Jul 15, 2021, 6:39 pm
Last edit by: Global321
In an effort to consolidate the material information for entry into the Phuket Sandbox, the rules at present are:
Eligible travelers (both non-Thais and Thais)
A passport with at least six months validity.
A visa, if required. For U.S. citizens, no visa is required. A 45-day entry is granted on arrival.
Round-trip airline ticket to Phuket.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Public Health of Thailand no less than 14 days before departure. Travelers must show proof of vaccination issued by a government authority. Children under the age of 18, traveling with parents, are eligible without proof of vaccination.
Must come from permitted countries/areas by the Thai Government to enter Phuket Sandbox (The U.S. is included) and travelers must have been in these eligible countries prior to travel for at least 21 consecutive days. A list of eligible countries can be found at: https://www.tatnews.org/wp-content/u...12.07.2021.jpg
Must have health insurance which covers treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD.
Health Insurance Providers
https://covid19.tgia.org/
https://www.axa.co.th/en/
Certificate of Entry ("COE")
A COE must be obtained prior to entry into Thailand. Applications are submitted at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and require proof of the entry requirements listed above.
Airlines Offering Service to Phuket
No connections inside Thailand to Phuket allowed. Must fly non-stop into Phuket from an international destination.
El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International (THAI) are offering flights.
Entry
A PCR test will be conducted at the airport.
You must have SHA+ transportation pre-booked from the airport to the SHA+ hotel. You must isolate in your room until the test results are obtained, which is being reported as approximately 7-hours after the sample is taken.
Once a negative test result is obtained, you are able to travel freely on the island of Phuket. The typical turn time for the first test is 6 to 8 hours.
Hotels
Must stay at a hotel that meets the “SHA+ (Safety and Health Administration Plus)” standard for at least 14 nights, unless travelers have proof of return tickets leaving Phuket (to another country) within 14 days.
Confirmation of “SHA+” hotel booking must be issued under the SHABA system (SHA Plus Booking Authentication system) or booking under http://entrythailand.go.th/
Must stay at the same hotel for at least the first 7 days and may change after that (the hotel must be on Phuket only)
After 14 nights, travelers may travel to other parts of Thailand. Departure earlier than 14 days is possible only for destinations outside of Thailand.
COVID-19 tests
Travelers must present RT-PCR negative test results issued no more than 72 hours before departure for Phuket.
Upon entry, travelers will have to undergo three COVID-19 tests during their 14-night stay in Phuket (travelers must provide receipt of COVID test appointment and payment from your hotel to apply for the COE).
Tracking application
Travelers must install and use a tracking application as prescribed by the Thai Government throughout their 14 days in Phuket, otherwise they may not be allowed to leave Phuket to other parts of Thailand after these 14 days. A local sim card can be obtained at the airport, but you must bring a sim unlocked smartphone.
Apps are Thailand Plus and Mor Chana. Only the Mor Chana app will be checked and verified installed at the Phuket airport.
Travel to Other Parts of Thailand
Allowed after 14-nights is spent in Phuket.
N.B.
Rules can change with little or no notice.
If you test positive for COVID on arrival, you will be hospitalized for 14-days.
If you arrive on an airplane and anyone close to you on the plane tests positive for COVID, you will be quarantined for 14-days at your own expense. Close has been reported as same row and/or two rows before or behind the infected person.
Masks are required when outdoors, including at the swimming pool and on the beach. Masks are not required while swimming.
Eligible travelers (both non-Thais and Thais)
A passport with at least six months validity.
A visa, if required. For U.S. citizens, no visa is required. A 45-day entry is granted on arrival.
Round-trip airline ticket to Phuket.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Public Health of Thailand no less than 14 days before departure. Travelers must show proof of vaccination issued by a government authority. Children under the age of 18, traveling with parents, are eligible without proof of vaccination.
Must come from permitted countries/areas by the Thai Government to enter Phuket Sandbox (The U.S. is included) and travelers must have been in these eligible countries prior to travel for at least 21 consecutive days. A list of eligible countries can be found at: https://www.tatnews.org/wp-content/u...12.07.2021.jpg
Must have health insurance which covers treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD.
