WELCOME BACK TO THAILAND ! - Tour East

Thailand Reopening 20211201 | 1 December 2021 P a g e | 1

ยินดีต้อนรบักลับสู่ประเทศไทย Yindī t̂xnrạb klạb s̄ū ̀ pratheṣt̄hịy

WELCOME BACK TO THAILAND !

INFORMATION ON THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER THAILAND DESTINATIONS OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL TOURISM IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELING TO AND WITHIN THAILAND

This document summarizes the situation according to official information available as of 1st December 2021 JTB (Thailand) Limited Tour East Thailand Division Harindhorn Building 9F, 54 North Sathorn Rd., Kwang Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand

T : +66-2230-0400 (office hours) E : [email protected] W : www.toureast.net

http://www.toureast.net/


PREFACE The team of Tour East Thailand has endeavoured to provide our partners with updated information on the requirements to travel to Thailand, move within Thailand, local protocol and activities that can be enjoyed in the country.

If compiling all this information had already been difficult when Phuket’s Sandbox Scheme started in July 2021, Thailand Reopening’s in November has proven even more challenging. Deep into November, many crucial details are still missing.

While everyone is happy that the Thailand Pass has now largely replaced the Certificate of Entry (COE), the new system has created just as many issues.

The Department of Consular Affairs runs the system under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The verification of the vaccine certificates is the role of the Ministry of Public Health, with the assistance of the Department of Disease Control.

The Thai Authorities, led by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), have the power to declare the country “open”; ultimately it is the individual provincial governor who can set the rules (which includes refusing travellers entry).

We are doing our best to put all information available and compile the most updated details into a document that should help navigate the many rules.


THE FOUR PHASES OF THE RE-OPENING........................................................................................................ 6

PILOT PHASE (01-31 October 2021) ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

FIRST PHASE (01-30 November 2021)................................................................................................................................................... 6

SECOND PHASE (01-31 December 2021) ............................................................................................................................................. 6

THIRD PHASE (from 01 January 2022 onwards) ................................................................................................................................ 6

GENERAL TERMS | REGULATIONS | GUIDELINES ......................................................................................... 8

VACCINATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

WHICH VACCINES ARE RECOGNISED BY THE THAI GOVERNMENT?..................................................................................... 8

CAN VACCINES BE MIXED? ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED ............................................................................................................................. 9

DOES A MIX OF VACCINES CONSTITUTE FULL VACCINATION? ................................................................................................ 9

VACCINATED TRAVELLERS (AGE GROUPS)....................................................................................................................................... 10

TRAVELLERS, AGED 12-17 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10

TRAVELLERS, AGED 06-11 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10

TRAVELLERS PREVIOUSLY INFECTED .................................................................................................................................................. 10

CERTIFICATE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION ................................................................................................................................... 10

WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED? ............................................................................................................................................ 11

IS THERE A NEED TO HAVE A VISA? ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

VISA EXTENSION ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

THAILAND PASS ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

IS THE COE A THING OF THE PAST? ....................................................................................................................................................... 12

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE THAILAND PASS APPLICATION .................................................................................... 12

HOW DO FAMILIES AND SMALL GROUPS REGISTER? .................................................................................................................. 12

STATUS CHECK OF THAILAND PASS APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................... 13

EMAIL ADDRESS ISSUES | TECHNICAL BUT IMPORTANT ........................................................................................................... 13

TRAVELLERS WITH COE APPROVED BEFORE THE THAILAND PASS .................................................................................... 13

CAN THE THAILAND PASS APPROVAL PROCESS BE SPED UP? ............................................................................................... 13

COUNTRIES WITH THE FASTEST THAILAND APPROVAL CHANCES ................................................................................ 14

COSTS FOR RT-PCR TESTS AND THE ANTIGEN TEST KIT (ATK) .......................................................................................... 14

PCR TEST BOOKING SYSTEM .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

CHANGING TRAVEL DATES AFTER THAILAND PASS APPROVAL ........................................................................................... 14

THAILAND’S HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARDS EXPLAINED ..................................................................................................... 16

WHAT ARE ‘SHA’ AND ‘SHA PLUS’? ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

WHAT IS SHA EXTRA PLUS/SHA++? ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

WHAT IS “ALTERNATIVE LOCAL QUARANTINE” (ALQ/ALSQ)? ................................................................................................. 16


WHAT IS SHABA? ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

SHABA ID........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

TOUR EAST THAILAND ASSIST WITH HOTEL BOOKINGS! .................................................................................................... 17

HOW TO GET SHABA ID THROUGH TOUR EAST THAILAND ........................................................................................... 17

PAYMENT FOR SANDBOX & QUARANTINE ACCOMMODATION ................................................................................. 17

WHAT ARE SAMUI EXTRA PLUS HOTELS? .......................................................................................................................................... 17

WHAT IS THE CCSA? ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18

DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS .............................................................................................................................................. 18

RULES EVERYONE IN THAILAND HAS TO FOLLOW! .................................................................................................................. 19

THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP ........................................................................................................... 19

DESTINATION-SPECIFIC APPS/PWA, SITES ................................................................................................................................... 19

PHUKET | THE GO PHUGET SITE ........................................................................................................................................................... 19

KOH SAMUI | THE SAMUI HEALTH PASS ........................................................................................................................................... 20

SCHEMES FOR ENTERING THAILAND ............................................................................................................ 21

