thailand
Ask question

What is the experience like for those who have participated in the Phuket Sandbox program?

Phuket SandboxVisa ProcessTravel RestrictionsPhuket TourismExpat Life in ThailandCOVID-19 PrecautionsDouble Vaccination Requirements
Jul 28, 2021
3 years ago
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone done the Phuket Sandbox yet and if so how is it??was just looking for some info and on it all and flying from uk well scotland is there anything open in Phuket??and if your double vac how long for the visa prosses and ceo.

Cheers in Advance๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3,384
views
10
likes
98
all likes
45
replies
4
images
18
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Phuket Sandbox program has seen participation from about 12,000 travelers. Experiences shared indicate mixed feelings depending on individual circumstances. While some found the stay pleasant, enjoying resorts like the Marriott, others noted that many businesses and attractions were closed due to the situation, making it less vibrant than usual. For double-vaccinated individuals flying from the UK or Scotland, the visa process is ongoing, and conditions may evolve with local restrictions. Reports suggest travel within Thailand requires caution, and some travelers faced challenges related to transportation and the current COVID situation.
Vincent ********
Last evolution for Phuket
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Vincent ********
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Vincent ********
Reply
Derek ***********
Have fun. I quarantined in Bangkok with my wife earlier this year. Never again.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kathy ****************
@De***
 same here, we did Phuket and it was wonderful..
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kathy ****************
Reply
John **********
I'm not on sandbox but in Phuket. They are going into a mini lockdwon next week apartentky with bars closed for a week. Convenience stores already all closed and policendrivong around incessently. Have no idea why someone would opt to come to Phuket
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter ***************
@John *********
 yeah

That was to be expected

Wasnโ€™t it

Not only Phuket

Even in those areas where not many tourists go

Esan for example

Thereโ€™s lockdown

And even curfew

Sandbox is more like litter box
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Peter ***************
Reply
Doreen **********
I recommend joining this group. You will quickly find your answers there
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
Only 7 days now in the sandbox
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Bob *********
 no From 1.8
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kathy ****************
It is still 14 days to travel within Thailand, you can visit other sandbox islands but must spend 14 days total..
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 cheers thats Good to know nice 1๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dale *********
Reply
David *********
Just finished the phuket sandbox, stayed at holiday inn. 398 rooms, 30 being used. Beach front all boarded up just a few shops and bars open, its sad to see but better than 2 weeks in 1 room. Nok air have started domestic flights twice a week. But did not fit in with me as would have to do another pcr test so used the mini van transport to pattaya and very good, 14hrs, only 1 checkpoint when leaving Phuket and none in Bangkok.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Rob ******
@David ********
You did 14 hours in a minivan .Wow in a covid time , i would rate that as crazy . You must be fairly young and not really worried about Covid .
3 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
@Rob *****
 no im 60 but needed to get home, only 6 in minibus and all had done sandbox.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Rob ******
@David ********
Okay , i would have passed , your driver and the previous travellers in that would be a no show for me .

Did you have the air con onall the way ? Glad you made it okay, anyway . That is the main thing . I never need to travel that much .
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ******
Reply
Reiner *********
@David ********
 well sitting in a van for 14 hours , going to a deep red , sounds a Perfect holiday idea 555
3 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
@Reiner ********
 not a holiday, i live in Bang Sare
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
David *********
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
 cheers David for the info.๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dale *********
Reply
James ********
May I suggest you ask your question on the UK based group as they have been helpful to many in entering Thailand... With admin OK...

**********************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
/?ref=share
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@James *******
 no worries James links welcome to more suitable groups
3 years ago
Like
Reply
James ********
@Michael *******
 thank you ๐Ÿ˜ท
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 many thanks didnt know there was uk Group appoligies if it wasnt ok to post and ask Q
3 years ago
Like
Reply
James ********
@Dale ********
 your post was welcomed... When I saw it I thought you may also wish to post on the UK based group. Hope all goes well with your return to Thailand.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Peter ***********
Fly to Scarborough you'll have more fun.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Rob ******
@Peter **********
Building sand castles ..mmm
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ******
Reply
Stuey ******
I got flights from London to Singapore on to Phuket. ยฃ750.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Tony *******
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kathy ****************
Just checked out today and other than no flights to Bangkok(had to hire private van) it was wonderful.. We stayed at the Marriott @ Merlin Beach and loved it..
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Kathy ***************
 check first who is flying into phuket and then you choose the come or connect flights or just better ask a travel agent ... donโ€™t fly trough bangkok ...

more then
*****
tourist are all here .... the only critical point is That IF you catch the Virus somewhere you have to go to quarantine here as well fir 14 days ... the Covid insurance will cover that and I would advise you for a travel insurance ( Kost nothing ) in this case to pay you back the hotel cost....

The plan is from 1.7 that you only need to stay on phuket 7 days ... the first they ask you to stay in the hotel to receive the first test they did at the airport ... then all easy . I agree I would choose rawai because nearly all open ... but up to you ...

