Phuket Sandbox – 26 Days And Counting

Yesterday was another critical milestone for the 1^st of July reopening of international tourism to Thailand.

The Center for Economic Situation Administration or CESA gave an endorsement for the Phuket Sandbox.

Formal approval from the Thai Cabinet is expected next week, followed by formal guidelines in the Royal Gazette.

One critical change is that travelers to Phuket who want to eventually go elsewhere in the country will now be made to stay on the island for 14 days versus the previously tabled 7 days.

This is likely to minimize the use of Phuket in broad terms as a gateway for onward travel.

Additionally, travelers will now be able to arrive internationally in Bangkok and direct transit on a limited airlift basis. They can also arrive directly in Phuket.

There continues to be the requirement to stay in an SHA-approved hotel (don’t confuse this with quarantine hotel). We’d imagine most hotels in Phuket will seek SHA Plus status so the choice is wide.

Unlike the ASQ restrictions, travelers can move about Phuket, though there are currently between 2-3 periodic Covid-19 tests that will be spelled out in the final guidelines.

It’s not easy and it won’t be immediate but The Sandbox is indeed on the way and a step in the right direction.

Hat’s off to Richard Barrow for his ongoing updates on the processes and timely information.