Health Insurance Providers
https://covid19.tgia.org/
https://www.axa.co.th/en/
Certificate of Entry ("COE")
A COE must be obtained prior to entry into Thailand. Applications are submitted at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and require proof of the entry requirements listed above.
Airlines Offering Service to Phuket
No connections inside Thailand to Phuket allowed. Must fly non-stop into Phuket from an international destination.
El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways International (THAI) are offering flights.
Entry
A PCR test will be conducted at the airport.
You must have SHA+ transportation pre-booked from the airport to the SHA+ hotel. You must isolate in your room until the test results are obtained, which is being reported as approximately 7-hours after the sample is taken.
Once a negative test result is obtained, you are able to travel freely on the island of Phuket. The typical turn time for the first test is 6 to 8 hours.
Hotels
Must stay at a hotel that meets the “SHA+ (Safety and Health Administration Plus)” standard for at least 14 nights, unless travelers have proof of return tickets leaving Phuket (to another country) within 14 days.
Confirmation of “SHA+” hotel booking must be issued under the SHABA system (SHA Plus Booking Authentication system) or booking under http://entrythailand.go.th/
Must stay at the same hotel for at least the first 7 days and may change after that (the hotel must be on Phuket only)
After 14 nights, travelers may travel to other parts of Thailand. Departure earlier than 14 days is possible only for destinations outside of Thailand.
COVID-19 tests
Travelers must present RT-PCR negative test results issued no more than 72 hours before departure for Phuket.
Upon entry, travelers will have to undergo three COVID-19 tests during their 14-night stay in Phuket (travelers must provide receipt of COVID test appointment and payment from your hotel to apply for the COE).
Tracking application
Travelers must install and use a tracking application as prescribed by the Thai Government throughout their 14 days in Phuket, otherwise they may not be allowed to leave Phuket to other parts of Thailand after these 14 days. A local sim card can be obtained at the airport, but you must bring a sim unlocked smartphone.
Apps are Thailand Plus and Mor Chana. Only the Mor Chana app will be checked and verified installed at the Phuket airport.
Travel to Other Parts of Thailand
Allowed after 14-nights is spent in Phuket.
N.B.
Rules can change with little or no notice.
If you test positive for COVID on arrival, you will be hospitalized for 14-days.
If you arrive on an airplane and anyone close to you on the plane tests positive for COVID, you will be quarantined for 14-days at your own expense. Close has been reported as same row and/or two rows before or behind the infected person.
Masks are required when outdoors, including at the swimming pool and on the beach. Masks are not required while swimming.
Phuket Sandbox 2021/2022
Jun 18, 2021, 11:13 am
#181
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Jun 18, 2021, 10:19 pm
#182
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305
Jun 18, 2021, 11:42 pm
#183
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: UA
Posts: 42
Does this mean that the Sandbox plan is now close to 100% official? https://www.tatnews.org/2021/06/thai...KhBHBDTBtlAuK8
Even so, I don't think we can start booking yet because I haven't seen a list of SHA hotels.
Even so, I don't think we can start booking yet because I haven't seen a list of SHA hotels.
Jun 18, 2021, 11:45 pm
#184
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ZRH, Switzerland
Programs: M&M, Fan of MO, Shangri-La.
Posts: 687
The TAT published an update after Friday's review.
Tatnews 18Jun
What I found interesting:
- unvaccinated Children from 6 to 18 are now out. (They were so far consistently mentioned as allowed in with vaccinated parents.)
- no word or update about getting there via BKK.
- testing is now 1 PCR test within 72h before departure / 1 PCR test on arrival / 1 more PCR test at a time which the TAT did not specify.
- New and different rules (vs Phuket) now published for Koh Samui
Not sure if the mentioned infection rate of 20-30 per day has anything to do with Phuket (and would potentially stop the sandbox or not), or if this is meant in connection with the general 120 day opening plan.
Tatnews 18Jun
What I found interesting:
- unvaccinated Children from 6 to 18 are now out. (They were so far consistently mentioned as allowed in with vaccinated parents.)
- no word or update about getting there via BKK.
- testing is now 1 PCR test within 72h before departure / 1 PCR test on arrival / 1 more PCR test at a time which the TAT did not specify.
