Is it back to normal in Thailand in July 2022? Do inquiring minds want to know? The answer is yes, almost. Things will be back to normal on the first of July 2022. The government is putting things back to the way they were before Covid-19.
As of July First, 2022
- Thailand Pass is no longer required
- Mandatory Insurance – gone
- Mandatory wearing of masks – gone (outside)
- Signing into locations – gone
- Bars closing at midnight – gone
- Blue (tourism) zones – gone – all provinces are green
But there are still some things needed
You will still need a visa (if your nationality/passport requires you to have one) to enter Thailand.
You do not need a Thailand Pass, nor insurance, but you will still need to show proof of being vaccinated or evidence of a negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours). The Covid-19 test must be either PCR or a professional ATK test (not done at home). The test results may be in print or digital.
No masks outside
The requirement to wear a mask while outside has been removed, except in crowded areas. The definition of a crowded area has yet to be defined. However, expect enforcement to be minimal at best. Masks are still required when inside (shopping malls/stores) etc.
Note: this has been confirmed as of today June 24th, 2022. It was published yesterday in the Royal Gazette.
Random Checks on arrival
The government plans to carry out random checks on arrival at airports and land borders, to see that these requirements are met.
Even if not vaccinated, it is OK
Persons who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated and who are caught by the random checks at the borders, and who cannot show proof of a pre-arrival negative test, will have to submit to a professional ATK test on arrival.
Everyone is welcome.
Suspension of the TM6 arrival card.
The TM6 arrival card will be temporarily suspended according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The suspension for arriving passengers should help to ease congestion, processing, and screening at international airports. This proposal is scheduled to be implemented soon and will be subject to ongoing evaluation.
Note: If you are planning a long-term stay in Thailand, you should fill out the TM6 arrival form as you will need it to apply for visa extensions.
Travel Insurance – is not required
Mandatory health insurance is not required, however, personally, I cannot understand how anyone who can afford to travel to a foreign country cannot see the benefits of travel insurance while away from home. Come on folks, it is a basic concept. When you travel, you travel with insurance.
Without insurance, you risk anything happening. You could twist your ankle, fall down in the street, and be run over by a car, or motorcycle. If you spend a small amount on insurance before traveling, then you have no worries, if you do not then you may be swamped by hospital bills.
What is happening on the ground here
I can confirm that things are definitely opening up, inside Thailand. Many bars are open, and more are opening all the time. Soapy massages are open. Regular massage places have been open for months, but soapies have only just opened up.
Nightclubs and go-go bars are open (though still closing at midnight, until July first).
Many of your old favorites will not be here when you come back. So many places have closed that places once full of life and energy are still ghosts of their former selves. In Pattaya, many side sois have no bars open, and very little else. Whatever the government says Thailand does rely on tourism. Currently, the only tourists here are from India and a few Europeans.
Chinese tourists are not here yet and are unlikely to arrive any time soon. Russian tourists are not here. In reality, after July first, it will be a good time to be here. Everything that can open will be open and there will not be that many tourists.
The Thai people have had a long, hard time with Covid-19. While the WHO may have praised Thailand for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis, it has been hard on the population. People are happy that things are coming to an end and that tourists are starting to come back.
Conclusion
From July first things will be much easier to plan for your trip to Thailand. There will be no restrictions on arrival. Except for proof of vaccine, and or taking an ATK test if you are not vaccinated, arrival will be the same as it always was.
Thailand Pass is gone, mandatory insurance is gone, and you do not need to wear a mask outside. The government will allow bars and nightclubs to stay open until 2 AM.
Everyone is welcome again in the land of Smiles. Indeed, if you are considering a trip, now is a good time to come, prices are good and there are fewer tourists than normal.
What could be better than that?