Can We Drive Into Thailand On 1st March 2022?
International borders for tourist has closed for two years since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. With over 60% Malaysian adult receiving their booster shots, neighbouring countries are preparing to open their land borders as we progress into endemic.
There have been serious talks and speculations that the land borders on both nationals may open on 1 March 2022. Many eagers travellers are also preparing to drive into the Kingdom since the closing of borders almost 2 years ago. How far in Thailand are we allowed to drive? What preparation do we need prior to travelling? We did a little bit of research and this is what we found.
What do we need to prepare to enter Thailand under the ‘Test & Go Thailand Pass’?
- Travellers are required to register with Thailand Pass (https://tp.consular.go.th/) at least 7 days in advance.
- Travellers will required to get a RT-PCR lab result indicating Covid-19 is not detected no more than 72 hours before traveling.
- Travellers must prepare your vaccine certificate.
- Travellers must purchase an insurance coverage no less than US$20,000
- Travellers must prepaid for Day 1 accommodation(SHA++), 1 RT-PCR tests and must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result.
- Travellers will also need 1 self-ATK test on day 5.
How much will it cost to enter Thailand now?
The cost of RT-PCR test in Thailand is 2,600 Baht (RM335)
The cost of RT-PCR test in Malaysia is RM210
The cost of Day 1 hotel in Thailand (SHA+) from 384.42 Baht/night (RM50/night)
The cost of US$50,000 insurance policy for minimum 7 days’ coverage starts from 583 Baht (RM75)
Total cost to travel into Thailand via land border is RM670/person following the the requirements set by the Thailand ministries. On arrival requirements will also require travellers to undergo ‘entry screening’ of body temperature and present the require documents for immigration and health control officer to carry out checks.
Similarly, in Thailand everyone is advised to strictly follow standard, good personal hygiene practices; such as, wear a mask in public, maintain hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer), and keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others.
At the time of writing, it is unsure when Malaysia and Thailand will agree on the border reopening date. Kindly note that the information is to serve as reference only. The requirements remains fluid and may change from time to time.
Lastly, don’t forget to check your passport expiry date too!