This Weekly Update was originally posted on January 14, 2022. For the most recent update, click here.
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Latest Entry Programs to Thailand
At present, new applications for the Thailand Pass are under these two categories:
No January 15 Cut-Off for Test & Go
Earlier this month, the media were saying Test & Go Thailand Pass holders must arrive before 15th January if they don’t want to do quarantine. That is not correct. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that there is no cut-off date. You can still arrive on the date that was approved on your application or as stated in your Thailand Pass. For example, if you said you are arriving on January 25, then you still can use the Test & Go QR Code, stay for one night in the Test and Go hotel and wait for the test results; after which, you can travel to other parts of Thailand. Your hotel will also advise you where to take your second RT-PCR test in Thailand.
“Amazing Thailand New Chapter” Plan, 300-Baht Entry Fee for 2022
The 2022 “Amazing Thailand New Chapter” promotional plan will introduce new selling points from January and will include a collection of the 300-baht entry fees from foreign tourists from April.
The “entry fee” would be included in foreign travelers’ airfares that would be used to develop tourist attractions and for accident or death insurance for all tourists. The maximum insurance payout would be 1 million baht in the case of death and 500,000 baht for medical expenses. However, the means of fee collection was still being considered.
Another aspect of the plan is the promotion of “white routes” for tourists in line with a bio-, circular, and green economic development strategy for more sustainable and safe tourism.
Tourism Authority Welcomes ‘Nong Sukjai Chatbot’
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand” announced a 24-hour service to help travelers with frequently-asked-questions on Thailand’s entries, in-country travel regulations, and SHA-certified businesses. The service is available both in Thai and English. Travelers can start a conversation by messaging Amazing Thailand’s Facebook page.
COVID Hotlines to Assist Phuket Travelers
To ensure that COVID-positive travelers in Phuket will be assisted better, Phuket officials have launched a “Phuket Tourist COVID Call Center”. Travelers can contact the call center at 076-254200 ext 88 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The call center can answer queries in English and Thai regarding quarantine, SHA+ hotel coordination, locations on getting RT-PCR tests, and more.
Thai Insurance Firms to Launch COVID Packages for Tourists with Mild Symptoms
Foreign tourists will now have a chance to apply for Thai health insurance after the Department of Health Services Support (DHSS) mentioned that Thai insurance companies will be allowed over packages to cover Covid-19 treatment for foreign tourists and expand hotel isolation for patients with mild symptoms.
One key problem among foreign tourists is that the health insurance that they bought does not cover the expenses when they are infected with COVID-19 and show mild symptoms, as explained by DHSS director-general Tares Krassanairawiwong.
Medigen Vaccinated Tourists Allowed for Sandbox Program
Thailand has recognized the Taiwan-based Medigen vaccine which makes travelers inoculated with such will be able to visit the Kingdom under the sandbox program, as announced by the Department of Consular Affairs. The vaccine, which was developed by Medigen Vaccine Biologics, joins the previously recognized COVID-19 vaccine brands such as Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik V, and Covaxin.
Where To Stay in Phuket
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from, we feature some of the best SHA Plus+ Hotels in Phuket:
- IBIS Phuket Patong Hotel
- Hotel Clover Patong Phuket
- Patong Resort Hotel
- The Lantern Resorts Patong
- Sugar Marina Kata Beach
- The Sea Galleri By Katathani
- DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa
- Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
- La Flora Resort Patong
- The Naka Phuket Villa
- Sri Panwa Phuket
- The Nai Harn
- Oceanfront Beach Resort
For more Phuket Hotel options, please the link below:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-hotels
NOTE: For the Phuket Sandbox, you are required to book your RT-PCR Tests through the website: www.thailandpsas.com and download the receipt. Please see an example of the RT-PCR Test receipt and Hotel Confirmation put together for the Thailand Pass Application. Both documents must be uploaded together.
COVID Insurance for Thailand
Based on experience, the common problem for Thailand Pass applications being rejected is that some insurance policies are not properly worded. Your COVID-19 insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 50,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19 while in Thailand. You may use your own health insurance or purchase insurance from your own country, however, it is recommended to purchase from an insurance company in Thailand such as AXA Insurance Thailand to make sure that you meet the requirement in obtaining the Thailand Pass successfully.
Some common problems with insurance documents submitted during the Thailand Pass process that will cause an application to be denied:
- Wrong coverage date. The policy must be effective before or on the date of arrival and during your entire length of stay.
- Your certificate of insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 50,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19.
- Your insurance letter or certificate must contain the policy number and date of effectivity or start date.
To purchase the most reliable insurance that has never had any problem in the Thailand Pass application, please click the link below:
https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance
Siam Legal Visa and Thailand Pass Assistance
Package 1: 200 USD (Visa + Thailand Pass)
- Online Visa Consultation
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in Thai e-visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and 60-day TR visa)
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application
- 3 to 4 weeks process
- Available in the US, UK, and Canada visa applications only
Package 2: 100 USD (Thailand Pass)
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including Visa holders and Visa Exemption)
- 5 to 7 days process
- Available for Thai and foreign nationals
For the latest information, weekly updates, and guide about How To Travel to Thailand in 2022, you may check this page here:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2022
