torsdag 24 februari 2022

UPDATED! TEST & GO rules to ease from 1 March 2022 - TAT Newsroom

 UPDATED! TEST & GO rules to ease from 1 March 2022

Travellers can arrive in Thailand by air, land, and water with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to 1 night and the COVID-19 tests revised to 1 RT-PCR and 1 self-ATK.

Photo of TAT Newsroom 21 hours ago

956,935 6 minutes read

Test and Go Entry Scheme

This information has been updated on 23 February, 2022.

The following new rules will be in effect from 1 March, 2022(travellers can enter into Thailand on 7 March, 2022).

Points of entry:

  • By air (direct international flight or transit domestically via dedicated flights.)
  • By land (at the border checkpoints in Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla.)
  • By water (yachts.)

Eligible travellers / countries:

  • For arrivals by air and water: Thai citizens and foreign travellers from all countries/territories.
  • For arrivals by land:Thai citizens and foreign travellers from neighbouring countries connecting with the reopened border checkpoints (Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla).

Entry registration system:

  • For arrivals by air and land: Thailand Pass system.
  • For arrivals by water:Certificate of Entry system.

Quarantine requirement:

  • For arrivals by air and land: No quarantine, but on Day 1 must wait for the COVID-19 test result within an approved SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) or alternative quarantine facility.
  • For arrivals by water:No quarantine, but on Day 1 must wait for the COVID-19 test result on board the travelling vessel (yacht).

Accommodation requirement:

  • A proof of prepayment for 1 night of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s; such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) on Day 1.

Health insurance:

  • An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand's national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.

COVID-19 testing requirements:

  • For arrivals by air and land: First test on Day 1 by an RT-PCR method (wait for the result within the hotel), and the second test on Day 5 by a self-ATK method (must report/record the result via the application). 
  • For arrivals by water:First test on Day 1 by an RT-PCR method (wait for the result on board the vessel), and the second on Day 5 by a self-ATK method (must report/record the result via the application). 

Existing requirements/rules remain unchanged:

  • A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling.
  • A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery.

Current Rules

(An update that reflects the new rules will be available from 1 March, 2022, onwards.)

Fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass under the following requirements.

Eligible travellers
• Thai citizens.
• Foreign travellers, including but not limited to diplomats, guests of the government, Thai work permit holders, students and their family, and patients seeking medical treatment.

Eligible countries
 All countries/territories.

Pre-Arrival Requirements

All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:

  1. A Thailand Pass, which can be applied via https://tp.consular.go.th/
  2. A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling.
    • Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents with a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling, are not required to have a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result and can have a saliva test when entering the Kingdom.
    • For arrivals by water, everyone on board the vessels must have a medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected within the officially specified time frame. Anyone on aboard with a history of COVID-19 infection within a period between 14-90 days must have a medical certificate of recovery.
  3. An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000. TAT recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation, hospital isolation, hotel isolation, or related quarantine. The insurance policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand, plus at least 10 extra days as a precautionary measure in the event that the traveller's second swab test result returns as positive.
    • Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand's national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
  4. A proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s, such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5, and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5. 
    • The prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel. 
    • Travellers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result. 
    • The second RT-PCR test will not be required if the traveller's length of stay is less than 5 nights, or his/her scheduled international departure date out of Thailand is on Day 5 or before. For example if the traveller plans to stay in Thailand for 3 days, then he/she does not have to undergo the second RT-PCR test, but he/she must leave for another country immediately. However, whether the traveller will be required to take another RT-PCR test depend on the airline and the final international destination.
  5. A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery
    • Everyone 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.
    • Travellers 12-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine. Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement.
    • Travellers 6-11 years of age, travelling with parents, are exempt from this requirement.
    • For arrivals by water, everyone on board must be fully vaccinated. This is except for travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians.
    • Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have recovered by medical treatment, and travellers who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine after post-infection must have a certificate of COVID-19 recovery.

All travellers must undergo 'exit screening' at the point of departure, i.e., at the airline check-in counter and present the required documents to the person-in-charge to carry out the checks.