- New and different rules (vs Phuket) now published for Koh Samui
Not sure if the mentioned infection rate of 20-30 per day has anything to do with Phuket (and would potentially stop the sandbox or not), or if this is meant in connection with the general 120 day opening plan.
Jun 19, 2021, 12:08 am
#185
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: UA
Posts: 42
It seems like this sandbox scheme is primed for failure and frustration. I'm not convinced that the Chinese vaccines are very effective The clinical data were so-so and mixed. And countries that have primarily used the Chinese vaccines aren't doing so great Here's a link to a Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberth...h=eabd8d11444b Meanwhile, countries with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are doing great. Same for AZ.
If the Sinovac vaccine isn't working well, and there is a lockdown trigger if the cases exceed 90/week....
I suppose the worst case scenarios are...
(1) you go to a lot of trouble to make plans, then your COE is cancelled at the last minute. You've wasted a lot of time and now you have to fight to get refunds (nothing is guaranteed).
(2) you make the trip, but you're not allowed to leave the hotel.
(3) you make the trip, but test positive for COVID (because many locals have it), and then get stuck in a hospital or tent (despite having no symptoms).
?
If the Sinovac vaccine isn't working well, and there is a lockdown trigger if the cases exceed 90/week....
I suppose the worst case scenarios are...
(1) you go to a lot of trouble to make plans, then your COE is cancelled at the last minute. You've wasted a lot of time and now you have to fight to get refunds (nothing is guaranteed).
(2) you make the trip, but you're not allowed to leave the hotel.
(3) you make the trip, but test positive for COVID (because many locals have it), and then get stuck in a hospital or tent (despite having no symptoms).
?
Jun 19, 2021, 12:09 am
#186
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ZRH, Switzerland
Programs: M&M, Fan of MO, Shangri-La.
Posts: 687
Does this mean that the Sandbox plan is now close to 100% official? https://www.tatnews.org/2021/06/thai...KhBHBDTBtlAuK8
Even so, I don't think we can start booking yet because I haven't seen a list of SHA hotels.
Even so, I don't think we can start booking yet because I haven't seen a list of SHA hotels.
For example this site which seems to link to Agoda for the reservation.
I have no idea if this site is as official as it looks, but it does seem to have up to date info on the FAQ page.
I would still not even dream of booking anything now. The speed and magnitude of changes is far too big for me to rely on what is currently published by the TAT.
Last edited by LoungeLizzard; Jun 19, 2021 at 4:22 am Reason: typo
Jun 19, 2021, 12:15 am
#187
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: TLL
Programs: AY Gold (OWS) TK Elite (*G)
Posts: 193
The TAT published an update after Friday's review.
Tatnews 18Jun
What I found interesting:
- unvaccinated Children from 6 to 18 are now out. (They were so far consistently mentioned as allowed in with vaccinated parents.)
- no word or update about getting there via BKK.
- testing is now 1 PCR test within 72h before departure / 1 PCR test on arrival / 1 more PCR test at a time which the TAT did not specify.
- New and different rules (vs Phuket) now published for Koh Samui
Not sure if the mentioned infection rate of 20-30 per day has anything to do with Phuket (and would potentially stop the sandbox or not), or if this is meant in connection with the general 120 day opening plan.
Tatnews 18Jun
What I found interesting:
- unvaccinated Children from 6 to 18 are now out. (They were so far consistently mentioned as allowed in with vaccinated parents.)
- no word or update about getting there via BKK.
- testing is now 1 PCR test within 72h before departure / 1 PCR test on arrival / 1 more PCR test at a time which the TAT did not specify.
- New and different rules (vs Phuket) now published for Koh Samui
Not sure if the mentioned infection rate of 20-30 per day has anything to do with Phuket (and would potentially stop the sandbox or not), or if this is meant in connection with the general 120 day opening plan.
I read the TAT article and I think that as long as the on arrival PCR-test (then going to some specified hotel waiting for test answer), insurance policy and applying for some type entry paper online, this Sandbox thing won´t be any kind of success. Too many steps, too many things that might go wrong and with many other options around for tourists to choose from I don´t think for a second that this will draw any crowds, sadly.
Fully vaccinated and pre departure negative test is the maximum the "common" tourist is willing to do I think. The sooner Thai officials understand that, the sooner they will actually start making money on tourism again, if that is what they aim for.
