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Thailand announces reopening rules for tourism reboot

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Is Thailand Open to Tourists? Thailand Travel Restrictions

March 29, 2023

Is Thailand Open to Tourists? Click the video to f ind out the answer ！

The Current Covid Situation

Recently, Thailand has reported a few locally transmitted Covid 19 cases as strict quarantine on arrival regulations proved to be quite successful. Thailand was just coming out of its third (and worst) wave of contagions in January when the Omicron variant started to spread, creating a fast upsurge in positive cases. Currently. Thailand is reporting around 20,000-30,000 new cases per day on average. Thailand’s nationwide vaccine program started on June 7, 2021, now about 71% of the country's citizens have been fully vaccinated. Thailand seems to be handling the pandemic extremely well mainly due to its strong health system and Thailand travel restrictions. The health system was ready to fight against Covid 19 after learning from their experiences with SARS in 2003. Mask-wearing was implemented from the beginning of the outbreak and lockdown and quarantine procedures were applied rapidly.

The Thailand Pass

If you are planning to travel to Thailand, be aware that the lowered Thailand travel restrictions still mean that having a Thailand Pass is mandatory due to the outbreak of Covid 19. This pass is a web-based system that has been implemented to support the Ease of Travel program which is designed to make the travelers' documentation process easier and more efficient on entry to Thailand. It’s a good idea to submit your application at least 5 to 7 days before you travel to Thailand as you cannot enter the country without the Thailand Pass. It’s also a good idea to consider employing a service provider to assist you with this procedure. The Thailand Pass is free of charge.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport

What are the Latest Restrictions?

Let us consider the question ‘Is Thailand open to tourists? The tourism board of Thailand has declared that travelers into the country do not need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test from April 1st. From this date, travelers will no longer be required to take Alternative Quarantine Schemes, Sandbox, or Test and Go when they visit Thailand, you can travel regardless of your vaccination status. Pre to this new plan, all travelers adhering to Thailand travel restrictions had to provide a negative test RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel but this measure is to be lifted on April 1st, 2022 and Thailand takes measures to boost its declining tourist numbers. Travelers are still required to take some tests on arrival, and the type of these tests will depend on the type of entry scheme you've applied for. Once you have entered Thailand it may be fun to partake in some ‘anti-covid’ Muay Thai!

👉For more details on this novel idea click here .

Limber up for some anti-Covid Muay Thai!

If you are preparing to visit Thailand, here is some information regarding lessened Thailand travel restrictions and your options.

Under the new relaxed Thailand travel restrictions, tourists are required to take a covid test on arrival into Thailand and stay for one night in a hotel room while waiting for results. This normally takes about 24 hours. If there’s a negative result the visitor will be able to travel around Thailand of their own free will. After this procedure, visitors are required to download the MorChana app, which is a tracking app that reminds the person to take another antigen test and record the results, on day five of their stay. Although a booster isn't required for entry at this point the visitor must have proof of vaccination and apply for a Thailand Pass before traveling. Travelers under the age of 12 will have to be tested but are exempt from vaccination.

The Sandbox Program

Visitors planning to travel to Thailand can also enter under the conditions of the Sandbox Program. The Sandbox Program is a little more limiting as it allows entry to visitors (if they are fully vaccinated) only if they are willing to stay 5 days in designated areas before they move on to other areas of Thailand. This is not much of a negative as these areas include Phuket , Krabi , and Ko Pha-ngan which are all regions where it would be a pleasure to spend 5 days! Click on the links to find out more about these beautiful regions.

Ko Pha-ngan, open but worth spending 5 days in?

The Alternative Quarantine program

Non-vaccinated people can visit Thailand under the new Thailand travel restrictions only if they are willing to comply with the Alternative Quarantine program. To do this, the visitor must apply for a Thailand pass and take out an insurance policy (50 thousand dollars coverage) and also pay for their quarantine accommodation and PCR tests before traveling. Visitors must quarantine for five days remembering to take PCR tests on day four and day five. When the full quarantine period is finished, travelers can enjoy unrestricted travel around Thailand.

Province categories

Covid 19 risk in Thailand is separated into zones represented by dark red, red, and orange with differing restrictions in place across each type of zone. Check the situation in the zone you intend to travel to before departing. You may also have a search for the SHA+ hotels in these provinces Thailand travel restrictions insist that face masks are still obligatory across the country and must be worn in public places (both indoor and outdoor) and on public transport. Covid 19 restrictions in Thailand vary from zone to zone according to the color-coding system with major tourism destinations classified as "blue zones." These zones have relaxed certain restrictions in recent weeks. Attractions and tourist centers around the country like historical sites, ancient monuments, museums, art galleries, pools, spas, cinemas, tattoo studios, and sporting facilities are open all over Thailand but must function under stringent public health procedures and limit the number of visitors to 75% of their usual capacity. Cafes and restaurants in Thailand’s capital Bangkok have restarted regular working hours, and are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages until 11 p.m. for those who dine in. Some entertainment venues, including nightclubs, remain closed throughout Thailand.

Traveling from province to province has resumed and so domestic flights and train journeys are available again. According to Thailand travel restrictions, face masks must still be worn in public (those who do not wear masks face fines), outdoors, and in, and it is not unusual to get temperature checked.

Tourists wearing face masks at the sky train station

Test & Go Policy

What is the test & go policy.

If you have been fully vaccinated in your home country you qualify for the Test-and-Go program. This program permits you to bypass the standard seven-day quarantine when you travel to Thailand on the proviso that you take a COVID-19 test on the first and fifth day of your visit and that both tests come back negative. You will also have to make sure that, although you are fully vaccinated, you have COVID-19 insurance cover of at least US$20,000. Since March, travelers participating in the Test & Go program will no longer have to undergo a second RT PCR test on Day 5 of arrival. This test has now been changed to a self-performed Antigen Rapid Test (ATK) which will still take place on Day 5. The traveler must report the Test & Go result on the Mor Chana mobile app. This revised Test & Go condition started on March 1st, 2022 for the submission of Thailand Pass applications. The Test & Go Program is now available for air, land, and sea travelers. Visitors who have been supplied a Thailand Pass under Test & Go can still use their Thailand Pass.

The Grand Palace. 👉 Book ticket here .

Who can apply for Test & Go

The requirements for Test & Go are as follows: You must have COVID-19 Travel Insurance. Your COVID-19 travel insurance policy coverage cannot be less than US$ 20 000. You must have a COVID-19 Recovery or Vaccination certificate although tourists under 18 do not need this certification if they travel with a legal guardian or a parent. You must have the Day 1 hotel confirmation letter confirmations that you’ve pre-paid for accommodation, airport transfer, and RT-PCR test. The letter needs to be issued by one of the approved Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or SHA + Hotels. You must have your flight reservation to Thailand. If your final destination is Phuket and Samui, you will be allowed to take domestic flights.

How to apply for Test & Go

👉To apply for Test & Go contact the Thai government by clicking here .

Responsible tourism

Recently, Thailand’s tourism board has stepped up its obligation to provide sustainable tourism The enormously popular elephant parks have been more tightly regulated, but it’s still best to do your research, and get advice from Trip.com before you plan. Scuba diving is still available, (particularly near Koh Tao ), please try to choose a diving school that strives to preserve the well-being of the reef. In terms of health safety, many SHA+ hotels are waiting for you when you travel to Thailand.

