No need for special Covid rules to handle Chinese tourists: Prayut
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed confidence that Thailand's Covid-19 prevention measures can handle the influx of Chinese tourists from Sunday (January 8).
He told press at Government House on Tuesday that China's move to lift travel restrictions is good news for Thailand's tourism.
Prayut said Thailand had imposed measures to ensure that Covid-19 will not affect the country's public health system, adding that other countries have their own measures. However, Thailand's Covid-19 controls are considered Grade A measures, he said.
Thailand has not followed moves by the US and other countries to impose tighter controls on Chinese arrivals including requirements for a negative Covid test. The PM said the influx of Chinese tourists will generate revenue for Thailand.
He also asked people to take care of their health."Our experience [in containing the spread of Covid-19] is important," he said, adding that many countries have used Thailand as an example in implementing their own prevention measures.
So far, the US has been joined by Japan, India, Italy, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain and Taiwan in imposing tighter requirements including negative Covid tests on travellers from China, where infection rates are soaring.
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