Safe Travel Measures to Further the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Model
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the extension of the Phuket Sandbox, thus allowing tourists to travel to more destinations in Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox (7+7) model. Starting from 16 August, 2021, tourists now have an option expand their travel journey beyond Phuket to selected areas in 3 other provinces, which are Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-ngan), Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Railay Beach, and Ko Ngai), and Phang-Nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao). Travellers under the Phuket Sandbox (7+7) will be travelling to designated routes, and must comply to the health measures issued by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, in order to ensure the safety of both the local people and tourists.
Tourists under the Phuket Sandbox programme who want to continue their trip to the newly added provinces must stay in Phuket for at least 7 days and test negative for COVID-19 by the RT-PCR method. Tourists must stay at the next destination for no less than 7 days or when combined with Phuket must equal to 14 days. When travelling in the extension area, tourists are free to roam around and it is not mandatory that they must use SHA Plus certified businesses when choosing where to go, where to eat or what to do, although it is highly recommended that they use SHA Plus businesses for their health and safety. However, specifically for Ko Yao in Phang-Nga, their extension stay will be limited to the facilities of their SHA Plus hotel. However, they can also enjoy facilities at other SHA Plus hotels on both Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, and it is recommended that they use SHA Plus transportation for their transfers.
Also, for safe travel, it is advised that all travellers practice DMHTTA - keeping distance, wearing a face mask, handwashing, temperature check, testing for COVID-19, and using the Mor Chana application while staying in the areas.
