Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you’re fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on March 15, 2022.
The basics
On average, around 20,000-30,000 Covid-19 cases are reported per day as the Omicron variant continues to spread in the country.
Those wanting to enter face several requirements, including proof of prepayment of one night of accommodation at a government-approved hotel on Day 1, where travelers must await the results of mandatory RT-PCR tests.
Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated are required to quarantine in an approved hotel for 10 days.
What’s on offer
Picture-perfect islands. Golden beaches with swaying palms. Ornate temples and lush forests. Thailand has long been the go-to destination for those after a no-nonsense, easy-on-the-eyes tropical break.
Who can go
What are the entry restrictions?
All travelers need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine at government-approved quarantine facilities or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities for 10 days. This can include luxury hotels, some of which have developed quarantine packages.
What’s the Covid situation?
For months, Thailand reported few locally transmitted Covid-19 cases thanks to strict quarantine on arrival rules.
However, the country was easing out of its third and worst wave of infections when the Omicron variant began to spread in January, leading to a swift increase in positive cases.
At the moment, the country is reporting around 20,000-30,000 new cases per day on average.
What can visitors expect?
Restrictions vary throughout the country, in line with a color-coded zoning system designed to reflect the Covid-19 situation in individual provinces.
Most major destinations are classified as “blue zones” and have had restrictions relaxed in recent weeks.
Museums, art galleries, historical sites, ancient monuments, spas, cinemas, pools, tattoo studios and sporting facilities are open throughout the country but required to operate under strict public health measures and limit the number of visitors at 75% of normal capacity.
Restaurants in Bangkok have resumed normal operating hours, and are allowed to serve dine-in customers alcoholic beverages until 11 p.m..
However, some types of entertainment venues, including nightclubs, remain closed nationwide.
Interprovincial travel has been allowed to resume, including domestic flights and trains.
Masks are expected to be worn in public, both indoors and out, while temperature checks are the norm. Those who do not wear masks face fines.
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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Karla Cripps contributed to this report