The Diving resort in Koh Tao is open.

SHA+ Hotels in Thailand

D varee jomtien beach,pattaya.

Located along D Varee Jomtien Beach, Pattaya (SHA Extra +) features modern rooms with balconies overlooking the Bay of Siam.

D Varee Jomtien Beach, Pattaya (SHA Extra Plus)

Airport pickup service

Swimming pool

Check Availability

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Located in the bustling downtown area of Bangkok, this hotel is an interstellar luxury hotel located on Sukhumvit Boulevard, Bangkok's main street. (SHA Plus+.)

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit (SHA Plus+)

Lanna oriental hotel chaing mai.

Property Location Located in Chiang Mai (Old City), Lanna Oriental Hotel (SHA Plus+) is within a 10-minute walk of Chiang Mai University and Wat Phra Singh

Lanna Oriental Hotel (SHA Plus+)

Sugar palm grand hillside phuket.

A 5-minute walk from Kata Beach, Sugar Palm Grand Hillside (SHA Extra Plus)

Sugar Palm Grand Hillside (SHA Extra Plus)

Trip.com thailand promotions.

You can get all the latest news and deals on Thai holidays by going to trip.com and typing in your desired destination in Thailand. Be sure to sign as a free member to receive great deals on holidays in Thailand. 👉 Click here to learn more about SHA+ Hotels in Thailand .

How did Thailand handle the covid pandemic from the start?

Is a tourist permitted to travel between provinces now in thailand, can i travel to thailand if i am not vaccinated, do i have to wear a face mask in thailand.

• 1. Is Thailand Open to Tourists? Click the video to find out the answer！
• 2. The Current Covid Situation
• 3. The Thailand Pass
• 4. What are the Latest Restrictions?
• 5. Test & Go Policy
• 6. SHA+ Hotels in Thailand

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Thailand travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Thailand travel in 2024 with official Thailand travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we will be focusing our post on rules that affect U.S. citizens.

Last update: February 2, 2024. Originally published: November 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

February 2024: “My husband and I are in Thailand for a two-month stay. There don’t seem to be any travel restrictions. Tourism is running normally, but many people still wear masks, especially in places like the metro or on ferries. Some businesses and attractions have closed since Covid. If you have asthma or other breathing issues, watch the air quality index (The Air4Thai app works well.) and plan your trip accordingly.” –  Rachel Heller of World Heritage Net , Dutch traveler

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Thailand so you can get a sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Is Thailand open for travel? Can I travel to Thailand right now?

Thailand is currently open for foreign travelers.

As of October 2022 , proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result are no longer required from travelers. In addition, proof of vaccination is no longer required to attend crowded events. 

Travelers holding US passports can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without the need to obtain a visa for stays up to 30 days on each visit. Thailand temporarily extended this visa exemption to 45 days for arrivals previously. However, as of April 2023, visa-free entries has reverted back to 30 days.

Travelers can always extend the standard 30 days for another 30 days by applying at a local Immigration Office and paying 1900 baht.

Travelers from countries not on the visa exemption list must apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to enter Thailand as tourists.

Thailand travel restrictions and limitations may sometimes apply only in certain regions. Monitor Thailand travel news here .

A new tourist fee will soon be required to enter Thailand, but the start date has been postponed as of December 2023. This fee will be built into plane ticket costs and is only about $9 US. There will be no payment on arrival if arriving by air, but it’s unclear how the fee will work at land and sea borders.

Quarantine rules in Thailand: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers who test positive for Covid while in Thailand are asked to self-isolate for at least 5 days at the traveler’s expense. However, quarantine is no longer mandatory or being enforced. 

Quarantine should end after taking a PCR test with negative result. Those with severe symptoms will be admitted to the hospital.

Can I travel to Thailand in April 2024? Can I travel to Thailand this Spring?

Travel to Thailand in April is open . Please read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Thailand BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport or DMK Don Mueang Bangkok Airport right now? Thai Airways reports that the face mask mandate has been relaxed. Airports can be busy at times and crowds may be difficult to avoid.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Thailand? No. See details above.

Does Thailand check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health checks are no longer common for incoming travelers.

Does Thailand require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. As of October 2022, a negative Covid test is no longer required.

Does Thailand require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No. As of October 2022, a proof of vaccination is no longer required.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Thailand? At this time, booster shots are not required in Thailand. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Thailand? PCR and antigen tests are available in Thailand. Foreign travelers can get a Covid test at the National Institute of Health, 14 Regional Medical Sciences Centers, and private hospitals in Thailand.

Covid PCR tests range from 2,500 to 10,000 Thai baht (approximately $74-$311). Test results are available within 72 hours. ATK tests are available for cheap at 711 convenience stores for 40+ baht.

See the list of Covid testing centers here.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Thailand who get the virus? Thailand’s private healthcare services are generally very good. Hospitals and clinics in Thailand are open to foreign travelers.

Treatment for Covid-19 may cost more than 100,000 Thai baht. Travelers will pay for their medical expenses or use a travel insurance.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Thailand? Restaurants, street food, malls, department stores, and other establishments are open in Thailand. Pubs, bars, karaoke outlets and other entertainment venues are now operating at their normal hours.

Are face masks required in Thailand? Wearing of masks is now voluntary in public and indoor places, except health care facilities. Some businesses may request face masks inside. 

Are buses running in Thailand? Public transportation is available in Thailand. Masks are no longer required but still encouraged. A majority of riders still wear masks on public transit, especially in Bangkok.

Will Thailand impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable. Thailand has been relatively proactive when it comes to preventive Covid measures, balanced with the need to keep the tourism industry open.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Thailand?

Thailand reported its first case of Covid infection last January 2020. Although there have been outbreaks in the following months, Thailand was successful in containing the pandemic throughout most of 2020.

Unfortunately, in April 2021, the country experienced uncontrolled resurgence of infections, ranking Thailand fourth in the number of cases in Southeast Asia.

In response to the pandemic, preventive measures such as contact tracing, lockdown measures, and international travel restrictions were implemented. These slowed the country’s economy and Thailand’s tourist industry has been severely affected. Thailand’s State of Emergency ended September 30, 2022.

To revive tourism, the islands of Phuket and Samui reopened with a “Sandbox” program to vaccinated foreign travelers in July 2021. In October 2021, Thailand travel restrictions were eased for foreign travelers. In December 2021, the Test & Go program which allowed quarantine-free entry was suspended amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

In 2022, Thailand eased entry restrictions. The color-coded system, which placed limits on travel, dining, entertainment activities, and gatherings, has been removed.

Vaccinations in Thailand began at the end of February 2021. About 2/3 of the population have been vaccinated.

For the current situation in Thailand, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Thailand; and COVID-19 testing in Thailand, please see the following Thailand Ministry of Public Health site and Facebook page .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Thailand?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Thai locals and recent travelers say about visiting Thailand now?

What is it like to visit Thailand right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

September 2023 – Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels , Australian travelers:  “We are living a nomadic retirement and arrived in Koh Samui, Thailand, in July and are staying two months. Thailand, in general, is nearly back to pre-covid tourist numbers and you can feel an optimism in the air amongst the locals. 

