The Ministry of Health is asking the Thai government to shorten the duration of mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers from 14 days to 7-10 days from next month.
The plan was announced Monday by Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin says he will ask the government to shorten the mandatory quarantine to boost tourism and boost the economy.
"We are ready to reopen the country to stimulate economic growth," he said after the committee's meeting on Monday. “If we can vaccinate 70% of all medical workers by October, we want to consider doing away with mandatory quarantine requirements for some groups.
If approved, reduced quarantine requirements will apply from April to travelers who fall into the following three categories, Anutin says:
- Being the first non-Thai citizens who have been vaccinated against Covid-14 between 19 days and three months before arriving in Thailand and tested negative for the disease. These travelers only need to quarantine for seven days.
- Being the second Thai returnees who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 fourteen days to three months before their arrival in Thailand. These travelers will also have to quarantine for seven days.
- Third, Mr Anutin said, his non-Thai citizens who have not been vaccinated, but are in possession of a Covid-19-free certificate. These travelers will have to go into quarantine for 10 days.
These shortened quarantine requirements do not apply to travelers arriving from Africa, who must still observe the full 14-day quarantine as the Department of Health is concerned about the possibility of more contagious Covid-19 variants spreading in Thailand.
Source: Bangkok Post
7 days in a hotel is manageable, I think, but what about the stupid insurances, nothing is mentioned about that yet. 100.000us$ and the 400.000/40.000 bath. Is there maybe someone who has a sensible word about this?
If you go to Thailand for more than a month, that week is still a lot, but with a 3-week tour in Thailand (which most people book), that 1 week of confinement for the holidaymaker still does not lead to a booking.
If it were 7 days. But the day of arrival and departure from the hotel do not count. So you lose a total of 9 days. That is now 16. Anyway, hopefully the beginning of relaxation will actually be made.
I have finally achieved positive results with my CZ health insurance. Because I really wanted to take out a second insurance policy, just because of the statement, I first submitted my “first” statement of insurance issued by CZ to the embassy in The Hague for approval. That was in December and there was no response, possibly because I entered the "wrong" email address ( [email protected]) had used. I then assumed that it had been rejected and I started collecting extensive information about my health insurance (with a supplement for 100% care abroad, because the basic insurance - based on contract care providers - only offers 70% care abroad: after all, there is no contract care provider there !). I also found CZ willing to adjust their statement with the amounts THB 400.000 (Inpatient) and THB 40.000 (Outpatient). In addition, also confirmation of Covid, albeit without the mention of $ 100.000. I sent this, together with Dutch and English brochure of CZ coverage, and emails from CZ again confirming my 100% coverage in Thailand, as well as Thai translations, to the embassy by registered letter. Result, my statement has finally been approved, so that I can use it during the course of this year.
Hi,
Am planning to go to Thailand for a longer period (soon).
Am also insured with cz.
Question to you is:
Are you willing to share the data (communication) between you and cz with me or others? so that a little can run smoothly on my application.
Thank you
Groet
If you have read my post carefully then I don't know what else you need. Do I also have to submit the application to CZ on your behalf? Also do your best yourself.
Hi Haki. I had already received those statements that you have from CZ. I didn't publicize it because I was the first. It is indeed wise to have that statement where $ 100.000 should be translated into Thai. Because those who have to check it in Bangkok only see if it says the amount of $ 100.000. But with that Thai translation it's no problem. See here VisaPlus' response to the statement of 40,000/400.000 THB:
Good morning Mr Ricken,
When this text is in the statement it is perfect.
You must have been very persistent, we have never seen CZ want to put this in a statement!
Yours faithfully,
Adam van Biezen.
VisaPlus Customer Service
Has anyone posted here yet that he was rejected by immigration upon arrival in Bangkok because something in his paperwork, which has already been checked by the embassy, is said to be suspended? I have yet to see that happen?
Yes Haki. A friend of mine had the most trouble because the amount of $100.000 was not specifically stated. But what do you mean I have yet to see that happen? Do you release them then?
By the way, I think you are coming up with your story a bit like a syringe elf. Why didn't you share your enormous success with all the other TB bloggers here earlier. That's exactly what this platform is for; not to keep your success to yourself, but to share it with others.
Statement will be approved but you will not get a visa. Was at the consulate at the end of February and heard that there really has to be 100.000 USD on an insurance certificate to cover against Covid-19. This is required for the visa, for a COE, for flying to Thailand and on arrival. If you do not want to take out a 2nd insurance policy, then no, I myself have 1 for additional medical expenses, luggage and accidents as well as Covid cover 100.000 for 120 Euros for 3 months. Small amount compared to all other costs such as hotel, ticket and PCR test, especially since it covers the extra medical costs.
What I don't understand is the following; Readers who have already taken out these insurance policies, why don't they let us know on this blog what the costs are and with which company they are insured?
Ruudje
Because something like that makes no sense. An insurance policy is not a bag of sugar with the same price for everyone. There are so many variables that determine the price, such as: Age of the insured, selected cover, chosen deductible, chosen area of coverage, possible exclusions, health of the insured, duration of the insurance. So that will be different for each individual.
