On Dec 24, 2022, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the RT-PCR test for the detection of COVID-19 would be made mandatory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
With the news circulating in the media, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) India offices in New Delhi and Mumbai have closely monitored this news for new developments. However, until now, no official announcement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India has come out regarding the RT-PCR tests.
The last measure of the official announcement is based on “Guidelines for International Arrivals” issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Dec 22, 2022, which mentioned that on arrival to India, thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry and that 2 per cent of the total passengers in flight shall undergo random post arrival testing at the airport.
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon22December2022.pdf
So, while waiting for any further official communication by the Indian government, TAT India offices will closely monitor any changes or update measures on COVID-19 protocol which might affect Indian travellers to Thailand or back. They also aim to clearly communicate and clarify measures and situations for travel trade partners in India and Thailand.
On the other front, both TAT offices in India inform Indian travellers that, since Oct 1, 2022, international travellers to Thailand no longer require to show any proof of vaccination or ATK test result. Tourism in Thailand is back to normal and has no restrictions on travel across the country. All businesses and tourism-related products and services are open and geared up for the New Year celebrations with suitable measures.
With the SHA certification and protocols, Thailand also ensures the top level of safety and health administration for all tourists and locals alike. However, the TAT encourages all travellers to follow suitable health safety precautions and be mindful of themselves and the people around them.
