Thailand Ministry of Health reports 20,052 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 129 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 22,361 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the replacement of the RT-PCR test with an ATK Test. As the country is on track to fully reopen, the government decides to retain the Thailand Pass system but forgo the PCR test. This would help attract more tourists to come to the country.
Operators say that Thailand is looking to meet a goal of 1.5 trillion baht this year from the tourism industry. Many operators are not happy that the Thailand Pass was retained since the insurance could deter other travelers. Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supasorn, the ATK test is unnecessary, it is only a recommendation.
On May 1, entry rules are based on immunization status. Everyone who has been immunized, regardless of country, can utilize the “vaccinated travel free lane” to have their Thailand Pass registration checked and then exit the airport without having to undergo any tests.
Those who have not been vaccinated have two choices: show a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival or make a reservation for alternate quarantine (AQ) lodging for a five-day period of isolation. Arrivals into AQ lodging accounted for less than 5% of total arrivals in the last few months.
“Half of the tourism revenue tally in 2019 of 3 trillion baht is our target this year,” Mr. Yuthasak said. “However, we need to push the domestic market more. Early next month, we will decide how to extend the ‘We Travel Together’ stimulus scheme to maintain positive momentum for the low season.”