We had been living in South Africa for 3 months and looking for a country to go to next when we read about the Thailand Sandbox Program, a way for vaccinated travelers to enter certain regions of the country without a quarantine period. It was quite an exhausting program and so we thought we would detail how we did it exactly in case anyone else wants to give it a shot and travel to beautiful Thailand!
First off, let me say, we have been incredibly impressed with Thailand’s orgranization of this program… even though there were many moving parts, once we figured everything out it was very smooth and went like clockwork! In fact, I’m writing this from my SHA++ Resort and soaking up the sun as I look at the beautiful Andemann sea in Phuket!
So, let’s get into it!
What is the Thailand Bluezone Sandbox Program?
The Blue Zones are provinces that have completed at least 70% of their mass vaccinations and are ready to accept international visitors. The Blue Zones locations are also called Sandbox locations and include the Phuket Sandbox program as well as 16 other locations now:
- Bangkok
- Krabi
- Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey)
- Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng)
- Trat (Ko Chang)
- Buri Ram (Mueang)
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
- Phang-Nga
- Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
- 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)
The Thailand Sandbox is a program that allows foreign travelers to visit Phuket province, or one of the additional ones listed above without having to undergo quarantine. They must have a negative RT-PCR test result before they can enjoy traveling and do leisure activities throughout Phuket.
Under the Phuket Sandbox program, travelers do not need to do a mandatory quarantine but they must stay in Phuket for at least 7 nights and will then be allowed to visit other destinations in Thailand.
Who is eligible for the Thailand Sandbox Program?
- Vaccinated travelers from any country
- Unvaccinated children under 18 years old traveling with vaccinated parents
- Travelers from country that are not considered as low risk
Sorry, if you’re unvaccinated then you’re SOL and will be subject to mandatory quarantine at any AQ Hotels in Phuket for 10 days.
What are the Requirements for the Thailand Sandbox Program?
- You will manage all of these requirements through what is known as the Thailand Pass. In order to apply for this you will need to do the following:
- You must provide proof that you are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to your departure to Thailand. You will need a RT-PCR COVID 19 test before traveling to Thailand.
- You will need to get COVID-19 Insurance in the event that you do get Covid and need medical care.
- You must book and prepay for the first 7 days at an SHA+ Hotel or Resort in Phuket (or whatever Sandbox region you choose.)
- You must purchase two Pre-paid RT-PCR COVID 19 tests that you will take on Day 1 and Day 5.
Let’s break these down and what our experience was with these things, what it costs and any advise we might have for you with what we’ve learned.
The Thailand Pass
You can apply for this here: https://tp.consular.go.th/
This is an excellent site which will guide you through the entire application process.
You will actually want to apply for your Thailand Pass last, after you have done everything else and I would advise that you complete this as soon as you gather the required materials. Ours was processed within 24 hours but we were a bit nervous.
In addition to your personal information and your flight details you’re going to need to upload pictures and pdf documents of your Passports as well as the following other required documents.
You will need a negative PCR Covid Test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
Once you’re armed with that you will need to purchase Covid Insurance with at least a $50,000 minimum. We got ours from AXA for $188 each. They will send you a certificate and you will need to upload this to your Thailand Pass Application.
Next, you must book your SHA+ hotel or resort. You can do this with the help of Google but the results will be filled with high end resorts which charge a lot of money for your 7 days. Instead we contacted an amazing guy named PK that manages over 120 Airbnb properties in Phuket and is extremely knowledgable about this program. We were able to get an entire month’s stay for less than a 7 day stay at one of the fancier resorts.
PK helped us with the remaining requirements and it was smooth as silk. After you book SHA+ Hotel or Resort you will need to obtain a pre-paid Airport Transfer which cost us about $25. Lastly, you will need to pre-purchase 2 PCR Covid tests which you will take on Day 1 and Day 5. This cost us $120 each.
You will recieve a confirmation letter from your SHA+ hotel or resort which shows you have followed all of the requirements and you will need to upload this to your Thailand Pass application. Once you’ve submitted your application you will recieve an email within 24 hours with your Thailand Pass, including a QR Code. Save this, you’ll need it as you travel and once you arrive.
Here’s how it all broke down for us:
We flew into Phuket and at that point were put into a queue to check all of our documents. I would highly advise you to create a folder and have each of these printed out. We just used our phones and had to stand in a large line to use a printer before we could enter.
Once you get through customs you are ushered immediately to another section where you will take your first PCR Covid test. It was actually a very smooth operation but if you’re a cigarette smoker just getting off a 30 hour flight you will want to have all your documents ready to make this quicker… lesson learned!
As you finish up your PCR Test you are ushered into your waiting Transport vehicle and whisked directly to your SHA+ Hotel or Resort. You will need to download the Thailand MorChana App which will register your Thailand Pass QR Code and tracking information. The QR Code will be orange until your PCR Test comes back negative and you will need to be quarantined in your room until that happens. We were frankly exhausted and just fell asleep and it was green by the time we woke up!
All in all, this was a pretty simple process but there was so many things to do and the language barrier is always difficult. We were super glad we had PK to walk us through everything and he’s available to help you out if you plan on traveling to Thailand for the Phuket Sandbox Program. Reach out to him directly and let him know that Quinn and Rachel sent you!
Prassana (PK) Kumar
Villa and Property Director
WhatsApp:
Email: Prasana +66 99 314 6234
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