Starting Sunday, March 22 the government will extend the requirement of medical certificates and health insurance to cover all visitors to the country regardless of nationalities to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Bangkok Post reported.
Travellers to Thailand have to now show authorities a health certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before travelling, confirming that they have been tested and are free from the virus. They must also present an insurance policy showing minimum coverage for coronavirus of not less than US$100,000.
“We are blocking infection from coming into the country. That is why people need medical certificates and health insurance to enter Thailand,” Gen Prayut said.
“This will now include all countries to minimise infection so we can control it,” he added.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced at about 10.30pm on Thursday that the new measure will take effect at 12am on Sunday Thailand time.
“The measure aims to minimise the number of arrivals as much as possible,” said government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also said the measure should discourage foreigners from travelling to Thailand. “We are enforcing strict measures so that it will be very difficult for them to come here.”
The Interior Ministry will also close all borders, he added, without elaborating.
The introduction of the new measures comes as dozens of civil society organisations in Thailand demand the government close the border and restrict people’s movement to limit infection.
Khaosod English report
In another report on Khaosod English, it said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday said travelers, whether they are Thais or foreigners, must present their health certificates before boarding planes to Thailand, regardless of their flight origins.
Read more at Bangkok Post, Khaosod English, CAAT and Thairath