Success of Phuket’s Sandbox part of bigger efforts to reopen Thailand: KD Singh

KD Singh, Founder & President, TravelBullz in a message to travel trade partners has said that the success of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ initiative, which allows vaccinated foreign tourists to enter Phuket from 1 July, is part of a bigger effort to reopen Thailand for international tourists. However, India & other high-risk countries are unlikely to be open soon for tourists.

Sharing details, he said, “Phuket Sandbox – 1^st July 2021 is a go however, the Indian subcontinent and several other countries that have been classified as high-risk by the authorities are unlikely to be open soon.”

“We wish to emphasise that this is a constantly changing environment, and everyone we know in the Thailand tourism industry is doing everything they can to ensure that Phuket Sandbox is a success, paving the way for the Thailand reopening plan to continue on track. The good news is that properly vaccinated tourists will not need to go through quarantine and there would be no minimum night’s stay restrictions if they do not plan to visit other cities in Thailand. Guests who wish to travel to other cities will be mandatorily required to first stay in Phuket for 14 to 15 days, after which they are free to travel any place in Thailand as long as their RTPCR test remains negative before departing Phuket. The success of Phuket’s Sandbox is thought to be part of a bigger effort by the government to reopen Thailand as a tourist destination,” Singh further added.

According to sources, the following is the reopening strategy by the Thailand government:

1. 1st July to 30^th Sept.  – Phuket Sandbox – No Quarantine Required plan
2. 1^stOct – 31^st Dec – 8 more provinces- No Quarantine Required,  including Chonburi (Pattaya), Samui, Chiangmai etc would open on similar concepts with better relaxations.
3. 1^stJan 2022 – The whole of Thailand would be welcoming international tourists without Quarantine.

Pinning hopes for a successful reopening, Singh said that there is big anticipation for  Phuket Sandbox to go well. “If everything goes well, without causing any major increase in COVID infections or cases, it will serve as the foundation for the rest of the plans to be implemented. Over time, the tourism industry, THA (Thai Hotels Association), TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), Tourism Ministry, and other commercial and governmental stakeholders will collaborate to ensure Phuket sets the benchmark and succeeds.

The Phuket Government is working tirelessly to vaccinate at least 70% of the Phuket community to create herd immunity, in partnership with local tourist organisations and bodies. Immunisation will be given to tourism and hospitality companies, guides, drivers, spas, salons, and everyone else connected in the tourism industry on top priority.

TAT has also created a higher spec for the SHA Certificate called SHA PLUS, which is only issued to :

1. Hotels, Resorts, Transporters, Restaurants and any other tourism-related business, if 70% of their employees (regular or part-time) are vaccinated.
2. When you travel to Phuket only vaccinated drivers & guides with SHA PLUS stickered cars would be able to receive tourists.
3. Only vaccinated employees of the hotels & resorts would be allowed to service and connect with guests.
4. COE (Certificate of Entry ) by the Thai embassies worldwide would only be given to travellers who are fully vaccinated & have booked SHA PLUS  hotels.

TravelBullz is SHA certified company & has started an awareness campaign regarding the re-opening of Thailand to trade and people at large. “We have started a campaign on E-filers,  Facebook, Whatsapp & other social media to be able to bring the FAQ’s & latest updated information to all our stakeholders and all TravelBullz partners. Please accept the link that is being sent and join the groups on Whatsapp to receive all updated information & on Facebook to have an interactive communication where you could ask your doubts & questions,” Singh informed.