Thailand opens for visitors from 63 countries - Thailand Pass operational from 1st November

On his Facebook page Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha announced on 21 October, that Thailand opens the country for fully vaccinated visitors from 46 countries, who arrive by airplanes. The Ministry of Forein Affairs announced the 46 countries shortly after his announcement. On 30 October 17 more countries have been added. The countries, from where the residents can enter with Thailand Pass Test and Go system (exemption from quarantine):

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Children under the age of 18 who are not eligible for vaccination, and are travelling with parents, only need to do a RT-PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Also adult people have to do this test.
See from which countries you can enter Thailand without a Visa for tourism purposes here.


An article by Thaiger shows how Bangkok is preparing for the entry of fully vaccinated international tourists from first of November. On Thaiger we read, that the tourists, who have arrived at Bangkoks airports Suvarnabumi and Don Muang, will be tested outside of the airport in swab hubs. Approved limousines will bring these guests to SHA plus hotels, where they will have to stay in the hotel room until they get the negative test result. They will be tested at these hotels or in nearby test hubs. According to this report over 300 hotels are waiting to receive the SHA plus certificate. See list of SHA plus hotels in Bangkok. See Bangkok SHA plus Hotels Google Map

As Richard Barrow tweets, the arriving guests will have to book a SHA+ hotel for the first night within a two hour drive from the international airport. For example, if you land at Suvarnbhumi, you can go straight to Pattaya, but for Hua Hin, must stay in Bangkok.

How to get Thailand Pass and who still has to register for COE

The CCSA (Centre for Covid-19 situation administration) has announced that the new Thailand Pass system will be operational on 1st November. The process then can take 7 working days. Therefore Thailand Pass registration is for people who travel after 8 November. Until then travellers have to do the COE (Certificate of Entry) registration process at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and COE registrations will be valid after 1st of November. But the mentioned 7 days of staying in a SHA plus hotel are not definite. At the immigration Public Health officers will that reduce to 1 day. From 1 November 2021, the Certificate of Entry (COE) registration website will be closed for new registrations. But it will allow travellers, whose application has been pre-approved, to continue their application process to obtain COE until 7 November 2021.

Travellers who are in the process of requesting a COE and travel before 12 November can submit a SHA plus hotel confirmation for only 1 night instead of 7.

Travellers, who will travel before 12 November must still request a COE around two weeks before travelling. You can submit a SHA plus hotel confirmation for only 1 night instead of 7.

The registration for Thailand Pass will be possible at thailandpass.go.th/ from 1st November. Thailand Pass will require travelers to upload a vaccine certificate. Travelers can then download the Thailand Pass QR Code immediately after receiving the approval.

By doing Thailand Pass registration, you may get an error at the end. If this happens, do, what thaiger.com recommends: Thailand Pass workaround for API error.

The Regulations for Entry in Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published formal regulations for entry to Thailand as follows:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published the following FAQs. The Ministry says:
If your COE has been pre-approved, you will need to submit the rest of the required documents by 7 November 2021. Otherwise, your COE request will be automatically rejected, and you will need to register with the Thailand Pass system to travel to Thailand.

If your COE has not been pre-approved by 1 November 2021, your COE request will be automatically rejected, and you will need to register with the Thailand Pass system to travel to Thailand.

Exemption from Quarantine scheme: You can travel to any destinations in Thailand once the RT-PCR test upon arrival received is negative.


Entry to Thailand with Sandbox scheme

Travellers from any country of the world can use the Sandbox scheme: You can travel freely in the sandbox area for the duration of 7 days once the RT-PCR test upon arrival received is negative. Once you have completed your 7-day mandatory stay within the Sandbox area, you can travel freely to other parts of Thailand. There are 17 Blue Zone Sandbox destinations:

Bangkok, Krabi, Chon Buri (Banlamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, Sattahip - Na Jomtien, Bang Sarey), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim and Mae Taeng), Trat (Ko Chang), Buri Ram (Mueang), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae), Phang Nga, Phetchaburi (Cha Am), Phuket, Ranong (Ko Phayam), Rayong (Ko Samet), Loei (Chiang Khan), Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport), Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao), Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai and Tha Bo), Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban, Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han and Prachaksinlapakham).

