Bangkok-
At a press conference today at the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) the spokesperson for the CCSA, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, announced that a proposal had been made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow six groups of foreigners to enter the country from July.
It is important to note that this is a proposal, not written in stone and very vague details were given, with Dr. Taweesin stating that more details would likely come later this week as the CCSA discusses the proposal. Additionally, as of press time, no decision had been officially made on the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) lifting a current inbound international flight ban. That is likely to come imminently, with the Thai Cabinet meeting tomorrow, Tuesday June 30, to discuss further measures including the Emergency Decree.
This is in addition to those with work permits in certain fields that had already been in the process of being able to enter the country. The proposed six groups are as follows:
1. Foreign spouses and dependents of work permit holders. 2. Foreigners who have permanent residence in Thailand. This does not, as some reports stated, mean an address but must be classified as an actual permanent resident. 3. Foreigners legally married to Thai nationals 4. Foreigners and their caregivers seeking medical treatment in Thailand (Except for Covid-19) 5. International students and any potential parental guardians
6. Guests of the Government, Diplomats, short stay business travelers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong. This category would be under a special arrangement and from the proposal would be limited to two hundred foreigners a day, forbidden from using public transportation or altering their approved travel plan, submit to Covid-19 testing before and after entering Thailand and other strict rules.
Some of the early details released include the fact that these groups, other than 6, will need to have a Covid-19 test before and after arrival in Thailand, submit to a fourteen day quarantine at their expense, have proper health insurance and other requirements.
Dr. Taweesin said eligible groups should begin to contact their local embassies or consulate and register their interest in being considered for returning on a case by case basis. If approved the eligible individual would be arranged seating on a repatriation flight, at their expense.
The Pattaya News notes that although some airlines are selling flights to Thailand, the borders are not open for general tourists or travelers and no time-frame has been given for this. Discussion on travel bubbles has been postponed to August, the CCSA announced last week.
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