Thai citizens returning to the country on repatriation flights have been urged to seek stays in alternative state quarantine facilities rather than the free government quarantine facilities as the cost of putting up returning citizens takes its toll in government finances.

The number of returning Thai citizens is increasing continually, with more than 60,000 people entering the country on repatriation flights to date. Due to demand, the government is planning to increase Thai returnees’ quota from 200 per day to 600 per day.

However, as more citizens are repatriated, the government is concerned about the growing expense of placing each returnee in a 14-day quarantine facility. The cost per person for a stay at a government venue is approximately 14,000 baht, excluding medicines.

To alleviate the strain on government quarantine facilities, the spokesperson for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, has asked those who can afford it to stay in an alternative state quarantine facility. He said:

“Those who can afford to stay at alternative accommodation, such as upscale hotels, are encouraged to do so.”

Presently, Thai citizens arriving in the country can choose from a free government quarantine facility or pay for an alternative state quarantine facility. No such option is afforded to foreigners who must stay in an alternative state quarantine facility upon arrival.

Despite this, the government is considering allowing five new groups of foreigners to enter Thailand from next week.

These include migrant workers, film crews, Thailand Elite Card members, and others. A decision is expected this week.