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Thailand has added a new addition to their already existing Phuket Sandbox strategy that allows for a bit more freedom when visiting the Kingdom: the new Phuket Sandbox 7+7.
The latest program is a hybrid of both the previous sandboxes with a few new destinations added, further opening options for reaching new locations while quarantining.
🇹🇭 PRESS RELEASE: The Tourism Authority of Thailand is pleased to provide general information on the “Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension” programme, which is an upgrade on the existing Phuket Sandbox programme https://t.co/OU4nU9DAP9 #TravelNews #ThaiTravelNews #Thailand #PhuketSandbox pic.twitter.com/ldPDcIyZyZ
— TAT Newsroom (@Tatnews_Org) August 17, 2021
The new program started on August 16 and requires a seven-day stay in Phuket, the standard for the Phuket Sandbox. However, after the first seven days, travelers can now choose between:
- Staying in Phuket for the remaining seven days of quarantine.
- Traveling to Surat Thani to join the Samui Plus locations of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao.
- Heading to any of the newly added locations of Krabi for Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai, or Railay.
- Traveling to Phang-Nga for quarantine in Khao Lak or Ko Yao.
Details on the Sandbox Programs in Thailand
The Phuket Sandbox program has allowed fully vaccinated foreign visitors to enter the country via Phuket. Tourists then quarantine on the entire island of Phuket for 14 days while undergoing further testing before being free to travel to all of Thailand.
More recently, Thailand added another quarantine sandbox option known as the Samui Plus program. The program follows a similar strategy, requiring seven days on Koh Samui but allowing travelers to spend the last seven days on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao.
The new 7+7 model allows for more movement while still satisfying the quarantine requirement.
As always, the sandbox quarantine period will require proof of full vaccination before entering, plus a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure. The program requires an additional three tests throughout the pre-booked stay. These tests take place on designated days in order to exit quarantine and continue traveling in Thailand.
