Test & Go arrangements will be reinstated after a brief suspension in which the only entry point for foreign arrivals wishing to avoid quarantine was the Phuket ‘Sandbox’.

From 1 February, Thailand will require full-vaccinated visitors to take a PCR test 72 hours before departure, on arrival and again five days later, while agreeing to tell authorities their location, The Thaiger reported.

Previous Test & Go arrangements included only one PCR test on arrival followed by a lateral flow test. 

Visitors will have to stay at an approved hotel while awaiting test results but can download a tracking app and move around.

In a further relaxation of rules, restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol until 11pm, removing the current 9pm limit. However, bars and nightclubs remain closed.

Unvaccinated travellers must enter under the Alternative Quarantine programme, which requires isolation at an approved hotel or resort for 10 days and tests before release.

Khun Chiravadee Khunsub, Tourism Authority of Thailand UK & Ireland director, said:

“Thailand’s re-opening plans haven’t been as simple as other countries and I’d like to thank the trade for being patient and working with us to keep Thailand on sale since we opened to international travel last year.

“The Sandbox scheme has been a huge success, especially for travellers looking for beach holidays and Test & Go saw a huge spike in bookings and immediate travel plans.

“With Test & Go available from 1st February and the recovery plans we have in place we are confident Thailand will regain market share again, as there is certainly pent up demand.”