On-Arrival Requirements / During the Stay

  1. All travellers must undergo 'entry screening', including body temperature check at the point of entry.
  2. Present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks, then proceed through the Immigration procedures.
  3. Proceed to the prearranged accommodation or medical facility to undergo the first RT-PCR test. The trip must be by a prearranged vehicle on a sealed route. Then, all travellers must wait for the test result within the hotel only. Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents, can have a saliva test.
    • If testing negative for COVID-19, travellers are free to go anywhere in Thailand. However, they must stay at their prepaid accommodation on Day 5 and undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result.) The second test can also be taken when the travellers experience respiratory symptoms.
    • Travellers whose test result returns as positive will be referred for appropriate medical treatment in accordance with Thailand's Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expenses must be covered by the required insurance for foreign travellers, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates. TAT recommends that travellers make sure to check the small print of any COVID-19 insurance policy before purchasing. Ultimately, the policy should cover the cost of treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation, hospital isolation, hotel isolation, or related quarantine. The insurance policy should also cover the whole duration that travellers are planning to stay in Thailand, plus at least 10 extra days as a precautionary measure in the event that the traveller's second swab test result returns as positive.
      • Pending on their conditions, they may be medically advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation.
      • During receiving the medical treatment – at least 10 days, they must remain in their accommodation only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary, and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge.
      • After having recovered from COVID-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery.
  4. While in Thailand, travellers are advised to strictly follow standard, good personal hygiene practices; such as, wear a mask in public, maintain hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer), and keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others.
    • Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive they must get an appropriate medical treatment. Those with COVID-19 testing appointment must get tested.
  5. All travellers must download and install the MorChana application, and set it on at all times for the COVID-19 precautionary measures and to record the result on Day 5-6 in the application.

Meanwhile, travellers who have applied/obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December, 2021, with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from 24 December, 2021, onwards, are still required to undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost).

Guidelines for Domestic/International Departure

For domestic departure, travellers must show proof that they have received a negative result for their RT-PCR test.

For international departure, it is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure.

Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on www.tatnews.org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation.



🔴 #COVID19 update on Thursday ⏫ 23,557 new cases ⬇️ 38 deaths ⬆️ 180,993 in care. Richard Barrow



onsdag 23 februari 2022

Details from today's Thailand Covid-19 Center meeting, including Test and Go changes - The Thailand Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has discussed the general Covid-19 situation and additional domestic regulations at a major meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha, today, February 23rd. The Pattaya News

Details from today's Thailand Covid-19 Center meeting, including Test and Go changes

PHOTO: Prachachat

National –

The Thailand Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has discussed the general Covid-19 situation and additional domestic regulations at a major meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O'Cha, today, February 23rd.

Firstly, CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin mentioned at a press conference that the color-coding for all provinces would remain the same. Currently, there are 44 provinces in the orange zones, 25 in the yellow zones, and 8 in the blue tourist zones – including Pattaya/Chonburi and Bangkok. No provinces were in the dark red or red zones.

The zone colors, notes TPN media, are used to provide general rules and mandates for Covid-19 restrictions, with dark red having the toughest restrictions and green zones the lightest.

The CCSA also announced the guidelines for on-site courses for low-risk educational institutions nationwide. The schools can provide offline teaching if teachers, students, and employees are considered low-risk contacts. The in-class exams can proceed under provincial preventive measures if high-risk contacts are not reported at the institutions.

No photo description available.

Regarding the regulations for international arrivals, the CCSA has initially approved the replacement of a second on-arrival RT-PCR test with a self ATK (rapid) test on the fifth day of a visitor's arrival, starting March 1st. A hotel stay was not mandatory while doing the self-test and the results could be submitted electronically by a tourist on their own. A test before coming to Thailand was still required.

In short, travelers would only need a single payment for ONE ON-ARRIVAL RT-PCR test and one night booking at an SHA Extra Plus accommodation to wait for the first RT-PCR result on the first day of their arrival, although this still needed to be booked in advance. Additionally, the minimum insurance coverage upon traveling to the country would be reduced to USD 20,000 from the current USD 50,000. A visitor can register for the new guidelines and programs effective from March 1st, although there were still questions about if there would be any "grandfather" clauses for those already booked and arriving on or around that date.

Moreover, the CCSA would consider more Covid-19 testing adjustments for international arrivals, such as the potential to remove the first on-arrival test and mandated hotel stay, in April if the Covid-19 situation improved and the new regulations proved effective next month. This was, of course, only consideration and not a promise.

All tourists are also being reminded that they are still required to register and present their documents on the electronic 'Thailand Pass' system prior to their arrival via Sandbox or the Test&Go scheme. At this time, there are no plans to get rid of the unpopular Thailand Pass registration program, according to the CCSA, as it is also used to assist in tracking tourists for "security purposes".

There were no further updates or changes around other restrictions, such as the ongoing closure of the bar and entertainment industry nationwide which has been allowed to be temporary "restaurants" in the meantime with additional rules and certifications and 11:00 P.M. remains the legal official closing time in zones where alcohol can be served at restaurants. The nationwide mask mandate, including outdoors and even alone on a motorbike, remains.

Chonburi hits new high with 1,369 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death - Today is a record high for new Covid-19 cases in Chonburi, although serious cases remain very low. The Pattaya News

Chonburi hits new high with 1,369 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death

Highlights:

  • 1,369 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

  • 1,360 positive ATK tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just "possible" cases until confirmed by PCR.
  • 712 people recovered and were released from medical care

  • One new death

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,369 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, February 23rd, 2022.

Today's number is a new record in cases for Chonburi, although only three serious cases are currently recorded out of 8,627 people currently positive.

This makes a total of 33,491 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 8,627 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 25 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022.

Additionally, 712 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 24,823 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022.

Three people were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia. One of them was not vaccinated. According to the Chonburi Department of Public Health, the vast majority of recent cases are mild or asymptomatic.

The one new death was at the age of 35 with personal health problems and pre-existing conditions. The person was not vaccinated.

In total, 1,974,518 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 84.78 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 303,982 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 82.17 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

764,090 people have received their triple dose which is 32.81 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 130,724 are 608 groups which are 35.34 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 358, Si Racha 340, Banglamung (Pattaya) 298, Panat Nikhom 43, Sattahip 62, Ban Bueng 70, Phan Thong 80, ฺBor Thong 1, Ko Chan 9, Nong Yai 3, and 105 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

  1. Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 85 cases
  2. Cluster, Visawakit Patana company in Si Racha, 5 cases
  3. Cluster, Fujitsu General company in Si Racha, 3 cases
  4. Risky occupations meeting many people, 55 cases
  5. 23 medical personnel
  6. 14 back from other provinces from Bangkok (6), Nakhon Sawan (2), Phuket (2), Kalasin (1), Samut Prakan (1), Chachoengsao (1), and Samut Songkram (1)
  7. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 320 cases, in workplaces –210 cases, close personal contacts – 103 cases, and joined a party – 5 case
  8. Close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 33 cases
  9. 513 cases close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation)

Thailand to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1 despite COVID surge | Thai PBS World. The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has decided to change the second COVID-19 RT-PCR test, currently required for overseas arrivals on their fifth day in the country, to a self-administered rapid antigen test and will reduce the amount of required insurance coverage from US$50,000 to US$20,000.

Thailand to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1 despite COVID surge

Thailand is set to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1stdespite the continual surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has decided to change the second COVID-19 RT-PCR test, currently required for overseas arrivals on their fifth day in the country, to a self-administered rapid antigen test and will reduce the amount of required insurance coverage from US$50,000 to US$20,000.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Wednesday) that the average cost for the treatment of a COVID-19 patient in a private or state hospital in Thailand is about 300,000 baht, including those in a severe condition.

He explained that the original reason for the requirement for US$50,000 insurance coverage for overseas arrivals was because most of the COVID-19 cases were being imported at the time, but the situation now has changed. The infection rate among arrivals is now just one in every 1,000 arrivals.

The CCSA's decision to reduce the insurance coverage requirement is, he said, to reduce the financial deterrent on travellers who wish to visit to Thailand for business or tourism and the revised coverage requirement is still adequate to cover medical bills.

He also said that the CCSA has decided to opt for rapid antigen tests for the second COVID-19 test for overseas arrivals, because it is widely accepted, is accurate up to a certain level and the Ministry of Public Health has been instructed to report back to the CCSA at a later date about the effects of the change of test type.

