Travelers wondering how to visit Thailand now might be happy to know that the country is “re -authoring everything”.
This is according to the Thai Tourism Authority (TAT), the government body responsible for promoting tourism in the country.
Masks are no longer needed, and the country’s color scheme – which has placed county -varying restrictions on food, entertainment and travel – is also a thing of the past, according to the TAT.
It is also much easier to go to Thailand now.
What’s needed
Masks, which were previously needed on the beach, are no longer allowed in Thailand. Read also : John Melleky has an eye on the future of Collier County home technology –.
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Unvaccinated travelers who come to Thailand without a negative test result, taken within 72 hours of travel, are required to pay and pay. by an on-site Covid-19 test, according to the TAT. Well -certified travelers will also have to pay their expenses, according to a TAT representative.
Foreign travelers must still present passports and visas, if required, to enter.
‘Thailand Pass’ no longer required
Travelers no longer need to apply for a “Thailand Pass” to enter. To see also : 10 Road Trip Essentials for Summer Travel. Announced in May, travelers were required to provide proof of vaccinations, medical insurance and other documents before leaving.
We hope it continues to be strong … [now] the Thai government has lifted the final restrictions for international travelers.
Fewer rules, more tourists
It didn’t take long for tourists to respond to Thailand’s immigration laws. See the article : Fireworks show business upturns despite higher costs.
The day after the removal of the “Thailand Pass”, tourists rose by 20% at Phuket International Airport, and about 9,000 people arrived on Friday, according to a report published by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service.
On the same day, the number of people crossing Thailand also increased at various checks on the borders with Malaysia and Laos, according to the article.
Indian nationals led the increase in tourists flying to Phuket over the weekend, according to the Thai Public Broadcasting Service.
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The number of online searches for hotel bookings has also increased since July 1, said Michael Marshall, chief business officer of hotel company Minor Hotels.
“While it is the beginning of days after all restrictions have been removed, we have seen close to 10,000 new surveys on our website for Thailand results from different markets combined since July 1st, a very encouraging sign of what is happening. it is coming. “
Even before the law was changed, Thailand’s tourism industry grew.
Nearly a quarter of foreigners left from January to May this year, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. More than 1.3 million foreigners have arrived since then, compared to less than 35,000 in the same period in 2021, according to department records.
From January to May to 2022, 43% of visitors from Thailand were welcomed from Asia, followed by 38% from Europe, according to the Ministry of Tourism & amp; Sports.
“We hope to continue the force … [now] the Thai government has lifted the final restrictions for international travelers,” Marshall said.
Foreign tourists have increased this year in Phuket, Koh Samui and northern areas of Thailand, he said.
Road to recovery
Thailand’s tourism recovery is likely to go in the right direction, but the road to recovery is expected to be long when it comes to inflation, rising travel costs and rising Covid rates. frightens travelers around the world. The loss of migrants from its largest market, China, also doesn’t help matters this year.
Because of these disasters, Thais predict between five and 15 million foreign migrants this year – a staggering increase from the 428,000 foreigners who arrived last year, but far from the nearly 40 million tourists arriving in 2019, according to Reuters.