There are no travel restrictions here in Thailand, however, you will still see many locals wearing facemasks. Hospitals and some medical clinics are advertising Covid testing so it is accessible if required. There are certain tourist areas where you can visually see the aftermath of Covid i.e. deserted hotels that have fallen into disrepair, closed restaurants, etc., but in general, you will have no problems finding accommodation, restaurants selling great Thai food, massages, or shopping opportunities. It is now heading into the monsoon season here in Koh Samui so we have seen a huge reduction in tourists.”

May 2023 – Nat Deduck of Love and Road , Brazilian digital nomad: “I’ve been living in Phuket, Thailand for a year. Tourism in Thailand is back to normal, and apart from some Thais wearing masks, you probably won’t even remember that covid existed here. An interesting fact is that local Thais used masks way before the pandemic, so it’s a habit that got intensified after Covid.

Thailand’s tourism is in full swing. This high season (Dec-March) felt as busy as back in 2019 when we were here before Covid. Attractions, hotels, and places to visit are fully open and ready to service tourists.

Most tourists don’t wear masks, but if you feel the need to do so it’s available in every pharmacy, supermarket, and convenience shop. The same for the Covid tests, you can do it by yourself, or you can go to any clinic or hospital to do a PCR test if needed. Hospitals are back to regular services here in Phuket and Bangkok, my husband and I had to see a doctor and everything went smoothly. There was no restriction to be treated because of the pandemic, and no overflow covid cases.”

February 2023 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, U.S. nomad: “We flew to Bangkok from Vietnam. Air Asia did not check our onward flight nor ask for any Covid documentation, only passports. Masking on the plane was not required but many wore face coverings, including all the crew.

Immigration wasn’t too long a wait at DMK in the evening. Just showed passport, boarding pass, took a photo, and fingerprints. At the moment, U.S. passports get 45 days in Thailand without a visa.

We later flew from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, took a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, and flew out of Chiang Mai to Vietnam . Thai airports were playing recorded announcements advising passengers to mask and socially distance, though it wasn’t enforced.

The entire building where we stayed in Bangkok required masks in common areas. On BTS public transit, an announcement is made in English that mask laws have relaxed but face coverings are still highly encouraged. At least 90% of passengers wear masks on public transit.

In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, we also saw notices recommending Covid precautions at certain establishments, many had hand sanitizer available at the entrance, however, we didn’t encounter any strict requirements.

Thailand seems back to normal and getting more busy with the influx of Chinese tourists returning. Businesses are open without restrictions. A lot of people wear surgical masks outside in Thailand, but masking was common pre-pandemic as well.”

October 2022 – Babs of https://mumsonflipflops.com , Belgian tourist:  “ We’re travelling in Thailand with 2 small children for 2 months. Travel feels completely normal in Thailand. There are plenty of tourists and hotels are busy.

There are very few Covid rules still in place. You’ll see most Thai wearing face masks at all times, but nothing is expected or enforced. As a tourist, you don’t have to wear one. The one exception is on the Air Asia flight, you’re supposed to wear a mask there. Every store/building has a temperature scanner (hand scanning) and sanitizer that you’re expected to use. We haven’t been into contact testing etc as we’re fully vaccinated and all entry rules have been lifted for Thailand (we weren’t even asked for our vaccination proof).”

September 2022 – Steffi of BeachBumAdventure , expat in Thailand:  “ Tourism is slowly coming back to Thailand and the locals are really keen for tourists to return.

In Bangkok you will still find many Thais wearing masks, even outdoors, although this is no longer a government requirement. On public transport most people are still wearing masks on trains and minivans and buses. In other areas of the country and on the islands, you rarely see people wearing masks. 

Many hotels and restaurants are welcoming visitors although some ferry schedules are still reduced due to the low number of visitors. On quieter, less touristy islands some restaurants and shops still remain closed.

Healthcare in Thailand is very efficient if you attend a private hospital, therefore I recommend making sure your health insurance covers this. Many 711 shops offer ATK tests very cheaply (40+ baht) although PCR tests remain expensive (2000+ baht).”

July 2022 – Tania of Slower Travels , digital nomad from New Zealand: “My partner and I lived as digital nomads in Phuket, Thailand for four months in 2022. Now is a great time to visit Phuket. Everything is a little on the quiet side with reduced tourist numbers but the locals are so welcoming and happy to see you.

When we arrived, there was extensive requirements and testing involved. By the time we left, most of these had been dropped. However, most people are still wearing masks in crowded places, giving a feeling of safety.”

May 2022 Linnae – American traveler with family: “We really lucked out with our arrival to Bangkok scheduled for May 1st. We had originally planned to undergo the Test & Go program but they suddenly lifted the testing and quarantine requirements.

Applying for a Thailand Pass online, which is essentially the entry visa, was a straight forward process where you just have to complete the application, provide your vaccination details, and upload pictures of your shot records, passport, and insurance card. We have regular American-style insurance through Aetna, so it covered whatever the minimum requirement was. I think there was an option to purchase some sort of travel health insurance through a Thai company.

It took about 5 days to receive the Thailand pass, which was just a QR code attached to an email. Once we had the Thailand pass, we never had to show any other form of insurance or Covid vaccination when we went through immigration. The hotel check-in was completely normal- no extra documentation required other than our passports.

Our daughter did not have to test on arrival. As a minor, she was able to enter unvaccinated with vaccinated parents. There was an option to add her to our Thailand Pass in the system. She received her own QR code for immigration.

EVERYONE was still masked, inside and outside (even in the pool). I was surprised to see children younger than 2 wearing masks. Outliers would have been the odd westerner. Social distancing did not seem to be a requirement at all.

Restaurants/sites seemed open as usual. Closures due to Covid may not be clear on the business website. So if someone is set on a specific excursion or destination, contact the place ahead of time to make sure it is still open.”

March 9, 2022 – Kristel, U.S. traveler:  “My husband and I have been in Thailand since the start of 2022. In Bangkok, the typical hustle and bustle of the city feels similar to pre-covid days. Street food markets such as Chinatown is packed with both locals and foreigners while the temples are still fairly quiet depending on the time you visit. 

With regards to restrictions, masks are still worn both indoors and outdoors and temperature checks are imposed when going into indoor spaces. Healthcare is easily accessible and rapid tests can be bought at a local 7-11 for very cheap. While a lot of restaurants have shut down, there are still plenty of good options and street food areas are staying busy and doing well. If visiting the islands, you can expect beautiful beaches without the crowds.”

February 11, 2022 – Abigail of I’m going on an adventure , British tourist: “My partner and I are currently travelling through Thailand for one month. We are in Phuket at the moment. Food and transport options are good with everything open and actually the area seems to have been revamped since a few years ago; its cleaner and better organised!

All areas are open and ready to receive guests. Face masks are still required to be worn however in the more populated tourist areas such a Patong no one seems to be using them as much. There is no contact tracing or daily testing required (except official PCR test). It’s always important to carry a face mask as some restaurants and activities will ask to have them on but in general the island so far has been very relaxed! The country still isn’t as busy as pre-covid which actually makes it an even better time to visit as it’s less crowded but there is still a nice holiday vibe.”

January 28, 2022 – Katy, American digital nomad:  “ During our visit to Chiang Mai, we found that most businesses and restaurants in the Old Town area are open. Some are temporarily closed or have reduced hours, but enough were open that it wasn’t a problem. Bars are technically closed. Be aware that you can’t purchase alcohol at restaurants and stores after a certain time in the Chiang Mai province, I believe it’s 9pm now (but it keeps changing).

