Test & Go Reboot Attract 2,500 Travelers on Day 1

The redesigned Test & Go program opened yesterday as 46 international flights with a total of 2,500 passengers arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport.  The majority of arrivals were from Europe and neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.  The redesigned entry program requires hotels to send vehicles to the airport at least 1 hour before passengers arrive to avoid overcrowding.

It remains to be seen the results of Test & Go Version 2 or as some have named it, Test & Go & Come Back & Test & Go Again.  Travelers are now obliged to undergo a mandatory RT PCR test upon arrival and again on day 5. This is in addition to the RT PCR test they will have completed 72 hours before going to Thailand.  In addition to the test requirements, travelers also need to present proof of paid reservations at an SHA Plus hotel for day one and day five where they must remain in their accommodation until they receive a negative test result. 

If social media opinions are to be believed, foreign travelers have mocked the new guidelines, praising other places as a better choice. On the other hand, several Facebook groups for Sandbox applicants and Thailand Pass shows that there are no shortage of tourists planning their vacations to Thailand.

Meanwhile, Trat Tourism Council’s Saksit Mungkarn said that Koh Chang has 45 SHA Plus hotels and approximately 4,000 rooms waiting and ready. Saksit added that there are rooms that can be used as isolation areas if a traveler tests positive but exhibits asymptomatic.

“Koh Chang is ready. We are just awaiting travelers. Prior to the pandemic, travelers came to Koh Chang during the Chinese New Year.  However, this year was unusually calm.”

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Source: Bangkok Post