Thailand Prepares Preventative Measures To Prevent COVID Surge

Due to the current Covid-19 situation in China, Thai government officials are preparing steps to prevent an increase in Covid-19 cases caused by the expected arrival of Chinese tourists in the country.

COVID-19 cases in China increased after Beijing removed strict health regulations that had been in place for 3 years last December. On Sunday, January 8, Beijing announced that it will lift the mandatory arrival quarantine and announced the reopening of its borders, prompting Chinese tourists to arrange trips overseas.

Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said authorities from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Transport will have a meeting to finalize preventive measures and protect Thailand against imported COVID-19 cases.

Thai officials expect around 5 million Chinese tourists to visit the country this year, which is important to the country’s economic recovery.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Yuthasak Supasorn, stated, “We anticipate around 300,000 Chinese visitors in the first quarter of 2023.”

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assures the public that the country would not impose tight restrictions or lockdowns in response to China’s decision to loosen travel restrictions.

The government said that mandatory testing for Chinese arrivals for the virus is unnecessary. China requires all travelers leaving the country to acquire a negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours.

Government officials will meet to discuss the vaccination requirements for Chinese travelers. Komchadluek reported that the proof of vaccine for Chinese tourists who have received at least 4 doses of the Covid vaccination will be reviewed. The ministry will suggest that all Chinese tourists going to Thailand must receive at least 4 COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The government said measures are open to change based on Covid-19 caseload statistics and developments in China.

Anutin emphasized that the ministry cannot ensure that the virus will not reappear when Chinese tourists return. Therefore, he encouraged locals to continue to take precautions, such as vaccination, social isolation, and wearing face masks.

The ministry of health commended Thailand’s capacity to handle the virus

Thailand can control the spread of the virus, diseases, and mortality more successfully than other countries. Thailand’s healthcare system is well prepared.

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha reassured the public not to worry about the return of Chinese tourists, emphasizing Thailand’s excellent preventive measures and its healthcare system.

In response to worries about outbreaks and new strains, the USA, Japan, India, South Korea, and certain European nations have adopted tougher Covid-19 restrictions pertaining to Chinese arrivals.

SOURCE:  Thaiger

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