Thailand introduces three programs to welcome international tourists.

Director-General of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn, said the first program, called "Test & Go,"(Get tested and go)This will introduce minimum requirements for travelers from low-risk countries that have been approved by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and have a high economic impact on Thai tourism. The list of countries allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine has now reached 46.

Under the initial program, visitors to Thailand must present a certificate proving they have received all doses of a Covid-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) at least 14 days prior to arrival. In addition, they must also present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within no more than 72 hours before entry, along with Covid-19 insurance.

Travelers can arrive at any international airport in Thailand; however, they are required to undergo a second RT-PCR test immediately upon arrival or within 24 hours of arrival. If the second test is negative, travelers can continue their journey anywhere in Thailand without undergoing further quarantine.

"Living in the Blue Zone"(Living in a green zone)This is the second program, specifically for travelers who have been fully vaccinated but are from countries not on the list of 46 approved countries. In addition to the same quarantine requirements as the "Test & Go" program and exemption from medical isolation, they will also have to undergo a follow-up antigen test on the 6th or 7th day after arriving in Thailand.

According to the Bangkok Post, starting in December this year, the "green zones" will expand to 33 provinces nationwide and further expand to 45 provinces in January 2022. To qualify as a "green zone," provinces must vaccinate at least 70% of their population.

In addition, the Thai government will also launch a third program called "Happy Quarantine".(Happy quarantine)This program is for those who are unvaccinated or coming from outside the “green zone”. Under this program, fully vaccinated travelers coming from outside the “green zone” will be required to quarantine for 7 days, while unvaccinated travelers will have to quarantine for 10 days if arriving by air and 14 days if arriving by land.

Khanh Ha