No pre-departure Covid test needed for travellers from China, says Thailand
china covid
Thai authorities said Thursday that travellers from China could enter the kingdom without pre-departure coronavirus tests, hoping their return would be a shot in the arm for the recovery of the country's tourism sector.China has experienced a surge in infections and its hospitals and crematoriums have been inundated after Beijing last month wound back tight restrictions.
The United States, Canada, Japan and France are among the countries that have imposed new rules requiring travellers from China to provide negative Covid test reportsas concerns grow over the spike in cases.
But Thai authorities on Thursday said all countries should be treated the same.
"Thailanddoes not require Covid test results from tourists from any country," Public Health Minister AnutinCharnvirakul told reporters on Thursday following a meeting between health, tourism and transportation officials.
China was the largest source of foreign tourists forThailandbefore the pandemic, with almost 11 million arrivals in 2019, according to government data.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
US-Iran War: Trump ready to bomb Tehran, deploys B-1 bomber, envoys flee city
)
Union minister Ravneet Bittu resigns from cabinet; President Murmu accepts resignation
)
India to test fire three Kusha long-range surface-to-air missiles | Gravitas
)
Delhi NEET protests: How Bluetooth mesh apps kept communication alive without internet
)
‘Dharmendra Pradhan won’t resign’? CJP leader warns of tougher decisions
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Jennifer Winget and William Ishmael's dreamy UK intimate wedding: See inside photos
)
President Donald Trump jokes about Nicki Minaj twerking at WHCA dinner; video goes viral
)
‘Want answer in yes or no’: CJP demands clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation ahead of talks with govt
)
Why more than 75,000 people watched a record Qantas flight on Flightradar24 Friday?
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
US-Iran war | Trump: Iran is taking negotiations more seriously than before
)
Russia-Ukraine War: Russia unleashes 28000 tonne nuclear giant ship
)
Accidental overdose: UK inquest rules out foul play in Saudi Prince’s London death
)
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee stays blocked after appeals court ruling. All you need to know
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 fires its missiles straight up into the air
)
Google ends Play Services Support, likely to stop these Android phones from downloading apps & games
)
US says Turkey still barred from F-35 program until it gives up Russian S-400 system: Report
)
Mysterious rope leads plumber to find gold worth Rs 23 crore in old Vienna villa
)
Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 3: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings
)
Iran flew IRGC men, advisers and military gear to Yemen, bolstered Houthis for Red Sea blockade: Sources
)
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid protests over NEET paper leak
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
'Shame on a country that...': Sonam Wangchuk slams haters, rejects 'deal' claims after ending 26 day fast | WATCH
)
‘Stole the show’: Young man’s uncanny imitation of Trump leaves internet stunned | WATCH
)
Russia-Ukraine war: Russia activates nuclear beast Admiral Nakhimov amid war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the specialized paint on an S-400 costs thousands of dollars per truck
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most sixes in India vs Zimbabwe T20s, check who tops the list
Tourism accounted for nearly 20 per cent of national income before the pandemic, and tough border restrictions at the height of the health crisis took a toll on hotels, restaurants and tour operators across the country.
"This is an opportunity to restore our economic situation and recover from losses we suffered for nearly three years," Anutin said.
Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority ofThailand, said he expected about 60,000 Chinese nationals to enterThailandthis month and the numbers to steadily rise further.
"We expect Chinese tourists to come toThailandafter Chinese New Year," Tourism Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan said.
In December, Thailandclocked its 10 millionth international visitor for 2022 -- a major increase on the 430,000 seen in 2021 but still way off the 40 million arrivals of 2019.
Thai officials are forecasting some 20 million arrivals in 2023, though they believe Chinese tourists could push the figure up to around 25 million.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE