Thailand Digital Pass – Pending approval in 15 minutes. That is what the Thai government is saying will be possible under the new upgraded Thailand Pass Hotel and Swab System (TPHS). The Thailand Digital Pass system has been open for business since February- 1st, 2022. There have been some faults in the system and some delays for travels seeking approval. The Government is addressing these concerns.
Check Out the Thailand Pass website.
Upgrades to the Current System
The government is seeking to upgrade the current system, and to implement the Thailand Pass Hotel and Swab system (TPHS) which will provide a new pathway through the system, for an improved experience and the convenience of travelers. The TPHS system has already been approved by the government and promises to speed up approvals.
The Prime Minister has ordered the Digital Government Agency, the developer of the system, to mend outstanding issues and make the improvements necessary for all travelers. The Digital Government Agency is still attempting to issue QR codes within the 7 day timeline for all applicants.
New Pathway TPHS
Under the new TPHS pathway, travelers will be able to have hotels automatically approved within the system. Hotels are being asked to join the system so the hotel will receive an email as soon as a booking is made.
Both travelers and hotels will be aided by this system as it will speed up the process.
There will be a live chat added to the system with more capacity added to the Digital assets involved, to allow for the greater services.
This system has been approved by the CCSA (The Center for Covid-10 Situation Administration) as a new pathway for travelers to enter the kingdom.
The system promises a pending approval within 10 to 15 minutes once all paperwork has been submitted.
The Thailand Pass system will send updates every hour to the TPHS system, thus hopefully eliminating any roadblocks or hiccups.
It remains to be seen if this TPHS system will be effective. But, it is a step in the right direction for Thailand. Focus groups continue to pressure the government to eliminate the RT-PCR tests required on arrival and on Day 5 under the Test and Go scheme.
COVID-19 no longer an Emergency Disease – On Hold
As of February 19, 2022, Thailand has removed Covid-19 as an emergency disease. – Note: This has reversed as of February 22, 2022.
Thailand will keep Covid-19 as an emergency disease for now, so it is still covered by the universal health care system for Thai citizens.
Changing the ruling to no longer an Emergency Disease was meant to “discourage” people without major symptoms potentially clogging hospital services and to free up private hospitals for other treatments and care.
Under the UCEP, they are able to go to any hospital and get free care regardless of their level of severity.
The Thai government has changed this ruling due to the rapid rise in cases of Covid-19 around the Nation.
Over 90% of the cases are the Omicron variant and the illness is mild with some patients exhibiting no more than a slight discomfort and the sniffles, but the case count is climbing. Today February 23, 2022 over 22,000 cases were reported as of February 22, 2022.
In light of the increased number of cases the plan has been put on hold for now, however according to Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul This delay is only temporary.
This does not change anything for travelers just yet, but it is another step in the right direction to reducing restrictions on coming to Thailand.
The removal of Covid-19 as an emergency disease under the UCEP (Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients) is simply a protocol adjustment according to the Ministry of Public Health. It also no longer considers Covid-19 a novel disease.
Covid-19 treatments will still be covered under UCEP, but only for patients who have critical symptoms.,These include, but are not limited to severe coughing or breathing difficulties.
Insurance
Patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms may be treated at home or in hospital with their expenses covered by their insurance policies, or their health security coverage.
Be sure your health insurance if sufficient for your stay in Thailand. There are many policies available that meet Thailand requirements for travel in the kingdom. Please be certain you have adequate coverage
While the number of cases in Thailand are on the rise at present, the fatality rate remains lower than other countries. (Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control – DDC). Dr Opas also noted that prevention measures and treatment protocols are the same regardless of coronavirus variant.
Summary
Currently the Thailand Digital Health Pass is still working to provide approvals (QR codes) within 7 days. The new pathway within the Thailand Pass system The TPHS (Thailand Pass Hotel and Swab) System hopes to provide a pending approval within 15 minutes of completing your application.
Thailand still considers Covid-19 to be an emergency disease under the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). The procedures are the same, for critical patients (breathing difficulty/severe coughing). Patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms may also be covered by their insurance and stay at home or a hospital as needed.
Thailand remains vigilant in the fight against Covid-19. Please remember to wear your mask when out in public.
