Thailand Travel Updates


Thailand Travel Advisory
All News Update

Thailand Lifts Travel Ban on African Countries

Starting January 11, the travel restrictions on international travelers coming from African countries visiting Thailand will be lifted.

Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration approved the move after deliberations.

Previously, travelers to Thailand coming from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe were not allowed to enter the Kingdom.

All travelers from the approved countries will be allowed to apply for a Thailand Pass under Sandbox Programs or the Alternative Quarantine System.

Sandbox in Krabi, Phang-Nga, Surat Thani to Reopen

Joining Phuket, the provinces of Krabi, Phang-Na, and Surat Thani (only Koh Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao) are reopening their Sandbox Programs from 11 January.

Travelers will have to stay at least the first 7 nights within a Sandbox destination if they plan to continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand. If staying less than 7 nights, the traveler must leave Thailand to another country immediately.

Sandbox Thailand Pass requirements still include a vaccination certificate, a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result, prepaid 7-night’s accommodation in an approved hotel, prepaid RT-PCR tests for when in Thailand, and an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000.

Phuket to Offer Hotel Isolation for Tourists with COVID

In a move to keep Phuket’s reopening operational, hotel owners in Phuket are planning to offer hotel isolation for asymptomatic guests.

Some tourists refuse hospital stays when they see that their symptoms are not severe, as explained by Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter, detailing the problem in transferring guests to hospitals.

Unlike the other variants of the coronavirus, some Omicron cases are asymptomatic. This draws a concern with some travel insurance schemes as being asymptomatic does not cover medical costs. Kongsak added that because of this, tourists being admitted to the hospital have to pay a deposit of around 100,000 baht.

During the hotel isolation, operators can create a monitoring system to prevent early checkout before the isolation period ends. Currently, more than 50 hotels have offered in excess of 500 total rooms that could serve as isolation facilities. Hotels with more than 100 rooms will spare 10% of capacity for guests who opt for hotel rooms rather than field hospitals.

Because of the tighter possible restrictions against the Omicron variant, Kongsak said that an occupancy rate of 30-40% is expected in January after small cancellations. They are more concerned with bookings in February and March, with occupancy at only 10%.

The Thailand government suspended the applications for the Test and Go and other Sandbox programs in December. Currently, Phuket is the only sandbox program open for international travelers.

SOURCE: BANGKOK POST

Thailand Pass: Frequently Asked Questions 2

Traveling to Thailand during the pandemic gives more questions to all international travelers. Such questions are more on the Thailand Pass and other requirements. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected.

What should I do if it’s taking longer than expected to get my Thailand Pass approved?

You can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected] or call +66 2572 8442. Due to the number of queries, expect for a late response. Some applicants say that they waited for hours when they called the number before getting a customer support representative.

Can I change my Thailand Pass days earlier than my original flight?

No, you can’t. You can only reschedule on a later date (within 72 hours). When you scan your Thailand Pass QR code, there is an “enter not later than” date indicated in the Pass. Normally it is within 3 days from the approved date of arrival stated in your application.

Can I extend my stay in Thailand?

Thailand Pass is for your entry to the Kingdom. If you wish to extend but your visa is expiring, you can go to the immigration office and apply for a necessary visa extension. The government fee is 1,900 Thai baht for the extension.

What happens to my Thailand Pass if my flight gets canceled?

Your Thailand Pass will remain valid. You may reschedule your flight within 72 hours from the original arrival date. If your new flight is beyond 72 hours, you will be required to apply for a new Thailand Pass.

I booked a hotel online. Is the booking confirmation enough as proof?

You’ll need to present a confirmation letter from the hotel as proof. For Phuket Sandbox, you may use an Agoda voucher or the Hotel Confirmation Letter issued by the hotel itself.

Thailand Pass Test & Go Resumption Planned to be Delayed

Travelers planning to register for a Thailand Pass under the Test and Go program have to wait as the government will still study and discuss the postponement of the resumption of the new Test and Go Thailand Pass application.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the country’s Prime Minister (PM) Office announced that the PM is in favor of delaying the resumption of the Thailand Pass application and the January 10 deadline for travelers with approved Test and Go Thailand Pass.

However, the final decision is still to be announced as discussions are still ongoing.

Thailand has temporarily suspended the new application of Thailand Pass under the Test & Go and Sandbox programs starting December 22 due to concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Phuket Sandbox and COVID Test FAQs

Traveling to Thailand during the pandemic gives more questions to all international travelers. Such includes the COVID-testing. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected:

Who gets the “free” second COVID testing?

