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BANGKOK: Thailand eased travel restrictions for citizens of 56 countries on Thursday in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry hit by the pandemic, though visitors will have to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine.
Tourists from countries such as Australia, France, and the US can travel without visas, but would need a certificate to prove they were Covid-19 free 72 hours prior to travel and have a place in a quarantine hotel, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, Covid spokesperson of Thailand. -19 said the working group.
Visitors will be subject to a two-week quarantine period after arrival, he said, adding that the normal 30-day visa will be extended to 45 days.
While in quarantine, arrivals would undergo three Covid-19 tests, compared to the two required previously, Taweesin said, adding that more tests could lead to shorter quarantine times in the future.
The revisions come as the tourism-dependent economy struggles to encourage more domestic activity, but the ongoing travel ban continues to alienate most foreign tourists.
“The influx of tourists will stimulate the economy,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tanee Sangrat told Reuters.
Travelers from other countries not included in Thursday’s announcement could be eligible for a special 90-day tourist visa and a certificate of entry.
Thailand’s entry restrictions have helped keep its Covid-19 cases at a low of 4,281, but caused widespread economic damage and many job losses.
“We have confidence in the Thai public health system, before this we were not sure, but now we have confidence in the system,” Tanee said.
