Thailand Reverses Covid Vaccination Entry Rule For Guests

Thailand has rescinded an entry coverage introduced on the weekend. (Representational)

Bangkok:

Thailand has rescinded an entry coverage introduced on the weekend requiring guests to point out proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, its well being minister stated on Monday, citing enough immunisation ranges in China and globally. 

Anutin Charnvirakul stated checking proof of vaccinations was inconvenient and a panel of heath specialists had agreed to withdraw the brand new rule, which was introduced on Saturday by aviation authorities forward of an anticipated deluge of tourists from China, the place COVID-19 instances have surged.

Anutin Charnvirakul stated these not vaccinated would even be granted entry with out restriction.

“Displaying proof of vaccination can be cumbersome and inconvenient, and so the group’s determination is that it’s pointless,” Mr Anutin informed reporters.

One in every of Asia’s hottest journey locations, Thailand is having fun with an inflow of tourists throughout its first peak season for the reason that elimination final yr of tight entry restrictions that had brought on its tourism sector to break down.

In November, it recorded 1.75 million guests, quadruple the quantity for the entire of final yr when flights and overseas arrivals had been restricted.

China has been essential for Thailand, accounting for a couple of quarter of its annual guests earlier than the pandemic. Anutin stated the federal government was now anticipating 7-10 million Chinese language guests, in comparison with an earlier 5 million estimate.

The primary flight from China arrived in Thailand on Monday with the primary group amongst an anticipated 3,465 passengers on the primary day.

“We’re very excited to return again to Thailand. We have now been ready for 3 years already,” stated Wang Zhenyin, 39, one of many first to reach.

“Earlier than the beginning of COVID, we got here right here yearly. And this time I take my household to return right here.”

Thailand’s tourism authority is anticipating arrival numbers for final yr to have exceeded 11.5 million, simply over 1 / 4 of the file of practically 40 million in pre-pandemic 2019, who spent about 1.91 trillion baht ($55.17 billion).

The about-face on the vaccine rule follows related coverage U-turns by Thailand through the pandemic which have brought on widespread confusion amongst travellers about its entry necessities.

Thailand will nonetheless require foreigners to point out proof of medical insurance cowl for COVID-19 if their subsequent vacation spot requires a destructive pre-entry check, Mr Anutin stated.

(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)