The past 72 hours have no doubt been deeply damaging to Thailand’s tourism industry, as well as the credibility of its officials.
Over the course of this weekend, a vaccination requirement was announced, scheduled for implementation (with virtually zero notice), modified last-minute to add an exemption, and launched.
And now, on the first day of implementation, it’s been rescinded.ย
Thailand rescinds vaccination requirement
Thailand’s messy weekend started on Friday, 6 January, when authorities announced that a mandatory vaccination requirement for all visitors would come into effect shortly.
It wasn’t until Sunday, 8 January, that details were released. Talk about short notice- from Monday, 9 January, only vaccinated travellers would be permitted entry into Thailand. Surprisingly, there was no provision for unvaccinated travellers to take a COVID-19 test instead, leaving them in limbo and no doubt causing a rash of cancellations.
Then on Sunday night, another update. Unvaccinated travellers would still be allowed to fly to Thailand, subject to taking a test on arrival. Where would the test be done? What kind of test? Would it cost money? Who knows!
Monday came round, with neither airlines nor passengers knowing exactly what the SOP was. Singapore Airlines and other carriers had updated their websites to reflect the vaccination requirement, but beyond that, it was anyone’s guess as to on-ground execution.
And now on Monday afternoon comes the news that the vaccination requirement will be removed altogether, effective immediately. Can you say “flip prata”?
(Health Minister) Mr Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters proof of vaccination was not needed as there was sufficient immunisation globally, while those not vaccinated would be granted entry without restriction.
-Reuters
Gee, it’s a good thing there was a surge in global vaccinations between Friday and Monday!
There’s going to be fallout
While we’re back to status quo, the damage has already been done. The tourism industry is, understandably, displeased.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday that he had asked Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to adjust the two-jab rule for foreign arrivals.
Mr Phiphat intervened after the Phuket Tourist Association submitted a letter to the government complaining the new rule threatened tourism recovery amid the return of Chinese visitors.
In Germany, tour companies said the jab requirement had created a problem and greatly reduced confidence in Thai tourism, with more than 1,000 hotel room reservations cancelled, Bangkok Post reported.
-Reuters
Now, I personally believe that everyone who’s medically eligible should get vaccinated against COVID, but it’s hard not to feel a bit of sympathy for those caught up in this mess. I’m sure some may have cancelled their reservations already due to the initial news, incurring costs in the process. Who’s going to foot those? Or even if you don’t have much sympathy for the unvaxxed crowd, at least think about the impact on the local economy- that’s taxi rides, tours, meals and activities that won’t be fulfilled.ย
Thailand is, of course, entitled to set its own entry rules, but is it too much to ask for clear communication and adequate notice?
With the latest updates, here’s the revised travel procedure to Thailand.
| ๐น๐ญ Thailand Entry Requirements |
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Conclusion
Thailand has U-turned on its vaccination requirement the very day it was supposed to be implemented, leaving a lot of angry tourists and hospitality workers in its wake.ย
Fortunately this whole saga wouldn’t have affected most Singaporeans, since most of us are vaccinated, but my goodness what a mess this has been.ย
Kudos (again) to Richard Barrow, who called this one on Friday…
The insurance requirement hasn’t been renounced though, right?
HAHHAHA that summary for “Revised Travel Procedure to Thailand” is soo *chef’s kiss*
As Richard has pointed out, it also depends if the airlines have received the updated requirements. I suspect some will continue to deny boarding if passengers cannot produce they vaccination certificate.
welcome welcome chinese monies lol
That is why don’t take risk to visit such prata countries. You never know if you are going to be impacted. Totally senseless. The fact that most people around the world have vaccination or already infected didn’t change overnight.
Living in Thailand here, it feels like this country is full of 4 year olds run by 4 year olds. Politics aside, we are lucky to have a government in Singapore who keep their rules clear and transparent.
At least it’s a good introduction to the culture. Don’t go if one doesn’t accept their way of doing things ๐