for asymptomatic infected tourists gets lukewarm reception in Phuket

Phuket officials have responded less than enthusiastically to a suggestion that infected asymptomatic tourists be allowed to travel via a sealed route. Pichet Panapong, the province’s deputy governor, says he believes infected tourists should stay in their hotel rooms. According to a Bangkok Post report, he’s already said as much to the immigration chief who initially made the suggestion.

Pichet says there may be some leeway, in that asymptomatic tourists could travel to a quiet beach via a sealed route, for example, but the arrangement would need close monitoring – lest they wander off.

“For the proposed sealed route, if tourists need to go out, they may visit areas where there are no other people, like an empty beach, via a sealed route. But this arrangement must be supervised by a SHA Plus Manager. Some tourists with no symptoms might forget they are infected and visit markets or shopping malls. This is worrying. I think the best thing to do is to keep them isolated. A sealed route may be considered in some cases only.”

Meanwhile, the issue of tourists not wearing face masks has raised its head again. Pichet says many foreign tourists are violating the mask mandate and he’s vowed to take legal action against them. Governor Narong Woonciew has now spoken to the consuls of 22 countries, asking them to advise their citizens of the face mask rule.

In other news, Phuket has kicked off the administration of booster doses to around 3,000 migrant workers in the fisheries sector. The Bangkok Post reports that healthcare workers are administering the AstraZeneca vaccine at Phuket fishing pier.

The island has around 67,000 migrant labourers across various sectors. Pichet oversaw the booster rollout at the pier and thanked the workers for their cooperation with the island’s efforts to get Covid-19 under control.

**Sundance2020** · 01-26-2022, 07:09 AM

Thailand’s Test & Go registration opens on February 01.2022

Registration for Thailand’s (almost) quarantine exemption program known as Test & Go, part of the broader Thailand Pass online re-entry process, is reopening next week after being closed for the past month. Starting at 9:00 am on February 01.2022, fully vaccinated travellers from any country can apply for a Thailand Pass QR code to enter with (almost) quarantine-free travel, but there have been a few changes. Here are the key changes, as clarified by a spokesperson at the CCSA today…

Registration for Test & Go entry on Thailand Pass is reopening, travel never stopped
Registration for Test & Go closed, but travel never stopped. Those who had previously applied for a Thailand Pass QR code to enter under the Test & Go scheme have been able to enter the country under basically the same conditions. Travellers are required to book a night at an approved hotel or resort while they wait for the results from their on-arrival RT-PCR test to come back. Recently, an additional RT-PCR test has been required for travellers. To apply for a Thailand Pass QR code, go to the following Website It is free to register for Test & Go, the Sandbox programs or the full quarantine option. Watch out for websites and agencies asking for payment for Thailand Pass registration – they are bogus!

Two RT-PCR tests are now required, new applicants have to pay for both
Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, and some Test & Go travellers testing positive after arriving, the Thai government decided to require two RT-PCR tests, with one taken on arrival (Day 1) and the other on Day 5.

Those with a Thailand Pass QR code issued before February 01.2022 can take the second RT-PCR test at a government-approved facility for free. A spokesperson says the service is intended not to put a burden on travellers since changes were made after the travellers made plans.
Those applying for a Thailand Pass QR code after registration reopens will need to pay for both RT-PCR tests which can cost from 2,000 to 4,000 THB. On Day 5, travellers will again need to book a stay at a hotel or resort approved by the Safety and Health Administration while they wait for their test results to come back. This hotel does not need to be the same hotel as Day 1 and can be in any province.

So the Test & Go gives you a lot more freedom to travel and move around, unlike the Sandbox programs where you complete a full 7 days in a particular region or province (although you can roam around freely during the first 7 days). The CCSA are also liaising with Thai insurance companies to provide additional coverage for asymptomatic cases who have been stung for accommodation costs during enforced quarantine in the past.