Travelers approved before the Thailand Pass suspension and who arrive in the Kingdom from December 24 onwards must do a second RT-PCR test, shouldered by the government, on the 5th or 6th day at a government-approved medical facility.

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) mentioned in the December 24 briefing that travelers will have to fill in a port health letter upon arrival at the airport, which will be signed by a border control officer and certified by the Department of Disease Control. The border control officer will then provide you with a copy and a QR code, stating the venue for your second RT-PCR COVID-19 test at no additional cost.

You will present the port health letter to your hotel, which will key your records onto the COVID-19 Surveillance Tracking and Evaluation platform, and arrange for your first COVID-19 test. On day 5 or 6, go to your designated laboratory center for your second RT-PCR COVID-19.

I already have a COVID test appointment for Phuket Sandbox, do I need to register again?

It depends on your COVID test provider. You can contact the hotel or the laboratory that you registered prior.

For those who are coming to Phuket who had already registered through www.thailandpsas.com for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:

  1. Choose your booking details and click the “Edit” icon.
  2. Click “Additional Swab Appointment”.
  3. Pay the fee

Can I travel to other places in Thailand even if only the Phuket Sandbox is available?

You need to complete a 7-night stay in Phuket before being allowed to travel to other areas of Thailand. Once you receive your first negative test result in Phuket, you are able to travel freely around Thailand’s largest island. After you receive your second negative test result and have completed a 7-night stay in Phuket, you are able to travel to any other area of Thailand.

With the suspension, are there changes to the number of quarantine days?

Seven (7) days quarantine applies to travelers who have a certificate of vaccination to confirm that they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine for at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. 10 days quarantine applies to travelers who do not have a certificate of vaccination. 14 days quarantine applies to travelers from African countries other than the previously designated high-risk countries, which are constantly being reviewed.

Can we change our flight schedule?

Flight changes are permitted within 72 hours from the original flight time registered in the Thailand Pass without the need to apply for a new Thailand Pass QR Code, provided that all other required documents remain valid or updated.

How to Check Your Thailand Pass

As the government is still studying its next move on their measures about traveling to Thailand during this pandemic, many tourists have been sending a lot of questions and inquiries.

Travelers can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected].

Additionally, the Phuket Governor released an infographic for travelers to check their Thailand Pass status. They can send an email at [email protected]. You can also fill out a form by scanning the QR code provided or calling +66 7653 0220.

Frequently Asked Questions for Thailand Pass

With the suspension of the application for the Thailand Pass, many people still have many questions. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected:

I already have the Thailand Pass. Can I still enter Thailand even during the suspension?

For those who have been issued a Thailand Pass, you can still enter Thailand based on the travel program that you had registered and approved for. You can arrive on the date that was approved on your application or within 72 hours from the original arrival.

I registered for a Thailand Pass before the suspension learning that I have incomplete requirements. What should I do?

You can send an email to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected].

Can I still apply for a Thailand Pass even during the suspension?

Yes. Thailand is not completely closing its borders. New travelers can still register for the Phuket Sandbox Program and the Alternative Quarantine System. The Test & Go Program and other Sandbox Programs are currently suspended until further notice.

What is the validity of the Thailand Pass?

Your Thailand Pass will indicate when you can fly to Thailand. You should have flown to Thailand before the indicated date expires. If you need to change your flight, you may use the same Thailand Pass as long as your new flight is within 72 hours from the original flight time.

Weekly Updates

Phuket Sandbox
Phuket Sandbox and COVID Test FAQs

Phuket Sandbox and COVID Test FAQs

January 6, 2022
Traveling to Thailand during the pandemic gives more questions to all international travelers. Such includes the COVID-testing. Here are some of the questions that we received and collected:

Who gets the “free” second COVID testing?

Travelers approved before the Thailand Pass suspension and who arrive in the Kingdom from December 24 onwards must do a second RT-PCR test, shouldered by the government, on the 5th or 6th day at a government-approved medical facility.

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) mentioned in the December 24 briefing that travelers will have to fill in a port health letter upon arrival at the airport, which will be signed by a border control officer and certified by the Department of Disease Control. The border control officer will then provide you with a copy and a QR code, stating the venue for your second RT-PCR COVID-19 test at no additional cost.

You will present the port health letter to your hotel, which will key your records onto the COVID-19 Surveillance Tracking and Evaluation platform, and arrange for your first COVID-19 test. On day 5 or 6, go to your designated laboratory center for your second RT-PCR COVID-19.

I already have a COVID test appointment for Phuket Sandbox, do I need to register again?

It depends on your COVID test provider. You can contact the hotel or the laboratory that you registered prior.

