What are the pros and cons of quarantining in Phuket versus Bangkok for an O-A visa holder traveling to Thailand?

O-A Visa Thailand Quarantine Phuket Sandbox Bangkok ASQ COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Expats in Thailand

Sep 12, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are Americans traveling to Thailand for 8 months on a long stay O-A visa.  What are the pros and cons quarantining Phuket VS Bangkok?  Is a cell phone absolutely necessary in both places?

1,275

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Travelers considering quarantine options in Thailand have differing experiences between Phuket's sandbox model and Bangkok's Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ). Phuket allows free roaming after a negative COVID test with only about 6 hours of hotel confinement, while Bangkok requires 14 days of strict hotel isolation with no freedom to leave. The costs also vary, with Phuket generally being cheaper than Bangkok. Additionally, there's discussion about whether a mobile phone is necessary in both locations, but opinions vary.

Stanley ********

No. I simply said l don't have. They give you some forms to fill out. Just toss them. Most of what they tell you you have to have is pure window dressing

3 years ago

Bobby ********

@James *******

has so succinctly described it, this illustrates the difference between a 500 square kilometre "confinement" of sandbox versus a 30 square isolation of ASQ.

3 years ago

George *************

Depends entirely on how much you like your hotel room. In Phuket you have to spend on average about 6 hours in your hotel room. In Bangkok you spend 322 hours.

3 years ago

Raymond *****

Thought 1 oct there will be a sandbox in bangkok

3 years ago

James ********

@Raymond ****

highly doubt it. Most likely as

@Benjamin *****

says... Tour groups. Follow the Flag ...In and Out of Thailand

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Raymond ****

I expect a "Bangkok Sandbox" to be mandatory tour groups, where you're picked up at the airport by a tour group, go to places with the group, and then leave Thailand as group. It's the only way that "sandbox" would work.

3 years ago

Tony *********

@Raymond ****

what would be the point of the sandbox in BKK ?. You might as well not do quarantine. That's what I think anyway

3 years ago

Reply to

Tony *********

Peter *********

Yes

3 years ago

Michael ********

Tell you next week after three quarantines I am glad to have the opportunity to do the sandbox.

3 years ago

Kathy ****************

Just did the quarantine in Phuket July 2021 ($1275.00 at the Marriott Merlin Beach), after doing one in Bangkok in November 2020 ($2500.00 at what we thought was a nice hotel... It was not).. We were on a O-A Retirement Visa.. If you have any questions you can PM me..

3 years ago

James ********

Phuket sandbox is freedom for 14 days FREE to ROAM PHUKET after your first RT-PCR COVID test taken on arrival at the airport results are negative ...usually within 6-12 hours ..

ASQ quarantine in Bangkok is being LOCKED UP in ASQ quarantine hotel room for 14 days UNABLE to LEAVE the ROOM...

You choose ....

3 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the differences between SHA++ and ASQ hotels, and do I need to book a hotel for my 5-day stay in Thailand as a vaccinated traveler?

34 comments