Thailand To Reopen Pattaya, 5 More Destinations For Quarantine Free Travel From Feb 01

The Govt of Thailand on Thursday announced the resumption of the ‘Quarantine Free Travel’ program for Pattaya and Ko Chang effective from 1 February 2022, from 09.00 Hrs. Thailand time.

The announcement comes after Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine ‘Test & Go’ entry scheme.

It may be noted that in December 2021, amid the rising cases of Omicron variant in Thailand the country has temporarily suspended the Thailand Pass for all-new ‘Test & Go’ and Sandbox applications (except Phuket Sandbox).

Thailand Pass Reopens For New Test & Go Applications

Starting 01st Feb 2022, all fully vaccinated travelers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance.

While existing rules under the scheme remain unchanged, the CCSA approved additional requirements to ensure stringent COVID-19 precautions.

All new TEST & GO applications must submit A proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s, such as SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5, and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5.

The prepayment for Day 1 must include accommodation, a test, and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Travelers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result.

Meanwhile, travelers who have applied/obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December 2021, with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from 24 December 2021, onwards, are still required to undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost).

Thailand To Reopen 6 Sandbox Destinations

Starting from 01st February 2022, Thailand will reopen Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha,
Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray – in Chon Buri, and Ko Chang in Trat as Sandbox destinations.

The Sandbox Extension program will also be introduced between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), where Sandbox travelers can travel within these destinations during the first 7 days in Thailand and can change accommodation three times (can book 3 different hotels).

This means fully vaccinated travelers from overseas who are planning to travel to Thailand under the Sandbox program can choose to undergo their first 7 days in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray), and Trat (Ko Chang).