Thailand drives reopening despite spiking Covid-19 cases

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has 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 Thai destinations bringing back the opportunity to enjoy multicentre, island-hopping itineraries, without the need to quarantine.

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.

A TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “Since July Phuket has welcomed over 24,000 (fully vaccinated) international arrivals with just 70 testing positive for Covid-19.

“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.

“There is a long way to go but with our 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.”

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).