Thailand has relaxed tourist entry rules and using of masks

Thailand stated on Friday that it will cease its highly ridiculed pre-registration process for foreign tourists, and that face masks will no longer be required to be worn in public, in reaction to a slower COVID-19 spread.

Tourism Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan said that the "Thailand Pass" system, which requires international tourists to obtain consent from Thai officers ahead of time, shall be phased down beginning July 1, removing one of the nation's last remaining travel limitations.

Thailand is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, but the country's requirement that international tourists submit of documentation, ranging from vaccination and swab test certifications to medical insurance and hotel reservations, has hampered the sector's recovery.

Despite relaxed quarantine laws, Thailand received over 40 million visitors in 2019, down from less than 1% the year before.

Though tourism has rebounded in recent months, the industry continues to experience enormous job and business losses in a sector that accounts for roughly 12% of Thailand's GDP.

Face masks will be optional starting next month, according to the coronavirus task group, but they should be worn in crowded settings or if you have a medical concern.

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of approximately 30,000 Thais, although the disease has been well-managed thanks to a vaccination rate of 80%.