The Tourism Authority of Thailand has sought to clarify confusion over entry rules amid reports that proof of Covid jabs would be required to access the country.
The tourism organisation insisted that it continued to welcome all international tourists under its “fully-reopen-to-tourism” policy introduced in October.
Thailand’s deputy prime minister and minister of public health, Anutin Charnvirakul, said: “International travellers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination.”
In addition, foreign tourists are not required to show Covid test results.
The statement followed reports that the country’s aviation regulator had insisted on Saturday that travellers flying to Thailand would be required to show pre-departure proof of vaccination to coincide with China reopening its borders for international travel on January 8.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed in updated travel advice: “You do not need to present Covid-19 related document such as certificate of vaccination and Covid-19 test results upon arrival in or transit through Thailand.”
However, it added: “As of 9 January, if you are visiting Thailand and then travelling to a country that requires a PCR test for entry, you will need to purchase medical insurance prior to your arrival in Thailand that provides cover for Covid-19 treatment.”
Thailand is also offering extended stays of up to 45 days from 30 days until March 31 for tourists from countries entitled to visa exemption and 30 days from 15 for those eligible for visas on arrival.
TAT added: “However, while Thailand is welcoming all visitors, a visitor source market may require incoming visitors including their own nationals returning home to have a negative PCR result.
“Thus, Thailand is aiming to correspond with rules of these countries – among them are China and India.
“Therefore, passengers from a country that has requirements for RT-PCR test must have health insurance covering treatment of Covid-19 in Thailand.
“With the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, tourists the world over are invited to experience the kingdom’s myriad of wonderful existing and new tourism experiences, products and services.”