Updated entry, testing & quarantine protocols in the Philippines from February 1

Below is the updated entry, testing and quarantine protocols for entry to the Philippines, both for Filipinos and non-Filipino travelers.

Philippines to open borders to foreign tourists starting February 10

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that the country will be opening its borders to the entry of foreign tourists starting February 10.

Facility-based quarantine no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers, returning Filipinos starting February 1

The Philippines is suspending the COVID-19 risk classification for incoming travelers beginning February 1, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said on Friday.

25,000 drivers face fines for encroaching onto zebra crossing in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Thonglor traffic police plan to notify over 25,000 motorists and motorcyclists, who were caught by surveillance cameras encroaching on zebra crossings at the Asoke-Sukhumvit intersection, to pay their fines.

Thailand’s agriculture minister admits swine fever now in 13 provinces

Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion has admitted that African Swine Fever (ASF) has now spread to 13 of Thailand’s provinces in the central, north-eastern and southern regions, including Bangkok.

Thailand moves on decriminalizing cannabis and hemp

Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board on Tuesday, January 25, endorsed the Ministry of Public Health’s drafted announcement on decriminalising cannabis and hemp, by removing the two plants from Category 5 of the drugs list, which will pave the way for their legal cultivation.

Cha-am and Hua Hin new destinations for Thailand’s Wellness Sandbox Program

Thailand is preparing to attract international health tourists by introducing the “Thailand Wellness Sandbox” program, with Cha-am and Hua Hin serving as pilot destinations.

Gold price in Thailand could reach 28,700 – 28,900 THB before Chinese new year

YLG Bullion International Company has predicted that the local gold price could climb within the range of 28,700 baht to 28,900 baht, despite negative effects from the US Federal Reserve signaling a benchmark rate increase during its meeting this week.

Bangkok launches COVID-19 testing in 80 locations in the capital

From January 22 to 31, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is going around the city to conduct testing for those who may be at risk of Covid infection.

Thailand resumes TEST & GO scheme, reopens Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox starting February 1

Allowing fully vaccinated travellers from around the world to apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance with confirmed payments for accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5, two RT-PCR tests, and a prearranged airport transfer on Day 1.

Bangkok, Northern Provinces to experience high PM2.5 levels from January 25-28

The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) has warned that Bangkok and many provinces in Northern Thailand will see a rise in fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) this week.

Omicron COVID-19 variant infections now detected in all Thai provinces

The Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now being detected in all provinces of Thailand, with health authorities expecting almost every new coronavirus infection to stem from the new strain by the end of this month.

Thailand reinstates Test & Go entry effective February 1

Thailand's COVID-19 task force has approved the reinstatement of the quarantine-free Test & Go entry program for vaccinated travelers, with new arrivals and entry clearance applications to be accepted from February 1.

Thailand’s Test & Go for overseas arrivals to resume

The Test & Go programme will be reintroduced soon while entry rules under the scheme will be tweaked to allow close monitoring of overseas arrivals' health, said Gen Supoj Malaniyom, head of operations at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

PM Prayut orders intensified crackdown on call-centre scams in Thailand

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the Royal Thai Police to step up crackdowns on call-centre scams.

Thailand records first death from Omicron coronavirus variant

An 86-year-old woman, who had apparently received two Pfizer jabs, became the first person in Thailand to succumb to the Omicron variant, Songkhla public health authorities said on Sunday.