Thailand May Scrape Requirement of ‘Thailand Pass’ For Citizens Returning From Abroad

The Thai government is expected to consider removing the requirement for citizens returning from abroad to register for a Thailand Pass.

According to a report in Thailand Post, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister said that the government will request that the need for Thailand Pass for returning citizens be reviewed by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

According to Mr Anutin, as of now the requirement of a Thailand Pass has been in place for all international arrivals, but the CCSA will be asked to remove it in the future.

New Changes On Thailand Pass

The Thai government has made certain revisions and extended the validity of the Thailand Pass effective from April 18, 2022. This implies that visitors to Thailand can now arrive on a different day than the date approved in their Thailand Pass application, as long as it is no more than 7 days on either side of the original date.

Previously, passengers were not permitted to enter prior to the day of arrival (as mentioned on the Thailand Pass) but were allowed to enter up to a couple of days later in the situation of flight changes or cancellations.

Also Read: Thailand Travel Guide: New Entry Requirements, Visa Options, Step By Step Process To Apply For Thailand Pass

Registration For Thailand Pass

According to Dr Sumanee Wacharasint, assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA, 213,958 people registered for Thailand Pass between April 29 and May 4.

According to Dr Sumanee, 202,878 (94.8 per cent) of them got their registrations authorised because the system has been made more convenient and the pass is easier to obtain.

The Test & Go entrance scheme was discontinued on May 1 and fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be screened for Covid-19 upon arrival. During their stay, they are encouraged to self-test with antigen kits.

Thailand Pass May End From June 01

Last month, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Tourism and Sports Minister of Thailand said that the Thailand Pass registration is expected to be cancelled on June 1, with travellers using their TM6 immigration form to declare their vaccination details.

He further added that the cancellation of the Thailand Pass will lead to a more seamless travel experience and encourage more tourists to explore and visit the country.