Travel restrictions are being followed closely by locals and visitors for the most part. Mask wearing and temperature checks are required at all businesses & shops and people do follow these rules. Contact tracing is also required (by scanning an app or signing a register), but we found that most people didn’t bother with this step.

The one exception is at the Chiang Mai Sunday market. Contact tracing (along with mask wearing and temperature scans) are firmly enforced there. Most of the Chiang Mai markets and walking streets are open, except for the Saturday Walking Street (which is closed) and the Night Bazaar (which is mostly closed and not worth visiting). There were some other foreigners in Chiang Mai but not many.

The city is used to having a larger number of tourists, so it didn’t feel too crowded and we didn’t have any issues with waiting in lines or securing tickets to popular attractions. Access to healthcare is easy and affordable in Chiang Mai (at least compared to what we’re used to in the United States). Booster shots are available to anyone (including foreigners) and you can get a PCR test for travel at the Chiang Mai Ram Hospital.”

January 2022 – Zoe Adventura , Australian:  “ I moved to Thailand with my family in January 2022. The biggest difference between here and Australia is that everyone is expected to wear a mask all the time. Even children, and even while exercising. Most tourists don’t. Most people seem relaxed about everything, but occasionally we hear that the hospitals are full – which is pretty scary.

Travel restrictions – there are quite a few hoops to jump through to get to Thailand . We came for the Phuket Sandbox – which meant we had to book a 7 day stay in a government approved sandbox hotel, have a specific insurance paid for, and also get RT-PCR tests before travel, plus 2 more in the first week. During this week we were free to travel around Phuket. For us, it was actually pretty seamless.

Before entering Thailand you need to get a Thaipass, which can be a bit tricky, but there is plenty of information online about what you need to do. There are facebook groups which can help with any questions, and you can apply multiple times if you need.

As far as things being closed, the tourist areas of Phuket are completely different. Patong has restrictions on nightlife and alcohol service is restricted. A lot of shops are closed and boarded up in Patong, which is sad to see. On the other side of the island which typically has less tourism, it’s much less noticeable. That being said, the hotel we are currently staying in is clearly operating on skeleton staff, with half of the rooms empty. I’ve only seen 3-5 other guests, and it is a little creepy. The staff are obviously doing the best they can but the common areas are neglected. Same story in the last hotel we stayed in. All activities are cancelled, kids club is closed etc.”

December 2, 2021 – Katy, American digital nomad, A Rambling Unicorn :  “My husband and I flew from Istanbul to Phuket on Nov. 27 and then will fly to Chiang Mai on Dec. 4 when our stay in the Sandbox is complete. We have Tourist Visas and will be in Thailand for 60 days.

I arrived at the Phuket Airport in November 2021 and was amazed at the thorough measures put into place for international arrivals. All passengers were initially seated in an arrivals hall in chairs that were spaced apart for social distancing. After a check of our documents by workers covered in full PPE, we were led through 5 different stations that verified our documents and administered a PCR test on-the-spot. We were glad we had printed all of our documents out in advance – including our Thai Pass, PCR Test results and SHA+ Hotel booking. Passengers without printed copies had to print them out at a special printing station.

Thai locals take COVID very seriously. Everyone wears masks in public, even when riding open-air motor scooters. Contact tracing is managed via the MorChana app which everyone is encouraged to download. We are staying in a remote part of Phuket where some restaurants are still closed and our hotel is only half full. We haven’t encountered any lines at restaurants or crowds in this part of the island, quite the opposite actually.

Thailand is really particular about the COVID insurance. When we first applied for the COE (this was the precursor to the Thai Pass), we tried to use our World Nomads insurance and it was rejected. I’ve heard anecdotally that they only accept COVID insurance from Thai companies. I don’t know if that is true and/or if things are relaxed now that they’ve moved to the Thai Pass. When we re-applied, we bought insurance through a Thai company that specialized in Thai Pass and Tourist Visa insurance. It came with document that clearly stated COVID was covered with a coverage of 50,000 USD.”

Thailand Reopening: Phuket Sandbox Updates video published October 29 2021 See what it’s like in Phuket, with commentary from local Thai people in the tourism industry as well as recent travelers to Phuket:

Planning a trip to Thailand?

Check out our other Thailand travel resources: – Things We Would (and Wouldn’t) Do Again in Chiang Mai, Thailand – Bangkok Tourist Pass Review and Suggested Itineraries – Review: Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary + Hill Tribe Homestay – Tips for Travel in Bangkok

If you have questions or updates about travel to Thailand during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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3 bangkok restaurants in the top 10 on asia’s 50 best restaurants 2024, chiang khan – first asean destination to win prestigious green destinations award, three more thai cities join unesco global network of learning cities, thailand featured in 2024 tripadvisor travelers’ choice awards, thailand named ‘popular destination’ by national geographic traveler china, the salil hotel riverside bangkok wins six awards in 2023, thailand named ‘best affordable long-haul destination’, chiang rai and suphan buri join unesco creative cities’ list, thailand’s culinary excellence shines at world culinary awards 2023, four thai towns listed in the 2023 green destinations top 100 stories, thailand travel documentaries.

Ramwong Rerng Songkran song (English version)

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11 things to know before traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

These local tips can help a first-time visitor plan their visit to Chiang Mai © oneclearvision / Getty Images

There’s so much more to Chiang Mai , Thailand ’s Rose of the North, than first meets the eye.

Though firmly on the Thai travel circuit, Chiang Mai often comes in third for visitors determined to see Bangkok before immediately heading south to the tropical islands . Those who trek north, however, are certainly rewarded. Here, countless historic temples, street stalls, jungle-covered hills, artisan workshops, street markets and more coffee shops than you ever thought were possible are packed into a relatively small area – the Old City is just one square mile.

A few days here can stretch into a week… and then two… or more.

Lucky enough to call Chiang Mai home for nearly a decade, I still find it endlessly captivating. Here’s what to know before traveling to Chiang Mai, so you can start making the most of your stay as soon as you arrive. 

Ready to plan your trip? Don't miss the top experiences in Chiang Mai

1. Chiang Mai is both a city and a province

As is typical for Thailand, the province name is also the name of its largest hub. (Other examples include the city of Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai Province or the island of Phuket in Phuket Province.) Keep this in mind while booking transportation or accommodation.

2. You’ll likely want to stay longer than you first expect

A few days isn’t enough to uncover Chiang Mai’s charms, which often lie in its daily rhythms. Do yourself a favor and plan to stay for at least five nights or even more, if possible. Between exploring town and squeezing in a couple of day trips , there are plenty of ways to fill your stay. Also, time your visit to stay over the weekend since some of the city’s night markets only happen on Saturdays and Sundays.

3. Keep at least one day open

Spending a leisurely morning over elaborate coffee concoctions at a picture-perfect cafe, treating yourself to a two-hour massage, fitting in a cooking or yoga class, running into someone from your hometown on the street – Chiang Mai natives and transplants take their reputation for appreciating “slow living” seriously, and you should, too. Keep at least one day unscheduled to simply wander, enjoy the relaxed pace, and stay open to whatever serendipitous encounter or decision may unfold.

