Thailand: Officials have eased COVID-19 restrictions in some localities as of May 18 /update 46

Event

Authorities have eased restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 in parts of Thailand as of May 18. Officials are reclassifying Chon Buri from the strictest level of Deep Red to the less stringent Red zone and more than 20 other provinces from Red to the least strict level of Orange. In Deep Red zones, gatherings are capped at 20 people, while up to 50 people can gather in Red and Orange zones. The designations also regulate restaurant dine-in and take-out services and operating hours of markets and convenience stores. Authorities may modify business and gathering restrictions in the coming days and weeks. An ongoing state of emergency remains in effect through May 31.

As of May 18, the government has designated the following zones:

• Deep Red: Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan provinces

• Red: Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Tak, and Yala provinces

• Orange: All other provinces

Local authorities in some areas, including Buriram, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, require arrivals from Bangkok and other high-risk places to quarantine for up to two weeks. Other provinces may implement similar controls, particularly if local COVID-19 cases increase.

Incoming foreign nationals must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before travel and provide evidence of a booking at a quarantine facility. Officials also require international arrivals to undergo a quarantine period of 14 days at designated facilities at their own expense. Passengers who are not Thai nationals must obtain a Certificate of Entry from the nearest Thai embassy prior to travel.

Limited inbound tourist flights are operating. Cargo, emergency, and repatriation flights and government aircraft remain operational. Authorities are allowing travelers from multiple locations to enter Thailand without visas, though they must still apply for Certificates of Entry prior to travel. The locations are Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Authorities continue to ban the entry of foreigners traveling from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan due to concerns over new COVID-19 variants.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

State COVID-19 Portal
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (Thai)
World Health Organization (WHO)