Thailand Update: Opening Plan

Now 7-Day Stay for Sandbox Tourists From Any Country in the World

Bangkok, 1 October, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise that under new quarantine regulations approved by the Royal Thai Government, fully vaccinated foreign tourists visiting Phuket, Surat Thani, Phang-Nga, and Krabi via the relevant sandbox programmes can now stay for only seven days before being able to move on to other parts of Thailand.

from today (1 October 2021) onwards, Thailand has lifted the listing of countries per the level of COVID-19 transmission risks for Sandbox tourists. This means Thailand is now welcoming travellers from any country in the world to the ‘Sandbox’ programme.

In addition, from today (1 October 2021) onwards, Thailand has lifted the listing of countries per the level of COVID-19 transmission risks for Sandbox tourists. This means Thailand is now welcoming travellers from any country in the world to the ‘Sandbox’ programme.

Phuket Sandbox

Starting from 1 October, 2021, fully vaccinated visitors under the “Sandbox” programme to Phuket are welcome to stay within the destination for seven days, and afterwards will be able to continue their journey to other parts of Thailand.

During the seven days, visitors can go anywhere within Phuket, as well as take Phuket cruise excursions and shore trips. Phuket excursions by sea can be enjoyed by using SHA Plus boat and ferry services from the approved piers (Ao Po, Chalong, Rassada, and Wisit Panwa). Meanwhile, Phuket cruising and yachting excursions can be enjoyed by using SHA Plus cruise and yacht services from the approved piers (Yacht Haven Marina, Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina, and Chalong Pier).

All visitors are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second before finishing the stay period on Day 6-7.

On Day 7, after receiving a negative test result, travellers can obtain a ‘Release Form’ and from Day 8 travel to other parts of Thailand.

Kindly note that in order to be eligible to enter in Thailand under the ‘Sandbox’ programme, fully vaccinated international travellers still need to have all of their advance arrangements in good order for arrival and entry.

These include a valid visa or re-entry permit, a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, a COVID-19 health insurance policy, confirmation of a hotel booking, and a negative RT-PCR test result (COVID-19 not detected) issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Interested vaccinated foreign tourists are recommended to enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more details.

Samui Plus Sandbox

Starting from 1 October, 2021, fully vaccinated visitors under the “Sandbox” programme to Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao are welcome to stay within the destination for seven days, and afterwards will be able to continue their journey to other parts of Thailand.

Official translation of Samui Plus SOP

• Determines mode of transport/inter-island piers/Samui Health Pass, Mor Chana tracking/control of businesses in Samui+/determines entry conditions/applies DMHTTA procedures

Note:

*Samui Plus accepts fully vaccinated tourists coming from overseas and transferring flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ko Samui or other approved domestic destinations or taking direct flights into Ko Samui.

**Entry conditions can be adjusted or relaxed according to the COVID-19 outbreak situation and according to the risk category of the originating country per the announcement of the CCSA as well as that of the Disease Control Committee of Surat Thani Province.

***If tourists stay in the Samui+ program less than 7 nights, they must leave Thailand via Samui Airport only. If they are leaving via Phuket Airport, they can do so only after staying in Samui+ for at least 7 nights.

DAY 0-1

• DAY 0 Tourists download Samui Health Pass and Mor Chana applications upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
• Take the first RT-PCR test at Samui Airport or at a location determined by Ko Samui Command Center.
• Upon arriving at Samui Airport, tourists proceed to stay at SHA+ accommodations on Ko Samui only.
• Tourists can take transportation from the airport to the accommodation only with licensed companies that have received the Samui+ symbol.
• Tourists must remain in the hotel room while awaiting the result of the first RT-PCR test.

DAY 1-7

• If the result of the first RT-PCR test is negative, they can travel on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
• Tourists must travel between islands from the following piers only:
• Ko Samui: Lom Phraya Na Phra Lan, Buri Rasa (hotel guests only) and Phu Yai Non
• Ko Phangan: Thong Sala
• Ko Tao: Ban Mae Hat (Sala Vibhavadi)
• Boats to Mu Ko Ang Thong: Na Thon Municipal Pier
• Stay only in SHA+ accommodations.
• Turn on Samui Health Pass and Mor Chana applications while staying in Samui+.
• Day 6-7 take the second RT-PCR test at swab sites at Central Festival Ko Samui, Ko Phangan Hospital, Ko Tao Hospital, or a location determined by Samui+ Command Center (Day 6 test is recommended for Ko Phangan or Ko Tao).
• Day 7 If the result of the second test is negative, a release form will be given and tourists can travel freely around Thailand on Day 8.
• Tourists can change SHA+ accommodations on the 3 islands no more than 3 times. Accommodation and RT-PCR charges must be paid in full prior to entry into Thailand. Tourists are recommended to check inter-island boat schedules prior to booking accommodations (tourists can book and pay RT-PCR tests with Ko Samui SHA+ accommodations).
• All rules, regulations and conditions are according to those determined by Surat Thani Province.

Krabi Even More Amazing – Ko Phi Phi and Ko Ngai and Railay Beach

Starting from 1 October, 2021, fully vaccinated visitors under the “Sandbox” programme to Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, and Railay Beach are welcome to stay within the destination for seven days, and afterwards will be able to continue their journey to other parts of Thailand.

During the seven nights, visitors can go anywhere within the ‘Blue Zone Free Travel’ in the Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai, and Railay Beach areas. They are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second before finishing the stay period on Day 6-7.

On Day 7, after receiving a negative test result, travellers can obtain a ‘Release Form’ and from Day 8 travel to other parts of Thailand.

Subsequently, from 1 November, 2021, visitors will be able to stay in any areas in Krabi for seven days before continuing their journey to other Thai destinations.

Kindly note that in order to be eligible to enter in Thailand under the ‘Sandbox’ programme, fully vaccinated international travellers still need to have all of their advance arrangements in good order for arrival and entry.

These include a valid visa or re-entry permit, a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, a COVID-19 health insurance policy, confirmation of a hotel booking, and a negative RT-PCR test result (COVID-19 not detected) issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Interested vaccinated foreign tourists are recommended to enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more details.

Phang-Nga Prompt: Amazing Khao Lak-Ko Yao Sandbox

Starting from 1 October, 2021, fully vaccinated visitors under the “Sandbox” programme to Khao Lak and Ko Yao in Phang-Nga are welcome to stay within the destination for seven days, and afterwards will be able to continue their journey to other parts of Thailand.

During the seven days, visitors can go anywhere within the ‘Blue Zone Free Travel’ in the Khao Lak and Ko Yao areas. They are required to undergo two RT-PCR tests – first upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second before finishing the stay period on Day 6-7.

Subsequently from 1 November, 2021, visitors will be able to stay in any areas in Phang-Nga for seven days before continuing their journey to other Thai destinations.

Kindly note that in order to be eligible to enter in Thailand under the ‘Sandbox’ programme, fully vaccinated international travellers still need to have all of their advance arrangements in good order for arrival and entry.

These include a valid visa or re-entry permit, a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, a COVID-19 health insurance policy, confirmation of a hotel booking, and a negative RT-PCR test result (COVID-19 not detected) issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Interested vaccinated foreign tourists are recommended to enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more details.