Thailand plans to introduce ‘Smart Band’ for foreign tourists

Published on : Monday, November 2, 2020

According to reports, Thailand has decided to introduce a ‘Smart Band’ mandatory for all foreign tourists that will serve as an essential tracking device. The digital wristband will be able to measure the body temperature of each user, and any tourists with a certain reading that might showcase a risk of COVID-19 infection will trigger an alert to nearby health authorities.

The band is also likely to help tourists ask for directions if they find themselves lost in the country. In addition, Thailand has also introduced a Special Tourist Visa available to travellers from low-risk countries. Individuals who are allowed to enter the country on considerable grounds (for example, a family member who is resident of Thailand) have to obtain a ‘fit to fly certificate’ from a doctor, a separate PCR COVID-19 certificate and a health insurance policy with coverage including COVID-19 treatment in Thailand.

Thailand has always been a popular tourist destination and has welcomed tourists from all across the globe. However, similar to the rest of the world, it remained closed for tourism and international travel in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The country has showcased a remarkable success to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and received the first batch of tourists from Shanghai last month after the long shut down period. All tourists will also have to spend the first 14 days in quarantine, in a government-approved hospital or a hotel.