Thailand’s government announced late Thursday it had lifted an emergency decree imposed in March 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. From Oct. 1, foreign visitors will no longer be required to show proof of being vaccinated when they enter the country, while infected people will no longer need to quarantine at hospitals. The announcement comes amid a steep decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths, leading officials to move to end most pandemic-era restrictions on travel and businesses as the nation seeks a boost in tourism to help its economic recovery.
The Thai Cabinet had decided to lift the decree, said Thai Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn. He added that citizens can now return to normal activities after the ban was lifted on local Thursday afternoon (10:00 GMT).
From Oct. 1, foreign visitors will no longer be required to show proof of being vaccinated when they enter the country, while infected people will no longer need to quarantine at hospitals. The Thai government hopes this will boost tourism and economic recovery following a series of health scares that gripped the country over the past year.
The announcement comes amid a steep decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths, leading officials to move to end most pandemic-era restrictions on travel and businesses as the nation seeks a boost in tourism to help its economic recovery.
Thailand has seen an increase in overseas tourist arrivals since dropping the requirements for insurance and pre-arrival registration in July 2022.
Thailand’s economy before the pandemic accounted for nearly 20% of Thailand’s economy, with 39.8 million overseas visitors generating over $60 billion in revenue, according to the Thai Central Bank.