This is yet another reversal in tourism policy in Thailand.
The destination, among the most popular in the world, had abolished the mandatory quarantine in November 2021 before reinstating it at the end of December.
Only a few southern islands benefited from preferential treatment, according to a protocol called “Sandbox”.
Outside these areas, tourists, even vaccinated, had to spend seven days in a hotel.
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But now the authorities, anxious to reach out to a sector representing 20% of national wealth, have just announced the lifting of quarantine from February 1 at the cost of a strict health protocol.
Called “Test & Go” and only aimed at vaccinated tourists, it involves in particular the reservation of two nights in hotels designated by the authorities and the performance of several PCR tests, as announced on the Authority's website. tourism in Thailand.
Test & Go program: the conditions to be met from February 1
The "Test & Go" program set up by the Thai authorities to welcome tourists without quarantine is suspended until February 1. After this date, it will be put back in place according to specific terms and conditions. Travelers will be required to take two PCR tests, on the first and fifth day of their stay, followed by one night in an approved hotel until the result of each of the tests. The hotel can be different for one and the other.
Before their trip, tourists must therefore provide proof of reservation of two nights in an approved hotel for days 1 and 5 of their stay, prepayment of two PCR tests (to be carried out here), vaccination certificate, a PCR test negative dating from less than 72 hours before the trip, subscription to travel insurance covering costs related to Covid up to 50,000 dollars and the Thailand Pass QR code to be generated online.
Hotels approved by the authorities must be labeled "SHA Extra Plus", "AQ", "OQ" or "AHQ".
Here is the list of hotels in question.
Extension of the “Sandbox” protocol to six additional regions
In some areas affected by the “Sandbox” protocol, less restrictive measures are in force. Vaccinated tourists can travel to these regions without quarantine provided they stay in the defined area for at least seven days. After this period, they are allowed to move to the rest of the country.
The protocol concerns Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
From February 1, it will be extended to Koh Chang, Pattaya, Koh Sichang, Na Chom Tian and Bang Sare.
Vaccinated tourists can stay on these islands without quarantine provided they stay there for at least seven days in a maximum of three different accommodations certified by the authorities and carry out two PCR tests on arrival and on the fifth or sixth day of the stay.
At the end of this period, they can circulate normally in the country.
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To travel to these regions, you must generate a Thailand Pass, perform a PCR test less than 72 hours before departure and take out travel insurance covering Covid-related costs up to $50,000.
The authorities also require proof of reservation of seven nights in accommodation approved by the authorities and in the region concerned by the protocol as well as proof of payment for two PCR tests (to be carried out here).
What are the restrictions on site?
On the other hand, there is nothing new concerning the restrictive measures in the country.
Nationwide, nightclubs, bars, karaoke parlors and massage parlors remain closed.
Wearing a mask outdoors is compulsory in all public places.
The provinces are ordered by color;
the restrictions that apply to each of them are detailed on the website of the French Embassy in Bangkok.