Vaccinated, but recently recovered from Covid-19
Those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, but were recently infected and are still testing positive for the virus can still enter the country under the Test & Go scheme. Travellers must have a certificate issued by a medical professional declaring that they recovered from Covid-19 between the last 14 to 90 days. If the traveller tests positive on arrival, they can present their recovery certificate but may need to be cleared by a healthcare professional.

**Lookdown** · 02-01-2022, 10:00 AM

Tourism operators welcome Test & Go reboot, despite frustration at rule changes

Thailand’s Test & Go entry scheme re-opens for registration today and has been given a cautious welcome by tourism operators. Businesses are unsure about the additional rules of Test & Go Version 2, including the requirement for an additional PCR test on day 5, which involves a second mandatory hotel stay until a negative result is obtained. This despite the fact that on days 2, 3, and 4, travellers are free to wander where they like after receiving a negative result on day 1.

The tourism sector has expressed frustration at the number of steps operators have to go through in order to comply with the latest orders from the CCSA. According to a Bangkok Post report, Thanet Supornsahasrungsi from Chon Buri Tourism Council says that allowing each province to introduce its own additional disease prevention measures is confusing for both tourism businesses and international tourists.

“Besides on-and-off re-opening over the past few months, there are always inconsistencies in our regulations. For example, even though the CCSA lifted the alcohol ban in restaurants for blue zone provinces late last year, provincial governors and communicable disease committees can have different orders based on each situation.”

Thanet also points to the efforts Chon Buri officials had to go to in order to be included in the sandbox scheme once the government shut down Test & Go in late December. Initially, only Phuket was permitted to operate a sandbox entry scheme, a decision that left other provinces frustrated and mystified. By the time the government relented, allowing Chon Buri and other provinces to return to a sandbox model, the return of Test & Go was on the cards and the efforts of the preceding weeks were largely a waste of time.

Meanwhile, the head of the Hua Hin sandbox scheme and president of the Thai Spa Association, Krod Rojanastien, has expressed exasperation at the government’s back-and-forth approach to re-opening.

“The government should not twist and turn the re-opening programme once again. If we want to make Covid-19 endemic, we should start learning to live with it now.”

**Sundance2020** · 02-03-2022, 11:30 AM

Phuket reports higher infection rate in second Covid tests for Test & Go Travellers

With two RT-PCR tests now required for Test & Go travellers, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, Phuket, is reporting a higher infection rate for the second test. Following the emergence of the Omicron variant in Thailand, with many travellers testing positive for the mutated strain, the Thai government decided to require two RT-PCR tests instead of the initial one test on arrival.

Phuket’s chief health officer, Dr Koosak Kookiatkul, says 2% of international tourists tested positive on their first test, but 4% to 5% tested positive on a repeat test, mostly with the Omicron variant.

Registration for the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme was reopened this week, but under revised regulations set by Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, travellers must book stays at approved hotels on Day 1 and Day 5 while they undergo RT-PCR tests and wait for their results to come back.

According to the Bangkok Post, Phuket also issued a provincial order requiring Test & Go travellers to undergo another RT-PCR test on the fifth day of their stay, in line with the nationwide measures set by the CCSA.

The provincial health chief says that out of Phuket’s daily average of 300 positive tests, about 100 have been international tourists. Yesterday, the Bangkok Post reported that most people testing positive are coming from Russia and Kazakhstan, mainly Russia. On Tuesday, there were 493 new infections recorded. 387 were local cases, two were in the Test & Go scheme, and 104 were in the Phuket Sandbox programme.

Covid-19 has hit Phuket’s economy hard, as it’s been a tourist island for many years. Last week, the governor of Phuket told The Phuket News 95% of Phuket’s income comes from tourism. He said during the pandemic, the average monthly income there fell to about 1,900 baht per person.

**Sundance2020** · 02-03-2022, 11:44 AM

Over 23,000 travellers register for Test & Go on February 01.2022

A government spokesman says out of 29,194 foreigners who applied for a Thailand Pass on Tuesday, over 23,000 were registering for the Test & Go entry scheme. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says 23,660 registered for Test & Go on day 1 of its return. According to a Bangkok Post report, Thanakorn is optimistic that this number will increase.

