Thailand has reintroduced the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine for foreign visitors. The measure was taken due to the spread of the Omicron variant. The decision to stop the "Test and Go" waiver in Thailand means that visitors will have to stay in a hotel quarantine, which varies between 7 and 10 days.
The "Sandbox" scheme, which requires visitors to stay in a certain location but allows them to move freely outside the accommodation, will also be suspended in all places except the tourist resort of Phuket Island.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek said Reuters: "After December 21, no recordings will be made for Test and Go, only quarantine or Phuket sandbox."
The Thailand Pass system will temporarily suspend all new applications for the "Test and Go" and Sandbox program (except Phuket Sandbox), starting at 00.00, December 22, 2021 until further notice.
The announcement came a day after Thailand reported the first local case of Omicron. The decision to reintroduce quarantine comes just weeks after Thailand lifted restrictions after an 18-month hiatus. With a fragile industry and the risk of losing millions of tourists, Thailand decides to close its borders again.