The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been authorized to implement the so-called 7+7 model for tourists arriving under the Phuket Sandbox.
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has given tourism officials the green light to upgrade the non-quarantine travel scheme to “Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 Extension.”
This new model would provide fully vaccinated international travelers with multiple options to visit different local tourist destinations without complying with an extended quarantine period.
The Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension came into effect on August 16.
TAT’s governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that, alongside the Phuket Sandbox from July 1 and Samui Plus from July 15, the new 7+7 model would allow other pilot destinations to progressively reopen.
Such tourist places are currently preparing to adopt security measures that guarantee the health of both tourists and local residents.
Under the new scheme extension, eligible international travelers can reduce the mandatory stay on the island from 14 to 7 days.
Afterward, they can spend another seven nights in other destinations in Krabi, Phang-Nga, or Surat Thani.
Authorities confirmed that entry requirements and measures in force for foreign tourists remain unchanged for the 7+7 Extension.
However, all people ending their seven-day stay and planning to spend another week outside Phuket must obtain a transfer form.
Travelers can request their transfer form at their hotel in Phuket. The document must indicate that they have been on the island for at least seven nights.
Negative results of two Covid-19 tests, usually conducted on days 0 and 6-7 in Phuket, are also essential requirements to move to another destination.
Additionally, travel from Phuket to Krabi, Phang-Nga or Surat Thai is only permitted via CCSA-authorized routes and transportation methods.
A Bangkok Airways’ direct domestic flight on the Phuket-Ko Samui route will be available for those traveling to Surat Thani.
Those who want to get to Krabi can use SHA Plus-certified ferry and boat services at approved piers.
Phang-Nga (Khao Lak) can be reached via SHA Plus-certified car transfer, traveling from Phuket directly to certified hotels.
Tourists can also use SHA Plus-certified ferry and boat services from authorized piers to get to Phang-Nga (Ko Yao Noi or Ko Yao Yai).
After spending seven nights in any destination, tourists must undergo their third Covid-19 test.
If results are negative, they receive a release form to leave their hotel for any other Thai location.
But if the travelers’ stay is less than seven days, they can return to Phuket International Airport on the departure day and show proof of foreign travel.