Test & Go was suspended in late December due to the government’s concerns about the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant. The scheme is now back, with stricter measures attached. All overseas arrivals must take a PCR test on day 1 and day 5 of their stay and book a room in a SHA Plus hotel for both days, where they must remain until they get a negative test result.

Despite criticism of the increased measures from both tourism operators and would-be visitors, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul believes Thailand is doing a great job at controlling Covid-19.

“I met several foreigners who came to do business in Thailand and they said the travel measures are very strict. Many foreigners have praised our health safety measures.”

According to the Bangkok Post report, when asked if nightlife venues could re-open soon, Anutin said such establishments are currently allowed to operate as restaurants and keep their businesses going that way. Ever wary of alcohol, the minister adopted his usual cautious stance, saying nightlife needs to be tightly controlled.

“Almost all clusters of infections started from alcohol consumption, and strict controls must remain in place.”

**Logan** · 02-04-2022, 10:38 AM

Phuket officials alarmed by number of tourists testing positive on arrival

Officials on the holiday island of Phuket have expressed alarm at the number of foreign tourists testing positive on arrival and are pointing the finger at allegedly fake results from pre-departure PCR tests. Deputy governor Pichet Panapong raised the issue during a call with the CCSA, in which he urged the government’s Covid-19 task force to improve screening measures for overseas arrivals.

“False Covid-19 RT-PCR test results are assumed to have something to do with the sharp rise in the number of post-arrival positive tests among tourists. These problems are something beyond Phuket’s authority to deal with and help is needed from the CCSA’s operations centre.”

According to a Bangkok Post report, some travellers are also arriving armed only with antigen test results, despite pre-departure PCR testing being a condition of entry. Phuket now wants the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to issue a warning to airlines who allow passengers to travel without the necessary documentation.

Pichet has expressed concern that the number of infected arrivals is only going to go up as more people register through the re-launched Test & Go entry scheme. If this happens, it will place an increased burden on the island’s hospitels and hospital isolation facilities.

The director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, Dr Veerasak Lorthongkham, says an infection rate of 3% is being reported from day 1 tests on arriving passengers. He adds that the situation is still under control but if the rate surpasses 5%, hospitel and hotel isolation rooms risk being overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, the CCSA has reported that up to 40% of over 20,000 applicants who registered for Test & Go on day 1 of its re-opening are travelling to Phuket. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Thailand welcomed 7,742 overseas arrivals, 344 of whom tested positive on arrival.

**Sundance2020** · 02-19-2022, 03:25 PM

Test and Go might extend to land and sea tourists, cruise ships

Thai officials are considering letting tourists use Test & Go to enter Thailand through land and sea, if they follow the same rules as those travelling by air. Last week, the Covid-19 Situation Administration Centre considered a proposal to accept tourists entering Thailand through the Nong Khai border checkpoint in the Northeast, and tourists on sea cruises. The CCSA told its operation centre to discuss the proposal with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies.

The scheme will start by allowing tour groups travelling from Laos through the First Friendship Bridge. The bridge spans over the Mekong, and connects Thailand to Laos in Nong Khai. Tourists entering by sea will take their first test on the ship, and the second in a hospital. Both groups must follow the same procedure as tourists who fly to Thailand, with the Thailand Pass system and two tests with the RT-PCR method. Officials will release more details about the scheme on Friday.

**Steve** · 02-23-2022, 02:18 PM

Thailand Test & Go update: No more Day 5 Pre-paid Hotel or PCR Test

From the start of March, the requirement for the 2nd pre-paid PCR test on Day 5 after your arrival in Thailand will be dropped. But it will instead be replaced with a rapid antigen test you can take yourself. In addition, the required insurance will be reduced from $50,000 to $20,000.

The requirement for a second PCR test was put into place due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Thailand on February 1. But the additional test, at the traveller’s expense, as well as the mandatory stay at a certified SHA+ hotel while waiting for results, discouraged many potential travellers from planning a trip to Thailand. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration approved the revision of the test requirements today.