QUARANTINE-FREE (TEST & GO) ..................................................................................................................... 22

ARRIVING ON LAND OR BY SEA (NEW) ............................................................................................................................................ 22

LOW-RISK COUNTRIES ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23

COUNTRIES NOT LISTED AS LOW-RISK ........................................................................................................................................... 24

REQUIREMENTS FOR QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL.................................................................................................................... 24

FLYING TO THAILAND ............................................................................................................................................................................ 25

ARRIVAL IN THAILAND .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25

DURING THE TRAVELLERS’ STAY IN THAILAND ........................................................................................................................... 25

LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES (17 SANDBOX DESTINATIONS) ................................................................ 26

THE BLUE ZONES ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

BANGKOK AREA ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

SOUTHERN THAILAND ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

CENTRAL REGION .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

WESTERN SEABOARD .................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

EASTERN SEABOARD.................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

NORTHERN THAILAND ............................................................................................................................................................................... 27

NORTHEASTERN THAILAND .................................................................................................................................................................... 28

THE LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES BASIC CONDITIONS AT A GLANCE .................................................................................. 28

CONDITIONS OF ARRIVAL .................................................................................................................................................................... 28

ARRIVAL IN THAILAND .......................................................................................................................................................................... 29

DURING THE TRAVELLERS’ STAY IN THAILAND ........................................................................................................................... 29


THE HAPPY QUARANTINE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................... 30

INFOGRAPH | THE TRAVELLERS’ JOURNEY “HAPPY QUARANTINE NATIONWIDE” ..................................................... 30

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE........................................................................................................................................................................ 30

FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS .................................................................................................................................................... 31

UNVACCINATED & PARTIALLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS ................................................................................................... 31

UNVACCINATED & PARTIALLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS ARRIVING BY LAND ..................................................... 31

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ....................................................................................................................................................................... 31

WHICH DESTINATIONS HAVE ASQ/ALQ FACILITIES?................................................................................................................ 32

DO ASQ/ALQ TRAVELLERS UNDERTAKE RT-PCR TESTS? ........................................................................................................... 32

ADDITIONAL POINTS ............................................................................................................................................ 33

WHAT IF THE TRAVELLER HAS COVID-19-LIKE SYMPTOMS? ................................................................................................ 33

WHAT IF A TEST RESULT IS POSITIVE? ............................................................................................................................................. 33

AFTER TESTING AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL .............................................................................................................................. 33

AFTER TESTING ON DAY 6-7 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 33

CHANGELOG ............................................................................................................................................................ 34


THE FOUR PHASES OF THE RE-OPENING

PILOT PHASE (01-31 October 2021) This phase is a continuation of the Phuket Sandbox Scheme, Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension and the Samui Plus Program. We can expect a few minor additions to these programs. One of note is the ability for Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension travellers choosing Krabi to add mainland Khlong Muang and Tubkaek area to the already exisiting Phranang Peninsula option.

FIRST PHASE (01-30 November 2021) November will be a big month – aside from the celebration of the beautiful Loy Krathong Festival – we can look forward to the reopening of 10 popular tourist destinations. These are –

- Bangkok - Southern Thailand: all areas of Phang Nga and Krabi (thus far, restricted under the Phuket Sandbox 7+7

Extension Scheme), Ranong (Ko Phayam) - Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai (areas Muang District, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao), Loei (Chiang Khan) - Western Seaboard: Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), - Eastern Seaboard: Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Na Jomtien, and Sattahip) - Northeast Thailand Buri Ram (Muang District)

SECOND PHASE (01-31 December 2021) This phase will give us 20 more provinces, thereby making touring options – especially to many of these exciting secondary destinations – possible:

- Bangkok Area: Samut Prakan - Central Thailand: Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Phrae - Northern Thailand: Chiang Rai, - Southern Thailand: Trang, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala - Eastern Seaboard: Rayong, Trat (which is home to Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak) - Northeast Thailand: Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai,

THIRD PHASE (from 01 January 2022 onwards) The final phase will gradually include the reopening of the 13 border provinces. This will finally (hopefully) allow for cross-border tourism (Laos, Cambodia) and trade.

- Northern Thailand: Nan, Tak - Southern Thailand: Satun - Northeast Thailand: Nakhon Phanom, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sa Kaeo - Western Seaboard: Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi - Eastern Seaboard: Chanthaburi

Note: Some border provinces (i.e. Nong Khai) shall be opened in the Second Phase.


At this stage, we don’t have more information others than the above. We shall, however, continue to monitor official channels and will update this document whenever we learn about official details and conditions on entry.


GENERAL TERMS | REGULATIONS | GUIDELINES

VACCINATIONS

WHICH VACCINES ARE RECOGNISED BY THE THAI GOVERNMENT? All the vaccines that are approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Vaccines recognized by the WHO for Emergency Use Listing are:

Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech 2 doses needed / 3-week interval AstraZeneca or Covishield by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, SK Bioscience (South Korea), Siam

Bioscience, and Serum Institute of India (Covishield) – 2 doses needed / 4-12-week interval; Moderna by Moderna Inc. – 2 doses needed / 4-week interval); Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S by Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. – 1 dose needed; CoronaVac by Sinovac Biotech Ltd – 2 doses needed / 2-4-week interval; Sinopharm or COVILO by Sinopharm Co., Ltd. – 2 doses needed / 3-4-week interval); Sputnik V by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology – 2 doses needed – 3-week interval).

