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
Apr 14, 2021, 3:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: BA GGL, Gold for Life
Posts: 590
Phuket Sandbox 2021/2022
I'm planning a trip to Phuket in July, although I'm aware it's looking much less likely to be able to go ahead now than a week ago! I am also planning a trip in October, and I'm going to be doing these on One World airlines.
So, given that Qatar is still on the UK red list, my current thinking is to book a round trip ex-London with Qatar Airways - out July, return October with a nested round trip with Finnair ex Bangkok - out July, return October.
There are however various imponderables:
1) Will this arrangement work in terms of obtaining a 45 day COE (I can't see why it shouldn't but ...)?
2) After a week in Phuket, should I be able to travel freely within Thailand, and ultimately fly out of Bangkok?
3) What have I forgotten to ask?
All responses gratefully received
So, given that Qatar is still on the UK red list, my current thinking is to book a round trip ex-London with Qatar Airways - out July, return October with a nested round trip with Finnair ex Bangkok - out July, return October.
There are however various imponderables:
1) Will this arrangement work in terms of obtaining a 45 day COE (I can't see why it shouldn't but ...)?
2) After a week in Phuket, should I be able to travel freely within Thailand, and ultimately fly out of Bangkok?
3) What have I forgotten to ask?
All responses gratefully received
Apr 14, 2021, 4:46 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
the main question is, whether you will be vaccinated or not and whether you expect a quarantine-free traveling or you could live with a 7 days quarantine.
the details about traveling to other provinces (after how many days and with what restrictions) in case they allow quarantine-free entry are not yet clear...
the details about traveling to other provinces (after how many days and with what restrictions) in case they allow quarantine-free entry are not yet clear...
Apr 14, 2021, 7:37 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PIT-SCE-AOO-PHL-NYC-WAS
Programs: free agent
Posts: 1,035
I am fully vaccinated and book a speculative award booking to Thailand this October but current outbreak probably put a brake on this trip.
Their vaccination efforts are off to horrible start, so I cant imagine them be ready for "island tourism" by October no matter what tourism authority and industry say. Also, they likely to put all blames on foreigners for cause outbreaks even it's obvious that Thais show complacency such as packed clubs, no masks, etc. For Asia, I think it's more realistic to wait till 2022 or so while Europe and South America seems better place to visit due to ongoing vaccination efforts.
Their vaccination efforts are off to horrible start, so I cant imagine them be ready for "island tourism" by October no matter what tourism authority and industry say. Also, they likely to put all blames on foreigners for cause outbreaks even it's obvious that Thais show complacency such as packed clubs, no masks, etc. For Asia, I think it's more realistic to wait till 2022 or so while Europe and South America seems better place to visit due to ongoing vaccination efforts.
Apr 14, 2021, 8:41 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
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Posts: 8,717
The noise today is 100% that the July opening is on, but I think that you're right to be cautious. The locally produced AZ vaccine isn't due until mid May (read: June) and if confidence in Sinovac falls further alongside a nasty third wave I can see that being pushed back to October.
Apr 15, 2021, 3:49 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: BA GGL, Gold for Life
Posts: 590
The more I read about new daily case numbers in Thailand going up, the less confident I become, that my planned trip will happen.
According to the governor of the island, Phuket opening up in July depends upon 70% of the population having been fully vaccinated by then; however the central government's vaccine acquisition and roll-out program is, at the moment, a joke. It is not clear whether the vaccine doses required by Phuket to obtain 70% coverage are supposed to come from the pathetic amount of vaccine so far ordered by the central government for delivery pre-July, or whether Phuket is supposed to access the required vaccine doses privately. The Thai government has talked about allowing vaccine importation by private hospitals etc, but I'm not aware that any vaccine manufacturer is yet supplying other than direct to government health departments.
I've heard it said that the Thai prime minister is happy for covid to remain an issue in Thailand well into 2022, as it will enable him to maintain the semi state of emergency put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. But maybe that is too cynical!
