December 22

The Thai government says it is reintroducing coronavirus quarantine for all international tourists on arrival due to the spread of the Omicron variant.

In November, the government lifted quarantine requirements for tourists from 63 countries and regions in an effort to rebuild Thailand's pandemic-battered economy. Only fully vaccinated people were eligible to apply for the exemption.

The government announced it will stop accepting new applications for the waiver from Wednesday. The move follows the confirmation of more than 60 Omicron cases among travelers from abroad.

All tourists who have not applied for the exemption will be required to isolate in hotels for at least seven days after entering the country.

However, there is concern in the tourism industry over the potential impact of the new restrictions.

NHK