Covid Curbs Return to Thailand as China Set to Reopen Borders
Thailand is set to reintroduce COVID-19 entry requirements for foreigners as it braces for a wave of tourists from mainland China.
After a gradual return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand is now bringing back rules requiring proof of vaccination for all travellers entering the Kingdom.
Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnviraku announced the “New measures are necessary because Thailand is a major destination….but the measures must be non-discriminatory.”
The move coincides with news that China will relax its travel restrictions starting 8th January by removing the requirement for inbound travellers to quarantine.
The decision to reintroduce the requirement was made after representatives from the Thai ministries including Public Health, Transport, Tourism and Sports met on Thursday 5th January.
An exact date for the reintroduction has not been made public but it seems likely they will be enforced ahead of Chinese travellers arriving in Thailand, with the first flight scheduled to arrive from China on 12th January.
The impact on Thailand’s addiction and mental health treatment industry is unlikely to be significant. The decision comes after medical tourist numbers have been increasing after a significant blow to many treatment providers over the last 3 years.
