This was published in the Royal Gazette on 25th December 2020. The part that is underlined says it will become law 30 days later. So, that is then 25th January 2021. The week after next. I’ve already had someone tell me that they were told by their local Immigration that they need to do a COVID test before they come in on Monday to extend their stay. This is not correct as it doesn’t start until 25th January. If they try to do that then show them this document.
As usual, not everything is clear yet. From what I understand (and to be transparent here, there has been no announcement by Immigration yet), this is for everyone who is entering Thailand and for everyone already here and need to extend their stay. It is also needed for those people who are applying for residency. The document doesn’t say how far in advance you need to get the COVID test done. And as these are not cheap, who will pay? You or your employer?
🖊 The need for a COVID test are being added to the following in the Immigration Act:
SECTION 12 Aliens falling into any of the following categories are excluded from entering the Kingdom (4) Being of unsound mind or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations. 1. Leprosy
2. TB at dangerous stage
3. Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
4. Drug addiction
5. Stage 3 syphilis
6. Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19
SECTION 44 No alien shall take up residency in the Kingdom, if (2) it appears that such alien is unable to earn own living because of physical infirmity or mental defect or having any diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.1. Leprosy
2. TB at dangerous stage
3. Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
4. Drug addiction
5. Alcoholism
6.Stage 3 syphilis
7. Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19
🖊 I will of course post more information here once I get some clarity on some of the points and also once Immigration make an announcement. But as we all know, that will probably come the day before.