Jun 19, 2021, 10:47 pm
#189
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305
https://www.thailandsha.com/shalists...ince=83-Phuket
-David
Last edited by LIH Prem; Jun 19, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Jun 20, 2021, 3:35 am
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,158
I really want to get back to Thailand this fall, but the 3 in-country COVID tests are still the limiting factor for me, especially with the prospect of "field hospitals" being mentioned in Phuket.
I would likely do the Bangkok ASQ scheme instead of risking it, but not sure I am up for either again. Another pointless 10-day hospital stay is a strong deterrent. Especially if it comes at the end of the 14 day quarantine.
I would likely do the Bangkok ASQ scheme instead of risking it, but not sure I am up for either again. Another pointless 10-day hospital stay is a strong deterrent. Especially if it comes at the end of the 14 day quarantine.
Jun 20, 2021, 5:45 am
#191
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ZRH, Switzerland
Programs: M&M, Fan of MO, Shangri-La.
Posts: 687
I really want to get back to Thailand this fall, but the 3 in-country COVID tests are still the limiting factor for me, especially with the prospect of "field hospitals" being mentioned in Phuket.
I would likely do the Bangkok ASQ scheme instead of risking it, but not sure I am up for either again. Another pointless 10-day hospital stay is a strong deterrent. Especially if it comes at the end of the 14 day quarantine.
I would likely do the Bangkok ASQ scheme instead of risking it, but not sure I am up for either again. Another pointless 10-day hospital stay is a strong deterrent. Especially if it comes at the end of the 14 day quarantine.
- They killed Phuket for me because they took away the option that unvaccinated children can enter - and there is no way here to have them vaccinated.
- Bangkok ASQ rules are currently 14 or 15 nights (depending on arrival time), and they also include 3 PCR tests. (Now on day 2, 7 and 12).
The Bangkok ASQ hotel & their hospital partner where I asked could not guarantee a space in the proper hospital in case of a positive test without symptoms, so the possibility of ending up in a field hospital exists also in Bangkok.
Jun 20, 2021, 7:06 am
#192
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,158
Similar situation here. I'd really like to go to Thailand, but the options to do that are getting worse, not better.
- They killed Phuket for me because they took away the option that unvaccinated children can enter - and there is no way here to have them vaccinated.
- Bangkok ASQ rules are currently 14 or 15 nights (depending on arrival time), and they also include 3 PCR tests. (Now on day 2, 7 and 12).
The Bangkok ASQ hotel & their hospital partner where I asked could not guarantee a space in the proper hospital in case of a positive test without symptoms, so the possibility of ending up in a field hospital exists also in Bangkok.
- They killed Phuket for me because they took away the option that unvaccinated children can enter - and there is no way here to have them vaccinated.
- Bangkok ASQ rules are currently 14 or 15 nights (depending on arrival time), and they also include 3 PCR tests. (Now on day 2, 7 and 12).
The Bangkok ASQ hotel & their hospital partner where I asked could not guarantee a space in the proper hospital in case of a positive test without symptoms, so the possibility of ending up in a field hospital exists also in Bangkok.
I am OK with 14 day ASQ. Even better with 14 days to roam Phuket.
The uncertainty of test results and impacts is what is stopping me from coming back.
Jun 20, 2021, 9:12 am
#193
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,323
Those who know the private hospital industry in Thailand, know, that this will simply NOT happen!
so nothing to worry about...
Jun 20, 2021, 9:18 am
#194
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,323
Not starting another off topic discussion about PCR tests, but probably you should say, that you assume the test was false positive or the test was presumably false positive. The only way to prove it was false positive would be to do one or several other tests and that was not done...
Jun 20, 2021, 9:52 am
#195
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,158
Not starting another off topic discussion about PCR tests, but probably you should say, that you assume the test was false positive or the test was presumably false positive. The only way to prove it was false positive would be to do one or several other tests and that was not done...
If not a false positive, very unusual set of circumstances...
The lack of any discretion by medical staff is also a troubling facet. Once a positive test, you are in some type of hospital for 10 days.
Last edited by goodeats21; Jun 20, 2021 at 9:57 am