Testing Not Necessary On Tourists From China

According to disease experts, the Covid-19 screening test for Chinese arrivals at entry ports is not required but vaccination records will be reviewed.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) analyzed the Covid-19 situation in China and expects a surge in arrivals after China reopens its borders on Sunday, January 8. The DDC is administered by the National Committee for Communicable Disease.

 Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, the director-general of the DDC, said that about 5 million Chinese tourists are expected to arrive this year.

Dr. Somwang Danchaivijitr, head of the committee, said that the need for a nondiscriminatory screening procedure must also be considered.

He added that these measures would inspire trust among travelers and the tourism industry and be consistent with comparable policies established by other countries.

Since the risk remains manageable, participants concluded that on-site screening at airports for Chinese arrivals may not be necessary.

Nonetheless, the committee has drafted rules for handling travelers coming from China beginning on January 8, as well as international travelers.

Those traveling from China must provide a Covid-19 vaccination certificate and proof of short-term health insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

The requirements will be presented to Chinese travelers intending to visit Thailand via the Foreign Affairs Ministry, airlines, and tourism agencies.

To evaluate the response measures, the agency will conduct a random COVID-19 test on travelers arriving or departing Thailand.

In tourist-heavy provinces, medical institutions will also reserve resources for treating international tourists who may have Covid-19.

International travelers will be provided basic health advice regarding the usage of face masks and hand gel. A hotline will be established for travelers with health-related questions.

Tourism-related businesses have been instructed to comply with public health safety regulations while preparing shops and accommodations for foreign clients.

Workers in the tourism and transportation industries will get a booster dose from public health agencies.

Additional measures include a need for a medical clearance indicating a negative Covid-19 test result and travel insurance that includes the expense of possible treatment for the virus.

These rules were drafted in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health’s safety measures.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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