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
Jul 6, 2021, 5:32 am
#316
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: VZ
Programs: M&M, ROP, KrisFlyer
Posts: 1,028
Phuket has welcomed 1,300 foreign visitors since launch of “Sandbox” scheme
Some 1,300 travellers have arrived in Phuket since the popular tourist destination reopened to foreign visitors on July 1, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, told local media.
Under Thailand's "Phuket Sandbox" scheme, people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to stay in Phuket without undergoing quarantine.
The Thai government is expecting about 100,000 foreign visitors to travel to Phuket between July and September. Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs director-general, Chatchai Viriiyavejakul, said 7,890 foreign tourists had applied for Certificates of Entry to Phuket at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide since the Sandbox scheme was announced. The success of “Sandbox” is expected to pave the way for other Thailand provinces to offer quarantine-free travel to international tourists.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, told local media the island of Koh Samui was on track to reopen from July 15.
Some 1,300 travellers have arrived in Phuket since the popular tourist destination reopened to foreign visitors on July 1, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, told local media.
Under Thailand's "Phuket Sandbox" scheme, people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to stay in Phuket without undergoing quarantine.
The Thai government is expecting about 100,000 foreign visitors to travel to Phuket between July and September. Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs director-general, Chatchai Viriiyavejakul, said 7,890 foreign tourists had applied for Certificates of Entry to Phuket at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide since the Sandbox scheme was announced. The success of “Sandbox” is expected to pave the way for other Thailand provinces to offer quarantine-free travel to international tourists.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, told local media the island of Koh Samui was on track to reopen from July 15.
Jul 6, 2021, 1:28 pm
#317
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Why are you posting this as though you wrote it? It is copied from Bangkok Post or Richard Barrow or........... Please put in quotes and give the proper attribution - since "facts" from Thailand are, um, shall we say, sometimes a bit "fluid" ..........
Phuket has welcomed 1,300 foreign visitors since launch of “Sandbox” scheme
Some 1,300 travellers have arrived in Phuket since the popular tourist destination reopened to foreign visitors on July 1, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, told local media.
Under Thailand's "Phuket Sandbox" scheme, people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to stay in Phuket without undergoing quarantine.
The Thai government is expecting about 100,000 foreign visitors to travel to Phuket between July and September. Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs director-general, Chatchai Viriiyavejakul, said 7,890 foreign tourists had applied for Certificates of Entry to Phuket at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide since the Sandbox scheme was announced. The success of “Sandbox” is expected to pave the way for other Thailand provinces to offer quarantine-free travel to international tourists.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, told local media the island of Koh Samui was on track to reopen from July 15.
Some 1,300 travellers have arrived in Phuket since the popular tourist destination reopened to foreign visitors on July 1, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, told local media.
Under Thailand's "Phuket Sandbox" scheme, people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to stay in Phuket without undergoing quarantine.
The Thai government is expecting about 100,000 foreign visitors to travel to Phuket between July and September. Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs director-general, Chatchai Viriiyavejakul, said 7,890 foreign tourists had applied for Certificates of Entry to Phuket at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide since the Sandbox scheme was announced. The success of “Sandbox” is expected to pave the way for other Thailand provinces to offer quarantine-free travel to international tourists.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, told local media the island of Koh Samui was on track to reopen from July 15.
Jul 6, 2021, 5:04 pm
#318
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Flights are reported to have 25-30 people on each, and there aren't that many flights to begin with.
Last edited by Always Flyin; Jul 6, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Jul 6, 2021, 8:11 pm
#319
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I will report next week!
Jul 6, 2021, 8:52 pm
#320
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305
I started the COE process for both myself and Yanisa. I was surprised when I saw on the Thai Consulate Los Angeles site and on the COE registration page that it wants proof of insurance for Yanisa, a Thai Citizen. (Same as for non-Thai, 100k USD including covid-19 coverage for length of stay.) How does that work for returning citizens?
I didn't provide that for either of us yet. I have to go back and check if any of those policies are refundable if we end up not going.
I guess I'm entering on the visa exemption, and I'lll have to waste a day at Immigration to get the 30 day extension. Ugh.
ETA: Both COEs came back as pre-approved without insurance policy. I know at least mine won't get approved without it. Not sure about Yanisa's.
-David
I didn't provide that for either of us yet. I have to go back and check if any of those policies are refundable if we end up not going.
I guess I'm entering on the visa exemption, and I'lll have to waste a day at Immigration to get the 30 day extension. Ugh.
ETA: Both COEs came back as pre-approved without insurance policy. I know at least mine won't get approved without it. Not sure about Yanisa's.
-David
Last edited by LIH Prem; Jul 6, 2021 at 8:58 pm
Jul 6, 2021, 9:09 pm
#321
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I started the COE process for both myself and Yanisa. I was surprised when I saw on the Thai Consulate Los Angeles site and on the COE registration page that it wants proof of insurance for Yanisa, a Thai Citizen. (Same as for non-Thai, 100k USD including covid-19 coverage for length of stay.) How does that work for returning citizens?
I didn't provide that for either of us yet. I have to go back and check if any of those policies are refundable if we end up not going.
I guess I'm entering on the visa exemption, and I'lll have to waste a day at Immigration to get the 30 day extension. Ugh.
ETA: Both COEs came back as pre-approved without insurance policy. I know at least mine won't get approved without it. Not sure about Yanisa's.
-David
I didn't provide that for either of us yet. I have to go back and check if any of those policies are refundable if we end up not going.
I guess I'm entering on the visa exemption, and I'lll have to waste a day at Immigration to get the 30 day extension. Ugh.
ETA: Both COEs came back as pre-approved without insurance policy. I know at least mine won't get approved without it. Not sure about Yanisa's.
-David
Jul 6, 2021, 9:10 pm
#322
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
they certainly separate international and domestic arrival. Internationally arriving passengers are tested after arrival, while domestic passengers have to test BEFORE the flight (or been vaccinated)
Jul 6, 2021, 9:12 pm
#323
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
And there are reports now they are tightening the entry for domestic that they too must be vaccinated and tested prior to departure, which would be a change.
Jul 7, 2021, 6:48 pm
#325
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
So… the first story is already out
foreign tourist, fully vaccinated and tested negative before departure, tested positive for COVID-19 last night and has been admitted to hospital for treatment, prompting a two-week quarantine of 13 other passengers travelling on the same flight....
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/first-t...-for-covid-19/
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/first-t...-for-covid-19/
Jul 7, 2021, 6:58 pm
#326
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Add to that the taxi mafia blemish and the two foreigners who did a runner.
One, age 83, was found wandering Patong at 04:30.
Doesn't help that the pm was exposed during the sandbox opening and is in 14-day quarantine.
Stupid is as stupid does.
Once the delta variant hits Phuket, and it will, that's it. Most have but one does of sinovac.
Jul 7, 2021, 7:26 pm
#327
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
It is like, using my wife’s expression, watching a train wreck in slow motion - horrifying, stupid but you can’t stop watching if you are a side observer….
…these who are on train would have much less entertainment…
…these who are on train would have much less entertainment…
Jul 7, 2021, 7:52 pm
#328
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
"prompting a two-week quarantine of 13 other passengers travelling on the same flight."
Thirteen passengers on the international flight from the Middle East.
There are several other reports of such loads on incoming international flights.
Thirteen passengers on the international flight from the Middle East.
There are several other reports of such loads on incoming international flights.
Jul 7, 2021, 9:19 pm
#329
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I believe those were the members of the tour group, not necessarily all the people arriving in Phuket on that flight. (But I could be wrong.)
Jul 7, 2021, 9:40 pm
#330
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307