Traveling beyond Chiang Mai? Here are some things to know before exploring the rest of Thailand

4. Plan to eat well

Eating may be Thailand’s national pastime, but Chiang Mai’s bounty of nearby farms harvesting fresh produce, countless street stalls, and affordable prices (you can still find bowls of noodle soup for just a dollar or two) take it to a new level. You’re never far from another satisfying snack, memorable meal or refreshing beverage.

5. Try northern Thai delicacies

Known for using lots of herbs, spice and pork, northern Thai food tends to have a unique funkiness to it that you won’t find elsewhere. You’ve probably heard of kôw soy , the Chiang Mai specialty of egg noodles topped with a rich curry broth and pickled garnishes, but that’s just the beginning. Look for kaffir lime leaf-stuffed sai oui sausage, spicy green chili dip known as nám prík nùm , roasted tomato and ground pork chili dip called naam prik ong , and kà·nŏm jeen nám ngée·o , thin sticky rice noodles topped with a spicy, tomato-based broth.

Tong Tem Toh in the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood and Huen Phen in the Old City are both solid places to start your northern Thai culinary journey.

Hungry? Check out Thailand's other unmissable food experiences

6. Make time for markets

There’s truly a market, or talat , happening morning, noon and night. Various fresh markets will open before dawn and close by late morning, while others open in the afternoon and early evening for the after-work rush. Meanwhile, Talat Muang Mai , a wholesale produce market, stays open all day and is particularly busy late at night when farmers arrive from the surrounding hills hauling their latest crop.

Talat Wororot , also known as Kad Luang in the northern dialect, on the east side of town along the Mae Ping River, is Chiang Mai’s longest running market and still a popular local destination for everything from home goods and flower garlands during the day to clothes and streetside fare during the evening.

As the sun sets, a number of Chiang Mai night markets pop up. You’ll find clusters of street food stalls, many of which have had the same vendors for a decade or more, at Talat Pratu Chiang Mai or Talat Pratu Chang Pheuak while the weekend Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street are popular spots for locals, Thai tourists and foreign visitors alike. 

7. Holidays in Chiang Mai are extra magical

Songkran, Thailand’s new year celebration held each April, and Loi Krathong, in November, are both widely celebrated across Chiang Mai with parades around the Old City, elaborate decorations, city-wide events, and lots of photo ops. Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai is particularly beautiful, thanks in part to the added northern holiday of Yee Peng and countless illuminated paper lanterns released into the sky. While the town can start feeling a little overrun with visitors during these times, it’s worth the crowds for the close proximity to so many events and activities.

8. Dress (relatively) modestly

Even in the height of the hot season, Thailand is a fairly modest country when it comes to clothing, particularly for women. This applies even more in the north, which is away from the beaches and often less-touristed than Bangkok and the islands. “Polite” dress, meaning covered shoulders, chests, and thighs, is required for visiting temples, but it's often expected in everyday life, too. That said, everyone tends to keep things comfortable and casual. No one will say anything (to your face) about what you’re wearing, but you’ll both show respect and often receive more respect when showing less skin.

9. Good doctors and dentists are easily accessible in Chiang Mai

While you hopefully won’t have to go to the doctor for any reason, if you get sick or hurt, you can easily walk into any hospital and get care. This includes the city’s go-to, private hospital for foreigners and locals with money to spare, Chiang Mai Ram, which is in the center of town. Find a check-in desk, and staff will point you in the right direction. Dentist offices are also dotted throughout the city and readily accept new patients. Due for a cleaning? This is the place to do it. 

10. Be aware of the "smoky season"

Thailand has three seasons  – hot, rainy, and cold – but Chiang Mai also often experiences what locals call the “smoky season.” Often starting sometime in February and lasting through the hot season until the rains begin at the end of April or early May, Chiang Mai sees smoky skies and poor air quality from slash and burn farming practices. Every year is different depending on the weather patterns and the government’s current restrictions, but if you’ll be in Chiang Mai in February, March or April, you can expect some level of pollution. Face masks are readily available and most accommodations and indoor restaurants will have air purifiers running 24/7.

11. Traffic is calmer in Chiang Mai, but you are still likely to be stopped by police when driving a motorbike

There are plenty of ways to get around Chiang Mai , from túk-túks (autorickshaws) to the local rót daang (literally "red trucks", which are shared taxis), and traffic is much calmer than in cities like Bangkok.

Zipping around town on a motorbike is arguably the quickest, most convenient way to get around – if you know what you’re doing! As a foreigner, however, you’ll likely get stopped at a police checkpoint. Unless you have a valid Thai motorbike license, you’ll often receive a ticket. Be polite, stay calm, and pay the fine. They’ll then let you keep driving on your merry way. Also, always wear a helmet. It’s the law, even though sometimes it seems more like a suggestion than a rule.

From  túk-túks to taxis  here's more guidance for traveling around in Chiang Mai

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Part of Kanchanaburi Motorway open for toll-free travel on weekends

A segment of the Kanchanaburi Motorway, from Nakhon Pathom West to Kanchanaburi, will be temporarily opened for toll-free travel on weekends, the Department of Highways said.

The toll-free travel over a 51km distance starts from April 26.

The Kanchanaburi Motorway, or Motorway No. 81 — Bang Yai - Kanchanaburi — is an important route for travel to the western region of Thailand. The department had offered temporary free access to the same segment during the recent New Year and Songkran Festival.

The toll-free access on weekends is expected to help increase convenience and reduce travel time for the public. Previously, using Highway 323 and Highway 4 took over an hour, but with this facility travel time is expected to be cut by half.

The temporary free access is available on weekends, from 3pm on Friday to 9pm on Sunday. Entry-exit is available only at the Nakhon Pathom West and Kanchanaburi checkpoints.

The department has urged motorists driving on the Kanchanaburi Motorway to exercise caution, strictly adhere to traffic regulations, as some sections are still under construction. It advised vehicles not to park or stop to take photos while travelling to prevent accidents.

Only private four-wheelers are allowed on the motorway. The department has urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles have sufficient fuel/charge for the journey. For additional travel information or to report emergencies during the journey, contact the Department of Highways hotline at 1586 or the motorway hotline at 1586, press 7 (toll-free on all networks, available 24 hours), as well as the Highway Police at 1193.

Once completed, the motorway will be 96 kilometres long.

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How to Travel to Thailand in 2022

IMPORTANT: For Thailand Travel Restrictions in 2023, please click the link below:

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

Thailand Travel Restrictions for 2023

========================

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, measures have been enforced to prevent and control COVID-19 from spreading in Thailand. This includes measures to keep an influx of visitors to Thailand in check.

After two years of dealing with Covid and extensive travel restrictions, international travel is finally returning to normal on the 1st of July, 2022. From July 1st, the following changes have been implemented for all international travelers.

• Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers to enter Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination or Covid test).

Read below and you can see how you can once again visit Thailand with ease.

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

It is important to start your travel plans to Thailand by checking your eligibility. After July 1, you will need to check on what to do depending on your vaccination status, and what type of visa you will use when visiting Thailand.

For a general traveler, you may opt to enter Thailand without a visa under the Visa Exemption program. If you are entering Thailand for a holiday, you may be eligible to receive a “Visa on arrival”.

For those entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa from their local Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to coming to Thailand. In the next step of the process, you may check the available visas for you.