Read this checklist.


Updated informations about Thailand Pass can be found here.


Read more about COE registration:
How to use Phuket Sandbox: Now 7 Days on Phuket or in Phang Nga, Krabi or on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao

Follow Russell Crowe's Phuket Sandbox Experience and his Stay in Bangkok

Famous actor Russell Crowe travelled to Thailand for the new Vietnam War movie called “The Greatest Beer Run Ever”. He shared his Phuket Sandbox experience on Twitter.

Back in Quarantine again. pic.twitter.com/lnb02kzCXB

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 18, 2021

Quarantine Day 2. pic.twitter.com/tz4joGXjAs

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 19, 2021

My new Quarantine buddy .
Little frog. Big noise. pic.twitter.com/9yUK9Tgqxy

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 22, 2021

My new Quarantine buddy .
Little frog. Big noise. pic.twitter.com/9yUK9Tgqxy

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 22, 2021

Quarantine Day 10. pic.twitter.com/afA6yReJcE

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 27, 2021

Quarantine day 13 begins pic.twitter.com/HgXkVSFb25

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 29, 2021

Quarantine Day 14 pic.twitter.com/YA6p594m2Q

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 1, 2021

Russel Crowe stayed at Amanpuri:

Amanpuri dreaming. Phuket. #sandboxquarantine pic.twitter.com/eTdfr9MLu1

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 13, 2021

After 14 days in Phuket Sandbox Russel Crowe travelled to Bangkok, where he went to Bangkoks green lung, Bang Krachao, and showed Baker's House Coffee and Bakery:

Lost in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/9MxVMhidMp

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 9, 2021

And then he recommended Phuket Sandbox:

Go and look at Phuket. I’m sure the rest of the country has amazing experiences to share too, but at this point I think Sandbox Quarantine for vaccinated travelers only applies to Phuket. pic.twitter.com/di1YF5y7XL

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 11, 2021

There were a lot of reactions after this post. Read here.


With this Tweet a clarified how Phuket Sandbox works:

Home from night shoot.
Let me clarify Sandbox Quarantine in Thailand. If you are double vaccinated you can fly into Phuket and do your quarantine time of 14 days and 4 Covid tests confined to the island, not a room, the island.
After 14 days, you can travel elsewhere in Thailand.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 11, 2021

And some more of his stay in Bangkok: Wat Kanlayanamit and Lhong1919

Lost in Bangkok, part 2. pic.twitter.com/OH3rsDft0S

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) October 14, 2021

On Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Russell Crowe (@russellcrowefans)

Thailand opens for fully vaccinated Tourists - but only from a few Countries

China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and USA - tourists from these countries can visit Thailand from 1st November without quarantine. This has been announced by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. So it will happen. In his Television adress to Thai people he did not mention other countries, but said, the opening would start with a list of at least ten countries.

Who comes from China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and USA, will have to provide the certificate, that he is fully vaccinated, will have to make a test within 72 hours before the flight and make a test after arriving in Thailand and have to stay in a so called SHA plus hotel until the the negative test result arrives. Afther that he will be able to travel around in Thailand, but has to follow the provincial guidelines for entry, which are published by the domestic airlines. Read the speach of Prayut Chan-ochas here.

