Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Thailand coronavirus updates, latest travel restrictions and newsHere you can find the latest information and guidance regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Thailand, what kind of restrictions are in place, how coronavirus is affecting Thailand travel scene and more. Please visit this page for regular updates as the situation evolves.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
THAILAND TODAY
Current situation in Thailand
Update July 22, 2020: Emergency decree is extended until August 31, 2020. Visa amnesty program is extended until September 26, 2020. Those with applicable visas (any foreigner holding a temporary stay visa for Thailand, including tourist visas, visa-exempt stamp holders, and non-O visas) can remain in the country without penalties or overstay fees until the visa amnesty deadline is reached. 5 new groups are allowed to enter the country, including foreign construction workers, foreign film crews, sales persons, and elite visa card holders. Long-term-visa holders are also exempt from their usual 90 days reporting until September 26.
6 other groups have been allowed entrance before:
1. Foreign spouses and children of work permit holders.
2. Foreigners with residency rights in Thailand.
3. Foreigners married to Thais.
4. Foreigners and their carers seeking medical treatment in Thailand (except for Covid-19).
5. International students and their guardians.
6. Short-stay business travellers and guests of the government from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong – as per special arrangements made with these countries.
Update July 6, 2020: Royal Thai Government Extends State of Emergency and Incoming International Flight Ban Until July 31: On June 30, the Royal Thai Government officially extended the national state of emergency until July 31, 2020. Most foreign nationals are still banned from entering Thailand. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) also announced the extension of the ban on incoming international commercial passengers until further notice. The flight ban does not affect outbound flights; there are still daily outbound flights available with connections.
Update July 1, 2020: All bars and night entertainment venues, including soapy massage parlours, can open again as restrictions imposed to curb Covid-19 are further eased in the final phase. Strict restrictions for social distancing are still in place.
Previous Updates
Update June 15, 2020: Zero new infections as Thailand enters Phase 4. Alcohol can now be served in restaurants, hotels, food courts, and so on starting Monday – but bars, pubs, karaoke bars, and beer halls continue to be closed. Soapy massage, or commercial sex services, cannot reopen as of yet.
Update May 29, 2020: Royal Thai Government Approves Entry for Non-Thai Nationals with Work Permits: On May 28, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) announced that non-Thai nationals who either possess a valid work permit or have already been granted permission from a Thai government agency to work in the Kingdom can apply for permission to enter the Kingdom. The official announcement states that only those in urgent need to enter the Kingdom may submit an application for entry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Labor will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. Note the ban on incoming international flights remains in effect until June 30, 2020.
Those seeking entry must submit their application at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate General in the United States at least 10 business days before the date of intended departure. The application should include: (1) copy of a valid work permit or permission issued by an RTG agency to work in Thailand; and (2) a valid health insurance policy with coverage of at least $100,000, including coverage of COVID-19. If the request to enter is granted, the applicant must present the following at the airport: (1) boarding pass; (2) Certificate of Entry into the Kingdom of Thailand; (3) a completed and signed “Declaration Form;” (4) a “Fit-to-Fly” Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior; and (5) a valid health insurance policy with coverage of at least $100,000, including coverage of COVID-19. In addition, travelers are subject to 14-day state quarantine upon arrival in a government-approved facility at their own expense.
Update May 12, 2020: Retail, wholesale and leisure activities that are likely to be allowed to resume on Sunday.
Update April 28, 2020: National State of Emergency/Nation-wide Curfew Officially Extended to May 31: Today, the government spokesperson announced that the Cabinet has decided to extend to May 31 the national state of emergency and related measures, which includes maintaining border closures and the present 10 pm to 4 am curfew.
Update April 27, 2020: Automatic visa extensions are in effect through July 31 for all types of temporary stay visas. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) extended the ban on incoming international flights until May 31.
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