Step 2 – Apply for the Visa

Thailand elite visa.

Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? You may consider the Thai Elite Visa program. It is an easy-to-apply and hassle-free visa application for your long-term stay in Thailand. For more information about the Thai Elite Membership and Visa application, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-elite-visa

Visa Exemption

Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Upon arriving in Thailand, most nationalities who are part of the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to stay for 30 days. Certain nationalities can arrive as part of this program but for a shorter period of time. It is best to check the country exemption list and confirm how long you can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a Visa.

Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV) which can be extended for two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for a potential 9 months.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand as well as their Parents or Legal Guardians
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for long stay (it is different from type O visa)

Step 3 – Book a Flight, Hotel, and COVID-19 Insurance

There are many changes for how to enter Thailand after July 1, so it is important for a traveler to know what is required before departing their country and entering Thailand.

Flights to Thailand

At present, most airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon, Finnair, Thai Airways, and other major airlines are now permitted to operate flights to Thailand whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.

Vaccinated travelers are required to have their vaccination certificates on hand. Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK 72 hours before departure from their home country.

Though Thailand Pass has been removed from July 1, and travelers no longer need to upload proof of vaccination or Covid Test, Airlines will do random checks and if travelers do not meet Covid requirements they will not be allowed to board their flight.

Before booking flights to Thailand with the airlines, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of Thai visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel. Please note that having plane tickets does not guarantee entry to Thailand, non-Thai travelers must have the correct Covid documents to enter Thailand. Since all mandatory quarantine conditions have been removed, travelers no longer need to worry about booking “sealed” flights if they wish to transit directly to a domestic flight.

Hotel Updates

From July 1, travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Travelers can enter the Kingdom and travel freely, booking any of the many wonderful hotels in Thailand .

Unvaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of a hotel booking as mandatory quarantine measures have been removed for all travelers.

It is recommended to browse hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com before arriving as it is easier to organize transport to your first night’s rest if pre-booked.

Travelers are free to travel anywhere in Thailand when they arrive and do not need to worry about any testing or Province restrictions.

Book Your Insurance

Having Travel Insurance was a good practice before the world had to deal with Covid. During the Covid pandemic it was mandatory.

It is recommended for all visitors coming to Thailand to purchase travel insurance . Testing positive for Covid is still a possibility, and though people hope for an incident-free holiday, injuries and illness can happen.

Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand. If the worst happens, a traveler could have expensive medical bills. Having a quality insurance policy can save a traveler potential medical expenses and allow them to enjoy a worry-free holiday.

A good insurance policy will also cover incidents like delayed flights, damage to personal possession, and loss of luggage.

Step 4 – Do I Need to Apply for the Thailand Pass?

From July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass before entering Thailand. The system is still in place but is now a platform where visitors can notify the Thai authority and medical facilities, and seek advice if they are diagnosed positive for Covid during their stay.

If you need to access the Thailand Pass system while in Thailand, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page.

Step 5 – Prepare the documents for your flight

Once you have booked your flights and ready to travel, it is recommended to prepare some documents for your holiday.

• Valid Thai visa in your passport or electronic visa approval (if applicable)
• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate in case you are asked to present it to the airline or Passport Control for a spot check on arrival.
• RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result if you are asked to present it for a random Covid check before boarding or on arrival.
• Travel insurance for Thailand is recommended by the Thai Government

Siam Legal has received reports from potential clients that some hospitals are creating difficulties for them until full payment is made for their medical expenses. Also, foreigners have allegedly been threatened with lawsuits for not settling their medical bills before being discharged. Using out-of-country policies can be problematic. We recommend using insurance providers headquartered inside Thailand with proper cover to avoid any undesirable outcomes.

Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, recommends purchasing the proper insurance and so endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Please review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate cover. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability, and scenarios where policy holders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out-of-pocket medical expenses have been reported. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
• These policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Best to pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
• AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
• AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation, which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.

Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA cover, which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.

You can buy your Thailand Travel insurance today at:

https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

List of approved covid-19 vaccines.

As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:

• Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
• Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
• AstraZeneca or Covishield
• Sinopharm or COVILO
• CoronaVac or SinoVac
• Sputnik Lite

How to Obtain COVID-19 Insurance

Though COVID-19 travel insurance is no longer mandatory for entry to Thailand, it is recommended to have comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay. Good travel insurance covers not only medical expenses relating to Covid, but also accident cover, personal damage or loss of possessions and missed or delayed flights.

It is best to purchase insurance before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of cover that you can present to authorities or medical professionals if you need to make a claim.

You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you onboard. It’s quick and easy to do online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand as foreigners are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand and insurance companies will not cover claims for existing conditions.

You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.

You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand

Siam Legal offers and provides aid for a smooth and hassle-free way to open up a Thai bank account.

• You will receive help in opening a saving/current bank account
• You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
• Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)

Requirements

• Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
• The applicant may book for our service online.
• Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
• The applicant will collect the application form and documents from Siam Legal Bangkok office and proceed to the specific bank branch. Opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.

Service Fee

Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.

City Travel Guide

• How to Travel to Bangkok
• How to Travel to Phuket
• How to Travel to Pattaya
• How to Travel to Chiang Mai
• How to Travel to Samui
• How to Travel to Hua Hin

Useful Links

• Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners  
• Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
• How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide

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472 Comments

im looking forward to traveling Thailand on 24th Sep for my upcoming holiday, what should i do or prepare in order to enter thailand?

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2022-guide.pdf

Good afternoon, I will be travelling to Thailand in December 2022 with my 8 year old child. I am fully vaccinated but by child is not. My questions are: – Does my child need PCR test before entering Thailand? – My COVID-19 immunisation booster was done in February 2022. Will I need to get an updated booster to enter Thailand?

Many thanks

That would be okay, children can enter without test if accompanied by fully vaccinated parents.

My wife and I from India are planning a 20 day trip to Thailand from 29 Nov 2022. From Thailand we will be travelling by air to Kuala Lumpur. Is the new policy of 30 Days VOA applicable to us. If so do we have to register online for Visa on arrival

Effective on 1st October , VOA will be allowed from 15 days upto 30 days of stay . Please check this for your guidance https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival

I am an Indian travelling with family to Thailand from 1st October 2022 to 7th October 2022. Is visa free for Indians on that time or On arrival I need to Pay 2000 bhat. Do I have to register online for visa on arrival.

If you will apply evoa , Yes. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival

Good day, I am planning to go in Thailand in December for 5 months as a tourist do I need visa? Also I am not vaccinated for Covid-19 can I freely enter ?

The length of your tourist visa will depends on your nationality. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa

We are 2x fully vaccinated adults, do our 2x children (7 & 3) need PCR tests prior to arrival or not?

Hi there, I’m travelling to Bangkok on 23 Sep 2022. is travel insurance still a must for entering Thailand? Thank you.

It’s not compulsory but still recommended.

I am coming to Thailand early September with my wife. I will be teaching at a Public University in Bangkok and they will cover for my insurance after I start teaching. Do I need an extra insurance for the travel? My wife has an Allianz health insurance, is that acceptable?

Another question we both go our Covid Vaccine boost is February, is that ok?

Thank you very much! Raul

Yes, booster is okay since you are fully vaccinated. For travel insurance with covid coverage, it’s not actually compulsory but still suggested. If you have other insurance provider, that would be fine.

