Thailand: Officials tighten restrictions in Bangkok and several provinces through July 27 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 50

Event

Thailand has tightened restrictions in Dark Red zones through July 27 due to COVID-19 concerns. As of June 29, the Dark Red zones include Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom, Narathiwat, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla, and Yala provinces. Authorities have reduced the cap of gatherings to 20 people in these areas. The government requires shopping centers to close by 21:00, prohibits dining-in at food establishments, and has suspended construction activities. Additionally, local officials in Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala provinces have set up checkpoints and are requiring people entering or exiting the areas to present their identification cards and documents issued by authorities stating their purpose of travel.

Less stringent measures remain in place across other parts of Thailand. Officials continue to classify other localities nationwide as Red, Orange, and Yellow zones, in decreasing levels of COVID-19 activity and strictness of protocols. As of June 29, authorities are implementing restrictions according to the following designations:

• Red: The rules are in effect for Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, Saraburi, and Trang provinces. Gatherings of up to 100 people can occur. Food establishments can open through 23:00 nightly.

• Orange: These measures are in place in Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, and Samut Songkhram provinces. Gatherings are capped at 150 people. There is no limit on the opening hours of food establishments.

• Yellow: The protocols are in effect in all other provinces. Up to 200 people can participate in a gathering. There is no limit on the operating hours of food establishments.

Local authorities in some areas require arrivals from Bangkok and other Dark Red zones to quarantine for up to two weeks. A nationwide state of emergency remains in effect through July 31.

Travel Restrictions
The government permits travelers from most locations, and limited inbound tourist flights are operating. Cargo, emergency, and repatriation flights and government aircraft remain operational. Authorities allow travelers from multiple locations, including 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, to enter Thailand without a visa. Foreign nationals traveling from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan remain banned from entering due to concerns over new COVID-19 variants.

All foreign nationals must obtain a Certificate of Entry from the nearest Thai diplomatic mission before traveling. Authorities require incoming foreign nationals to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of travel, provide evidence of a booking at a quarantine facility, and quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities. Arrivals by air and sea must pay for their quarantine costs regardless of nationality from July 1.

The government plans to allow fully vaccinated international travelers from low- and medium-risk locations to enter Phuket without on-arrival quarantine requirements in a so-called "sandbox" scheme from July 1 as part of the country's reopening program. Locations that the Thai government categorizes as high-risk as of June 29 include Brazil, Japan, Philippines, and South Africa. Arrivals under the program must comply with several requirements, including staying in Phuket for at least two weeks before traveling to other parts of Thailand.

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)