Hotel reservations will only be required for the 1st day as travellers wait for the results of their PCR test. Travellers won’t need to book for a second hotel night on the 5th day after their arrival. So, it’s back to the same requirements when Test & Go was originally launched back on November 1 last year.

The Test & Go program is one of three re-entry programs available for people wanting, or needing, to travel to Thailand at this time. The other two options are the Sandbox and an Alternative Quarantine program for unvaccinated travellers. Registration for a Thailand Pass is compulsory for everyone entering Thailand at this time, even Thais. The website is HERE.

There is no cost for applying for a Thailand Pass, so be careful when traversing the internet and finding options that make you pay for an application. However, there are legitimate visa agents who will help you upload the paperwork and sort out the occasional ‘wrinkles’ in the system.

For land travellers, the borders at Nong Kai, Udon Thani and Songkhla will be opened to enter by land. This will also occur from the start of March.

**Sundance2020** · 02-24-2022, 09:17 AM

Anutin says reduced Test & Go insurance requirements enough to cover Covid costs

Following the CCSA’s decision yesterday to lower the insurance coverage required of overseas arrivals, the health minister says the new figure is enough to cover Covid treatment. The mandatory insurance coverage required to enter Thailand will be reduced from US$50,000 to US$20,000 from March 01.2022

Anutin Charnvirakul says the amount was lowered in order to reduce the costs of travelling to the kingdom and to encourage more foreign tourists to visit. According to a Bangkok Post report, he says figures from the National Health Security Office indicate that treatment costs for severe Covid cases are usually around 300,000 THB per person.

“If coverage was set at $30,000 it would add burdens to those visiting for pleasure and for business. So, it is reduced further to at least US$20,000 which should cover the medical costs.”

At its meeting yesterday, the CCSA decided to cut the insurance requirements, as well as ditching the day 5 PCR test from March 01.2022 Currently, all overseas arrivals have to take a PCR test on arrival and again on day 5 of their stay. Both tests require a mandatory booking in a SHA Plus hotel, where guests must wait in their room on both days until they receive a negative result.

The second – day 5 – test has been widely seen as a significant deterrent for would-be tourists, with tourism operators demanding all PCR testing be dropped. The government has partially conceded, and from March 1, the day 5 test will be replaced with a self-administered antigen test. However, the requirements for a negative PCR test 72 hours before departure, plus the PCR test on arrival, still remain, as does the Thailand Pass process.

Anutin has played down concerns about the day 5 test being scrapped, saying antigen testing is an effective screening mechanism and pointing out that the vast majority of infections in Thailand are not imported, but cases of local transmission. He has repeated his call for everyone to get vaccinated and avoid high-risk activities in order to beat the latest wave of the virus.

“To get zero cases, we will have to go for lockdown measures, but we’ve already passed that point and the virus doesn’t seem to cause severe illnesses like it did in the beginning.”

**Nightrider** · 02-24-2022, 02:19 PM

The new Test & Go – Update: 24.02.2022

Here are some added details for people wanting to arrive under the new version of the Thailand Pass Test & Go program for fully vaccinated travellers entering Thailand at this time.

On February 23.2022 the CCSA removed the Day 5 pre-paid PCR test and additional night of SHA+ accommodation. The additional day of testing, and waiting, were deeply unpopular with travellers after the re-introduction of the Test & Go program on February 1. The new guidelines come into effect from March 01.2022 but will not be updated on the Thailand Pass Website until that date.

There are risks involved with arriving in Thailand at this time as an international traveller, including the possibility of being forced to do a 10 day quarantine if you return a positive Covid test after you arrive, or are deemed at “high risk” because of your proximity to sick or Covid-positive people.

You should consider these risks, albeit low, whilst deciding if you are travelling to Thailand at this time.

Specifically…

You’ll need a PCR test no more than 72 hours before your scheduled departure to Thailand.
When you arrive you’ll be transported to your pre-booked SHA+ hotel. That’s where you’ll have a PCR test. You’ll have to wait at the hotel for the results.
If your PCR test is positive, you will be required to stay at the hotel for 10 days, at your cost.
If you have bad symptoms you’ll be transferred to a hospital for treatment (hope you have Apple TV and Netflix Account !).

But if you test negative after your arrival PCR test, you’ll be free to travel anywhere in Thailand.

On Day 5 following your arrival, you’ll be required to do a ATK (Rapid Antigen Test) test yourself and upload the results to the Mor Chana app. ATK tests are freely available at all convenience stores and usually cost less than 100 THB.
If your ATK test is positive you’ll be required to stay at the hotel for 10 days, at your cost. If you have bad symptoms you’ll be transferred to a hospital for treatment.

There is a tourist hotline on 1155 or 1672 to request help or assistance.

If you determined to be a person at “high risk” who has been in close contact with an infected person, you’ll be required to serve a 7 day quarantine in a hotel (or hospital if you have bad symptoms), plus an additional 3 days “under observation”. You will have an ATK test twice during your stay, including on the final day (Day 10) before your release.

You are at high risk if….

you weren’t wearing a mask whilst in close contact with a Covid-infected person
near to an infected or sick person, within 2 metres, and for more than 5 minutes
if you were sitting next to infected person on a plane or during hotel transfer, or if you had close contact with an “at risk” person within 1 metre, without wearing a mask, for more than 5 minutes

Update: March 01.2022

Thailand’s revamped Test & Go travel scheme under the Thailand Pass system is open for new registration from March 01.2022 ! Apply now for no PCR test or hotel quarantine on Day 5. Keep reading for the full details on what’s new and why you should travel to the Land of Smiles…

Note: People who received their Thailand Pass before March but travel from March 1 onwards, will be entitled to an exemption from the Day 5 accommodation and additional PCR test. There is no need for them to stay at an SHA++ hotel and do an PCR test on Day 5. They will be able to apply for a refund.

Here are the key points of the latest changes…

The required prepaid accommodation has been reduced to just 1 night
The COVID-19 tests have been revised to 1 RT-PCR test on arrival and 1 self-ATK test on day 5
The required insurance policy has been reduced to include a minimum of US$20,000 in COVID-19 coverage

**Nightrider** · 02-24-2022, 02:25 PM

Travel Guide: All you need to know about Thailand Pass Test & Go 3.0

There’s good news on the horizon for those looking to travel to Thailand. The CCSA has just updated requirements for entry into Thailand, making it easier to enter the Land of Smiles — with a big smile of your own.
Beginning March 1, travellers by air, land and water will be able to register to enter Thailand under the revised “Test and Go” program, with a reduced minimum coverage for medical insurance and just 1 PCR test on arrival. Approved travellers under the new requirements will be able to enter Thailand beginning March 7.2022

Here are the key points of the latest changes…

The required prepaid accommodation has been reduced to just 1 night
The COVID-19 tests have been revised to 1 RT-PCR test on arrival and 1 self-ATK test on day 5
The required insurance policy has been reduced to include a minimum of US$20,000 in COVID-19 coverage

How to enter Thailand?

The 3 points of entry are by air (direct international flight or transit domestically via dedicated flight), by land (at the border checkpoints in Nong Khai and Songkhla) and by water (yacht).
All travellers are eligible to arrive by plane and yacht, including Thai nationals and international travellers from all countries and territories.
Thai citizens and international travellers from neighbouring countries connected with reopened border checkpoints of Nong Khai (Laos border) and Songkhla (Malaysian border) may enter by land.

How to register for entry into Thailand?

If you plan to catch a flight, take a bus or drive a car, then you’ll need to register for entry using the Thailand Pass system. Registration is free. Please visit the
official government website here.

NOTE: The system currently allows applicant for air travel only. It should be updated beginning March 1 to allow for registration for land entry as well.

If you’re one of the few who plans to enter on a yacht, then you’ll have to register for entry using the older Certificate of Entry system. The COE website was replaced in November 2021 with the introduction of Thailand Pass system. Travellers by yacht will have to apply directly at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate General in your country.

What are the quarantine requirements?

