The government has changed its Covid-19 testing procedure for arrivals, and is studying whether quarantine can be shortened from 14 to 10 days.

Dr Thaweesilp Visanuyothin, from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said on Thursday that health officials this month changed Covid-19 testing for arrivals from twice to three times.

Earlier, each arrival was tested twice during 14-day quarantine, first 3-5 days after arrival, and then again on days 11-13.

Each arrival is now tested three times, on day 0-1, day 9-10 and day 13-14.

The changed testing procedure would continue until Jan 15. Health officials would then study the results and assess whether quarantine could be reduced to 10 days, Dr Thaweesilp said.

Shorter quarantine would be aimed at attracting foreign tourists.

Asked about Christmas and New Year celebrations, Dr Thaweesilp said the CCSA was in favour of them not being banned, as in many western countries.

However, attendees must have personal space of at least one square metre each and their number must be limited to 50% of the venue's capacity, he said.