Anutin reports surge in Thailand Pass applications after Test & Go dropped

Thailand’s public health minister and deputy PM says there has been a jump in Thailand Pass applications since the ditching of Test & Go. According to a Nation Thailand report, Anutin Charnvirakul says registration has increased, with no problems reported with the simplified system so far.

The health minister also commented on the Covid-19 situation in Thailand, saying that daily new infections are dropping, as are severe cases and fatalities. He adds that this can be seen in a decreased demand for ventilators and anti-viral drugs, and the fact that there are fewer patients in intensive care.

Yesterday, Thailand’s new infections fell below 10,000 for the first time since early February. Anutin points out that while a much-anticipated surge in infections following Songkran has not materialised, healthcare personnel, medication, and hospital beds remain on standby.

The health minister says the government has not yet confirmed a date for Covid to be declared endemic in Thailand. Until then, officials will continue to monitor the situation, with a view to easing more restrictions and allowing life to return to normal.

Thailand cancelled its Test & Go and Sandbox entry programs from last Sunday, meaning fully vaccinated tourists can now enter the country without having to take a PCR test before, or on arrival. They are still required to have Covid-19 insurance (US$10,000) and to register for the Thailand Pass and are ‘encouraged’ to self-test with an antigen kit during their stay.

Unvaccinated arrivals are required to present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure from their home country if they want to enter Thailand. Failure to do so means they will be subject to 5 days’ mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand