After months of strict travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normalcy by easing some travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and allowing normal tourists to enter the country. The government has introduced Sandbox programs allowing vaccinated travelers to enter the country without quarantine. Starting November 2021, there is a proposal for a Sandbox Program for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi (Pattaya), and Hua Hin.



“The Thai government’s aim is to allow all vaccinated crew/guests to fly into Thailand without the need for Quarantine. Yacht check-in is also scheduled to get easier,” says Gordon Fernandes in Phuket, co-founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts.

The Phuket Sandbox program has welcomed over 35,000 travelers since it started on July 1, 2021. Fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries who are visiting Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox are not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. The Phuket Sandbox travelers are required to stay for seven nights in a designated SHA+ hotel in Phuket only.



The ‘Samui Plus Sandbox’ program has welcomed international travellers since it started on July 15, 2021. Fully vaccinated travellers visiting Thailand through the Samui Plus Sandbox are not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. Samui Plus Sandbox travellers are required to stay for 7 nights in a designated Samui Extra Plus Hotel in Samui before they are allowed to travel to Koh Phang Ngan or Koh Tao.

The Thai government plans to promote tourism next year and set up a tourism promotional fund to transform Phuket into a world-class destination. Restrictions were eased as vaccinations hit 50m doses after the record 1.4m doses last week.

The ambitious plan for Phuket and the tourism sector was approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. A tourism promotion fund will also affect changes in the tourism industry for sustainable growth, as well as reducing as much red tape as possible to promote tourism and welcome more foreign-flagged yachts and superyachts.

Credits: Unsplash

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