The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms that as of October 1, foreign travelers to Thailand are no longer required to present proof of vaccination and test results. Tourists will now be able to stay longer in the country. Thus, the kingdom is fully open to international tourism.
From October 1 to March 31, 2023, the maximum stay in Thailand is extended to 45 days from the previous 30 for tourists from countries eligible for visa waivers, and 30 from 15 days for those receiving visas on arrival.
Thailand has begun the gradual reopening of international tourism from July 1, 2021. At first, these were Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 programs. This was followed by four phases of reopening from October 2021 to January 2022, during which more and more resorts across the country reopened to tourists. On July 1, 2022, the Thailand Pass registration system was abolished, and since then, foreign nationals have only been required to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result.
Now the country has fully opened up, the number of international tourists is growing, international events and local festivals are being held, and major foreign and regional airlines are resuming flights.
Thai Airways International (THAI) will operate 34 European, Australian and Asian routes in its recently announced winter schedule from October 30, 2022, to March 25, 2023. This includes daily flights between Bangkok and London, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, and Karachi.
The 2022 Thai Grand Prix, the third round of the MotoGP World Championship in Thailand, took place last weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram province. The hugely popular vegetarian festival takes place from September 24 to October 5, 2022, in various cities across the country. Bangkok Art Biennale – BAB 2022 – will be held from October 22, 2022, to February 23, 2023.
On October 12, Bang Saray, a short drive from Pattaya, will open the world’s first fully branded amusement park Columbia Pictures with attractions from the films Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Hotel Transylvania, and other blockbusters.
The sixth edition of the Michelin Guide is due out at the end of 2022. For the first time, it will feature Northeast Thailand. It will complement Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Phang Nga.
The resumption of flights to Thailand from around the world, as well as the return to pre-pandemic entry requirements and the extension of stays for tourists, all come in time for the high tourist season, which runs from October to March.