THAI authorities believe the country is on track to once again become one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Reports in Bangkok Post said the authorities have set a goal of earning 1.5 trillion baht (RM191 billion) this year following the elimination of the RT-PCR tests upon arrival and Test & Go scheme from May 1.
However, the Thailand Pass registration will remain for now with two requirements - a vaccine certificate and insurance coverage of at least US$10,000.
Tourism operators have since disagreed with the retention of the Thailand Pass registration.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, said the Covid-19 antigen test kit (ATK) was only a recommendation and not compulsory.
Entry rules from May 1 are based on vaccination status and all inoculate travellers, regardless of nationality can use the "vaccinated travel free lane" to have their Thailand Pass registration checked and leave without testing.
Those who are not vaccinated have two options - show a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival or a booking for alternative quarantine (AQ) accommodation for five days of isolation.
In the past few months, arrivals entering AQ lodging accounted for less than five per cent of total arrivals.
Based on the relaxations made at a Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration meeting recently, minimum revenue of 500 billion baht (RM63 billion) from 10 million tourists is expected this year, excluding the Chinese market, said Yuthasak.
He said improved ease of travel will enable tourists to save more and should be a decisive factor in persuading potential visitors to choose Thailand over other destinations.
This could help Thailand regain its tourism competitiveness after losing its top ranking to other countries that have already implemented relaxed entry rules, he said.
During the sandbox period last year, which mandated numerous requirements, particularly a number of pricey RT-PCR tests, the average expenditure per trip was 62,000 baht, up from 47,000 baht during the pre-pandemic period.
Average spending might total 50,000 baht with the new rules, depending on travel regulations in visitors' homelands, such as an RT-PCR negative test upon their return, he said.
"Half of the tourism revenue tally in 2019 of three trillion baht is our target this year.
"However, we need to push the domestic market more. Early next month, we will decide how to extend the 'We Travel Together' stimulus scheme to maintain positive momentum for the low season," said Yuthasak.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, previously said the government wanted at least seven-13 million foreign arrivals this year, generating 700 billion baht.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said the remaining travel restrictions should be scrapped by June, especially the troublesome Thailand Pass system.
She said the government should talk to airlines about screening vaccination certificates and insurance policies before boarding as an alternative.
The latest easing of travel rules should facilitate more arrivals, but hoteliers must wait until May to gauge the response as the Russia-Ukraine war is ongoing, said Mrs Marisa.
Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, president of the THA's southern chapter, said the Thailand Pass remained a nuisance for tourists. He said the government should reduce the paperwork to persuade tourists to visit the country.