New measures announced to curb Omicron outbreak in tourist provinces
To combat the spread of the Omicron variant, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced new measures for “pilot tourism provinces”.
The new measures were announced in the Royal Gazette on Thursday.
From April 1, those entering Thailand through the “pilot tourism provinces”, including Krabi, Phuket, Phang-nga, and Surat Thani (only the islands of Tao, Phangan, and Samui), can travel within those provinces after testing negative for Covid-19 in their first RT-PCR test on arrival in Thailand.
However, the travellers are not allowed to change their hotels or other lodgings at more than three places if isolation is required. The accommodations must be certified by authorities and located in the pilot tourism zone, according to the Royal Gazette.
The CCSA came up with the measures amidst rising concern over a huge increase in new Omicron cases across the country.
Earlier, the CCSA decided to cancel the requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals under the Test & Go scheme, effective from April 1.
However, they must take the test upon arrival and self-administer an antigen test on the fifth day of their stay in Thailand.
The move was part of the relaxation of Covid-19 preventive measures in a bid to revive the country’s vital tourism sector.
