Bangkok, The Indonesia Post – Thailand will lower its COVID-19 alert level and consider easing more restrictions to boost the economy, in response to slowing infection rates.
Among the measures being considered is establishing more sandbox (quarantine-free) areas for tourists, who can ignore quarantine if they stay in a certain area for seven days and undergo two COVID-19 tests.
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on Tuesday that the COVID-19 alert level would be lowered to 3 from 4, in the Thai government’s 5-level system.
However, nightclubs, pubs and bars will remain closed for now.
New quarantine-free areas may include the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.
The scheme, which is a measured step towards rebuilding Thailand’s shattered tourism sector, is currently operating in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Koh Samui.
On Monday (17/1), Anutin said he would propose the return of the “Test and Go” scheme that allows free movement for tourists who test negative for COVID-19 upon arrival.
Thailand has recorded 2.3 million cases of COVID-19 and nearly 22,000 deaths overall.
Nearly two-thirds of the population has been vaccinated and 13.5 percent of them have received booster doses. (mhn/bbs)
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