According to the governor of the island, Phuket opening up in July depends upon 70% of the population having been fully vaccinated by then; however the central government's vaccine acquisition and roll-out program is, at the moment, a joke. It is not clear whether the vaccine doses required by Phuket to obtain 70% coverage are supposed to come from the pathetic amount of vaccine so far ordered by the central government for delivery pre-July, or whether Phuket is supposed to access the required vaccine doses privately. The Thai government has talked about allowing vaccine importation by private hospitals etc, but I'm not aware that any vaccine manufacturer is yet supplying other than direct to government health departments.
I've heard it said that the Thai prime minister is happy for covid to remain an issue in Thailand well into 2022, as it will enable him to maintain the semi state of emergency put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. But maybe that is too cynical!
Apr 16, 2021, 8:40 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
the timeline of July opening in Phuket now already questioned by TAT, who usually always show a lot of optimism...
Phuket sandbox timeline to be reset (bangkokpost.com)
Phuket sandbox timeline to be reset (bangkokpost.com)
May 12, 2021, 10:15 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
once the vaccines arrive, they will be capable to vaccinate throusands per day
and the new cases will magically disappear, at least in Phuket....
May 12, 2021, 11:54 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
The nested ticket may cause some issues, with the CoE, with the outbound carrier, and at arrvial.
I guess if you can explain the ticketing, then all should be fine, be I would be prepared for some extra 'splaining.
I don't think anybody knows if this silly sandbox thing will go ahead on 1 July. My guess would be no.
Right now the quarantine is 15 nights (was 10 no vac or 7 vac) before.
https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/pu...ae4b236972c562
But contact the Embassy and ask.
I know some folks who work in Phuket, and they have received two doses of Sinovac, but the employer is a bit cagey about starting up 1 July.
A decision will be made by 30 June.
I guess if you can explain the ticketing, then all should be fine, be I would be prepared for some extra 'splaining.
I don't think anybody knows if this silly sandbox thing will go ahead on 1 July. My guess would be no.
Right now the quarantine is 15 nights (was 10 no vac or 7 vac) before.
https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/pu...ae4b236972c562
But contact the Embassy and ask.
I know some folks who work in Phuket, and they have received two doses of Sinovac, but the employer is a bit cagey about starting up 1 July.
A decision will be made by 30 June.
May 13, 2021, 12:19 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Phuket banking on 129,000 arrivals
Phuket is set to welcome 129,000 international tourists in the first three months of the quarantine-free programme, while the government will team up with airlines to subsidise 100,000 one-way domestic air tickets, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the reopening initiative -- Phuket Sandbox -- is expected to attract 30,000-40,000 tourists per month with long-haul markets being the main target.
After the SOP is approved and once there is an official announcement in the Royal Gazette, tour operators can proceed with sales and marketing plans.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...9-000-arrivals
Phuket is set to welcome 129,000 international tourists in the first three months of the quarantine-free programme, while the government will team up with airlines to subsidise 100,000 one-way domestic air tickets, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the reopening initiative -- Phuket Sandbox -- is expected to attract 30,000-40,000 tourists per month with long-haul markets being the main target.
After the SOP is approved and once there is an official announcement in the Royal Gazette, tour operators can proceed with sales and marketing plans.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...9-000-arrivals
May 13, 2021, 1:43 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
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Posts: 8,324
150'000 - 200'000 THB per person for a 7 day tour package...the much applauded quality tourists are finally arriving! 
but then why subsidize the already cheap domestic tickets???
but then why subsidize the already cheap domestic tickets???
May 13, 2021, 3:55 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: BA GGL, Gold for Life
Posts: 590
Yeah I saw that article in the Bangkok Post this morning. It kind of implies that under a revised sandbox scheme they will only be allowing in double vaccinated tourists happy to book an overpriced package in return for avoiding the need to quarantine.
I've made a refundable booking on a hotel in Kata, but haven't booked flights yet because there is zero clarity yet about getting into Phuket in July without the need for quarantine, or getting back to the UK without needing to self-isolate or even undergo hotel quarantine (if flying with Qatar or Emirates). I'd put my chances of making the trip at about 10% currently.
I've made a refundable booking on a hotel in Kata, but haven't booked flights yet because there is zero clarity yet about getting into Phuket in July without the need for quarantine, or getting back to the UK without needing to self-isolate or even undergo hotel quarantine (if flying with Qatar or Emirates). I'd put my chances of making the trip at about 10% currently.