The deregistration of Pass Thailand is expected to take place on June 1, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said.
We will have to wait until next month to have confirmation, but everything seems to be on the right track for the elimination of the last measure that discourages travelers and tour operators.
See: Thailand Tourism Board wants to abolish the Thailand Pass
Boosting travel to Thailand
After the removal of the Test and Go program from May 1, the removal of the Thailand Pass will create a more seamless travel experience and boost travel in the country, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.
He added that Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had already agreed to end the Pass Thailand scheme.
The removal of the Thailand Pass also means that Thai embassies and consulates will be able to reduce their workload as they have been tasked with helping to approve the required documents.
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Management (CCSA) must approve this proposal at its meeting next month for the requirement to be waived.
Tourists may be required to fill out their vaccination record on the TM6 immigration form upon arrival, and immigration officers will be responsible for verifying the vaccination form or passport, Phiphat said.
However, the government has not decided to strengthen detection measures by imposing booster doses, because the vaccination coverage of each country differs.
“If the rate of infection caused by the Omicron variant declines before June 1, it will be necessary to unlock the remaining travel regulations as the country prepares to classify covid-19 as an endemic disease,” it added.
Tourism tax could replace health insurance
Meanwhile, the plan to collect a 300 baht tourist tax from international travelers is due to be submitted to the government in the next two weeks for implementation in about three months.
Mr. Phiphat said that if there is no requirement for medical insurance in the future, the tourist tax can offer insurance to tourists, covering medical costs for green-tier Covid patients.
A target of 7 to 10 million arrivals in 2022
While the government has set a target of 7 million to 10 million foreign arrivals this year, it said delegates from the ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand plan to visit Saudi Arabia to sign a protocol agreement with Saudia, the national company, to middle of May. .
The Middle East market can help fill the gap in the off-season thanks to Thailand’s abundant natural resources and rainfall, which match the interests of this travel segment, Phiphat said.
As for the “We Travel Together” hotel subsidy program, to encourage Thais to travel in the country, the ministry will have to calculate the amount of the remaining budget of the fourth phase.
He said at least a million nights could be added to support the low season between June and September.
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