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

Sep 12, 2021
3 years ago
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?
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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
Bobby ********
As
@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.
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.
Raymond *****
Thought 1 oct there will be a sandbox in bangkok
James ********
@Raymond ****
highly doubt it. Most likely as
@Benjamin *****
says... Tour groups. Follow the Flag ...In and Out of Thailand
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.
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
Peter *********
Yes
Michael ********
Tell you next week after three quarantines I am glad to have the opportunity to do the sandbox.
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..
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 ....
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