For those who are coming to Phuket who had already registered through www.thailandpsas.com for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:

  1. Choose your booking details and click the "Edit" icon.
  2. Click "Additional Swab Appointment".
  3. Pay the fee

Can I travel to other places in Thailand even if only the Phuket Sandbox is available?

You need to complete a 7-night stay in Phuket before being allowed to travel to other areas of Thailand. Once you receive your first negative test result in Phuket, you are able to travel freely around Thailand’s largest island. After you receive your second negative test result and have completed a 7-night stay in Phuket, you are able to travel to any other area of Thailand.

With the suspension, are there changes to the number of quarantine days?

Seven (7) days quarantine applies to travelers who have a certificate of vaccination to confirm that they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine for at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. 10 days quarantine applies to travelers who do not have a certificate of vaccination. 14 days quarantine applies to travelers from African countries other than the previously designated high-risk countries, which are constantly being reviewed.

Can we change our flight schedule?

Flight changes are permitted within 72 hours from the original flight time registered in the Thailand Pass without the need to apply for a new Thailand Pass QR Code, provided that all other required documents remain valid or updated.

Book COVID Test for Phuket Sandbox

How to Book COVID Test for Phuket Sandbox

January 4, 2022

Starting December 23, 2021, Thailand will now require two RT-PCR tests for those entering Phuket.

The first test will be conducted at Phuket International Airport while the second test on the 5th day will be conducted at the test centers around Phuket.

The steps for the RT-PCR test via www.thailandpsas.com are as follows:
  1. Provide flight details and hotel information. You will be asked for your flight and accommodation details.
  2. Input your personal information like your gender, date of birth, country of origin, and Passport Number.
  3. Choose your swab test locations. Because the first swab test will be conducted at the Phuket International Airport, you can only choose the location for the second swab test. The swab test date will be automatically shown from the details you input in Step 1.
  4. Pay the fee. The fee for the RT PCR tests is 4200 THB.

Note: For those who have already registered for a single swab test before the announcement of the new guidelines, you can still add a second swab test by logging in to the account you used for registration:

  1. Choose your booking details and click the “Edit” icon.
  2. Click “Additional Swab Appointment”.
  3. Pay the fee.
New Entry Requirements for October 1

New Entry Requirements for October 1

September 28, 2021
On September 27, the CCSA agreed to reduce the quarantine period for vaccinated international travelers to 7 days from 1 October. Those who have not been vaccinated will quarantine for 10-14 days.
  • Group 1: Vaccinated travelers from countries not eligible for the Sandbox program need to do a 7 days quarantine.
  • Group 2: Vaccinated travelers from all countries arriving in Bangkok will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of 7 days.
  • Group 3: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by air/sea must undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days.
  • Group 4: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by land must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Travelers who are eligible for the Phuket or Samui Plus Sandbox programs will not be affected by these new entry requirements.

New Eligible Countries for Sandbox Program

September 28, 2021
The list of countries and territories from where travelers may enter Thailand’s Sandbox program has been updated from 70 to 78.

New Eligible Countries for Thailand Sandbox
Andamantra Resort and Villa Phuket

Phuket Sandbox Hotel of the Week

September 22, 2021
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from, we feature one of the best SHA+ Hotels in Phuket for your Phuket Sandbox stay. Andamantra Resort & Villa is the 5-star resort located at the prime area of the famous North Patong and Kalim beach. The resort faces the west side of the Andaman sea, commands panoramic seaview from its elevated hillside location. Guests may enjoy stunning sunset views from their balconies and most areas of the resort. It features a spa, fitness center and 3 outdoor pools. The resort is a 15-minute walk to Patong Beach and a 15-minute drive to Jungceylon Shopping Centre and Bangla Road. To book this hotel, please check: https://www.agoda.com/andamantra-resort-and-villa-phuket/hotel/phuket-th.html

Domestic Air Travel: Thai Airways

August 27, 2021
Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced an update on its domestic, regional, and international flights from August to October 2021, including dedicated Phuket Sandbox services.