Yes, the quarantine is finally being shortened slightly and that saves another 10.000 – 15.000 baht
Next week, Prayut will approve or disapprove it and make it official in the Royal Gazette.
The questions are still there and are being worked out:
– How is this checked and demonstrated? (app/vaccine passport/other?)
– Is the compulsory insurance still applicable (I assume so)
– Is 1x a vaccination sufficient or do you need to get both shots
We will know this month, but for now this is a nice message
For about 20.000 baht you can stay in an ASQ hotel for 10 days
For about 15.000 baht you can stay in an ASQ hotel for 7 days
For about 20.000 baht you can stay in an ASQ hotel for 10 days
For about 15.000 baht you can stay in an ASQ hotel for 7 days
How do you arrive at those amounts? Isn't there anything known about that? Or is it “logical calculations” based on the current prices for 14 days (15 nights).
is quite clear. The lowest prices for current ASQ 15 days is roughly 25.000 to 30.000 baht. You can expect that a shorter ASQ will cost correspondingly less. But I think it's just a best guess
That's going to be a problem for me. I am scheduled to receive my second AstraZeneca vaccination at the end of May. I have a flight scheduled to depart on November 20. There is a much longer time between than 3 months. Or would I then have to get a third vaccination in October?. If the latter is already possible in the Netherlands!.
That is the problem. You will certainly not be able to get a new vaccination yourself if you fall outside the 3 months. Technically you are well protected, but Thailand invents something that makes them once again, proverbial, put the cart before the horse. TIT
I wonder if this has consequences for the already booked quarantine period. if everything goes according to plan i will be arriving in thailand at the beginning of april and i have already booked for 15 nights quarantine
I have been in contact with several ASQ hotels in December and most hotels have flexible conditions regarding date changes and/or cancellations. I also had to change my dates of stay at the time. No problem.
These measures will have very little effect. The economy does not even get a breath of wind in the back due to these new measures. Ergo, the economy is getting worse. Only radically positive measures will slowly start tourism, but very slowly.
That's completely right, we want to go for 2-3 months, but certainly don't let me be locked up for 1 week. And why, because they're not sure the vaccines work! In 2 months they will find out that this also does not bring hordes of tourists and then it will be adjusted again. To govern is to foresee, but not in Thailand. We only skip a year. There are even more countries where the sun is shining, and where we (vaccinated) are welcome.
At 2-3 months I think a week (8 nights) is doable. Skipping a year is also an option, but Thailand is the only country in Asia where it is still possible to enter…. Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines don't let ordinary tourists in.
There are certainly those countries, just not in Asia, New Zealand and Australia. You will really have to wait a while for that, they are not thrilled about situations such as in the Netherlands and Europe.
Three vaccinations is too much you are not a pin cushion. Also request the vaccination booklet from the GGD
must be yellow there they can write everything. If all goes well, you will receive proof with every vaccination that everything is on it and which vaccine you received.
Why the hell do you still have to test and quarantine if you're vaccinated?
In other words, if all the rules still remain, why should I get vaccinated?
Because you can still transmit the virus to Thai people who have not had a vaccination.
We will not vaccinate the population until July. Until then, travelers must remain in Alternative State Quarantine after arrival.
Unfortunately it is no different and if you have any questions? Ask Gilles
Vaccinating is good to be protected yourself against the consequences of corona protection. That does not mean that you cannot infect others for a while. That is why measures should still be taken seriously, in addition to informing yourself about the impact of corona and vaccines. https://www.nu.nl/uitleg-over-het-coronavirus/6116765/dit-weten-we-over-de-kans-dat-je-na-de-coronaprik-alsnog-besmettelijk-wordt.html
Do the Thais not understand or do they not want to understand?
No tourist who goes on holiday for 14 or 21 days allows himself to be locked up in a hotel for half or a third of his holiday. It simply chooses a different destination. Consequence; the numbers of tourists going to Thailand remains at a very low level. Only people who want to go to Thailand for a longer period of time (or permanently) will accept those 7, 10 or 14 days ASQ.
Thailand is dependent on tourism for 20 to 25% of its GDP. Largely raised by foreign tourists that is!! So the economy is very dependent on that and the consequences are noticeable and will become much more noticeable in the near future. Add to this the “expensive” Baht and holidaymakers are increasingly looking for alternatives. Is the Thai government waiting until it becomes clear that the tourists will definitely not come back? If countries like Vietnam and Cambodia are smart, they will focus entirely on tourism. And as we recently saw on TV with Ruben Terlou, the Chinese in Cambodia are already very busy. Thailand is going to have a hard time with that, especially if people drop stitches now. Thailand would be wise to at least give vaccinated people free access (FYI: I haven't been vaccinated yet and that will take a while).
Thailand targets the long stay tourists. They already did this with the (failed) STV visa and they still think that way.
They are now starting to scratch their heads the economic drama is now complete now that there are signals everywhere from oops the economic figures are very disappointing….., typical Thai I wonder when the high insurance will be abolished before we go!
