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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various travel restrictions and enhanced guidelines to travel internationally and a majority of countries have closed their borders to international tourists. Although, Thailand, the tropical paradise and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, has become one of the very few first countries to reopen its borders for international visitors with strict safety guidelines in place. The country has been on top of the global COVID-19 recovery index since months and has thus succeeded in resuming tourism all across.
If you’re planning to visit Thailand and are confused about the entry requirements, safety rules and other guidelines, we’re here to your rescue with this guide to travelling to Thailand in the new normal!
Entry To Thailand
Thailand has introduced a special tourist visa scheme for long term foreign visitors. The visa has been introduced for a year- from September 2020 to September 2021. The visa will only be granted to countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates as advised by the ministry of public health. Here is everything you need to know about entering Thailand on this visa:
- The visa will be valid for 90 days and will be extendable to 90 more days twice.
- Along with the visa, proof of long term residence stay in Thailand also needs to be presented
- Health and accident insurance coverage that covers their period of stay in Thailand will also be needed. This should have a minimum of 40,000 Baht coverage for outpatient treatment and 400,000 Baht coverage for inpatient hospital and physician services.
- A quarantine of 14 days in an alternative local state or hospital is mandatory for all tourists on arrival.
- A COVID test would have to be taken at the beginning and the end of the quarantine period. If you’re staying in Phuket and are leaving for some other island, you’ll have to take another COVID test before you leave.
Staying In Thailand
The Thailand government has introduced various safety measures across the country to make it safe for visitors and citizens and are checking for strict abidance to the same by all. The safety guidelines at airports, hotels and all public areas have been enhanced in accordance with the requirements of the current times to keep all travellers visiting Thailand safe.
Reopened Hotels
- Most 4-star and 5-star hotels in Thailand have been reopened with strict safety measures in place to keep their guests safe.
- Safety measures include thermal screening, enhanced sanitization protocols, social distancing enablers, regular checks, staff screening, etc.
What Happens If You Show COVID Symptoms While your Stay In Thailand
If you show COVID symptoms while staying in Thailand, you will have to immediately inform your hotel or resort manager after which you will be isolated and would have to take a COVID test. Alternatively, you can also call +66 968478209 or +66 927260474.
Local Transport
Local transport including buses, taxis and trains across Thailand has resumed for the public with various safety measures. It is mandatory for all to wear masks and follow social distancing while using public transport. Hand sanitizing gels will be provided free of charge on board the buses and trains.
The timings of local transport have been changed- buses and trains are not functional from 11 pm to 4 am.
Safety Measures
- The Thai government has issued separate safety guidelines to be followed at homes, hotels, public areas, and workplaces.
- Wearing masks and abiding by social distancing is mandatory for all at public areas.
- Travellers and residents are advised to stay away from people who are at high risk of infection like elders and people with severe respiratory diseases.
- The timings of various beaches and attractions have been changed to accommodate a lower amount of people and to keep them safe.
Experiences
Here are 5 things to do in Thailand while staying safe in this post-COVID era:
- Visit The Grand Palace
The iconic Grand Palace of Thailand had been reopened for the public in the month of June itself with safety measures in place. Only a minimal number of visitors are allowed in the palace now in every 30 minutes who also have to undergo thermal screening at entry. Witness the magnificent buildings of the kings of Thailand and revel in the beauty of the intricacies and interiors of the palace- all as you stay safe with the safety measures taken at the palace.
- Visit The Lesser-Known Islands
Thailand has reopened 5 of its popular islands for travellers to visit. These include Phuket, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. 4 of these islands other than Phuket are known to be homes to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the world. Laze away your days soaking in the sun at these islands or just go around exploring the localities on a bike- either way, you are sure to have a blast and stay safe with the safety measures introduced all across these islands.
- Visit Khao Yai National Park
The famous Khao Yai National Park in Thailand has also been reopened for tourists to visit from 1st of July. Witness the exotic wildlife of the tropical forests of Thailand at this stunningly beautiful national park- all while staying safe with the measures introduced here by the authorities. To keep all the visitors safe, the national park has limited the capacity to 5,000 visitors, have made thermal screening mandatory for all at entry and have made it mandatory for all visitors to book their tickets online only.
- Visit The Wat Arun Temple
The iconic Wat Arun Temple in Thailand has also been reopened for visitors with various safety measures in place. One of the most stunning Buddhist temples in the world, it treats all its visitors with its fine craftsmanship and interiors. To keep all visitors safe, the temple has introduced thermal checks at entry, has mandated wearing of masks and abiding by social distancing by all.
- Explore The Exotic Wildlife With A Scuba Diving or Snorkelling Session
One of the best and the most exciting things to do in Thailand is to explore its turquoise blue seas and its exotic aquatic wildlife with snorkelling and scuba diving sessions. Some of the best islands to go snorkelling or diving are Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. The best part of these activities is that it also enables you to stay away from the crowd and enjoy safely.
Packing List For Thailand
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various novel essentials that we need to carry with ourselves in our everyday lives. When travelling too, our packing list must have masks, sanitizers, gloves, etc, to minimize the risk of catching COVID-19 infections. Here are some of the essential things you should include in your bags while packing:
- N-95 masks: Keep yourself safe throughout the trip with N-95 masks. Make sure you carry at least 3 of these to be able to change and wear alternatively.
- Gloves: Keep a pack of disposable gloves (used for medical examinations) with you to keep your hands from getting contaminated. When used, dispose of them carefully and responsibly.
- Hand sanitizer: Always keep a hand sanitizer with you, in case you’re not able to wash your hands frequently. This will help you get rid of any germs and viruses on your hands and avoid infections.
- First-aid Kit: In case, you catch a fever or show other symptoms and are tested negative for COVID, you would need regular medicines to treat yourself. Keep the essential medicines with you in a first aid kit to avoid any hassles in a foreign country.
- Extra clothes & a bag: Just to minimize the risk of infection even further, you can keep an extra pair of clothes that you can wear while travelling on flights or at the airport. Keep this pair of clothes packed in a ziplock bag after use, if it’s not possible to wash them.