Meanwhile, CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said they have decided to maintain the COVID-19 infection zones as 44 "orange" (controlled) provinces; 25 "yellow" (high surveillance) provinces and 8 "blue" (tourism sandbox) provinces and, while infections continue to surge, the fatality rate remains low.

He said that current infections have already crossed a red line, due to the easing of restrictions, and he warned that, even though most of the infected are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, those in high-risk groups could still get very sick or die, as he pleaded with the public not to lower their guard.

Thailand recorded a new high of daily COVID-19 infections for this year today at 21,232, the first time the figure surpassed the 20,000-mark again since the peak in mid-August after weeks of increase. 39 more deaths have also been recorded since yesterday.






Anutin latest: We are completely in control of Covid - even if things turn into an emergency. ASEAN NOW

7pm.jpg

Naew Na Thai Caption: We can cope if things take a turn for the worse

 

Anutin Charvirakul told the Thai press yesterday that he is in complete control - even if things get worse when it comes to Covid.

 

Thailand's heath minister and DPM told Naew Na after a cabinet meeting that there were enough beds, enough meds and enough medical gear to cope.

 

Even if the latest spike in Covid cases becomes an emergency.

 

Asmptomatic cases were isolating at home and any RT-PCR testing problems were being sorted, said the minister.

 

Everything would be done in line with helping the economy to recover.

 

Asked about reports that people were unable to access hospital treatment at the weekend, Anutin dismissed this as a mere glitch.

 

Very few people couldn't get treated, he claimed, adding that 30,000 people were in hospital with Covid.

 

He promised to follow up on the complaints to make sure that everyone was getting the best from his health services. 



Are we now feeling the effects of Ukraine's situation in Asia? ASEAN NOW

SOLDIER AT THE BORDER.jpg


Latest reports state that Putin's troops have been ordered to perform what is loosely described as "peacekeeping functions" in Lubansk and Donetsk raising fears troops could soon cross the border.

 

If Putin's Red army attacks, the impending hostilities could represent the most significant war in Europe since WW2.
 
So, what are your concerns/predictions about the impact on our lives here as expats in Asia, if the conflict worsens?

 

Financial Impact


Initially one would expect the world stock markets will take a hit, so any invested in a retirement plan may see funds reduced.


For example, concerns on the Ukraine-Russia tension and higher average domestic inflation projection for this and next year have already resulted in the upticks of Treasury bill (T-bill) rates in the Philippines this week. 


Global crude prices dropped marginally as news of fresh diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis soothed some concerns oversupply.


However, as we have already seen, Oil and Gas prices have risen and therefore could go higher along with electricity.

 

In Vietnam, gas prices reached a historic peak this week, and in some cases, supplies were limited.

 

There could also be some blockades, meaning shipping will burn more expensive fuel to get to Asia, resulting in food shortages and rises even further!
 
If a war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine, China will tighten its grip on South Asia Pacific, and Taiwan. Then the Philippines will have to choose a side!

 

Needs a close watch by Thailand


Sanan Angubolkul, chairperson of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the conflict brewing in Eastern Europe requires a close watch by Thailand. 


A bad situation could worsen if the standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine leads to fighting, said Mr Sanan.


"The global oil price continues to rise, affecting the costs of energy and logistics in the global supply chain system. This also affects Thailand, as indicated by the rising prices of goods and services," said Mr Sanan.

 

THAI PETROL PRICES.png

Thai petrol prices


The dispute is a "warning sign" the global and Thai economies may plunge into trouble if the US, UK, and EU decide to impose economic sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine, said Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).


"Trade between Thailand and Russia, especially for food and farm produce, would certainly be affected by such sanctions." Mongkolsuthree added.


Thai Russian Exports


In 2021, Thailand's exports to Russia tallied US$1.02 billion, accounting for 0.4% of the country's total export value. 
Key export products included tractors, rubber, rubber-made products, machinery and parts, electrical appliances and parts, and plastic.


Meanwhile Thai shipments to Ukraine totalled only $135 million, representing 0.05% of the country's total exports. Key exports included tractors, rubber and rubber-made products, plant-based seasonings, machinery, and parts.


Air travel disruptions
Apart from these economic issues, it is several flight routes would need to be changed as flying over Russia and Ukraine airspace will be a definite no-no.

