The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced that airlines must require passengers boarding flights for Thailand from mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Macau, and South Korea, to present health certificates before obtaining boarding passes. The measure is part of the government’s attempt to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Several airlines, such as Thai Airways (TG), are implementing the restrictions on routes from cities in the affected locations. Officials are also requiring affected passengers to submit the health certificate and a completed health questionnaire form to disease control officials for verification upon arrival in Thailand.
As of 10 March, Thai officials are not forcing travelers from the aforementioned locations, which the government has designated as high-risk areas, to self-quarantine. The health ministry has warned that government officials may require travelers from these locations to report their health conditions daily. Failure to comply with those orders or providing false information could trigger fines and/or quarantine measures.
Officials have also increased health screenings at international airports. Travelers who display known symptoms of COVID-19 will be immediately transferred to designated hospitals. The measures are unlikely to impact most travelers but may lead to immigration delays, especially for passengers from high-risk locations. Authorities could expand their response in the coming weeks, particularly if COVID-19 activity increases in-country.
Several airlines, hotels, and rail operators have issued flexible travel policies for Thailand, where they will waive cancel fees for customers originally traveling between the specified dates, subject to terms and conditions. As conditions change or new developments occur, the flexible travel polices may be further modified.
We highly recommend travelers everywhere follow health and safety information from health officials and local authorities. We recommend the World Health Organization for up-to-date information.
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