Thailand continues to reopen tourism amid rising COVID cases

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently confirmed a further extension to its reopening plans with the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 programme. The new system will provide fully-vaccinated international travellers with even more options to visit multiple Thailand destinations bringing back the opportunity to enjoy multicentre, island-hopping itineraries, without the need to quarantine.

The decision comes following Thailand’s inclusion in the UK red list. Following the initial launch of the Phuket Sandbox from July 1st and Samui Plus from July 15th, the Phuket Sandbox 7+7, continues to lead the way to the safe reopening of more destinations across the country.

The Phuket Sandbox 7+7 programme allows eligible, fully-vaccinated international travellers to reduce the previous 14-night mandatory stay in Phuket to just seven after which another seven nights can be spent in either Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai or Railay), Phang-Nga (Khao Lak or Ko Yao) or Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan or Ko Tao).

The existing entry measures in place for the Phuket Sandbox programme remain unchanged for the 7+7 extension. Travellers wishing to travel onwards from Phuket after seven nights must obtain a transfer form issued by their hotel in Phuket proving their seven-night stay, plus they must show negative results from their two Covid-19 tests (conducted on day zero and day six or seven in Phuket).

Chiravadee Khunsub, Director, TAT London said in a statement that since July Phuket has welcomed over 24,000 fully vaccinated international arrivals with just 70 testing positive for Covid-19. She mentioned that the Sandbox concept has proved to be a controlled and safe return to restarting tourism and has generated over 100 million Thai Baht for the local economy.

She mentioned that there is a long way to go but with the peak winter sun season ahead (November – March) and the opening of more of Thailand’s popular beaches and islands this month, travellers can look forward to romantic getaways and fun family breaks without quarantine restrictions.

« Back to Page

• International Passenger Numbers in Perth Airport Have Rebounded to Pre-Covid Levels

• Explore the enchantment of our sugar bush: A journey into maple syrup magic

• Siargao’s tourist arrivals surge, marks stellar growth in Philippines

• Interview with Ahmad Al-Hmoud of the Jordan Tourism Board at FITUR

• AIME 2024 marks 63 per cent increase in exhibitors from previous year