Thailand plans to progressively open up the country for international tourism by using the Phuket Sandbox programme as a stepping stone. From 15 July, the Kingdom will expand its island reopening programme to Ko Samui, a tropical island beach holiday destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Vaccinated visitors from many countries or territories will be able to spend a holiday in Ko Samui. Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-ngan, two world-famous islands north of Samui, that will also reopen as a part of the Samui Reopening. 

This project is called the “Samui Plus Model.” Travellers must travel from countries/territories approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and must have been in the said countries/territories for no less than 21 days before their travel date. International visitors must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their departure with vaccines registered with Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A vaccine certificate must be presented as proof. A negative RT-PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure must also be presented. Visitors must also purchase insurance for COVID-19 medical expenses with a minimum coverage of US $100,000. Children under the age of 18 are not required to be vaccinated if they travel with fully vaccinated parents or guardians. However, they must have tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before departure.

International arrivals must transit through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport before connecting to a dedicated flight to Ko Samui. Visitors must download and activated the alert application specified for Ko Samui upon arrival.

To allow a balance between the holiday mood and healthy travel, the rules and regulations have been redefined for entering Ko Samui. Hotel reservations in Ko Samui must be made prior to arrival. Foreign visitors will be required to stay at Samui Extra Plus hotels for the first 7 days with the first three days confirmed to their hotel or resort. They can, however, leave their rooms and use some hotel facilities as well as have access to designated areas. From Days 4-7, they can travel to a “Sealed Route” to see popular tourist attractions. During the second week, visitors can travel to Ko Tao and Ko Pha-ngan. 

There are COVID-19 DMHTA precautions, which are distancing, mask wearing, handwashing, temperature testing and COVID-19 testing, and alert mobile app installation. All said precautions should be followed while on holidays on the islands. Visitors are also advised to keep an eye out for the SHA certification, while visiting restaurants, wellness centres, and golf courses to maintain safe travel. The SHA logo speaks for their service standards that have been certified for quality. More than 300 hotels, restaurants, and other service providers on Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-ngan have been certified for SHA and SHA Plus certification.

Renting a private vehicle to travel around the island is not permitted. Visitors can only use transportation and travel agencies that have been approved by the Disease Control and Prevention Centre. 

Visitors will be required to take three PT-PCR tests: The first on the first day, the second on the sixth or seventh days, and the last on the twelfth or thirteenth days at their own expense. Upon completing the 14-night stay, visitors will receive a letter of confirmation from the hotel. With a COVID-19 negative result, visitors can now travel to other destinations in Thailand. Those with less than 14 days of vacation will have to leave Ko Samui on a direct international flight or through a dedicated flight by Bangkok Airways to connect to a direct international flight at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

 

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