*This Thailand coronavirus update will post the latest report every week. 

Thailand Covid-19 in Numbers (as of September 18, 2023)

• Total Number of Cases: 4,756,837

• Total Number of Recovered Patients: 4,692,636

• Total Number of Reported Deaths: 34,468

*Data lifted from the latest World Meters report and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

What Is the Current COVID -19 Situation in Thailand?

Surprisingly, Thailand is among the countries with only a handful of coronavirus cases. Over the last few months, the country is only recording 302 new cases per day. It seems that the government was able to control the COVID-19 situation in the country better than most of its neighboring countries. Thailand is one of the top destinations for tourists from Wuhan. Hence, it is pretty surprising to note that authorities did the right thing to screen visitors and set up an emergency operations center early on. With medical experts taking the helm in managing the crisis, the country was able to contain the virus to infect only a few thousand and has an average of 10 deaths per day of its citizens. Suffice it to say, Thailand is among the safest countries to visit right now. 

Main messages

• Continue to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 across Thailand
• RTG encourages COVID-free settings and booster vaccinations
  -Get vaccinated, maintain universal precautions and stay informed

Is Thailand Open for Foreign Travellers? Is It Safe to Travel to Thailand?

Yes, Thailand accepts foreign travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says that the country continues to accept all international tourists with their fully reopened-to-tourism program, which was introduced on October 1, 2022.

Tourists traveling to Thailand are NOT required to show proof of vaccination, RT-PCR or ATK test results. However, a tourist's country of origin or their next destination may need to present their negative PCR test results.

As part of Thailand's re-opening to tourists, they still require tourists to secure their COVID insurance, which they will need if they test positive while in the country.

Travel Advice for UK and US Visitors

The UK government exempts Thailand from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) advice of barring nonessential travel. This means that UK residents travelling to Thailand will not need to self-isolate when they return to the UK. However, both US and UK residents are still advised to limit their travel to provinces within the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Southern Songkhla province (Note: Northern areas such as A43 road and Hat Yai and Sakom are not included. Northwestern areas between Hat Yai and Pedang Besar are exempted as well) due to civil unrest.

Tips for Travelling in Thailand

Travel

Thailand is again open to tourists. But before traveling, you still need to check accordingly with your travel provider so you can plan your trip. You may also need to check for bus, train, and boat routes as some will still have restrictions, particularly in provincial areas where some authorities may impose stricter measures. 

If you travel to Thailand and then to another country that needs COVID-19 tests such as PCR or RAT, you need to secure medical insurance first upon your arrival in Thailand. This insurance will cover your treatment if you tested positive for COVID-19.

Emergency Decree

The Thailand government has an emergency decree in place. Make sure to abide by them during your travel. Some of the instructions you need to follow. Foreign travellers must not: 

• Go to high-risk areas
• Hoard essential goods
• Participate in public gatherings
• Spread malicious information

Remember that the Thailand government may impose penalties on foreigners who violate their directives. There have been reports of foreign nationals arrested, fined, and jailed for breaching these protocols. 

It is also important for foreign travellers to Thailand to stay abreast of the latest health updates that the Thailand Ministry of Public Health will issue. 

Note: The Thai Department of Disease Control considers cigarette smoking a risk for coronavirus and has banned smoking in public places. Violators can be fined up to 5,000 Baht.

Accommodations

There is no shortage of hotels and private rental accommodations in Thailand. Don’t discount the fact that some Bangkok hotels may be still be closed. So, it’s best to contact hotels directly when booking accommodations. 

As soon as you arrive at the hotel, the staff will ask to take your temperature and require you to complete a health declaration form about your travel history and symptoms related to COVID-19. You also have to expect that some leisure activities may remain suspended. 

Public Spaces

The majority of the public places in Thailand are now open to visitors. Everyone is expected to practice social distancing. Some shops with confined spaces such as pubs and clubs may still operate with restrictions. Most restaurants are now open and offer outdoor seating or accept takeout orders. 

High-Risk Groups

Thai authorities also request older people above 70 years old and young children less than five years old to stay indoors. Those with comorbidities such as diabetes, lung diseases, and cardiac problems are also encouraged to stay home except to go out for essential purposes, such as buying goods, medicines, going to hospitals, or filing complaints to the police. 

What Protocols To Observe Upon Entering Thailand?

Foreign travellers arriving in Thailand should complete a 14-day quarantine. The facility must be approved by the state. Visitors must also be able to undergo a COVID-19 test within three days upon their arrival. Once the 14-day quarantine is over, only then can they explore Thailand for business and leisure. While the economy is slowly opening up, expect some tourist spots to remain close. It is still mandatory to practice health protocols. Keep checking this page for the latest updates on Thailand's health decrees that you need to abide by during your stay in the country.  

Some places may have long lines, so please make sure that you maintain proper distancing. Wear masks whenever you need to go out and avoid crowded places. If you need to dine out, choose a restaurant that offers outdoor seating. 

Remember, Thailand may have a few number of coronavirus cases, but it does not mean that the virus does not exist in the country. The low number of reported cases may also be due to the limited testing capacity. However, the government is slowly addressing this issue by developing their own test kits. 

Does Thailand Have a COVID-19 Vaccine?

None yet, but Thailand is well on its way to producing its own COVID-19 vaccine rather than wait for inoculations from abroad. 

Note: This Thailand coronavirus update was first published in October 2020 and has been updated to include the latest developments.