The PCR test is expected to be replaced by a rapid test, so that visitors can immediately arrive at their intended destination, creating convenience and comfort.
The Thai government continues to issue many regulations to relax the isolation for international visitors, in order to stimulate tourism. One of the new proposals includes canceling the mandatory hospitalization requirement for travelers who are F0 but have no symptoms, or mild symptoms. Instead, they were given the option of alternative isolation, health monitoring at locations designated by the government. Length of stay from 14 days to 10 days.
A young Chinese tourist wearing protective clothing, appeared at Suvarnabhumi airport with his parents on November 1. Photo: Reuters
Quarantine rules can also be relaxed for those who accidentally sit next to nCoV-positive passengers on the plane. According to current regulations, people sitting in the front and back seats of a passenger infected with Covid-19 must be transferred to an isolation facility. The new proposal only requires isolation from people sitting in the same row of F0, which means up to 2 other people must "suffer the same fate" with F0.
In addition, Thailand also plans to drop PCR testing and replace it with rapid tests. Using rapid test results will help travelers get to their chosen destination immediately, instead of having to stay overnight at a hotel near the airport to wait for PCR results. This will make passengers more comfortable.
As of 9/11, only 28 travelers out of a total of 28,021 people entering had tested positive. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a representative from the Hotel Association of Thailand, said that currently, only transport companies with government certification are allowed to transport guests from the airport to their accommodation. But in the coming time, when the number of international arrivals is larger, this restriction will cause congestion because supply is not enough. Therefore, they are also researching other optimal solutions to overcome this problem.
However, any amendments to existing rules require approval from the National Commission for Infectious Diseases Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CCSA). Tourism Authority (TAT) Director General Yuthasak Supasorn said that on the evening of November 12, the government held a meeting related to this issue chaired by the prime minister. The specific situation will be updated as soon as possible.
