Thailand Has Officially Reopened Its Borders To International Travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that from October 1, international travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. Meanwhile, no negative test results are required, plus the country is now offering a longer stay. Read on to find out the latest news about travel to Thailand as the country fully reopens to international travelers.

Visiting Thailand with visa exemption

From October 1 to March 31, 2023, those travelers from countries or territories entitled to visa exemption will be able to extend their stay. Previously, the maximum was 30 days, but now it is extended to 45 days in the country. Meanwhile, those who are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) will be able to extend their stay to 30 days from the previous 15 days.

As reported by Travel Daily Media, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said:

Thailand has fully reopened to the world’s tourists with the message, through the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, that our fascinating destination offers something for everyone under the ‘From A-Z: Amazing Thailand Has It All’ concept. We invite tourists to come and experience the existing and new tourism offerings in Thailand which, together with the kingdom’s increasing move towards sustainable and responsible tourism, will make for a truly memorable holiday.

Gradual reopening to tourists

It had been a careful and slow process to reopen the country to tourism again. From July 1, it started with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus and 7+7 Extension programs. Following this, a four-phase reopening timeline started from October 2021 to January 2022, when popular destinations reopened to tourists.

Meanwhile, July 1, 2022, saw the removal of the Thailand Pass registration scheme. From that date, international travelers only had to provide proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of travel.

What’s happening this year?

Finally, on October 1, 2022, Thailand fully reopened to international visitors and numbers are already increasing. Meanwhile, local festivals and international events are being held, while major airlines resume flights from around the world.

When it comes to international events, Thailand is the host of APEC 2022 and several meetings are being held. The next in line is the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) which runs from October 19 to 21. Meanwhile, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) is on from November 14 to 19, 2022.  Right now, the popular Vegetarian Festival is being held until October 5 in various locations throughout Thailand.

There is true excitement for families, as the world’s first fully-branded Columbia Pictures movie theme park Aquaverse will open on October 12. Rides and attractions will feature Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Hotel Transylvania and other blockbuster movies. The theme park is located in Bang Saray, a short drive from Pattaya.

Meanwhile, from October 22 through February 23, 2023, the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2922) will be held. The event will be held at several locations across Bangkok and will feature artworks by 73 local and international artists.

MICHELIN Guide Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise and the sixth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand is set to release at the end of the year. For the first time, it will feature Northeast Thailand or Isan. Moreover, it will also feature Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Phang-Nga. Obviously, with the country now reopened for international travelers, visitors can try out the dishes first hand.

As all the flights to Thailand resume from around the world, it is definitely time to plan a visit to experience everything on offer.