Quarantine requirements also vary depending on your mode of entry. For those travellers who plan to arrive by plane or at a land border on the Test & Go program, there will be…

“No quarantine, but on Day 1 must wait for the COVID-19 test result within an approved SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) or alternative quarantine facility.”

To clarify, the Thai government considers your date of arrival as Day 0. So technically, Day 1 is the first day after you arrive in the country.

“No quarantine” means they’ve scrapped the required 14 day (15-night) quarantine in a hotel at your own expense. Now you will need to spend just one night at an approved hotel, until you receive your negative test result the next day, usually in the morning. But the Test & Go option is only available for fully-vaccinated travellers. It’s the same for those arriving by yacht, except you’ll need to spend one night on the boat, until you receive your negative test result the following day. You cannot move your boat, must keep your AIS on at all times, cannot put your tender in the water and only officials are allowed to board your vessel.

What updated documents do I need to provide?

When registering for entry online, you’ll have to provide the following documentation regarding accommodation, health insurance and COVID-19 testing…

A proof of prepayment for 1 night of accommodation on arrival at a government approved hotel, such as SHA Extra Plus (SHA++)
A health insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage no less than US$20,000 (Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement)
A medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 has not been not detected within 72 hours before travelling
A certificate of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery from recent infection within the past 6 months
Obviously, foreign nationals will need to provide a copy of their passport and relevant visa, if necessary

What are the updated requirements for medical insurance?

While staying in Thailand as a foreign traveller, your insurance must cover COVID-19 related costs, including a minimum medical expense coverage of US$20,000 and hospital isolation. This is a reduction from the previously required minimum coverage amount of US$50,000. The reduction in minimum medical coverage likely reflects health insurance companies recently changing their policies. Also, your insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand. To make the process simpler, you can purchase valid medical insurance for your trip directly from the Thailand Pass website. But other options exist, if you’ll willing to search for them.

Insurance packages for Thailand Pass are readily available.

What are the updated COVID-19 testing requirements?

For arrivals by air and land: First test is a RT-PCR test on arrival (wait for the result at the hotel), and the second test is a self-ATK test on Day 5 (must report the result via the application)
For arrivals by water: First test is a RT-PCR test on arrival (wait for the result on board the vessel), and the second test is a self-ATK test on Day 5 (must report the result via the application)

How long does it take to apply for Thailand Pass?

The official application processing time for Thailand Pass is 3-7 days. Thailand Pass will not permit registration less than 2 days before departure. They recommend that you plan your trip at least 7 days in advance, to ensure sufficient time for the registration and approval process in the Thailand Pass system and to eliminate the need for travellers to adjust their travel itineraries. In case of an emergency, you can submit your request with supporting documents to the following email address: [email protected]

**Kink** · 03-01-2022, 03:39 PM

Hoteliers asked to issue refunds to Test & Go travellers for Day 5 packages

With the government scrapping the Day 5 requirements for Test & Go travellers, more than 2,000 hotels and their partner hospitals or test centres are being asked to refund the costs of a night stay with Covid-19 RT-PCR testing. Under the revised entry requirements, travellers can take a self-administered antigen test instead of a PCR test on the fifth day of their stay and they are no longer required to book a stay at an approved hotel while they wait for the results.

The hotels are being asked to voluntarily refund the cost of the room, or at least convert the pre-paid booking into credits. Hoteliers are also being asked to work with their partner hospitals and testing centres to refund the 2,000 THB for a PCR test.

The Thai government has said they will not require hoteliers to issue refunds for the Test & Go packages, but an official from the Tourism Authority of Thailand argues that some hoteliers have said they need a legal order from the government as their cancellation policies do not cover the refund. If a full refund isn’t possible, they will be asked to convert the payments into credits, according to TAT’s deputy governor for marketing communications, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot.

“The Tourism and Sports Ministry will issue an announcement asking cooperation from hotels to refund the fifth day expense to their guests. This rule is definitely not mandatory. Hotels are encouraged to manage those bookings according to their own cancellation policy. If refund is not possible, they should consider converting payments into credits or vouchers for in-house services or restaurants.”