Who comes from other countries, has still to go for 7 night to a quarantine hotel or can avoid this by flying directly to Phuket or Koh Samui and take part in the Sandbox model. This means: Fully vaccinated, test before flying, test after arrival, stay one night in hotel until the test result arrives, then can move freely in Phuket or Koh Samui area. Read:
How to use Phuket Sandbox: Now 7 Days on Phuket or in Phang Nga, Krabi or on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao
Samui Plus (สมุยพลัส): The Rules for International and Domestic Travellers visiting Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao - Changed on 1st October

The Colour Codes of Thailands Provinces from 1st October

How Covid-19 pandemic is controlled in Thailand from 1st October:
29 Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces:
Central Region: Bangkok and 28 other provinces: Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, and Suphan Buri. Eastern Region: Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Prachin Buri, and Rayong. Northern Region: Phetchabun and Tak. Northeastern Region: Nakhon Ratchasima. Southern Region: Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala.

37 Strict Controlled Areas or red zone provinces:
Central Region: Chai Nat. Eastern Region: Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Trat. Northern Region: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, and Uttaradit. Northeastern Region: Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Yasothon. Southern Region: Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Ranong, Satun, and Trang.

11 Controlled Areas or orange zone provinces:
Northern Region: Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, and Phrae. Northeastern Region: Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom. Southern Region: Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket and Surat Thani.

Every province has entry regulations: Overview of Entry Regulations in Thailands Provinces.

Samui Plus (สมุยพลัส): The Rules for International and Domestic Travellers visiting Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao - Changed on 1st October

See the locations on Koh Samui เกาะสมุย SHA plus hotels Google Map.

Requirements for fully vaccinated foreign tourists from Friday Oktober 1 for visiting Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao:
Surat Thani province has issued Covid-19 rules for foreign travellers visiting the three islands under the Samui+ Model.

Countries, from where travellers may enter Samui Plus: read.

You can fly to Samui on a direct international flight. Or you take an international flight via Bangkok and an approved sealed flight to Ko Samui. For the flight via Bangkok you have to book both flights together from Bangkok to Ko Samui. See airlines with code-sharing with Bangkok Airways. Any flight reservations booked separately will not be allowed. The sealed flights are operated by Bangkok Airways. Daily from Bangkok at 10.05, 14.35 and 17.10.


When you have arrived in Thailand you have to download Samui Health Pass or Mor Chana app on your smartphone and turn on.

After arriving at Ko Samui Airport you take the first RT-PCR test.

Afterwards you transfer to your SHA plus accommodation, only with transport company with Samui+ symbol.

You have to wait in the hotel room for the result of the first RT-PCR-Test.

If the result of the first test is negative, you can travel on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.
You can travel from the following piers only:
Ko Samui: Lom Phraya Na Phra Lan, Buri Rasa (hotel guests only) and Phu Yai Non.
Ko Phangan: Thong Sala
Ko Tao: Ban Mae Hat (Sala Vibvahadi)
Boats to Mu Ko Ang Thong: Na Thon Municipal pier

For 7 nights you can stay only in SHA plus accommodations. You can change the hotel no more than three times during these 7 days. List of SHA plus hotels on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao. See also Koh Samui เกาะสมุย SHA plus Hotels Google Map


On day 6-7 you take the second RT-PCR-Test at Central Festival Ko Samui, Ko Phangan Hospital or Ko Tao Hospital.

On day 7, if the test is negative, you will be given a release form. From day 8 you then can travel freely around in Thailand.

This is an excerpt from the publication by Samui info by Nicha on Facebook.


Where international tourists can registrate for Samui Plus visits: COE Thailand. You need hotel bookings and payment confirmations for 7 nights to get the COE.

Read detailed Samui Plus FAQ.
#treasuresofthailand


Entry regulations for domestic travellers for Ko Samui,
Ko Phangan and Ko Tao

For Ko Samui:
From Dark red zone (Bangkok): RT-PCR-Test no longer than 72 hours old and be vaccinated
From red zone (Chiang Mai): RT-PCR-Test no longer than 72 hours old
From orange zone (Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket): No test, no vaccination
From yellow zone (other districts of Surat Thani): No test, no vaccination

For Ko Phangan and Ko Tao:
Starting 15 October the governor of Surat Thani Province has issued the following rules: Anyone fully vaccinated with 2 doses can now enter Koh Tao and Koh Phangan without a Covid-19 test. Those without full vaccination must show a negative Covid-19 test taken within one week of arrival. Only approved antigen test kits or RT-PCR tests will be accepted.

