Thailand eases entry rules for tourists, scraps mask policy

International vacationers put together their paperwork on the new entry lanes at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the course of the first day of the nation’s reopening marketing campaign, a part of the federal government’s plan to leap begin the pandemic-hit tourism sector in Bangkok, Thailand November 1, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Picture

BANGKOK, June 17 (Reuters) – Thailand introduced on Friday it might abandon its much-criticised pre-registration course of for international guests and now not require face masks to be worn in public, responding to a slower COVID-19 unfold.

The “Thailand Cross” system, the place international vacationers should search prior approval from Thai authorities, will likely be halted from July 1, Tourism Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan instructed reporters, eradicating one of many nation’s final remaining journey curbs.

Thailand is without doubt one of the world’s hottest journey locations, however tourism companies have lengthy complained its requirement for foreigners to submit a number of paperwork – from vaccine and swab take a look at certificates to medical insurance coverage and resort bookings – was impeding the sector’s restoration.

Thailand was visited by almost 40 million individuals in 2019, however acquired lower than 1% of that quantity final yr, regardless of easing its quarantine necessities.

Although tourism has picked up in current months, the business is way from recovering, with big jobs and companies losses in a sector that usually accounts for about 12% of Thai gross home product.

The coronavirus job drive on Friday additionally stated use of face masks would from subsequent month be voluntary, however suggested individuals to put on them if in crowded settings or if affected by well being situations.

Thailand has suffered greater than 30,000 COVID-19 deaths general, however has largely contained its outbreaks, helped by a vaccination charge of greater than 80%.

Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty
Modifying by Ed Davies

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