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What are the current requirements and experiences for the Phuket Sandbox program?

Phuket Sandbox Thailand Visa Rules Travel to Thailand COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Immigration Regulations SCOOTER Rental in Phuket SHA+ Hotels in Phuket

Dec 22, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Got my tickets booked for late August. Also considering going to Thailand end of April seeing tickets are almost cheaper to fly there than it is to my hometown (Brisbane). Flights will be landing in Phuket. Can someone simplify the sandbox for me? I'll be happy to stay in Phuket as long as I can ride a scooter around Phuket and visit some islands.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Travelers flying into Phuket under the Sandbox program should expect to stay in Phuket for a mandatory 7 days. During this period, they will need to stay in SHA+ approved hotels, undergo temperature checks, and complete two COVID-19 tests: one upon arrival and another on day 6/7. Despite the ongoing changes in travel regulations, many travelers have reported positive experiences with the program, which allows them some freedom to explore the island after testing negative.

Mark **********

We came in through the Sandbox just as they shortened the stay to 7 days.. Our experience was taking a RT-PCR test right after we picked up our luggage. SHA+ transport took us to our SHA+ hotel. 3 hours after check in we received notification of negative test results and we were free to roam the island. Day 5 took a 2nd PCR test and day 7 given a certificate of completing our quarantine and headed on a flight to BK. As everyone notes, much is in flux, but what went through was quite pleasant. Safe travels.

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Mitchell *******

That was my experience as well. The Sandbox is a nice way to get into Thailand.

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Mitchell *******

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Gordon *******

Way to far ahead, April. Things change weekly at the moment!

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Adam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

do you usually book flights a week ahead for your holiday?

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Claire ******

@Adam **************

i book flights generally about 1 week in advance at most atm. Sometimes the day before and once the morning of the flight 🤣 (been travelling since August).

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Gordon *******

@Adam **************

Usually about 4 weeks, could be shorter. At present rules in Thailand very changeable and fluid. A lot can change in a week, never mind 4 months

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Gordon *******

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Garrett ***********

Phuket sandbox just means you have to stay in Phuket for 7 days, stay in specific hotels that check your temperature everyday, and take 2 covid tests over the 7 days, one when you arrive and one on day

***

.

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Adam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

is it quarantine or am I allowed to leave the hotel and travel around phuket during the 7 days?

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Garrett ***********

You can leave the hotel after your first covid test, usually 3-5 hours. You just have to stay in Phuket for the 7 days, can't leave the island.

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Adam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

Phuket it is. Cheers for the reply.

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Garrett ***********

Enjoy mate

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Garrett ***********

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Josh ***********

Thinking way too far ahead. It’s hard enough to keep track of the weekly changes. By August likely 2 boosters will be required and we will be on variant Zeta

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Michael ********

You are thinking way to far ahead changes weekly who can predict whats going to be happening in four month

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Adam ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

I'm asking for the possibility of going in April and I'm wanting to book tickets tonight. So weighing up the options of staying in Phuket for the two weeks and seeing what I can actually do if the sandbox was my only option.

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Michael ********

@Adam **************

Sandbox is easy

Search agoda find SHA plus hotel.

Contact hotel direct who knows how many days, who knows if sandbox will still exist.

Book PCR test for airport

Book SHA plus taxi usually best from hotel

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Michael ********

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