Since more vaccines are constantly added to the WHO’s EUL, we recommend consulting the organization’s website1.

CAN VACCINES BE MIXED? Thailand fully recognizes mixed vaccination. However, your second dose needs to be administered based on the recommended timeframe for each vaccine type (first dose), as follows;

- 1st dose (Sinovac) = 2nd dose after 2 weeks - 1st dose (AstraZeneca) = 2nd dose after 4 weeks - 1st dose (Pfizer-BioNTech) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks - 1st dose (Moderna) = 2nd dose after 4 weeks - 1st dose (Sinopharm) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks - 1st dose (Sputnik V) = 2nd dose after 3 weeks

To be considered fully vaccinated, your 2nd dose must be administered at least 14 days before your travel.

Those vaccinated with Janssen (Johnson&Johnson) vaccine do not need to receive their 2nd dose to be considered fully vaccinated.

1 https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines?topicsurvey=v8kj13)&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8IaGBhCHARIsAGIRRYrb-VOs1j4VISu35zp5wm-6gVDxJom3E0hTlrYrsEvL-YoLyrq3uHYaAn-CEALw_wcB .


THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED Inbound travellers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no less than 14 days but no later than one year before the travel date.

Proof of vaccination must be submitted when applying for a COE in the Thailand Pass system.

According to the MoPH, travellers are considered fully vaccinated if:

- They get their second dose of a 2-dose vaccine; such as, the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand.

- They get a single-dose vaccine; such as, Janssen vaccine, no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand. - In case of mix-and-match vaccines, travellers should get their second dose of a different vaccine within the

recommended interval of the first vaccine no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand. For example, if the first vaccine is CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech and the second vaccine is AstraZeneca, the time between the two doses is 2-4 weeks.

Travellers who do not meet these criteria may be denied entry into Thailand.

DOES A MIX OF VACCINES CONSTITUTE FULL VACCINATION? In case of mix-and-match vaccines, travellers should get their second dose of a different vaccine within the recommended interval of the first vaccine no less than 14 days before their travel date to Thailand. For example, if the first vaccine is CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech and the second vaccine is AstraZeneca, the time between the two doses is 2-4 weeks.

Having had only one of two vaccines is not considered fully vaccinated.


VACCINATED TRAVELLERS (AGE GROUPS) To be eligible to apply for the “Test & Go Entry Scheme” (QUARANTINE-FREE (TEST & GO)) or the “Blue Zone entry scheme” (LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES (17 SANDBOX DESTINATIONS)), all travellers aged 18 and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travelling (see THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED ).

Find vaccination criteria for the other age groups below:

TRAVELLERS, AGED 12-17 If they are travelling parents or guardian under the “TEST & GO entry scheme and “Blue Zone/Sandbox Programme”, they are not required to be vaccinated. However, they must have received a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling.

Those unaccompanied must have been vaccinated with at least one dose of an approved vaccine and must have a negative RT-PCR test result.

TRAVELLERS, AGED 06-11 Travellers 6-11 years of age, travelling with parents or guardian under the “Test & Go Entry Scheme” and “Blue Zone/Sandbox Programme”, must have a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling.

Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents with a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling, are not required to have a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result and can have saliva test when entering to the Kingdom.

TRAVELLERS PREVIOUSLY INFECTED Travellers previously infected within 3 months before travelling must have a medical certificate of recovery or get vaccinated with at least one dose of an approved vaccine for an unspecified period of times before travelling.

CERTIFICATE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION The travellers’ Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination must contain the following details:

Given name and last name; Date of Birth; Nationality; Passport or Identification No.; Name of the COVID-19 vaccine; Vaccination dates; Vaccine manufacturer and lot/batch number; Authorised organisation in the country of origin.


WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED? All the documentation listed below has to be complete and in good order before entering Thailand:

A passport with at least 6 months validity A vaccine certificate to prove that they are fully vaccinated (see above for more information) A valid visa (if usually required by the nationality of the traveler) Proof of booked and purchased return air travel A QR Code resp. Certificate of Entry (COE) issued through the Thailand Pass System (see THAILAND PASS ) Health insurance policy (in English) confirming healthcare and treatment expenses, including those for COVID-

19 (which has to be clearly identified in the policy), covering the entire stay in Thailand and no less than US$ 50,000 per person

A confirmation of booking and payment for no less than the required minimum nights in a SHA Extra Plus-certified (or ALQ/ASQ accommodation (find more details in section WHAT ARE ‘SHA’ AND ‘SHA PLUS’?)2

For the “Blue Zone” and “Happy Quarantine” programs: A confirmation of pre-payment of RT-PCR tests at hotels approved by the MoTS or TAT.3

A medical certificate with an RT-PCR laboratory result indicating that no COVID-19 was detected issued no more than 72 hours before departure

Travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians, are exempt from the vaccination requirement.

Note: All documentation provided must be in English only. If the paperwork is not complete, the visitor will be placed in ALQ for 14 days or until they can leave Thailand, the expenses of which the visitor must cover.

IS THERE A NEED TO HAVE A VISA? Even if you have a QR Code and/or Certificate of Entry (COE), you would still need a visa if your nationality normally requires one to enter Thailand.

VISA EXTENSION Travellers who visit Thailand for tourism purposes, can extend their stay under the following rules and types of visa:

Tourist visa (single entry): for stay up to 60 days with possible one-time extension of 30 days. Special Tourist Visa (STV): for stay up to 90 days with possible extension of 90 days twice. Kindly note it is currently not possible to cross the border and re-enter Thailand for a visa extension because: Thai borders remain closed under the current COVID-19 travel restrictions. Currently, only air travel to Thailand is possible All international travellers are required to apply for the COE before travelling to Thailand.

2 For Test & Go, the previous one-night waiting period in a hotel and a confirmed payment (for one-night stay at SHA++ hotel, one RT-PCR test, and pre-arranged airport transfer) will no longer be required. 3 PCR tests can now be pre-booked/paid; see PCR TEST BOOKING SYSTEM


THAILAND PASS The Thailand Pass System replaced the Certificate of Entry (COE) on 1st November and is to be used to apply for all three available Travel Schemes described in this document. The switch from the previous COE to Thailand Pass system was made to support the “Ease Of Traveling” policy and to make the application process more efficient. The approval process is said to be taking seven (7) working days. The Thailand Pass is a free service.

1. Registrations for the pass are to be made through the https://tp.consular.go.th/ site4. 2. Applicants are here required to upload the required documents (including – if applicable – the valid visa/re-entry

permit). The vaccine certificate and paid accommodation (including the prepaid tests) will then be approved. 3. Once approval is granted, travellers receive a Thailand Pass QR Code (or COE).

IS THE COE A THING OF THE PAST? No. The Thailand Pass system is for travellers entering Thailand by air only. Others travellers – i.e. those crossing a land border or who travel as a group or by yacht and cruise ships – will still apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE THAILAND PASS APPLICATION The passport Visa (if required) The vaccine certificate, if application is made for the Test And Go Scheme (QUARANTINE-FREE (TEST & GO)))

or the Blue Zones Program (LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES (17 SANDBOX DESTINATIONS)). Insurance with a minimum cover of US$ 50,000 Confirmation of pre-booked and paid night at ASQ/ALQ/SHA++ hotel (which includes RT-PCR test as well)

Note: One of the conditions frequently mentioned – however, hardly ever in conjunction with the Thailand Pass – is the location of the accommodation that is to be pre-booked. For the Test And Go program, the hotel (accommodation for the first night in SHA+ or AQ hotel) must not be located farther than a two-hour drive from the arriving airport, for the Living in the Blue Zones program, the within a five hours drive from the airport.

HOW DO FAMILIES AND SMALL GROUPS REGISTER? Single applications covering families or groups are not acceptable. The only exceptions are:

if travellers travel with their children under the ‘Exemption from Quarantine’ (a.k.a. ‘Test & Go’) scheme, children under the age of 12 years can be added to the parent’s individual registration under the section Personal Information. Every other traveller aged 12 and over need to submit their individual registration.

For the ‘Sandbox Programme (Blue Zone) children aged under 18 years can be added into the parent registration under the section Personal Information. Anyone else aged 18 years or must submit individual registration.

4 More information is available at Thailand Pass FAQs - กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ (mfa.go.th) and Thailand_Pass_FAQ_THAI-

ENG__10.50_(31_OCT_64)_ps.pdf (mfa.go.th) and Thailand Pass FAQ – Medium

https://tp.consular.go.th/

https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/content/thailand-pass-faqs-2

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zE6021nSnu/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87_0302/Thailand_Pass_FAQ_THAI-ENG__10.50_(31_OCT_64)_ps.pdf

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zE6021nSnu/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87_0302/Thailand_Pass_FAQ_THAI-ENG__10.50_(31_OCT_64)_ps.pdf

https://medium.com/thailand-pass


STATUS CHECK OF THAILAND PASS APPLICATION As from 9th November 2021 onward, applicants for the Thailand Pass can check the status of their application on the following website: https://tp.consular.go.th/en/check-status

EMAIL ADDRESS ISSUES | TECHNICAL BUT IMPORTANT The Thailand Pass system was created to allow applicants using any valid email provider. However, they reported that many applicants whose email addresses end in either of the following domains are known to be delayed or interrupted: outlook.com hotmail.com live.com any variation of the above with a country code, e.g. outlook.co.uk This is a known issue and being looked into.

TRAVELLERS WITH COE APPROVED BEFORE THE THAILAND PASS Travellers who had applied for the Certificate of Entry (COE) prior to 01st November 2021 can travel to Thailand via one of the three schemes. However, travellers need to check if they still meeting the scheme’s requirements. The COE document should list the scheme the traveller is eligible to enter Thailand with. In case of doubt, travellers must check with the Thai Consulate in charge of their country.

CAN THE THAILAND PASS APPROVAL PROCESS BE SPED UP? There is not really any magic possible. The Thailand Pass people inform that heeding the following points of advice will increase the likelihood of quick and successful approval:

Most importantly, travellers must register at least seven days prior to the date of departure. Otherwise, they would be unlikely to receive the QR code from Thailand Pass in time.

