The Thai authorities announced on Saturday that with effect from January 9, 2023, only people who can prove at least two Covid 19 vaccinations will be allowed to enter the country. One is reacting to the fact that China is dropping the quarantine regulations and hoping that another corona wave can be stopped in this way. On Monday, however, this plan was rejected again.

Thailand had abolished the entry regulations that were issued due to the Covid 19 pandemic last year. Now they're tightening it up again, requiring everyone over the age of 18 to show they've been vaccinated at least twice with a local government-approved vaccine. There are exceptions for children and young people under the age of 18 as well as for Thai citizens and people with residence permits who have local health insurance. So much for the plan that was announced on Saturday. But it will not be implemented.

In a recent statement, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced today that international travelers are still able to enter the Kingdom without restrictions, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. At the weekend, advice was given at short notice on reintroducing the obligation to provide proof of a full vaccination or recovery. However, this regulation will not be introduced after all.

Thus, Thailand is sticking to the policy of full opening for tourism introduced in October 2022. "International travelers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination," Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said. PCR or self-tests are also not necessary.

However, the government warns that some countries of origin, including China and India, may require a negative PCR test upon return or entry. When traveling on to one of these countries, a COVID insurance policy is also required for international travelers if a test in Thailand is positive.