Thailand is all set to return to normalcy after months with the strict travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have been eased with certain processes in place for fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country.
If you have been wondering if you could travel to Thailand in 2021 or go invest in pool villas in Thailand, here’s is some important information that you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travel Requirements and Restrictions at a Glance
- Fully vaccinated travelers who have taken a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) in less than 14 days before their travel date can travel to Thailand. They will require to present the vaccine certificate at the point of entry in Thailand.
- A COVID-19 negative test result was issued at the most 72 hours before departure from the first point of embarkation.
- Travelers will need to undergo two RT-PCR tests, one on arrival between day 0-1, and the other one before completing the quarantine period on Day 6-7, and need to test negative.
- Visitors must produce a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy.
- Passengers entering or transiting through Thailand must have insurance coverage for their medical expenses in Thailand costing at least USD 100,000.
- Presently all travelers can arrive on direct international flights to Phuket only. You are not allowed to transiting through Bangkok.
Both Phuket and Samui Plus Sandbox programs have been initiated from October 1, 2021, to welcome travelers from any country or territory provided you have the required visa or visa exemption and are fully vaccinated.
Phuket SandBox Program
Starting July 1, the Phuket Sandbox has welcomed over 35000 travelers with the Phuket Sandbox Program wherein fully vaccinated travelers from eligible countries could visit Thailand through the Phuket Sandbox are not needed to undergo a mandatory quarantine. The Phuket Sandbox travelers have to stay for 7 nights at a designated SHA+ hotel in Phuket.
Samui Plus SandBox Program
The Samui Plus Sandbox program allows international travelers to visit the island from its starting on July 15, 2021. Samui Sandbox travelers who are fully vaccinated do not require a mandatory quarantine. Travelers are required to stay for 7 nights in a designated Samui Extra Plus Hotel at Samui before they can travel to Koh Phang Ngan or Koh Tao.
Arrival in Bangkok
The government has eased restrictions on incoming vaccinated international travelers starting October 1. Vaccinated travelers who arrive in Bangkok must quarantine in an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility.
Alternative Quarantine Program (Bangkok)
Fully Vaccinated Travelers
All fully vaccinated travelers from listed and non-listed countries who are entering Thailand through Bangkok airport must undergo mandatory quarantine in Bangkok for 7 days. Vaccinated travelers from listed countries can skip quarantine if they enter using the sandbox program. The listed countries include Singapore, Germany, China, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. A sandbox program for Bangkok is proposed from November 2021.
Non-Vaccinated or Not Fully Vaccinated Travelers
For international visitors who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, a mandatory quarantine of 10 days in a designated quarantine hotel in Bangkok is required before they travel elsewhere in Thailand.
Starting November, the Thai government proposes to reopen Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan as part of the next phase of the country's reopening timeline.
Lockdown Situation in Thailand
The Government has eased the COVID-19 restrictions in the 29 dark-red zone provinces from Friday, 1 October 2021 with fresh guidelines for businesses and services. The country is now come out of its third wave of infections with the cases dropping down after a lengthy lockdown period and strict arrival rules. About 20% of the country’s citizens are fully vaccinated while 70% of the population is expected to be vaccinated by the end of the year.
While the country is still under partial lockdown, a lot of many businesses and public places are gradually opening up to welcoming travelers with Covid-19 safety protocols in place.
Shopping
Major convenience stores, flea, and fresh markets are open until 21.00 hrs. All 24-hour shops are closed from 21.00 to 04.00 hrs.
All shopping malls, shopping centers, community malls, or similar establishments are open 21.00 Hrs, with limitations on the following venues and services
Hair and beauty salons, as well as tattoo shops, are open until 21.00 Hrs. Customers at Tattoo shops’ must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19.
Public Attractions
All historical sites, ancient monuments, cultural centers, art galleries, museums, public libraries, and science parks are open with strict public health measures with the number of visitors limited to 75% of their normal capacity.
Entertainment
Theatres and playhouses host music performances, cultural shows, folk dances, or more are up until 21.00 Hrs., and is limited to 50% of the normal capacity of the audience.
Cinemas stay open until 21.00 Hrs with seating limited at 50% following the distancing approach. During showtime, visitors must wear a mask at all times, and consumption of food and drinks is prohibited.
Use of venues or sports fields for competitions are to be approved by the Bangkok or Provincial Communicable Disease Control Committee with strict public health measures followed and limitation of the visitors at 25% of normal capacity.
Amusement parks, water parks, gaming centers, and banquet and meeting activities are currently not operational.
Essential Amenities
Hospitals, medical facilities, medical clinics, pharmacies, shops, factories, banking, and financial services, ATMs, telecommunication services, postage and parcel services, pet food shops, building materials, and construction supplies stores, shops selling miscellaneous necessary items, cooking gas stores, petrol stations, and online delivery services are open under strict disease control measures.
Educational institutions of all types, nurseries, and child development centers have reopened following the rules and regulations by the respective authorities.
Curfew, Gatherings, and Interprovincial Travel
A nighttime curfew is imposed between 22.00-04.00 Hrs. Public and private organizations are prohibited from organizing any activities prone to the spread of disease with a cap on the number of attendees restricted to anywhere between 25 to 100 people depending on the government’s color-coded zone, they fall in, namely classified as the dark red zone, red zone, and orange zone.
Travel between dark-red zone provinces and other areas has resumed although the government appeals unnecessary travel to be avoided. Public transport operates at 75% of the seating capacity with social distancing measures.
Wearing face masks, regular hand cleaning with hand sanitizer or soap and water and social distancing has to be maintained at all times when outdoors.
In Conclusion
Picturesque sun-drenched islands with virgin beaches, swaying palms, expansive blue waters, and lush forests, come together beautifully with the rich heritage of Thailand making it the go-to destination for long by travelers across the globe for the ideal tropical vacation, more so now, when these popular places are less crowded than usual due to the pandemic, offering you a splendid opportunity for peaceful rejuvenation.
The pandemic has also brought in good news for real estate investors who are interested in Thailand pool villa property for sale. Developers have come up with attractive deals and offers during this time like never before. Once travel opens up completely, the property prices are sure to shoot up. Therefore, this is the best time to explore Phuket pool villa investment opportunities or pool villa property investment in Koh Samui. Connect with our team at SKHAI to know more about great offers on spectacular beach properties in Thailand.