Travellers are advised to not submit multiple applications of the same trip to not include irrelevant characters in their full name fill in the passport number accurately and not include spaces or irrelevant characters another point beneficial to the speed of the Thailand Pass application is listed in the next section

(COUNTRIES WITH THE FASTEST THAILAND APPROVAL CHANCES).

https://tp.consular.go.th/en/check-status


COUNTRIES WITH THE FASTEST THAILAND APPROVAL CHANCES It has emerged that the 30 countries that have (so far) shared the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI5) with the Thailand Pass system, are having the best chance getting faster/instant approval. These are the countries:

1. United Kingdom 2. Switzerland 3. Austria 4. Belgium 5. Bulgaria 6. Cyprus 7. Czech Republic 8. Germany 9. Denmark 10. France

11. Greece 12. Croatia 13. Italia 14. Luxembourg 15. Latvia 16. Netherlands 17. Portugal 18. Romania 19. Sweden 20. Slovenia

21. Slovakia 22. Finland 23. Spain 24. Ireland 25. Iceland 26. Hungary 27. Estonia 28. Poland 29. Norway 30. Singapore

The above is list shall be updated.

COSTS FOR RT-PCR TESTS AND THE ANTIGEN TEST KIT (ATK) This information has not been communicated satisfactorily and appears. According to one site, the cost for both is THB 2,000 per person (for the RT-PCR test on arrival and the Antigen Test Kid). According to the source, the tests have to be paid with the accommodation for the first night's stay.

So far, the site used to pre-book and prepay tests still lists the old price AND appears to be in use for testing in provinces Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani.

PCR TEST BOOKING SYSTEM From the 1st August 2021 onward, the PSAS (thailandpsas.com) online platform has enabled travellers to pre-book and pay for the PCR tests for the COE application for the Sandbox Schemes in provinces Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani.

Tour East Thailand is happy to assist our clients with the arrangement and/or communication of PCR Testing. For more information on this and PCR packages, kindly consult [email protected].

CHANGING TRAVEL DATES AFTER THAILAND PASS APPROVAL Travel dates can only be altered if the new flight time is within 72 hours of the original that had been submitted. The Thailand Pass QR Code issued will remain valid as long as all other documents remain valid/same. Otherwise travellers will have to re-register on the Thailand Pass system again.

5 The Public key infrastructure (PKI) is the set of hardware required to manage/distribute/share and revoke digital certificates and public keys. With respect to the Thailand Pass System application, the system won’t go through manual verification of authenticity of vaccination certificates submitted but can do so digitally.

https://www.thailandpsas.com/

mailto:[email protected]


Screen shot of the Thailand Pass Site


THAILAND’S HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARDS EXPLAINED

WHAT ARE ‘SHA’ AND ‘SHA PLUS’? ‘SHA’, short for Thailand Amazing Safety & Health Administration, is a certification for businesses that meet the basic standards of hygiene and health safety for their products and services following the nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

‘SHA Plus’ is a certification for companies/individuals who have received the SHA certificate, AND where 70% of the workforce has been vaccinated.

We are delighted to remind you that Tour East Thailand had been one of the first Thai DMC to attain SHA Certification in 2020. As of 23rd June 2021, JTB (Thailand) | Tour East Thailand’s Bangkok team, the Phuket branch office and the team in Samui are certified ‘SHA Plus’.

WHAT IS SHA EXTRA PLUS/SHA++? Since this is a newly introduced “label” (as of 19th November 2021), it has it’s own space here: SHA Extra Plus hotels are hotels that are meeting the standards of SHA Plus standard and provide an accommodation service in partnership with certified hospitals for the RT-PCR test.

With the exception of hotels in Phuket (or within a two-hour drive of Phuket Airport)6, these hotels will not only provide accommodation but also coordinate the booking and payment of the RT-PCR test on arrival.

WHAT IS “ALTERNATIVE LOCAL QUARANTINE” (ALQ/ALSQ)? Let's see first what Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) means. Properties with this accreditation are hotels in Bangkok (and vicinity) which are government-tested and accredited quarantine accommodation providers. Many properties have teamed up with hospitals to launch Alternative State Quarantine Packages. These come at a higher price but offer more comfort compared with the government-based "state quarantine". ASQ hotels have been approved by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Defense.

Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ resp. ALSQ) provide the very same service and follow the same standards but are located in destinations far from Bangkok (i.e. Surat Thani, Phuket…)

WHAT IS SHABA? SHABA is another acronym used in Thailand. It is short for SHA Plus Booking Authentication System. Once the traveller has a confirmed booking with a “SHA Plus” certified hotel, the confirmation and (reference number) ID is generated by the SHABA System. However, the SHABA ID is applicable for Sandbox (destinations) only. For other areas (like Bangkok) hotels will provide the confirmation document for the Thailand Pass application.

SHABA ID The SHABA ID is then required to apply for the Thailand Pass QR and the Certificate Of Entry (COE)

6 These tests still have to be pre-booked and paid via the established site (PCR TEST BOOKING SYSTEM)


TOUR EAST THAILAND ASSIST WITH HOTEL BOOKINGS!

Tour East Thailand has contracts and special rates with all SHA Plus certified hotels and can therefore assist with the booking of accommodation. Tour East will provide the SHABA code for the Certificate of Entry.

HOW TO GET SHABA ID THROUGH TOUR EAST THAILAND

1. Tour East Thailand will make reservations for “XXXXX Sandbox” for the mandatory initial 7 nights in XXXX.

2. The booking agent is to make sure “XXXXX Sandbox Reservation” is clearly mentioned when the booking

request is sent to Tour East Thailand.