 

This is likely to not only add to everyone's travel times but is also likely to see fare increases to cover additional fuel costs.

 

The tensions would also affect exchange rates, plus travel and tourism.


What are your thoughts? Perhaps you feel it is just too far away to be of major concern.

Tourism operators slam Level 4 announcement. Tourism operators have thrashed the government announcement increasing the Covid-19 alert to Level 4, insisting state policy should enable people to live with the virus instead of limiting travel activities. Bangkok Post

Tourism operators slam Level 4 announcement
A foreign family sits outside a beverage store near the Royal Palace on Saturday. (Bloomberg photo)

Tourism operators have thrashed the government announcement increasing the Covid-19 alert to Level 4, insisting state policy should enable people to live with the virus instead of limiting travel activities.

Most business operators are ready to comply with the new rules, but will not agree if the government imposes strict lockdown measures again.

Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the new Covid-19 alert will increase anxiety among people and inconsistency in business operations as demand fluctuates.

This is the most worrisome situation for the tourism sector, he said.

The new alert encouraging people to avoid non-essential inter-provincial travel is no different from previous semi-lockdowns, which also impacted the industry, said Mr Chamnan.

"As tourism largely depends on confidence and the government's policies, any action from the authorities should be consistent and avoid frequent flip-flops to let the tourism industry recover in the long run," he said.

Decisive action that allows economic activities to run as usual is needed after the country dealt with the pandemic for two years, said Mr Chamnan.

He said Thailand can learn from other countries that allowed people to live normal lives and simultaneously rebound from the crisis.

For instance, the Maldives prioritised the economy by fully reopening and saw tourism arrivals surpass the 2019 level, said Mr Chamnan. The country has maintained its reopening policy despite new surges. Some countries in Europe, such as Sweden, recently removed Covid test requirements and most restrictions.

The government should focus on the number of fatalities and severe cases, while rolling out concrete public health plans to calm people's anxiety, said president of the Association of Domestic Travel Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn.

He said a proactive search for infectious people is vital to stop the highly transmissible virus and can help flatten the curve.

The government should adopt other preventive measures, such as distributing weekly free antigen test kits (ATK) to 50 million people for a month and setting up ATK test sites in communities, fresh markets or mass public transit points, said Mr Thanapol.

He said Tour Teaw Thai, a tour package subsidy programme, is expected to lose steam as families and the elderly -- the two key targets -- might delay their trips over the next two weeks.

Mr Thanapol said the programme, which is due to end on April 31, should be extended to July to leave more time for those who want to wait and see.

NO MORE LOCKDOWNS

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is not worried about the Public Health Ministry's latest warning as it believes the government can cope with higher daily infections.

"The number of Omicron cases is increasing, but the fatality rate remains low compared with the Delta variant," said Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the FTI.

However, the federation said if the government resorts to lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus, it will have a negative impact on the economy.

"The FTI won't agree if the government uses lockdown measures again because the economy needs to recover," he said.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the Level 4 alert will impact consumer confidence, particularly for shopping at department stores and restaurants.

He said the private sector viewed the higher level as a warning to all parties, both the government and the public, to be aware of outbreaks and strictly follow the Public Health Ministry's advice.

The chamber previously urged the government to improve the Test & Go scheme by waiving the RT-PCR test requirement on the fifth day to reduce unnecessary expenses.

The move will help the economy improve, not only the tourism sector but also trade, services and investments, said Mr Sanan.

Meanwhile, Wallaya Chirathivat, president and chief executive of SET-listed retail and property developer Central Pattana, said the company is accepting any measures and plans to adapt to the new alert.

"The current Covid-19 situation is different from the last two years. Omicron has spread rapidly, but we learned quickly that the variant caused mild symptoms among the vaccinated," she said.

Ms Wallaya said operators are more flexible in doing business because this is not the first time they have faced a soaring number of Covid-19 cases given previous waves the past two years.

"We urge the government to recognise retail complexes as hygienic venues as few cases have been detected in such places," she said.




🔴 #COVID19 update on Wednesday ⬆️ 21,232 new cases ⬆️ 39 deaths ⬆️ 173,605 in care. Richard Barrow



Heavy rain triggers flash flooding across Pattaya, authorities provide traffic assistance - Pattaya Mail

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