Thailand Rescinds COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Foreign Travelers Moments After Announcing It

Officials feared the requirement would stifle tourism

Tourists who arrive at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport in Thailand have their temperatures checked on Jan. 25, 2020. Panumas Sanguanwong/Reuters

Thailand’s government on Monday reversed its recent decision requiring foreign travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination amid concerns that it could threaten the recovery of its tourism industry.

The Thai government initially announced on Thursday that it would reinstate the requirement for foreign travelers to show proof of vaccination as part of measures to safeguard against COVID-19 after China reopened its borders.