3. Once Tour East Thailand have confirmed the “XXXXX Sandbox” reservation with the hotel, a pro-forma invoice

will be issued and sent to the booking agent

4. Full prepayment is required

5. Once payment is received, Tour East Thailand will generate a QR Code on the “SHABA” system.

6. This code will be shared with the booking agent within 24 hours. It will be required to apply for the Certificate of

Entry (COE)

NOTE:

This procedure is to be applied for “Phuket Sandbox”, “Phang Nga Sandbox”, “Krabi Sandbox” and “Samui Plus Sandbox”. For efficient and correct handling of inquiries, the respective Sandbox Scheme has to be clearly mentioned in the booking request.

PAYMENT FOR SANDBOX & QUARANTINE ACCOMMODATION

Under normal circumstances, Tour East Thailand has credit terms with most hotels and suppliers. However, hotels charge every booking in advance since it is a legal requirement to prepay accommodation to apply for the Certificate Of Entry (COE). Bookings are also non-refundable in case of full or partial cancellation, except if clients are unable to get the COE confirmed.

Consequently, Thai DMCs – including Tour East Thailand – have to obtain prepayment from its partners for all Sandbox, Quarantine and other bookings where prepayment is legally mandatory.

WHAT ARE SAMUI EXTRA PLUS HOTELS? Similar to “SHA Plus”, “Samui Extra Plus” accommodation providers have been officially approved providers in terms of hygiene and safety. Samui Extra Plus hotels, which have formerly been known as ALQ hotels, have been specially assigned and certified for the Samui Plus programme. These properties are acknowledged by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General processing of the Certificate of Entry (COE) application specifically under the Samui Plus programme.

Simultaneously, SHA Plus certification indicates that a hotel meets the necessary measures to control COVID-19, and also that 70% of its workforce has been fully vaccinated.


WHAT IS THE CCSA? You will find a lot of reference to the CCSA. This is the Royal Thai Government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA. Together with the Disease Control Committee, the CCSA is the “almighty institution” to approve border opening restrictions and “Sandbox Schemes”.

DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS Travellers who arrive between 00.01am and 6:00pm will have their date of arrival considered as Day 1 of their stay.

For travellers who arrive between 6.01pm and midnight (00:00am), their official period of stay will not start until the following day.


RULES EVERYONE IN THAILAND HAS TO FOLLOW! Everyone has to follow the same protocol. Therefore, travellers, too, have to adhere strictly to the DMHTTA precautions:

D Distancing M Mask wearing

Masks must be worn at all times in public areas and if there are two or more people in a vehicle. H Hand washing T Temperature check T Testing for COVID-19 A Applications for contact tracing (see section “THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP”)

Travellers have to be aware that they have to adhere to local rules that may be introduced quickly.

THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP Government guidelines indicate that visitors have to install the ThailandPlus app7 as mandatory. In order to register with this app, the user has to use his/her COE number. The app, however, won’t be of use to log into and check-out of locations.

For this the Thai Chana (web-based) and Mor Chana (app) “platforms” have been used for visitors of any “locale”8 and will become mandatory for visitors from abroad, too. Hence, the Mor Chana9 as the second app to be installed. The app is available in English and easy to use. It helps tracking and tracing persons10 if COVID-19 case(s) has been identified in a particular location and contact has to be made.

Mor Chana keeps the user informed on his/her risk level and sends a notification if there is a risk of being near of or contacting a COVID-19 infected person.

Everyone in Thailand (locals as well as visitors) is required to allow the geographic coordinate system (GPS) to be tracked through the application throughout the period of stay in Thailand.

DESTINATION-SPECIFIC APPS/PWA, SITES

PHUKET | THE GO PHUGET SITE Phuket provincial authorities have announced (in an order issued 15th November and effective the following day) that they no longer require passengers (both domestic and international) to register with www.gophuget.com. The site had not been updated since late September 2021.

7 More information and downloads on the ThailandPlus app ThailandPlus – Thailand tourism gateway 8 Locale is a “loose term” for any place a person enters and exits. From a bus, skytrain, restaurant, shop, barber, mall, individual shop, a gym, a hotel to their own apartment building. This way of tracking has been compulsory for locals since 2020 and will be mandatory for visitors, too 9 Mor Chana can be downloaded on Android store MorChana - หมอชนะ -Apps on Google Play and for the iPhone MorChana - หมอชนะ

on the App Store (apple.com) 10 Locals, visitors/travellers - everybody

http://www.gophuget.com/

https://thailandplus.in.th/en/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thaialert.app&hl=en&gl=US

https://apps.apple.com/th/app/morchana-%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B0/id1505185420

https://apps.apple.com/th/app/morchana-%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B0/id1505185420


KOH SAMUI | THE SAMUI HEALTH PASS The Samui Health Pass is a cloud-based application11. Passengers planning to visit Samui (both on domestic as well as international travel) are required to “check into” this PWA via their phone’s camera (QR Code). This will lead to the Health Pass’ registration page, where they are to state their passport (or Thai ID) number along with answering a few questions. Once the process is completed, the PWA is generating a personalized QR code which is to be presented to the official(s) at Samui Airport’s screening point.

This QR code has to be stored on the phone as travellers may be required to present it during their stay in Koh Samui.

11 Completing the information on this website https://healthpass.smartsamui.com/ or register via QR on arrival

https://healthpass.smartsamui.com/


SCHEMES FOR ENTERING THAILAND


QUARANTINE-FREE (TEST & GO)

Source: Tourism Authority Of Thailand Travellers can arrive at any international airport in Thailand must undergo another RT-PCR test which would have been pre-booked along with the first night in an SHA Extra Plus hotel. Guests must remain at the hotel room until the results are received.

