The country’s
tourism-dominated economy was devastated by travel restrictions imposed in 2020
to fight the spread of COVID-19. The number of foreign tourists has remained
low despite a relaxation of the restrictions last year.
Fully vaccinated
travelers will be able to enter the country under the “Test and Go” program if
they undergo a RT-PCR test on arrival and spend a night in a pre-booked hotel
while awaiting results, and then have a second test and hotel stay five days
later. The visitor is responsible for the costs of the tests and hotels.
Visitors must also
download a tracking app.
An earlier “Test and
Go” program with a single RT-PCR test was introduced in November as virus cases
declined in Thailand and vaccination rates surged, but was suspended in
December after the omicron variant was judged a threat.
The scheduled Feb. 1 revival of the
program, with the addition of the second test, was announced Thursday after a
meeting of the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration
chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
“The country will benefit from both Thai
and foreign visitors as well as investors who help stimulate the economy,”
center spokesperson Taweesin Visanuyothin said.
The center also agreed to ease COVID-19
prevention measures in 25 provinces that have had tight restrictions.
Prayuth said on his Facebook page that the
actions were taken in response to a better-than-expected situation with the
omicron variant, and to promote economic recovery while maintaining heath
safety.
The government also currenlty allows entry
to visitors who quarantine for seven to 10 days in approved hotels, or join
“sandbox” programs in areas such as the resort island of Phuket where they have
freedom of movement during a seven-day quarantine period.
Thailand reported 8,129 new COVID-19 cases
and 19 deaths on Thursday, bringing its total confirmed cases to 2,353,062 and
related deaths to 21,987. -AP
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