Hi we are ravelling to Bangkok and Chaingmai on 3rd of September 2022 Do we need Visa ?or any travel documents for entry We got covid vaccination certificates and insurance

thanks Dr NINI

Hi Dr. Khin,

Visa will depends on your nationality, there’s a visa exemption and there’s also eligible for visa on arrival. Check it here https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

We (4 us citizens) are traveling to Thailand in November with Us passports do we still need to purchase A Visa?

Hi Annette,

You are eligible to enter free visa for 30 days. Please click for your guidance https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

Hi, I am Covid vaccinated with 3 doses, last on January 2022 can I freely enter to Thailand on November or I need next dose to be not older than 6 or 9 months?

Yes that’s okay, last vaccine should not longer than 12 mos.

Hi, I am Covid vaccinated with 3 doses – last on Jan 2022. Can I freely enter to Thailand in November? Or I need to take next vaccine to be not older than 6 or 9 months?

HI, I am going to Thailand on 1st week of September,. I am unvaccinated when is the best date for me to take rt-pcr test. It’s ok if I take rt- pcr test 2 days before I go.

Hi Shahira,

Your RT PCR should valid 72 hours upon arrival.

Hi can come to thiland with a one way air line ticket as I mate like to stay longer if I like Thailand may thanks

Hi Anthony,

Depending on what your purpose and availed visa https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa

I am Indian National and visit Thailand during 10 September to 18 September 2022. Thai pass is mandatory or not after 1 July 2022 or Do I need to apply the thai pass….???

Hi Vikrant,

You’re right, Thailand Pass is no longer required since July 1st.

Hi, If I received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine 10 months apart, am I considered as fully vaccinated?

I’m from uk,if I enter the kingdom on a visa exempt at the airport, whick allows me to stay 30 days, can I then extend my stay by going to immigration at jomtien a further 2 times or is it just the once I can extend my stay?

You can extend your permit to stay for a further 30 days at any local immigration office.

HI I intend to go to thailand the 1st of September.

I don’t clearly understand… there is no Thai Pass needed ?

For the insurance, do I need to buy the Axa Insurance ?

I come from France and will departure at Zurich(Switzerland) I’m fully vaccinated (2 doses).

Thanks for your answer !

Kind Regards.

Yes, Thailand Pass was no longer required and insurance is not mandatory but still recommended.

Hi there My friend is coming Thailand on 29/08/22 He plans to travel around south east Asia but doesn’t know for how long. Does he need to book a return flight back to the uk as won’t know where he’s going to be and when

Some countries in Asia , doesn’t require visa for short period of travel. He/She can go it directly from Thailand. Incase needed, he may go and visit with the nearest Embassy so they can be assisted further.

Hi, my wife and I are uk citizens and plan to visit Thailand in November 22 for 4 months. Is the tourist 60 day visa renewable or should we apply for a different visa? we are both retired. Thanks.

Hi Kenneth,

You can apply special tourist visa, please see this link for your guidance. https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/travel-to-thailand-from-the-uk

I’m planning to visit Thailand coming November 2022 but have a Jamaican passport and Canadian PR card. Is it OK to travel with both without a visa.. Thanks

Hello Deanna,

For Jamaican citizens, need to get a visa for Thailand by going to the nearest embassy. However, if you have a Canadian Passport you can travel to Thailand without a visa for no longer than 30 days.

I am Indian National and visit Thailand during 16 August to 28 August 2022. Do I need to apply for E-Visa in advance or can I get visa on arrival in Bangkok/Phuket? What is the difference between E-Visa and Visa on arrival for Indians?

For Indian passport holder can apply visa on arrival amounting Thb 2000.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is a visa that you will get at any International airports upon arrival while the electronic visa (E-visa) is one of the visa types issued to foreigners via electronic system.

Does my child aged 8 needs to vaccinated or needs RT PCR test

Hello Aashi,

If you are fully vaccinated, your children doesn’t need to do the RT-PCR test.

Hello, I have an Indian passport but a UK resident. Do I need to apply for a visa. Staying there for 10 days

If you are Indian passport holder, you can apply visa on arrival granted for 14 days.

Hi I’m entering Thailand under visa exemption scheme. Do I need to show the proof of funds on arrival? If so, how much do I need to show? Can I show in cash? Thanks & Regards.

Yes. Normally 10,000 Baht

Hi, my country is under the visa exemption scheme but only 14 days. I’m planning to enter Thailand on 1st Oct and leave on 14th Oct. So that will be exact 14 days. Is it ok?

Also I will arrive in Bangkok but leave from Phuket. Would it be ok when I show the return ticket (that will be 2 one-way tickets) ? Thanks & Regards.

Hello Korn,

Yes, that would be fine. There is no problem in which Airport you would be as long as your flight date will return on your 14th day in Thailand.

How Thailand Hopes to Meet Its Goal For 1.7 Million Indian Tourists

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

April 19th, 2024 at 8:52 AM EDT

India is one of the most important source markets for Thailand. Pre-Covid, nearly 2 million Indian tourists flocked to Thailand, making India the third-largest source market in 2019. Now, Thailand is looking to bring India back to pre-Covid levels.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday hosted a group of more than 8,000 incentive visitors from India. The delegation is part of the authority’s goal of receiving at least 1.7 million Indian visitors this year, it said in a statement. 

India is one of the most important source markets for Thailand and is also the fastest-growing. In 2023, over 1.6 million Indian travelers visited Thailand , making the country the fourth-largest source market for Thailand. These tourists spent more than THB 63 billion ($1.7 billion). 

In 2024, through February , India ranked fifth among source markets with more than 300,000 tourists traveling to Thailand. In 2023, Thailand was one of the top international destinations for Indians, with Bangkok being the second most popular foreign destination after Dubai, according to travel agency Skyscanner .

Schemes to Attract Indian Travelers

Thailand also introduced a visa waiver for Indian tourists from November 10 last year till May 10, 2024, a scheme that had been put on hold post Covid. 

Thailand tourism governor Thapanede Kiatphaibool called India a high quality and high spending market, while explaining the reason for resuming the visa exemption for Indian travelers. The governor had then said that the country was evaluating if a visa-free facility could permanently be extended to Indian travelers. 

Apart from this, Thailand’s key strategies to attract Indian tourists include subsidy schemes for incentive, wedding, and celebration groups, the governor said earlier this year at a travel exchange . “Joint promotions with airlines and travel agents will be offered for repeat visitors and golfers,” Kiatphaibool added. 

All-Year-Round Destination

Thailand minister of tourism Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said, “I am determined to elevate Thailand to be a quality and safe destination that delivers a valuable experience to our visitors from India through Thailand’s soft powers and promotes Thailand to be an all-year-round destination.” 

Expecting INR 185 billion ($2.2 billion) in tourism receipts from India, Thailand looks to attract over 1.7 million Indian travelers to the country in 2024, as it aims to attract 35 million tourists this year.

In India, Thailand is marketing itself to various segments, including families, millennials, golfers, luxury travelers, incentive groups, as well as wedding and celebrations groups.

Beyond popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is also promoting destinations like Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai.

Thailand also plans to launch special initiatives for senior citizens, women travelers, Gen Z, and LGBTQIA+ travelers. Wellness tours and adventure sports are also segments where the destination is planning to focus. 

