Tour operators in many countries have been upset by the Public Health Ministry's new requirement for all international travellers to show proof of at least two Covid-19 vaccinations before boarding flights to Thailand, the Phuket Tourist Association said.

The new rule applies to all international travellers aged 18 and over and took effect for flights landing in Thailand from 1am local time on Monday.

The Phuket Tourist Association said the new jab requirement could affect ongoing attempts to restore the tourist industry. The association sent a letter to prime minister Gen Prayut asking him to fix the problem.

According to the association, tour companies in the United Kingdom said no warning had been given before the change was announced, and most of their customers were already travelling to airports and might not have a Covid-19 vaccination certificate with them. As a result, they could be denied boarding on the flight and the companies would have to reimburse them.

Tour companies in Scandinavia said they were not able to inform their customers in time about the requirement. The companies had to cancel the tickets and issue refunds, causing damage to the business.

In Germany, tour companies said the jab requirement had created a problem and greatly reduced confidence in Thai tourism. More than 1,000 room-night reservations had been cancelled as about 20% of the population had not been vaccinated.

Tour companies in France and Russia reported similar concerns.