Note: January 9th, 2023:
Just one day after implemeting the mandatory vaccines for every visitor arriving in Thailand, Thai authorities have already rescinded the order. (See reason here) This now means, whether you are vaccinated for Covid-19 or not, you WILL be allowed into Thailand.
Thailand reinstitutes Covid-19 vaccine requirement for all visitors after being scrapped only 3 months ago
If you have a flight booked to arrive in Thailand after 1am on Monday, January 9th, 2023 unless you are vaccinated with at least two Covid-19 vaccines, you will not be allowed entry into the country according to new rules just instituted by Thai authorities.
You will also not be allowed to board your flight destined for Thailand.
These new rules have just been confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
They are also rules that have been implemented in yet another instance of the Thai government kow towing to the Chinese, after the CCP threatened reprisals on any country banning their citizens from entry due to concern large numbers of their population are infected with Covid-19.
Although, of course, Thai authorities insist they are not kowtowing to the Chinese at all and are, instead, just implementing the same restrictions for everyone, as they don’t want to “discriminate” against the Chinese.
This means the new Covid-19 vaccination rules for Thailand make the South East Asian country one of the few countries in the world still requiring vaccinations for all visitors 18 years of age or older. No matter what country a flight originates in from Sunday onwards.
Thai citizens, however, are exempt.
This latest Covid rule also comes right after Thailand’s vaccination requirement was already scrapped last October.
Vaccinations, we will add again, of a “vaccine” that does not stop Covid from being contracted or transmitted, and also does not stop anyone from getting sick from Covid or even dying from Covid.
What does the new Covid-19 vaccination rule for Thailand in 2023 mean for travelers?
With the new Covid-19 vaccination rule for Thailand going into place in just two days, this has the following implications for travelers who may have already booked flights/holidays, or may be planning on doing so:
- Every traveler, 18 and above, must show proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccinations completed at least 14 days before arrival or
- A letter showing they have recovered from Covid within the last 6 months or
- If you are unvaccinated, you must have medical proof as to why you are not able to be vaccinated
- Airlines will be required to check all documents and must ban any traveler from their flight who cannot produce one of the above
- If you will be travelling from Thailand to a country that requires a negative Covid test, you will also be required to show proof of health insurance before entry into Thailand
In other words, and sorry to say, if you have a flight booked to arrive in Thailand after 1am on Monday, January 9th, and you cannot show proof of vaccination/recovery/reason why you are not vaccinated or proof of insurance if needed, you will not only not be allowed entry into Thailand, you will also not be allowed to board your departure plane.
Yes, this is par for the course for Thai authorities, who have changed rules for international visitors for decades without the several weeks of warning that would usually occur in other countries.
It is also one reason why, for the last three years, we have sadly recommended not visiting Thailand, as local authorities continue to prove it is entirely possible the rules about Covid in effect today could easily change tomorrow.
Depending on the level of their panic, of course, and the level at which it is necessary to kowtow to the CCP this week.