The Day 5 requirement for a hotel stay with PCR testing was put in place earlier this year due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Thailand. But the Day 5 requirements discouraged a number of travellers from planning a trip to Thailand and were scrapped by the government. The new requirements went into effect today. Travellers must still stay at an approved hotel on their first night in Thailand while they wait for their results from an on-arrival PCR test.

“Removing the fifth day test is the decision we gathered from the private sector. It might be cumbersome for hotels during the first few weeks of March, but in the long run, the ease of travel will benefit the whole industry.”

A total of 77,851 people have registered for entry and have already paid for a hotel room and second PCR test, Siripakorn says. He added that around 20% to 30% are locals who will most likely ask for a refund for their hotel room as they have homes in Thailand.

**Logan** · 03-25-2022, 10:09 AM

Test & Go, Thailand Pass could be gone by June if no Covid surge after Songkran

Thailand’s tourism minister says if there’s no surge in Covid cases following next month’s Songkran holiday, entry restrictions could be eased further. According to a Bangkok Post report, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says Test & Go and Thailand Pass could be scrapped from June 1, if there’s no spike in Covid cases or deaths after the Thai New Year holiday.

Phiphat is anxious for the country to move forward with re-opening, saying it risks getting left behind as neighbouring countries lift their entry restrictions.

“Thailand started like a rabbit, running quickly last year as we re-opened to visitors. We cannot let the country fall behind as many nations are opening borders and have fewer restrictions than us.”

Addressing the Association of Thai Travel Agents at its annual general meeting yesterday, Phiphat stressed the need for the government to work with tourism operators to ease travel restrictions further and attract more overseas visitors. The target for this year is 7 million foreign arrivals, according to the tourism minister. This has been decreased from 10 million due to the surge in Omicron cases and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With the requirement for a pre-departure PCR test dropped from April 1, Phiphat says restrictions are expected to be eased further from May 1, when the PCR test on arrival could be replaced by an antigen test. However, any easing of entry restrictions is contingent on the country’s caseload following the Songkran holidays.

According to the minister, the number of daily new cases in April, including those detected via antigen tests, should not exceed 50,000 – 60,000. Covid-related deaths should remain below 100. At this point, the tourism ministry would submit a proposal to the CCSA in May, to cancel Test & Go and the Thailand Pass from June 1.2022

The minister says once the country re-opens fully, a PCR test on arrival should not be required. However, he believes an antigen test on arrival will still be necessary to maintain public confidence in the country’s re-opening. Phiphat says the proposals from his ministry still require the approval of the Public Health Ministry.

**Ratatouille** · 04-01-2022, 05:51 PM

Test & Go travellers have trouble reporting Day 5 ATK result, here’s what to do

A number of travellers entering Thailand under the Test & Go scheme say they are having trouble reporting the results of their self-administered rapid antigen test, or ATK, which is required on Day 5.

For those unable to report the results through the government’s Mor Chana application, the next best option is to take a photo of the test with the date and send it to either a health officer or the hotel where they are isolated upon arrival.

Thailand eased entry restrictions today, dropping the pre-departure PCR test taken up to 72 hours before take-off. Vaccinated travellers entering under the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme must take a PCR test on arrival and book a night at a hotel approved by the Safety and Health Administration while they wait for their results.

Upon entering Thailand, travellers have been told to download the Mor Chana application, which has been used to trace Covid-19 infections and identify the level of risk of infection. Many travellers have said they have been unable to upload a photo of the test to the Mor Chana app, or have gotten a notification allowing them to upload the test after day 5 had passed.

When asked about how to submit an ATK result, a source from the Department of Information says it’s best to follow the advice from a disease control officer upon arrival. Many expats and tourists say they’ve sent a photo of the test, along with the date it was taken, to staff at the hotel where they isolated upon arrival. The hotel staff then submitted the result to authorities.

Announcement

Test and Go Program from 01.04.2022

Test and Go Program from 01.04.2022

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