ARRIVING ON LAND OR BY SEA (NEW) Effective for arrivals from 16th December 2021 onward travellers can enter on land (Nong Khai’s border checkpoint

starting 24 December 2021 only) and sea provided that they meet the vaccination and testing requirements.


LOW-RISK COUNTRIES The Thai government identified the 63 countries listed below as low-risk nations from where travellers have been eligible for quarantine free travel from 01st November 2021 onward.


COUNTRIES NOT LISTED AS LOW-RISK See LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES (17 SANDBOX DESTINATIONS) for more information.

REQUIREMENTS FOR QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL Being fully vaccinated (see VACCINATED TRAVELLERS (AGE GROUPS)). A Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated) See CERTIFICATE OF COVID-19 VACCINATION. Refer to this

section for more details: THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED. Travellers must have been in the approved countries (see LOW-RISK COUNTRIES) for no less than 21 days. In

other words, these countries cannot be used as transit/transfer countries from a non-listed country. (This requirement does not apply to Thais or foreign residents as long as they return within the last 21 days).

Travellers must present a Thailand Pass generated QR Code or Certificate of Entry (COE).

For more information on documentation refer to WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING Adult travellers of 18 years and older and must have a negative RT-PCR test result 72 hours before the travel

date. Travellers under six years of age, travelling with parents with a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours

before travelling, are not required to have a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result and can have saliva test when entering to the Kingdom.

Travellers 6-11 years of age, travelling with parents, must have a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling.

An insurance policy, with coverage clearly identified as no less than US$50,000, which should cover the cost of the treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalization for the whole duration in Thailand. (Thai citizens are exempted from this)

A payment confirmation for no less than a 1-night stay upon arrival at the approved SHA Extra Plus/SHA++ hotel

The prepayment must cover 1-night accommodation, the RT-PCR COVID-19 arrival test, and the ATK.

Upon arrival at any of the Thailand international airports, travellers must proceed directly by the approved airport transfer to the pre-arranged COVID-19 test centre (in Phuket the testing is done at the airport), or the reserved accommodation and undergo the required RT-PCR COVID-19 test on Day 0-1 (see DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS for more information)..

Travellers must download and install the specified alert application (MorChana – see THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP), and wait within the accommodation only for the test result, which should be available within the day12.

If testing negative for COVID-19, travellers can go anywhere in Thailand. Travellers must undergo the exit screening before departure to Thailand

For travelling from Thailand to other countries, travellers are advised to follow the guidelines and measures announced by the respective country of their destination.

12 As of 19th November 2021, the timeframe has been modified: Wait for the test result within the hotel room. *While the waiting period should be within 24 hours, it may vary between 24-48 hours, depending on the laboratory’s operating time.” (Tourism Authority of Thailand)


FLYING TO THAILAND As from 1st November 2021, travellers do not need to fly into Thailand on direct flights. They can reach the Kingdom via any of the approved countries and territories (see LOW-RISK COUNTRIES ). These countries could be used for connecting flights or a stopover.13 Travellers are also able to transit via countries that are not on the said list; however transit time must exceed 12 hours and travellers are must stay airside and not pass immigration control.

ARRIVAL IN THAILAND Travellers arriving through any of the country’s international airports have to present their Thailand Pass QR and carry out checks, then proceed through the Immigration.

They also have to download and install the MorChana application (THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP).

If testing negative for COVID-19, they will receive an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) for COVID-19 self-testing (on in case they experience Covid-19 like symptoms) which is to be done on Day 6-7 (see DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS).

DURING THE TRAVELLERS’ STAY IN THAILAND Travellers have to adhere strictly to the rules (see RULES EVERYONE IN THAILAND HAS TO FOLLOW!) at all times

They have to get an alert to notify of the self ATK testing that is to take place onf Day 6-7. Along with this, instructions are provided how to record the test results in the MorChana Application

13 Test & Go: Travel to Thailand quarantine-free FAQs • Fan Club Thailand

https://fanclubthailand.co.uk/quarantine-free-travel-to-thailand-faqs/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=quarantine_free_travel


LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES (17 SANDBOX DESTINATIONS) This scheme is introduced for inoculated tourists from countries that are not on the list of low-risk countries (see LOW-RISK COUNTRIES). Travellers participating in this scheme do not quarantine but can only travel within Blue Zone provinces for the initial seven days.

Source: Tourism Authority Of Thailand


THE BLUE ZONES Blue Zone provinces are areas where mass vaccination has reached at least 70% of the population. Initially, there are now 26 such provinces. The number is increased to 33 in December and to 45 provinces by January 2022.

As for now, there are 26 destinations/areas accessible to these travellers:

BANGKOK AREA Bangkok Nonthaburi Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)

SOUTHERN THAILAND Phuket Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao only) Krabi Phang Nga Ranong (Koh Payam only)

CENTRAL REGION Ayutthaya (Muang district only), Kanchanaburi, ,Pathum Thani, , and Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport only).

