Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Launches Rapid COVID‑19 Tests for Select Foreigners
After a three‑month pause on foreign visitors, Bangkok’s main international hub is rolling out quick swab tests for a handful of overseas arrivals. The move follows Thailand’s decision to lift its blanket ban on most foreigners in July, as the country still sees no community spread after five weeks of calm.
Who’s in the Fast‑Track Lane?
- Business travellers, diplomats and short‑term government guests under 14 days
- Foreigners with resident status or family ties in Thailand
- International students now welcome back after the pandemic pause
- Medical tourists eyeing cosmetic or fertility procedures (about 1,700 have already applied)
These “fast‑track travellers” will drop by Suvarnabhumi Airport to get a COVID‑19 swab test, ensuring they’re infection‑free before they’re let in. The test takes roughly 1½ hours and costs 3,000 baht (≈ S$134) per person.
Why the Quick Test?
By offering a rapid test, Thailand sidesteps the usual 14‑day quarantine for newcomers, giving the country a leg up in reviving tourism. The Ministry of Public Health’s official, Mr. Suwich Thammapalo, noted the test could be expanded to other arrivals in the future.
Looking Ahead
The government is eyeing a “travel bubble” that could connect Thailand with select countries in September. Even with the pandemic still shaking travel, the Tourism Council estimates only up to eight million foreign tourists will visit in 2023, a steep drop from this year’s record of 39.8 million.
Meanwhile, foreign spending last year contributed around 11 percent of Thailand’s GDP—a reminder that reviving tourism remains a key economic goal.