Read which province belongs to which zone at tatnews.org. See also here.


Read more:
Beaches, Hotels and Guesthouses on Koh Samui - see SHA Plus Hotels on Google Map
Ko Tao เกาะเต่า - a Hotspot for Diving - with SHA plus hotels Google Map
Ko Phangan เกาะพะงัน - beaches, resorts and your reviews - with SHA plus hotels Google Map

How to use Phuket Sandbox: Now 7 Days on Phuket or in Phang Nga, Krabi or on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao

Update on October 1:

Thailand opens destinations in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani provinces for international tourists, who are fully vaccinated. They have to stay for 7 nights in selected areas and can afterwards travel around freely in Thailand. They can enter with direct flights to Phuket or Koh Samui. The model is called Phuket Sandbox and Koh Samui plus. The areas to stay are: Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, Khao Lak and Ko Yao, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach.

Regulations for Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao: Read here.

Regulations for Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi:
After arriving on Phuket Airport tourists can travel to SHA plus accommodations in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi with transport companies, who have the SHA plus symbol. But everything has to be arranged before you fly to Phuket. You cannot change the selected hotels, when you are in Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi.

After arriving on Phuket Airport you have to to a RT-PCR-Test. Afterwards you have to stay in your hotel room until you get the negative test result. From then on you can move freely on Phuket islands and in the selected areas of Phang Nga and Krabi.

Look at the official SHA plus list or these lists of SHA plus hotels:

Reviews and pictures of SHA plus hotels on Phuket island.

Beaches and SHA plus hotels on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao.

Koh Phi Phi หมู่เกาะพีพี Beaches and Resorts and SHA plus hotels


Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai in Phang Nga province with SHA plus boat from Ao Por pier, Ao Por pier Grand Marina, Bang Rong pier and Chang Lad pier to Ko Yao Yai’s Chonglad Pier and Ban Laem Yai Pier and to Ko Yao Noi’s Manoh Pier. Read: Phuket Sandbox 7+7: Koh Yao Noi เกาะยาวใหญ่ and Koh Yao Yai เกาะยาวใหญ่ - the recommended SHA plus hotels.

Before flying to Phuket visitors have to apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE). In Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi they have to do a PCR test on the 6th/7th day. Afterwards they get the release form. This form then allows them to travel to other destinations in Thailand. For that see Thailands province entry regulations.

The information about the changes was published in the Royal Gazette. On the last page you read that people who entered Thailand before 1st October. It says they still have to do the previously agreed length of stay - meaning 14 days under Phuket Sandbox. See Royal Gazette in Thai.


Where you can do the PCR-Tests

Phang Nga province opens the following Swab Centres for PCR-tests, where you can make a booking for the test. If you have the test before 12 am (noon) you get the result at the same day:
. Thakhuatung Hospital in Ban Natai, Phone 076 581 394
. Andaman Hub Medical Centre in Khao Lak, Phone 076 486 799
. Koh Yao Hospital, Koh Yao, Noi, Phone 076 597 109
. Phu-nai Hospital Health Centre, Koh Yao, Yai, Phone 076 582 500

Krabi province opens the following Swab Centres for PCR-tests:
. Phi Phi Hospital, Phone 075 622 151
. Worldmed Clinic on Ko Phi Phi, 095 424 0444
. Thapwarin Resort on Ko Ngai, 075 815 555
. Railay Swab Centre at Sunrise Tropical, 075 815 555
. SOS Railay Clinic, 098 010 9993

Phuket has the following Swab Centres for PCR-tests:
. Maikhao: 096 643 4572
. Laguna (Cherngtalay): 076 325 442
. Patong (Jungceylon): 093 574 0683
. Kata (Kata Centre): 081 693 6586
Phuket Town (Central Floresta): 088 765 0363

