Thailand partially lifts ban on int'l arrival, launches rapid COVID-19 tests
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok launched fast coronavirus lab tests on July 3 for a few international arrivals after partially lifting a good three-month ban on foreign guests this month.
All foreigners, except those with work permits, have already been barred since March following the coronavirus pandemic, but after a lot more than five weeks without recorded community transmission of the virus, Thailand is allowing in a few groups of foreigners.
Organization travellers, diplomats and government guests staying for under 14 days are believed “fast track travellers” who'll end up being swab tested for the disease at Suvarnabhumi airport terminal to make sure they are infection-free before entry.
"The test itself takes around one hour and a half,” said Suwich Thammapalo, the official of Thailand’s disease control section, adding that its work with could be expanded in potential for additional arrivals and tourists.
The airport test, costing THB 3,000 (USD 96) each, is one requirement for fast-track entry without spending 14 days in quarantine, and is necessary by additional foreigners recently allowed in, which range from people that have resident status or family in the united states, as well as international students.
About 1,700 foreigners have put on visit Thailand for treatment such as cosmetic surgery or fertility treatment after a ban on medical tourism was lifted this month, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the task force on the condition.
The federal government is considering an idea to open more international travel with a “travel bubble” arrangement with some countries in September, he added.
As the pandemic hits travel, Thailand is likely to draw for the most part 8 million foreign vacationers this season, down 80 % from a yr earlier, the Tourism Council of Thailand estimates, although the sector is expected to recover in 2021.
This past year, spending by a record 39.8 million foreign tourists accounted for about 11 % of GDP.