Skift India Report

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Tags: asia monthly , india , india outbound , india travel , marketing campaign , skift india report , thailand , tourism , tourism authority of thailand , Travel Trends

Photo credit: Thailand introduced a visa waiver for Indian tourists last year. TAT

Thailand’s Tourist Towns Deal With Their Own Russian Invasion

I t’s just past 11 p.m. on Phuket’s neon-festooned Bangla Road and revelers are out in force, though the heady atmosphere is distinctly more Sochi than Southeast Asia. TVs overhanging the sprawling beer bars show ice skating instead of soccer; Cyrillic signage proliferates; and Russian-speaking touts dispense flyers for pole-dancing clubs exclusively featuring women from former Soviet republics. “Russians, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Kazakhs,” says one tout in dark Ray Bans and a skin-tight Armani polo shirt. “We have them all here.”

The war in Ukraine has entailed an incalculable human toll, while roiling markets, disrupting supply chains, and sending inflation soaring across the globe. But in Thailand, the two-year-old conflict is also having a profound social effect despite being over 4,000 miles away. While many Western nations have shut out Russian air travel in response to Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Thailand sees Russian arrivals as key to reviving its pandemic-ravaged tourism industry. In October, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended 90-day visas upon arrival for Russian passports, insisting in a February interview : “We’re not part of the [Ukraine] conflict. We are neutral.”

Read More: 5 Takeaways from TIME’s Conversation with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin

Last year, Russians ranked top for tourist arrivals in Thailand from outside of Asia with 1.4 million visitors. Meanwhile, Russians were top overall on the southern resort island of Phuket, which has long been a favorite haunt. Last July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Phuket to inaugurate a new consulate to cope with surging visitor numbers. A month later, the Phuket Tourist Association sent a delegation to St. Petersburg and Moscow seeking to court even more vacationers.

In the first three months of this year, 366,095 Russians arrived at Phuket International Airport, almost double the same period of 2023 and transforming the island’s commercial and social life. (That figure doesn’t include the significant number who transferred via Thailand’s main gateway of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.) But while a boon for the macro economy, the influx has chafed with locals who increasingly complain that Russians are stealing jobs and upsetting cultural mores. Across Thailand, lurid headlines such as “ Rabid Russian assaults police team in Phuket after going berserk at a city centre hotel ” and “ Russian tourist kicks pregnant Thai woman after asked to leave shoes outdoor ” are both a symptom and cause of alarm. (However, transgressions involving New Zealand , Swiss , and Portuguese nationals admittedly proliferate also.)

“Russia and Thailand are so different and sometimes they don’t understand Thai law and culture,” Lieut. Colonel Akachai Siri, chief inspector of Phuket Tourist Police, tells TIME. “Sometimes they break the law and they don’t recognize we have law enforcement.”

Nevertheless, Thailand’s Russian incursion appears here to stay. Other than the preferential visas, sanctions on Russian air carriers and reciprocal bans on Western airlines have slashed the destinations where Russian nationals can escape their frigid winter, making already-popular Thailand an easier choice. And then there are the not inconsiderable numbers fleeing economic doldrums and a war of choice that they had no part in choosing—not least since the Kremlin has ramped up military conscription amid mounting casualties .

“That was the final straw for us,” says Mark, a Russian who fled to Thailand with his boyfriend after an initial draft announcement in September 2022 and asked that TIME use a pseudonym for security. “We understood we can’t go back because anyone can be called to the army and just die in the war.”

As a result, the number of Russians choosing to stay in Thailand long-term is soaring. Beyond 90-day visas upon arrival, thousands are applying for one-year business or education visas. Arnold, who asked that TIME use only one name for fear of reprisals in his homeland, moved from Moscow to the Thai resort town of Hua Hin permanently last year and has noticed an increase in what are colloquially termed “ relocants ” fleeing the “various negative things which are going on back home.”

The affluent are acquiring luxury cars and yachts and renting or purchasing villas. Phuket’s plush Laguna beachfront complex of villas, ornamental lake, and 18-hole golf course is now dubbed “Little Moscow,” says Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman to Phuket’s Tourist Association. Over half of all residents across its 1,000 acres are Russian, according to the Laguna real estate management office, which employs two native Russian speakers to deal with the shifting demographic. Across Phuket, real estate prices have bumped some 20% owing to the Russian influx, says Bhummikitti.

The incursion has also increased pressure on Akachai’s Tourist Police, which has only 60 officers to assist the 2,000-odd regular Royal Thai Police and 60 dedicated Immigration Police across both Phuket and the larger adjacent province of Pha Nga. In addition to swelling tourist numbers, whereas 60% of tourists before the pandemic traveled on tour groups with guides and agents on hand to smooth any problems, today, 70% are independent travelers, which means the Tourist Police are increasingly called to mediate all manner of conflicts.

Relaxed entry requirements have also attracted a criminal element. In early February, Phuket police arrested five suspected Russian gangsters for the kidnapping and extortion of over $800,000 in cryptocurrency from a Belarussian couple that Akachai says was retaliation for a financial dispute back home. And last month, a 42-year-old Russian man was found stabbed to death in a rented house that was being used as a cannabis farm. The chief suspect is a Tajikistani man who fled Thailand for Turkey just hours after the murder.

Yet Akachai says most crimes relate to illegal work involving Russians determined not to return home while the war rages but without the means to support themselves indefinitely—not least since international banking sanctions have rendered accessing savings more difficult. Many Russians have set themselves up as unofficial tour guides, car and motorbike rental services, real estate agents, hairdressers, or even sex workers, advertising online via Telegram groups.

Yet not all aspects of the phenomenon are troublesome. Other than Russians, a significant number of Ukrainians have fled their war torn nation for Thailand, potentially creating a tinderbox atmosphere. But Akachai says he has not encountered a single skirmish or negative incident between the two nationalities in Phuket. Yury Rozhkov, 46, a Russian national who works for a travel agency in Bangkok, says he regularly meets Ukrainians staying in his apartment building and relations are nothing but cordial.

“They understand it’s Putin, it’s not Russia, Russian people are different,” he says. “And I’m sure Russians who have money to travel to Thailand do not support Putin and the war in Ukraine.”

In Hua Hin, Arnold is a member of a Russian-language Telegram group with more than 4,500 members from across the former Soviet bloc, but he says he cannot recall a single politically charged message among the 400 or so posted every day. “99.9% of discussions are where to find the best pad thai, current prices in the local market, how to rent a car, or where to get a vaccine,” he says.

Perched by the main gate of Phuket’s Laguna resort, the d’Odessa restaurant serves Ukrainian syrniki pancakes and smoked salmon croissants slathered with gold leaf. The tablet menu has options for Ukrainian, English, and Russian—and staff say the majority of clientele speak the latter. “There are many Ukrainian restaurants filled with Russians in Phuket,” says Bhummikitti.

Ultimately, both sides caught up in this senseless conflict share a desire to stay out of harm’s way by whatever means necessary. Mark is still employed by his Russian IT company thanks to an understanding boss despite remote working being strictly against company policy. Every day he fears a draft ticket or internal enquiries by higher management could spell the end to that vital paycheck. If that happens, “I will try to find a local job or another [remote] job in Russia,” he says. “I will try every way I can not to go back.”

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Write to Charlie Campbell / Phuket, Thailand at [email protected]