Find these test centres on Treasures of Thailand Google Map


Regulations for Domestic Travel to Phuket

Effective from 1 October 2021, Phuket Provincial Order No. 5745/2564:

You must have received 2 doses of the Sinovac, Sinopharm or Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before arrival
or
You have received the first dose of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine and the second dose of AstraZeneca at least 14 days before arrival
or
You have received 1 dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days before arrival
or
You havee recovered from COVID-19 for less than 90 days
and
You have received a negative test by an RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test no more than 7 days from the test date.

More details here.


Rules for International Visitors before you enter Thailand

There will be no quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers who are tested negative no more than seventy-two (72) hours before their travel date to Phuket. But only for countries with low or medium Covid-19-risk. You must also have stayed in such a country no less than 21 days before the travel date. You must spend at least fourteen nights in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi or Surat Thani before being able to travel to other locations in Thailand. If you stay for less than fourteen (14) nights, you have to return to your home country directly from Phuket. The forst 7 days you have to stay on Phuket island. Read more on this Q+A. Read also updated news by Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Check if your country is on the list for immigration without quarantine. Here you can see the newest list of countries.

Look for the travel and Covid-19 insurance: You need and insurance that covers at least 100000 USD. For example Nomad Insurance.

Check, if you need a visa or can enter Thailand without visa. Look for this list.

Get Thailand's Certificate of Entry (COE): Register at entrythailand.go.th/journey/1. Look here. To get the COE you need a flight booked and paid, a SHA plus hotel booked and paid, Covid-tests booked and paid.

First you book the hotel. The hotel will send you the payment confirmation and the SHABA ID. You put the ID on the COE form and you also need it to book the necessary three Covid tests. Look for a so called SHA Plus Hotel on Phuket island: Look for them here. All vaccinated tourists must stay 15 days in one of the SHA Plus certified hotels, where at least 70% of the staff have been vaccinated. You can move from one to another SHA Plus Hotel during your stay. Be aware that not many shops and restaurants in the Patong area are open. The Bang Tao area is more lively according to a blog bei Swiss Travel Agency Tourasia, whose people have tested the Phuket Sandbox.


Along with your accommodation booking you book and pay the necessary tests on thailandpsas.com. You need the SHABA ID, which you got from your hotel. The price of one test is 2800 Bath. You get vouchers for your tests. You need two of them (upon arrival on Phuket and on Day 6-7.

TAT has published this detailed Q & A.

Secure your flight:
Airlines that have announced direct flights to Phuket: – British Airways, Cathay Pacific, El Al, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, THAI, Qatar Airways.

Get your Covid-PCR-Test: No more than 72 hours before departure, you need a Covid-19 PCR Test.



After you have arrived on Phuket International Airport

Undergo Immigration and Customs procedures and a COVID-19 screening, including RT-PCR test; download and install the alert application Thailand Plus; go directly to your reserved SHA Plus hotel. Wait in your room for the test result. If tested negative for COVID-19, travellers to Phuket can go anywhere in Phuket, but they have to stay for 7 nights at their SHA plus hotel. See 7-step-flow at Phuket International Airport

Can your Thai friend join you in the SHA Plus hotel? Yes, if the guest follows all rules stipulated for Thais and expats in Thailand. And he/she can only join you after you got the first test result after you have arrived in Phuket.


Travel from Phuket tho other provinces in Thailand: After 7 days in Phuket and after beeing tested negative for Covid-19 you are free to travel to other provinces in Thailand. But you have to follow travel restrictions between provinces in Thailand.

Read more:

Updates about Covid-19 cases on Phuket and in the other provinces of Thailand: Treasures of Thailand on Facebook
Travel restrictions in Thailand during Covid-19 pandemic: The Phuket Sandbox: Where in Thailand can you travel to after 14 days?