by “Smiling” Thai elephant
From 1 October 2022, Thailand ends Covid border requirements – international travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. And, with new opportunities for longer stays, travelers can enjoy the Land of Smiles even more than before the pandemic.
No vaccination or Covid test is required to enter Thailand
The Covid-19 Situation Management Center of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand made the announcement to lift border measures at the end of September. To enter Thailand, travelers no longer need to show a Covid vaccination certificate or proof of a recent negative Covid test. Until September 3, 2022, one of these was required (at the traveler’s choice), but this requirement expires on October 1, 2022.
Wat Phra Kaeo, Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand first opened to tourism in July 2021 and, as of July 2022, most of the pandemic restrictions on its borders had been lifted. Thailand has had various programs to ease tourism and gradually reopen the country during the pandemic, starting with the Phuket Sandbox program that brought tourists first to Thailand’s largest island and its famous beaches.
Ya Nui Beach, Phuket, Thailand.
Extended stay for tourists
In the past, most tourists to Thailand from the US, Europe and Canada were visa-exempt — meaning that, upon arrival in Thailand, they were granted a 30-day stay in the country. Announced in August 2022, these travelers are now granted a 45-day stay in Thailand. For travelers who qualify for a visa on arrival (for example, those with passports from Mexico and China), stays are now increased from 15 days to 30 days. These changes will apply from 1 October 2022 until at least 31 March 2023.
More visa information for US passport holders is available on the website of the US Embassy in Thailand.
10 year long stay visa in Thailand
After a holiday in Thailand, many people want to live long-term in the Land of Smiles, whether they are remote workers or want to retire there. Thailand makes it easier with a new long-stay visa that is valid for 10 years and can be extended. Upon approval, visa holders are granted multiple re-entry into Thailand, fast-track airport service, digital work permit and other benefits.
New Michelin guide for Thailand
Thai papaya salad, som tum.
Regardless of the length of your stay, it’s a must to try Thailand’s famous cuisine – from street food to Michelin-recognized restaurants. This is made even easier with a new edition of The Michelin Guide to Thailand coming out soon.
For the first time, Michelin’s Thailand guide will include restaurants in the northeast of Thailand—Isan. Isan food is characterized by its bright flavors and influences from neighboring Laos and Cambodia. Som tum—green papaya salad—is probably the most famous Isan dish, but be sure to try the Isan fried chicken (gai tod) too.
The current edition of the Michelin guide includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Phang-nga and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya with details of Thailand’s 32 Michelin-starred restaurants and other noteworthy eateries. In Bangkok, for example, you can try chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s modern Thai creations at Nahm, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok. Nahm has a Michelin star for five consecutive years. In particular, look for the blue crab dishes, such as a yellow curry with betel leaves and calamansi lime or grilled wild prawns and red grouper in a banana leaf.
Returning to Thailand and sampling the country’s fantastic food is sure to make anyone happy.
A mahout and an elephant at Into the Wild Elephant Camp, near Chiang Mai, Thailand
