Private sector to use “Phuket Sandbox” model to reopen economic activities
The Board of Trade of Thailand and the Federation of Thai Industries has responded positively to the Government’s policy of reopening the country within the next 120 days, or in October.
Accordingly, they will use "Phuket Sandbox” as a model to reopen economic, trade, and tourism activities in target areas.
The Cabinet earlier acknowledged the Phuket Sandbox plan to reopen Phuket province to international tourists from 1 July 2021 onwards. This pilot project also involves Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao in Surat Thani, which are set to reopen on 15 July 2021.
According to measures under the Phuket Sandbox plan, before entering Thailand, foreign travelers must have a Certificate of Entry (COE) and a medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, issued not more than 72 hours before arrival.
They must come from low- and moderate-risk countries, have a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000, and show a vaccine certificate indicating that they had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no less than 14 days before arrival. They must also register through the website www.entrythailand.go.th.
After arrival in Thailand, the foreign travelers must install the application Thailand Plus and other required applications set by respective provinces, such as Mor Chana. They are also required to take a COVID-19 test. In Phuket, they must check in at the pre-booked SHA Plus-certified accommodation establishment. As for Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao, they must stay at Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) accommodation.
If their COVID-19 tests produce negative results, they may travel around Phuket and must remain on the island for at least 14 days before traveling to other provinces. If they want to stay less than 14 days in Phuket, they must depart for an overseas destination after that period, not another destination in Thailand.
