Thai Government Will Review Removing On-Arrival PCR Test

The government will have a meeting to review the removal of the on-arrival PCR test requirement for foreign tourists in Thailand.  Hoteliers and other travel industry experts in the country have been campaigning for axing the PCR testing in order to attract more visitors as neighboring countries open their borders to foreign tourists.  Yesterday, Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and public health minister, said that if the CCSA accepts the proposal to eliminate the on-arrival PCR test.

“Once the proposal is approved, international travelers only need to undergo antigen testing upon arrival.”

The Department of Disease Control will present a proposal to end PCR testing for overseas travelers. The CCSA said that once the proposal is approved, it would take effect after Songkran Festival which will start on April 13. The color-coded zoning system is anticipated to stay.

Thailand has been relaxing entry restrictions in an effort to attract more foreign visitors and rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector following a two-year slump. On April 1, Thailand discontinued the pre-arrival PCR testing requirement on Test & Go, Sandbox, and quarantine programs. However, travelers will almost certainly be required to take the test in order to board the airline or catch a connecting trip to an airport.  The government claimed that they have decreased the time for the PCR test results to 4 hours. However, this does not scrap the mandatory booking to an SHA Extra+ hotel, a requirement when applying for Thailand Pass.

Source: Bangkok Post

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