Thailand Reopens More Sandbox Locations
Thailand will reopen 3 more Sandbox destinations from 11 January 2022, after the nation has agreed to extend the ban of the Test & Go system. After making travel easier in late-2021, Thailand has paused the scheme which allowed travelers to skip mandatory quarantine.
Thailand plans to treat the virus as endemic in 2022 as it looks to rebuild its tourism economy. In 2019, Thailand attracted almost 40 million visitors. However, visitor numbers have flatlined since March 2020.
The New Sandbox Schemes
From January 11, 2022, travelers can travel to Thailand under three new Sandbox schemes: Krabi, Phang-Na, or Surat Thani, as well as the Phuket Sandbox scheme. Travelers must ensure they’ve arranged everything before applying for the Sandbox Thailand Pass.
Travelers will require:
- A vaccination certificate
- A pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result
- Prepaid 7-nights accommodation in an approved hotel
- Prepaid RT-PCR tests for when in Thailand
- An insurance policy with coverage of no less than $50,000
Travelers must stay at least the first 7 nights within Sandbox destinations. However, if travelers need to leave their accommodation before the 7-night-period, they must leave the country.
Travelers need to complete their 7 nights in hotel quarantine before traveling to other destinations within Thailand.
The Suspension Of The Test & Go Thailand Pass Applications
The CCSA has also approved the measure to suspend the Thailand Pass system for new registrations. However, the CCSA is currently reviewing entry measures for travelers who’ve obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December 2021 with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from December 24, 2021.
Travelers planning to enter Thailand can apply for the Thailand Pass under one of the Sandbox programs or the Alternative Quarantine system.
The Current COVID-19 Situation In Thailand: 10 January 2022
COVID-19 cases have dropped in Thailand in recent weeks. That said, cases have spiked again in recent days. The current 7-day case average is 5,713; that’s a small increase from the 7-day case average of 2,618 on December 19, 2021. Although COVID-19 cases are still way behind the 21,784 7-day case average in August 2021.
Of course, this will create concern for many travelers planning to visit Thailand. The nation changes its COVID-19 entry policy continually.
As we’ve seen in the previous two years, anything can happen in Thailand regarding COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The End Of The Africa Travel Ban
From January 11, 2022, Thailand will remove its ban on arrivals from African countries. Therefore, travelers from African nations can apply for the Thailand pass under one of the Sandbox schemes or an Alternative Quarantine system.
Thailand’s 26 “Blue Zone” Provinces Will Remain
The CCSA has approved the maintenance of the 26 “Blue Zone” provinces with pilot tourist destinations. Blue zones have reached 70% vaccination levels and are ready to welcome international visitors.
Central Thailand:
- Bangkok
- Ayutthaya (Mueang district only)
- Kanchanaburi
- Nonthaburi
- Pathum Thani
- Phetchaburi (Cha-Am district only)
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Prachuap Khiri Khan (Mueang, Hua Hin, and Nong Kae districts only)
- Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport only)
Eastern Region:
- Chanthaburi (only for Mueang and Tha Mai districts)
- Chon Buri (only for Bang Lamung, Ko Si Chang, Pattaya, and Si Racha districts, and only Bang Sarey and Na Jomtien subdistricts in Sattahip district)
- Rayong (only for Ko Samet)
- Trat (only for Ko Chang and Ko Kut districts)
Northern Region:
- Chiang Mai (Mueang, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng districts only)
- Chiang Rai (Mueang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang, Mae Sai, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Kaen, and Wiang Pa Pao districts only).
Southern Region:
- Krabi
- Phang-Nga
- Phuket
- Ranong (Koh Phayam only)
- Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao only).
