Answered5 years ago
What tips can you share about COVID testing experiences in the Thailand Sandbox program?
Some FYI on the sandbox:
1. if your hotel is using Bangkok Hospital for covid tests they WILL go to the back of your brain for a swab.
1. be prepared for 1000 + people on the 1st floor getting their covid vaccine, if you are having your test done at the Big C parking garage on the 3rd floor. You must walk through the area where shots are being given, also there is no elevator.
1. You can be firm and ask for it to be done in your throat, however if you have a gag reflex everyone will hear you barfing.
1. If you have children place a bandaid over their nose and tell them you can not do their noses, they will do the same as they do for adults. This also works for the airport tests.
1. Now enjoy your time in the sandbox, we were at the Marriott Merlin Beach and it was beyond wonderful. Our cost including covid tests and meals for the week were $1360.00 way less than the $2400.00 we paid for ASQ for the no tell hotel in Bangkok...
1. if your hotel is using Bangkok Hospital for covid tests they WILL go to the back of your brain for a swab.
1. be prepared for 1000 + people on the 1st floor getting their covid vaccine, if you are having your test done at the Big C parking garage on the 3rd floor. You must walk through the area where shots are being given, also there is no elevator.
1. You can be firm and ask for it to be done in your throat, however if you have a gag reflex everyone will hear you barfing.
1. If you have children place a bandaid over their nose and tell them you can not do their noses, they will do the same as they do for adults. This also works for the airport tests.
1. Now enjoy your time in the sandbox, we were at the Marriott Merlin Beach and it was beyond wonderful. Our cost including covid tests and meals for the week were $1360.00 way less than the $2400.00 we paid for ASQ for the no tell hotel in Bangkok...
Answer summary
The post shares insights about experiences with COVID-19 testing while in Thailand's Sandbox program. It details the nasal swabbing method, challenges at testing locations, and practical tips for families with children. Additionally, it highlights the cost-effectiveness and enjoyable stay at the Marriott Merlin Beach, encouraging travelers to prepare for a bustling health testing environment.
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Petar ***********
Did anyone got tested in any ASQ without getting swab to the back of their brain ?
Charles **********
Funny and realistic at the same time. You’ll do well in Thailand.
David *********
Questions! Did the hotel make the reservations for your Covid tests? And did you eat most of your meals at the hotel? We are staying there in November.
Kathy ****************
OP@Da***
yes and yes.. You must pay for your covid test as part of your hotel reservations to get your COE. The hotel was absolutely wonderful very accommodating with your meals and the breakfast buffet was unbelievable make sure you try the coconut jam.
Brett **********
@George ************
is correct, you now book yourself and require the receipt for your COE. But you're coming in November and technically the sandbox should be over by then. That is looking highly unlikely but there may well be changes by then, so what the process is now may well be different by the time you come. 
George *************
@Kathy ***************
Recently changed. You still have to pay in advance 8,000 baht for the 3 RT-PCR tests but you do the booking yourself at a website and the hotel is not involved. You do need the tests prebooked to get the CoE still.*****************************
Kathy ****************
OP@Geo***
our hotel was great and provided transportation for and price. David *********
@Kathy ***************
thanks for the info…we used to stay there many years ago before Marriott leased it… happy to go back. Kathy ****************
OPIf you need info please feel free to PM me...
Cathy ******
The test is supposed be done in the nose and throat not one or the other
Kathy ****************
OPCathy ******
@Kathy ***************
so what's the point then I didn't know that I was going by what they do in every other country. Kathy ****************
OP@Ca***
they only swab nose in the US and most places hand you the swab to do it yourself...
Carrie ******
A bandaid over their nose 🤣👏
Kathy ****************
OPThere were those that had headaches for hours after test..
Charles **********
@Kathy ***************
my Thai/American friend doesn’t complain much and he travels a lot but once he got a nose swab to the brain and he said the sensation/pain lingered longer than usual. Fully vaccinated Moderna and masked he tested positive on arrival in Phuket Sand Box last week and is doing his 2nd Sand Box in hospital as we speak.
Klaus ***********
Certainly not. But nice you share your adventure.
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