Thailand Ministry of Health reports 21,808 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 128 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 19,826 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
Today, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will discuss the easing of COVID-19 measures. This includes the possible removal or easing of the Test and Go scheme and Thailand Pass. Part of the changes suggested is to change the RT-PCR test on arrival into an ATK test. Also, for unvaccinated travelers, the quarantine period could be reduced.
Gen Supoj Malaniyom, chief of the CCSA’s operations center said that it is highly likely that the Thailand Pass process will remain in place. This is for safety reasons as the country faces a surge in cases and the constant threat of new variants. The process will be adjusted to make it more convenient for all travelers.
William E Heinecke, founder, and chairman of Minor International sent a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha requesting to terminate the Thailand Pass and Test and Go scheme like other countries. These processes have greatly hampered the expected revival of the tourism industry.
“It is time for Thailand to follow suit, remove all travel obstacles and resume pre-pandemic entry rules,” he wrote.
If the CCSA approves, it is likely that the changes will be implemented by May 1. It will apply to all borders of Thailand on both air and land travel.
The CCSA will also reassess the zoning of the provinces accordingly. They will base it on the latest data of a number of cases. Based on this, they will plan on further easing the restrictions as well as moving towards categorizing COVID-19 as endemic.