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Koh Samui’s sandbox scheme is on July 15th to adjust to continue despite an increase in cases in Thailand.

July 1st, Thailand reopened the island of Phuket to vaccinated travelers. The opening was the first step in repairing Thailand’s troubled travel industry. However, Thailand plans to reopen Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan on July 15th in the second sandbox scheme.

Have cases skyrocketed recently in Thailandwhich puts the reopening of Thailand in jeopardy. Bangkok is on lockdown and COVID-19 cases are at an all-time high. Still, the country plans to reopen more islands to save the economy.

The entry requirements

Many people love Thailand for its laid-back nature, but the current restrictions are anything but relaxed. Here are the entry Requirements for the Koh Samui Sandbox Scheme from June 15th:

  • Travelers should avoid crowded areas in the 14 days prior to arriving in Thailand (although they do not check).
  • Travelers must arrive from a list of approved countries established by the CCSA, and travelers must have been in the approved country for more than 21 days before flying to Thailand.
  • All travelers need an entry certificate (COE)
  • An official PCR test certificate with a negative result within 72 hours of arrival
  • Travelers will need a certificate of insurance showing health and treatment costs for COVD-19 with coverage up to $ 100,000
  • If travelers stay less than 14 days, they will need proof of departure from Koh Samui
  • Travelers also need proof of vaccination from WHO-approved vaccinations, and you will need your most recent vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival in Thailand
  • Travelers under the age of 18 require a PCR test

The restrictions on arrival

So when you land, are you probably ready to enjoy these beautiful Koh Samui beaches? Not quite, Here are the travel restrictions on arrival:

  • All travelers undergo a health screening on arrival
  • Travelers are also required to download a health app on their mobile phone throughout their stay
  • Travelers then undergo a PCR test (at their own expense)
  • On day 6 or 7, travelers must take another PCR test
  • Travelers staying 10-14 days will need to do another PCR test on day 12 or 14 (yes, that’s four PCR tests in total).

If the tests are negative, travelers can go anywhere on the island among the designated pilot objectives. As a result, some locations are likely to be closed. Travelers can travel across the country after 14 days in Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.

The current COVD-19 situation in Thailand

Thailand is suffering from its worst COVID-19 outbreak since the pandemic began. There have been 86 COVID deaths, including 9,539 cases. As a result, Bangkok is locked and the Thai government is in a race against the Delta Variant tribe.

The country has given over 10,777,748 primary vaccinations Cans, with 3.5 million full vaccinations. Yet, this is well below the required number of vaccinations to stop the virus from spreading. In addition, Thailand has a population of nearly 70 million, making many older adults susceptible to the Delta variant.

Thailand confirms entry requirements for Phuket reopening in July

The future of travel in Thailand

Thailand had a destination of Reopening the nation within 4 months. However, the current state of COVID-19 means that it looks like this less and less likely. Although the Phuket sandbox program has begun and the Koh Samui sandbox program will begin in a few days, the nation is still a long way from opening the border.

With Southeast Asia – which kept cases extremely low in 2020 – starting to struggle with the new variants, it seems like travel may be a long way off. Even if you decide to visit the Sandbox Schemes, you will face myriad of limitations, four PCR tests, and complete uncertainty. For many it’s easy not worth the effort.

Although Thailand is trying to save its ailing travel industry, it looks like normal travel is still a long way off.

Continue reading:

Thailand’s prime minister says the country will fully reopen within 120 days

Thailand confirms entry requirements for Phuket reopening in July

Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for 2021

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Disclaimer: The current travel rules and restrictions are subject to change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Before traveling, contact your consulate and / or local authorities to confirm entry of your nationality and / or changes in travel regulations. Travel Off Path does not endorse travel against government recommendations