Written by: Khushi Gupta

 

Fully vaccinated travellers from around the world can now apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass 60 days in advance with confirmed payments for accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5, including two RT-PCR tests, and a prearranged airport transfer on Day 1.

 

On 20^th January, 2022 Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme along with the reopening of Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox destinations, and also the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension programme. It will all be effective from 1^st February, 2022. Though the existing rules that were put forth before still apply, the additional requirements approved by the CCSA need to still ensure the stringent COVID-19 precautions.

 

Thailand

 

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 an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel. Travellers 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.

 

The second RT-PCR test will not be required if the traveller’s length of stay is less than 5 nights, or his/her scheduled international departure date out of Thailand is on Day 5 or before. For example if the traveller plans to stay in Thailand for 3 days, then he/she does not have to undergo the second RT-PCR test, but he/she must leave for another country immediately. However, whether the traveller will be required to take another RT-PCR test depend on the airline and the final international destination.

 

Meanwhile, travellers 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). In addition to all this, from 1 February, 2022, the CCSA approved the reopening of 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. These included, the Sandbox destinations have now expanded to 6 more provinces and is reintroduced. 

 

Thailand

 

Apart from this, it will also be introduced between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), where Sandbox travellers 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 travellers who are planning to travel to Thailand from overseas under the Sandbox programme 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).