Travel Industry, News and Analytics

Thailand Upgrades the List of Destinations for Vaccinated Travelers

Earlier this month, we were mentioning Thailand’s Sandbox program that allowed fully vaccinated international travelers to enjoy their vacation in Phuket without being forced to stay at a Phuket hotel for quarantine. As the initiative has proven itself to be successful, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) decided to upgrade the program and offer more destinations for international guests. This has become possible once the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) gave a green light to the upgrade.

The main target of the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension program is to gradually open the entire country for international travelers. Phuket Sandbox was the first one to open – it launched on 1 July. Koh Samui hotels started offering no-quarantine services for vaccinated travelers a bit later, on 15 July. The Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension came into force on 16 August. This initiative will lead to opening even more destinations across the country.

Starting from 16 August 2021, eligible international travelers arriving in Phuket are not required to spend 14 days there. Instead, they can reduce their stay to 7 days and spend the remaining 7 days in one of the destinations of their choice. Tourists can choose from Krabi (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi, and Railay), Surat Thani (Ko Tao, Samui Plus – Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan), or Phang-Nga (Khao Lak or Ko Yao).

The entry and eligibility rules of the Sandbox program haven’t changed. Travelers should note that they now need to obtain a “Transfer Form” from their hotel in Phuket to be able to move. This form proves that travelers stayed in Phuket for 7 nights. The Transfer Form and two COVID-19 tests (one test performed upon arrival and one more test made on Day 6 or 7 in Phuket) are required to move to a new resort in Thailand.

There is also a limitation regarding the modes of transport that tourists can use to get to Surat Thani, Krabi, or Phang-Nga. For example, tourists can reach Krabi (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi, and Railay) only by using a SHA Plus-certified boat and ferry services from approved piers. Bangkok Airways have a domestic flight that connects Phuket and Ko Samui, and this is the only way to reach Surat Thani (Ko Tao, Samui Plus – Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan). Finally, Phang-Nga can be reached by either of two routes – a SHA Plus-certified car transfer from Phuket or a SHA-certified boat transfer from approved piers.

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