Thai Airways Domestic Flights Aug-Oct 2021
Countries Eligible for Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox

List of Countries Eligible for Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox

August 27, 2021
On August 20th, the Ministry of health and the Tourism Authority of Thailand has published the latest list of countries eligible for the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus Sandbox, and Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 Extension as follows:

Bangkok Airways

Domestic Air Travel: Bangkok Airways

August 27, 2021
Starting from 25 August 2021, Bangkok Airways will resume its direct flights between Samui and Phuket in support of the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs that were launched on 1 July and 15 July 2021, respectively signaling the beginning of Thailand’s reopening to tourism. The resumed services will be operated by ATR 72-600 aircraft starting with 3 flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Flight PG253 will depart Samui at 11.25 Hrs. and arrive at Phuket at 12.25 Hrs, with the return service Flight PG254 departing Phuket at 13.00 Hrs. and arriving at Samui at 14.00 Hrs.
Domestic Travel: Thai Smile

Domestic Travel: Thai Smile

August 27, 2021
Thai Smile Airways will operate a special charter flight from Phuket to Bangkok effective on August 26, 2021. The flight WE 8784 will depart Phuket at 14:30 hours and will arrive at Bangkok at 1600 hours. They will temporarily suspend the flight operations until August 31, 2021 and will resume on September 1, 2021.
Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension Program

Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension Program

August 20, 2021
Starting from 16 August 2021, the “Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension” program allows eligible international travelers to reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket from 14 to 7 days, after which another 7 nights can be spent in the provinces of Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani. Travelers planning to spend another 7 nights outside of Phuket must obtain a ‘Transfer Form’ issued by their hotel in Phuket indicating that they have stayed in Phuket for 7 nights, which they will need to show together with the negative results of their two COVID-19 tests.
Sandbox Express Bus

Sandbox Express Bus

August 13, 2021
This bus travel from Phuket to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is arranged only for international travelers under the Phuket Sandbox program and their family members. Available from 4-16 August 2021, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, the bus leaves Central Festival Phuket at 05.00 Hrs. and PTT Thalang at 05.30 Hrs. and arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the same evening at around 21.00 Hrs. Fare starts from 1,500 Baht per person depending on the number of passengers per trip. Booking must be made through SHA+ Manager at the hotel.
Phuket to Bangkok flight for Phuket Sandboxers

Phuket to Bangkok flight for Phuket Sandboxers

August 13, 2021
Thai Smile Airways is offering a flight from Phuket to Bangkok for "Phuket Sandbox" passengers starting on 14 August 2021. Flight WE8087 will depart Phuket at 14.30 Hrs. and arrive in Bangkok at 16.00 Hrs. The ticket price is 4,300 Baht per person all-inclusive. Payment must be made by 12.00 Hrs. on 12 August 2021. For further information on this flight, email [email protected]
Samui Sandbox
New Entry Requirements for October 1

New Entry Requirements for October 1

September 28, 2021
On September 27, the CCSA agreed to reduce the quarantine period for vaccinated international travelers to 7 days from 1 October. Those who have not been vaccinated will quarantine for 10-14 days.
  • Group 1: Vaccinated travelers from countries not eligible for the Sandbox program need to do a 7 days quarantine.
  • Group 2: Vaccinated travelers from all countries arriving in Bangkok will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of 7 days.
  • Group 3: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by air/sea must undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days.
  • Group 4: Not vaccinated travelers arriving by land must undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
Travelers who are eligible for the Phuket or Samui Plus Sandbox programs will not be affected by these new entry requirements.

New Eligible Countries for Sandbox Program

September 28, 2021
The list of countries and territories from where travelers may enter Thailand’s Sandbox program has been updated from 70 to 78.

New Eligible Countries for Thailand Sandbox
The Briza Beach Resort

Samui Sandbox Hotel of the Week

September 22, 2021
This week, we feature one of the Samui Extra Plus Hotels for your Sandbox application. Situated on beautiful Chaweng Beach, The Briza Beach Resort, offers spacious and luxurious villas with private pools and free WiFi. It enjoys convenient access to Koh Samui's entertainment spots as well as restaurants and bars. The Briza Beach Resort is a 5-minute stroll to various shopping and dining options along Chaweng Beach. It only takes 15 minutes by car from the resort to Samui International Airport. To book this hotel, please check:

https://www.agoda.com/the-briza-beach-resort/hotel/koh-samui-th.html
Countries Eligible for Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox

List of Countries Eligible for Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox

August 27, 2021
On August 20th, the Ministry of health and the Tourism Authority of Thailand has published the latest list of countries eligible for the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus Sandbox, and Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 Extension as follows:

Bangkok Airways

Domestic Air Travel: Bangkok Airways

August 27, 2021
Starting from 25 August 2021, Bangkok Airways will resume its direct flights between Samui and Phuket in support of the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs that were launched on 1 July and 15 July 2021, respectively signaling the beginning of Thailand’s reopening to tourism. The resumed services will be operated by ATR 72-600 aircraft starting with 3 flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Flight PG253 will depart Samui at 11.25 Hrs. and arrive at Phuket at 12.25 Hrs, with the return service Flight PG254 departing Phuket at 13.00 Hrs. and arriving at Samui at 14.00 Hrs.