Well, the insurance was not too bad € 215 for 90 days for a 72-year-old, that was not the biggest stumbling block. Would be nice if the quarantine is increased from 15 nights to 7. That would mean that I can leave the hotel 8 days earlier.
We are moving in the right direction, but we are certainly not there yet.
I have a girlfriend in Jomtien.
Can she keep me company in my room during my quarantine?
What do you think now?
No, guests are not allowed in ASQ hotels.
If she comes from Thailand first, you can quarantine together upon your return and after your wedding, but you will pay almost double. So I think it would be better to postpone those 14 days. That can be achieved during the period that I am already away from home. Arrive back in Bangkok exactly 1 year later.
What is left of the plan to exempt vaccinees from quarantine from July? This is not going to ensure that there will be an impulse next summer.
Thailand will follow the lead of the WHO. They first want to know whether or not a vaccinated person can transfer the virus to another person. In other words, someone who has already had his vaccine is still contagious. That question, and the question of how long the vaccine works, are essential in the coming time / years.
Apparently the minister of health and that of economic affairs has never heard of "advanced insight"! It's a pity, otherwise they would realize that adequate thinking and acting could get the economy out of the doldrums sooner.
Hello Haki, first of all congratulations that you have managed to obtain a statement regarding health insurance, which is approved by the Thai Embassy. I am also trying to get such a statement from my insurance company, but so far without success. Wouldn't it be possible to publish CZ's statement on Thailand Blog, where you could of course delete personal information? I think you will do me and several blog readers a great favor. Thank you in advance. Ruud
Assume that you do have a "progressive insight" Why should countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea and many other Asian countries keep their borders closed. Rather than getting European condition there.
First and foremost, I will never get on a plane if I have any doubts about my health. I also feel responsible for what I do and am particularly vigilant. I've been missing my girlfriend for over a year now. Her booked trip here did not take place last year in May due to corona. Of course I miss her and the area. I will soon be vaccinated as a 65+ person. Even then, they would first want to put me in an expensive prison for a while. Phew; I don't want to waste my wonderful time there. Let them speed up their painfully slow vaccination. Do they really think that this is the way to lure some naive people there? Childhood is long gone. Hopefully some common sense will emerge.
This way their tourism and economy can get a boost. Go there on those terms!
Do they really think they are dealing with fools?
"Waste your good time" in quarantine, Omer? It's just how you look at it. If you haven't seen your love for a year and 2 weeks in a hotel room is the only barrier, then I would know........
The best and cheapest insurance. With everything included for 3 months, AA insurance in Thailand is 120 euros. It states everything that immigration needs
Good company and speak Dutch
We can all keep “talking” about it (sorry, no offense intended), but in the end it is “wait and see” what the Thai government will decide. It's nice to kill the corona time in the meantime by proclaiming or reading all kinds of theories.. if desired, one can dig even deeper, such as e.g. who, as a tourist, brings in money? The Chinese ? I don't think so, they stay and move like a herd from A to Z where the ordinary Thai cannot get a piece of it. The rich Chinese? no, they go to Kowloon, Cambodia etc.. where you can gamble or to other beautiful places etc etc…
The Farangs who stay there for 3 months to a year? Don't think so, they have their own place, cook themselves and let's be honest, these are usually people who are on a well-deserved rest, so side activities = nil? Forget it!.
Who or what is left, you and me ... those who go alone or with friends or with wife and children for 3 weeks "go and grab it" (don't talk about the bagpackers) ... boating, jet skiing, visits to temples and/or nature, eating well, going to bars, visiting markets and buying … in my opinion, these are 'the big spenders'! The Thai government knows that all too well, but “what are the risks?” … I wouldn't want to be in their place, it's a choice between the plague and the cholera. There you go, to prove that a lot of ink can and will flow…
If I were you, I'd get a calculator to back up your big spender claims.
In fact, I'm pretty sure you're completely wrong.
A few examples from the pre-Covid time:
– 10 million Chinese come to Thailand on holiday every year. On average about 4 days. If they only spend 100 Baht per day, that is still 4 billion Baht.
– the wealthier Chinese are the largest group of buyers of apartments in Bangkok; average price 1 million baht;
– ever heard of illegal casinos?
– the farang who live here temporarily usually have their own car (price: approximately 1 – 2 million Baht) and often spend their money in Thai companies and markets. Much more interesting than the tourist who stays in an international hotel, shops in the department stores and goes home with stuff that has to be imported into Thailand.
Do you really think that someone who stays here for a year will not move, has no secondary activities, will not eat, or if he even cooks at home, it will not cost anything?
So as a tourist you think you are the “big spender”?
Well I guess you "big spenders" don't even come close to what someone spends here in a year
When I arrived in October 2020 I had a paper from my then health insurer, Menzis, which literally states in the policy conditions that ALL medical expenses are covered and with regard to Covid
also. No amount was mentioned anywhere and when the employee at the airport asked about it because she didn't see the amount anywhere, I showed her that EVERYTHING was covered and she agreed.