Thailand has revoked a weekend regulation that required visitors to provide confirmation of a COVID-19 vaccine, citing adequate immunization levels in China and worldwide as the reason.
According to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, it was cumbersome to verify immunization records, therefore he withdrew the new regulation with the backing of a group of medical professionals. The new restriction was revealed by aviation officials on Saturday, just before a large flow of tourists was anticipated to arrive from China, where incidents of COVID had increased.
There will be no limitations on admittance for individuals who have not been vaccinated, according to the ministry of health. He told the press that the panel of health experts had decided against requiring evidence of vaccination because it would be too time-consuming and difficult.
However, the health minister did add that overseas visitors to Thailand would still be required to provide proof of health insurance covering COVID-19 if their next location necessitates such a test.
One of Asia’s most visited countries, Thailand, has seen an influx of tourists ever since entrance limits were loosened in 2017.
After a slow start to the year due to a lack of aircraft and international arrivals, the country had 1.75 million tourists in November.
Before the epidemic, almost one-quarter of Thailand’s yearly visitors came from China. An increase from the previous projection of 5 million Chinese tourists by 2023 has minister Anutin saying the government is now anticipating 7 million to 10 million Chinese visitors.
