Yesterday, the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration), met to discuss the Covid-19 situation in Thailand and recommended the following Thailand Pass Update for February 24 2022. The government appears to be realizing that visitors to Thailand do not want to be saddled with an additional RT-PCR test on Day 5 of their Test and Go arrival, nor the need to re-test on arrival since they have undergone a test within the last 72 hours.
March 1st new guidelines
The committee has approved two things of note for travelers to Thailand. Both conditions will be effective as of March 1st, 2022.
- No second RT-PCR test on Day 5 for Test and Go arrivals
- A reduction in the Travel insurance required for all travelers from $50,000 to $20,000 USD.
In addition the CCSA has stated that they are considering additional changes in April if the Covid-19 situation improves in March.
They have stated that they are considering removing the day 1 RT-PCR hotel and test requirement. This is based on the situation in Thailand improving and given the increasing numbers at the moment – I remain somewhat skeptical at present. However it is an interesting development and if the CCSA go through with it, will go a long way to encouraging travelers to consider Thailand again.
Thailand Pass still in Effect
Thailand Pass still remains the only way to gain entry to Thailand at this time. All travelers must register through the Thailand Pass system. They must register their documents electronically through this system and be approved before being allowed into Thailand. The CCSA has stated that there are no plans to stop using the system as it allows the government to keep track of visitors to the kingdom.
The Thailand Pass system is still endeavoring to meet approvals for registrants within 7 days. The government is working hard to ensure the system is effective and as pain free as possible.
Color Zones remain Unchanged
A spokesman for the CCSA said that the color coding for provinces in Thailand remains the same . Currently there are 44 orange provinces, 25 yellow provinces and 8 Blue provinces (tourist zones), and 18 Blue districts inside other provinces.
Central Region: Bangkok, and Ayutthaya (Mueang district only), Kanchanaburi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi (Cha-am district only), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Mueang, Hua Hin, and Nong Kae districts only), and Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport only).
Eastern Region: Chanthaburi (only for Mueang and Tha Mai districts), Chon Buri, Rayong (Ko Samet only), and Trat (Ko Chang and Ko Kut districts only).
Northeastern Region: Buri Ram (Mueang district only), Khon Kaen (Mueang, Khao Suan Kwang, Poei Noi, Phon, Phu Wiang, Wiang Kao, and Ubolratana districts only), Loei (Chiang Khan district only), Nakhon Ratchasima (Mueang, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Chok Chai, Pak Chong, Phimai, Sikhio, and Wang Nam Khiao districts), Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai and Tha Bo districts only), Surin (Mueang and Tha Tum districts only), and Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Prachaksilpakhom, and Nong Han districts only).
Northern Region: Chiang Mai (Mueang, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng districts only), and Chiang Rai (Mueang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang, Mae Sai, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Kaen, and Wiang Pa Pao districts only).
Southern Region: Krabi, Phang-Nga, Phuket, Ranong (Ko Phayam only), and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao only).
Thailand is doing their best to increase tourism by maintaining these zones.
Currently there are no red zones in Thailand.
Summary
Still 3 methods to enter Thailand through the Thailand Pass System
- Test and Go
- Sandbox
- Alternative Quarantine
Mandatory insurance has been reduced for all travelers from $50,000 to $20,000USD. For Test and Go travelers they have dropped the RT-PCR test with a hotel stay on Day 5 as of March 1st 2022. It will be replaced by a self-administered ATK test that will not require a hotel stay and the results may be emailed in. The Blue Tourist zones are still in effect, with alcohol allowed in restaurants and a special restaurant license for bars.
Remember Covid-19 rules are still in effect in Thailand. Masks are required when going outside. Vaccinations are required and you will need to show your proof of vaccine before gaining entry to many places. Thailand will continue to review the situation on a weekly basis and we can hope for more relaxation of the CCSA guidelines.