Thailand: Entry granted to travellers seeking medical treatment but under strict control


Medical staffs wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) are seen before working at the Covid-19 testing laboratory at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport amid the spread of the coronavirus disease in Thailand. - Reuters
BANGKOK, July 16 (Xinhua): Despite the recent scare of two foreigners testing positive for Covid-19 in Thailand, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said that it will allow Thailand's medical tourism and wellness programmess to go ahead.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health will be disclosing a list of hospitals that pass its criteria next week, and the first group of medical tourists will land in Thailand in the next two weeks, said CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.

"However inbound travellers in the medical tourism and wellness programs will be supervised closely," said Taweesin, "they will not be allowed to enter public places while in the programme."

The inbound visitors, arriving under a special visa, will be provided with massage and spa services, fitness programmes, healthy meals and herbal products.

The CCSA has reported that more than 1,700 medical tourists have registered for the programme.

The first batch of visitors will come from 17 countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

After their 14-day quarantine and treatment are over, the visitors can then travel around Thailand.

Also, medical tourists who test positive for Covid-19 will be treated for the virus in special areas prepared for foreigners at private hospitals, said Taweesin.

Medical tourists will undergo Covid-19 tests three times, before flying into Thailand, upon arrival and before flying out of Thailand to return home.

The CCSA said that only medical tourists travelling by air will be granted entry into Thailand, and all must have a certificate of entry from a Thai embassy. - Xinhua

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In AseanPlus

Europe cyber attacks a timely lesson for Malaysia’s food supply chain, says expert
Use Deepavali celebration to foster peace, harmony, Anwar urges Malaysians
Speaker admonishes administration members over Dewan Rakyat absences, skipped questions
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Nov 5, 2026)
Will US midterm results lead to disruption in Washington’s ties with China?
Praised as heroes, stung by criticism: firefighters torn over Tai Po blaze report
Factbox-Soccer-Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Thailand bans textbook on national security grounds
Vietnam PM Hung pledges optimal conditions for Airbus to expand operations
Settle differences in Cabinet, not on campaign trail, Anwar tells unity govt leaders

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read