As yesterdayโ€™s figures are 40 new cases I advise you to check the news every day ... it might be more restrictions are coming .... if the Figures go up .... but. Besides that all NOW it is the Best Time ... empty beaches , hot relaxed ,,,, good luck
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kathy ****************
@Rei***
 you can only get to Phuket by flying directly into Phuket and to leave Phuket you may have a flight with another airline but like we did it was canceled then you have to get a private vehicle if you want to go to anywhere else from Phuket to Bangkok it's
*****
baht...
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Kathy ***************
 as the easiest way is to fly to phuket direct , and connect flights with local companies are not allowed ... I would go direct to phuket .... well if you are here you have enough time to get all possible destinations coordinated ...I would NOT advise you to go to deep red zone Bankok...
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Reiner *********
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
 Many thanks for the Info๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dale *********
Reply
Niclas ***********
They will try to storm through this outbreak but I would be cautious to government dialogue and tone before proceeding. That said I am hoping to go soon. You can transfer through Singapore to Phuket last I checked
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Oonagh **********
@Niclas **********
 I understand that you have to have the flight into and out of Singapore on same booking. I don't think you can arrive in the evening from UK, and fly to Phuket the next morning as many from UK would, staying at airport hotel. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Niclas **********
 Cheers yeah was thinking on possibly doing it in next week or so I did wonder how to fly to phuket from scotland so thanks for that have to fly to singapore and then onwards.I did hear nothing was open in phuket any truth in that Mate Cheers๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Dale ********
 each area is different. Kata and Karon are very quiet. Patong is a bit better now. Laguna, Rawai and Chalong pretty much business as usual. Almost everything open. Loads of restaurants etc.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Roger *******
@Stuart ********
 what about bars and alcohol?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Roger ******
 bars are currently shut. Restaurants are open and allowed to serve alcohol. A number of bars have started to serve food as a resultโ€ฆ.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 cheers Stuart thats Great to know Mate as long as theres places open Thanks for the info.๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Lindsey **********
@Dale ********
 from Scotland you could do Manchester to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi to Phuket 570 pounds
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lindsey *********
 Thanks Lindsey will look in to that way as well much appreciated for info๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dale *********
Reply
Dale *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kathy ***************
 Thanks Kathy os everywere open in phuket or limited opennings??and how is pepole flying in to phuket??
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wayne ********
@Dale ********
 Ghost Town
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kathy ****************
@Da**
 very limited openings
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kathy ****************
Reply
Bobby ********
I think about 12,000 have done it or doing it
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 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 is the experience like upon returning to Thailand after COVID restrictions?
32 comments
3 years ago
What should I expect when arriving in Phuket under the Sandbox program?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for a UK passport holder traveling to Thailand in April?
5 comments
3 years ago
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Test and Go vs Sandbox programs for traveling to Phuket?
15 comments
3 years ago
What are the current visa rules for entering Thailand, particularly regarding the Bangkok sandbox and related hotel bookings?
123 comments
3 years ago
Is the Phuket Sandbox still available for vaccinated travelers to Thailand?
73 comments
3 years ago
What should I know before flying to Phuket under the Sandbox program?
15 comments
3 years ago
What are the criteria for applying to Thailand's Sandbox program?
17 comments
3 years ago
Is the Phuket Sandbox still operational despite recent news updates?
7 comments
3 years ago
What are the current requirements and experiences for the Phuket Sandbox program?
15 comments
3 years ago
Is the Phuket Sandbox the only option for entry into Thailand currently, and are there updates on its requirements?
20 comments
3 years ago
What has been the experience of non-vaccinated travelers arriving in Thailand and undergoing the 10-day quarantine recently?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are some hotel recommendations for the Phuket Sandbox for travelers from the UK in December 2021?
11 comments
3 years ago
Is the Phuket Sandbox the best option to avoid quarantine when traveling to Thailand?
5 comments
3 years ago
What do I need to know about entering Thailand for a non-O retirement visa in November?
9 comments
3 years ago
Do travelers to Thailand need to be vaccinated, or can they choose to go to the Sandbox for quarantine?
13 comments
3 years ago
What are the current and expected COVID-19 travel restrictions for Phuket under the Sandbox program in September 2021?
8 comments
3 years ago
What are the current options for flying into Thailand: Bangkok or Phuket Sandbox?
94 comments
3 years ago
What questions should I consider asking about the Phuket Sandbox program for UK travelers?
71 comments
3 years ago
What do you think about the Phuket Sandbox for travelers transiting through Singapore?
0 comments
3 years ago
Can you use the Phuket Sandbox option while traveling from the UK on a business visa?
9 comments
3 years ago
What experiences have people had with the Phuket Sandbox?
133 comments
3 years ago
How long can I stay in Thailand on a visa if I am double vaccinated and from the UK?
8 comments
3 years ago
What are the current quarantine rules for travelers to Thailand, particularly regarding vaccinated visitors?
31 comments
4 years ago
What are the latest experiences and requirements for entering Thailand during COVID-19 quarantine?
47 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.