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 20, 2021, 8:17 pm
#197
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
Semantics, I guess. I had blood work done while at the Thai hospital that showed high level of anti-bodies. I had confirmed COVID (with symptoms) 3 months prior.
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.
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.
Jun 20, 2021, 8:26 pm
#198
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
Therefore chances are good, that such an oil spill is washed away much faster than during Nov-Mar
Jun 20, 2021, 11:27 pm
#199
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: U.S. (sometimes)
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Accor ?????
Posts: 1,398
Yeah, the four PCR tests (one 3 days before departure, one at the airport, and then two more during the stay) seems excessive and pointless. They are also a bit expensive (I was quoted 4k or 5k in Bangkok).
Edit: the ShaThailand FAQ seems to imply that you can use the rapid test, which is cheaper:
"RT-PCR test:
– Every hospital in Phuket can provide an RT-PCR test;
– The cost of an RT-PCR covid test ranges from 2,500-4,000 Baht per person.
Rapid test:
– You can get a rapid test from hospitals, clinics, and private labs in Phuket;
– The cost of a rapid test ranges from 450-1,000 Baht per person. COVID-19 testing is at the travellers’ own expense."
Edit: the ShaThailand FAQ seems to imply that you can use the rapid test, which is cheaper:
"RT-PCR test:
– Every hospital in Phuket can provide an RT-PCR test;
– The cost of an RT-PCR covid test ranges from 2,500-4,000 Baht per person.
Rapid test:
– You can get a rapid test from hospitals, clinics, and private labs in Phuket;
– The cost of a rapid test ranges from 450-1,000 Baht per person. COVID-19 testing is at the travellers’ own expense."
Last edited by BigE; Jun 20, 2021 at 11:36 pm
Jun 21, 2021, 1:32 am
#200
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
just a short note, that you guys have one thing less to bluster about:
Phuket restaurants can serve Alcohol from today; same in many other provinces
In Bangkok, adjacent provinces, Chonburi (Pattaya), Prachuab (Hua Hin) prohibition stays in place for the time being...
Phuket restaurants can serve Alcohol from today; same in many other provinces
In Bangkok, adjacent provinces, Chonburi (Pattaya), Prachuab (Hua Hin) prohibition stays in place for the time being...
Jun 21, 2021, 2:35 am
#201
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
The opening rules for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao have just been confirmed for the 15th of July - rather less strict than anticipated and faster as well.
Jun 21, 2021, 9:41 am
#202
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,063
Slightly OT, but further good news. You can have a beer 🍺 or glass of wine 🍷 in Chiang Mai now too. 😊
Jun 21, 2021, 8:30 pm
#203
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
be careful about celebrating prematurly your victory in Chiang Mai... the governor of Udon has just withdraw the allowance for restaurants to sell alcohol...so local governors are allowed to set tougher rules than the central administration...
Jun 21, 2021, 8:36 pm
#204
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
What is the source for that factual assertion?
Jun 21, 2021, 10:17 pm
#205
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
Jun 22, 2021, 2:18 pm
#206
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ZRH, Switzerland
Programs: M&M, Fan of MO, Shangri-La.
Posts: 687
The cabinet has approved today the opening of the Phuket Sandbox. Nation
Too bad that the TAT remains silent about it for now - while I could imagine a person or two eagerly waiting for the announcement of the final rules. (unless of course they get changed again before they're finally published in the Royal gazette)
For example, I still have not read if/ how you can transfer in BKK.
That question may also be relevant for those who want to book the direct TG flights to HKT, because some of those flights operate in a triangle, i.e. they only go to BKK from HKT, which may or may not be allowed for tourists who want to return home before 14 days.
Too bad that the TAT remains silent about it for now - while I could imagine a person or two eagerly waiting for the announcement of the final rules. (unless of course they get changed again before they're finally published in the Royal gazette)
For example, I still have not read if/ how you can transfer in BKK.
That question may also be relevant for those who want to book the direct TG flights to HKT, because some of those flights operate in a triangle, i.e. they only go to BKK from HKT, which may or may not be allowed for tourists who want to return home before 14 days.
Jun 22, 2021, 11:27 pm
#207
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
The cabinet has approved today the opening of the Phuket Sandbox. Nation
Too bad that the TAT remains silent about it for now - while I could imagine a person or two eagerly waiting for the announcement of the final rules. (unless of course they get changed again before they're finally published in the Royal gazette)
For example, I still have not read if/ how you can transfer in BKK.
That question may also be relevant for those who want to book the direct TG flights to HKT, because some of those flights operate in a triangle, i.e. they only go to BKK from HKT, which may or may not be allowed for tourists who want to return home before 14 days.
Too bad that the TAT remains silent about it for now - while I could imagine a person or two eagerly waiting for the announcement of the final rules. (unless of course they get changed again before they're finally published in the Royal gazette)
For example, I still have not read if/ how you can transfer in BKK.
That question may also be relevant for those who want to book the direct TG flights to HKT, because some of those flights operate in a triangle, i.e. they only go to BKK from HKT, which may or may not be allowed for tourists who want to return home before 14 days.
Hopefully, more specific information will come out in the next day or two.
Jun 22, 2021, 11:33 pm
#208
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,328
I think there will be a way to transit BKK, but I switched my flights to TG on the way in and KL on the way out to be safe - both from HKT. If there is a way to transit BKK, I will find more optimal flights via BKK.
Hopefully, more specific information will come out in the next day or two.
Hopefully, more specific information will come out in the next day or two.
Jun 23, 2021, 12:07 am
#210
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
My routing is HKT-KUL-NRT-USA. The connection is Malaysia to JAL.
I assume the ticket and routing are valid. Obviously, I would prefer HKT-NRT direct, but it is not available right now.