Thailand to scrap Covid-19 PCR test for visitors in bid to boost tourism

The biggest challenge for Thailand’s tourism industry is the lack of visitors from China. - AFP

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand plans to scrap a mandatory polymerase chain reaction test on arrival for foreign visitors from next month as the South-east Asian nation steps up efforts to attract more tourists amid a rebound in global travel.

The RT-PCR tests will be replaced with antigen tests at the airports, Deputy Health Minister Satit Pitutecha told reporters in Bangkok on Friday (April 8) after a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Vaccinated travellers will also no longer need to reserve a one-night hotel accommodation to secure visas, he said.