02 Jul, 2021
The government’s Covid-19 Information Centre posted on its Facebook page on Thursday answers to 12 frequently asked questions about the Phuket Sandbox programme, the tourism scheme aimed at reopening selected provinces to foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The sandbox programme kicked off on July 1.
The Q&As are as follows:
Q: What is the Phuket Sandbox?
A: It is a sandbox scheme that aims to reopen Phuket to foreign visitors to rehabilitate the local tourism industry. Vaccinated tourists can fly into Phuket and move around freely in the province without having to quarantine. After spending 14 days in Phuket, and if they still test negative, the tourists can then travel to other parts of Thailand.
Q: Can visitors travel around Phuket on the first day of arrival?
A: No. Visitors must remain in their room on the first day and wait for the Covid-19 test result. If the result is negative, they can travel within Phuket. If the test result is positive, they will be sent to hospital for treatment.
Q: How can Thais living in foreign countries enter Phuket?
A: They must hold a certificate of entry (COE), a negative test result by RT-PCR method not later than 72 hours before arrival, a minimum $100,000 insurance coverage against Covid-19, evidence of payment for 14 days accommodation and three Covid-19 tests, and a certificate of vaccination with approved vaccines at required doses.
Q: What documents do I need to stay less than 14 days in Phuket?
A: Evidence of payment for accommodation and Covid-19 tests, and a plane ticket specifying the date and time you will leave the country.
Q: Can children under 18 years of age enter Phuket with their parents?
A: Yes, provided they have a negative test result by RT-PCR method not later than 72 hours before arrival.
Q: Do people in the sandbox zone have to wear a face mask?
A: Yes. They also have to strictly follow other disease control measures.
Q: Can I travel to other provinces after staying in Phuket for less than 14 days?
A: No. If you plan to stay less than 14 days, you have to leave immediately when your stay is up.
Q: Do I have to install tracing applications while staying in Phuket?
A: Yes. Visitors must install MorChana and Thailand Plus applications and allow their movement to be tracked.
Q: How can I travel from the airport to the hotel?
A: SHA+ certified hotels will arrange transportation for their customers and will not stop at any venues other than the hotels.
Q: How many RT-PCR tests do I need?
A: In case of stay longer than 14 days, three tests in Phuket and another test before you leave if the destination country requires. In case of stays less than 14 days, two tests in Phuket and another test before you leave if the destination country requires.
Q: How can I travel to other provinces after I stay for 14 days in Phuket?
A : Present an evidence of your 14-day stay in Phuket and a record of RT-PCR tests to officials in the destination province.
Q: If I have been given a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose, can I enter Phuket?
A: Yes. Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been approved in Thailand by the FDA.
