The Thai government reopens the "Test&Go" program after more than a month of stopping to prevent the Omicron variant.
This announcement was confirmed by Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Until the policy takes effect on February 1, visitors to Thailand (including Vietnam) must still be isolated for at least 7 days.
A month earlier, the government suspended this quarantine-free entry program to prevent an increase in infections from the Omicron variant. Photo: Unsplash
This policy is called Test&Go new version, has been revised and added requirements in accordance with the current epidemic situation.
Accordingly, visitors will have to take a PCR test on the first and fifth days. They must install a mobile application so that the government can monitor and ensure they come back for a second test. Guests must pay the cost of two tests and Covid-19 treatment in advance if travel insurance purchased when arriving in Thailand is not included.
During the first and fifth nights of waiting for results, guests must stay in a government-designated hotel, not in the same place, possibly in two different locations, as long as they are on the approved list. Visitors are allowed to travel freely around the country between the two checks.
Regarding policy beneficiaries, the "first generation" Test&Go only accepts visitors from 61 countries and territories (including Vietnam) to enter. But with the new version, there is no limit to where visitors come from.
The government also relaxed the operating hours at entertainment venues, serving alcoholic beverages from 9 pm to 11 pm. However, bars and nightclubs are still not allowed to reopen.
In addition, Thai tourism operators are calling on the government to delay the introduction of a 300 baht entry fee for foreigners from April 1. The reason is that the tourism industry needs time to recover. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, representative of the Hotel Association, said that the fee is relatively small, but there is still the risk of restricting international visitors, especially those who often have to visit Thailand. According to Marisa, the idea of fundraising for tourism is a good thing, but now is not the time. If it does so, Thailand risks falling behind other countries. At the very least, the scheme should stop until 2023.
But Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn believes the tax will not deter visitors to Thailand, as many countries already collect similar amounts. He expects the tourism fund to raise at least 1.5 billion baht this year. Of which, 1.25 billion baht is spent on upgrading tourist attractions such as installing more clean public toilets...
