Presented and supported by Chayapat Rachatan, Manit Sittimart, Aparna Ananthakrishnan, Dian Faradiba, and Sarin KC
After the kick-off of the Phuket Sandbox in July 2021, the “Sandbox” Programme now covers 17 destinations in Thailand which are grouped under the Blue Zone Sandbox, as listed below:
- Bangkok
- Krabi
- Chonburi (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey)
- Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng)
- Trat (Ko Chang)
- Buri Ram (Mueang)
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
- Phang-Nga
- Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
- Phuket
- Ranong (Ko Phayam)
- Rayong (Ko Samet)
- Loei (Chiang Khan)
- Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
- Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao)
- Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo)
- Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom)
As of November 1, 2021, according to the latest announcement of the Royal Thai Government, fully vaccinated travellers from any country / territory are now allowed to stay within one of the Blue Zone Sandbox destinations for 7 days, reduced from 14 days. Following that, they can also visit other parts of Thailand upon confirmation of a negative exit screening result (self-testing ATK) at day 6-7. However, for those who plan to stay in one of the Blue Zone areas for less than 7 nights, they must leave Thailand immediately after their stay and are not eligible to visit other parts of the country. However, for those from around the world who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they will be subject to quarantines of 10-days (by air and sea) and 14-days (by land).
Fully vaccinated international travellers entering Thailand by flight routes to one of the Blue Zone Sandbox destinations need to prepare the following documentation before travelling:
- Registration on a Thailand Pass (available from November 1, 2021)
- A COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health or the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before their travel date.
- If previously infected within 3 months, travellers must have already received 1 dose of the approved vaccine no less than 14 days before travelling.
- Travellers under 18 years of age are not included in vaccination requirement.
- A Medical Certificate with negative RT-PCR lab result no more than 72 hours before travelling (all travellers).
- Payment confirmation of stays at SHA Plus-certified hotel/s, and RT-PCR test.
- An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.
List of vaccines approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health or the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Source: https://thaiembbeij.org/th/covid-19/vaccine-list/
In addition to the Blue Zone Sandbox, Thailand also offers two other schemes for international travellers titled the Happy Quarantine Nationwide and Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) which include some modifications.
For more information about Sandbox Programme, please visit: https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/