WESTERN SEABOARD Prachuap Khiri Khan (Muang, Hua Hin, and Nong Kae districts only) Phetchaburi (Cha-am district only)

EASTERN SEABOARD Chanthaburi (Mueng and Tha Mai districts only) Chon Buri (only Bang Lamung, Ko Si Chang, Pattaya, and Si Racha districts, as well as Bang Sarey and Na Jomtien

subdistricts in Sattahip district only) Rayong (Koh Samet) Trat (Ko Chang and Ko Kut districts only)

NORTHERN THAILAND Chiang Mai (Mueang, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng districts only) Chiang Rai (Mueang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang, Mae Sai, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Kaen, and

Wiang Pa Pao districts only) Loei (Chiang Khan district only)


NORTHEASTERN THAILAND Buri Ram (Muang district only) Nong Khai (Mueang, Si Chiang Mai and Tha Bo districts only) Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Prachaksilpakhom, and Nong Han districts only) Nakhon Ratchasima (Muang, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Chok Chai, Pak Chong, Phimai, Sikhio, and Wang Nam Khiao

districts) Khon Kaen (Muang, Khao Suan Kwang, Poei Noi, Phon, Phu Wiang, and Ubolratana districts only) Surin (Mueang and Tha Tum districts only)

THE LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES BASIC CONDITIONS AT A GLANCE Being fully vaccinated (see VACCINATED TRAVELLERS (AGE GROUPS)). Travellers have to be fully vaccinated and present a vaccination certificate. See CERTIFICATE OF COVID-19

VACCINATION. Refer to this section for more details: THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED. - Travellers 18 years of age and older must have a negative RT-PCR test result 72 hours before the travel date. - Travellers on the Blue Zone program are to choose hotels at a distance of maximum of 5 hours from the arrival airport. - Travellers are to stay at least the first five nights within one of the 17 Blue Zone Sandbox destinations if planning to

continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand. (Note: during the initial five days, travellers can only be in the Sandbox destination their hotel is located in; traveling across different Sandbox areas is not possible/permitted).

- If travellers stay less than five nights, they must leave Thailand immediately on a direct flight to another country. - All travellers are subject to two required COVID-19 tests (both pre-booked and prepaid): the first test upon arrival by

an RT-PCR method, and the second test on Day 4-5 by self-testing ATK.

CONDITIONS OF ARRIVAL Travellers arriving by air must arrive in Thailand through the following international airports only: Bangkok: Suvarnabhumit International Airport, Don Muang International Airport North: Chiang Mai South: Phuket International Airport Samui Eastern Seaboard: U-Tapao (Pattaya) North-East: Buriram (however, only by chartered flights) Effective for arrivals from 16th December 2021 onward travellers can enter on land (Nong Khai’s border checkpoint starting 24 December 2021 only) and sea provided that they meet the vaccination and testing requirements.


ARRIVAL IN THAILAND Travellers arriving through any of the country’s international airports have to present their Thailand Pass QR code (or COE) and carry out checks, then proceed through the Immigration

Travellers are then taken to the test centre or hospital for the RT-PCR test (children under the age of six only have to take a saliva test)

Then they are to proceed to their prepaid accommodation which must be located with not more than a five hour drive from the airport.

They also have to download and install the MorChana application (THE THAILAND PLUS APP, MOR CHANA TRACING APP).

Travellers then have to stay in their room and await the test results.

If testing negative for COVID-19, they will receive an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) for COVID-19 self-testing (on in case they experience Covid-19 like symptoms) which is to be done on Day 4-5 (see DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS).

DURING THE TRAVELLERS’ STAY IN THAILAND Travellers have to stay at least the first nights within one of the 17 Blue Zone Sandbox destinations if planning to continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand. If they stay less than five nights, they must leave Thailand immediately on a direct flight to another country.

Travellers have to adhere strictly to the rules (see RULES EVERYONE IN THAILAND HAS TO FOLLOW!) at all times

They have to get an alert to notify of the self ATK testing that is to take place onf Day 4-5. Along with this, instructions are provided how to record the test results in the MorChana Application


THE HAPPY QUARANTINE PROGRAM

INFOGRAPH | THE TRAVELLERS’ JOURNEY “HAPPY QUARANTINE NATIONWIDE”

Source: Tourism Authority Of Thailand

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE Travellers from all over the world can participate in the “Happy Quarantine” Programme. They can choose from various ASQ/ALQ hotels, provided the property is located less than a two-hour drive from the airport.


FULLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS Effective from 16th December 2021, the Royal Thai Government approved a reduction of quarantine time for fully vaccinated travellers (see the definition of “fully vaccinated” in THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED ) arriving in Thailand from seven to five days.

These travellers will have to spend their Quarantine period in the care of the Alternative Quarantine (see chapter WHAT IS “ALTERNATIVE LOCAL QUARANTINE” (ALQ/ALSQ)? for more information).

During their quarantine stay, they will have to undergo two RT-PCR tests: the first on arrival (Day 0-1) and the second –an ATK method test just before completing the quarantine period on day 4-5 (consult DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS for more information on how days are “counted”).

UNVACCINATED & PARTIALLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS Travellers who are not vaccinated, do not fulfil the Thai definition of being fully vaccinated or cannot show evidence of being fully vaccinated (see THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED), will have to stay in quarantine for 10 days (if arriving by air) and 14 days (arriving by land).

During their quarantine stay, they will have to undergo two RT-PCR tests: the first on arrival (Day 0-1) and the second just before completing the quarantine period on day 8-9 (consult DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS for more information on how days are “counted”).

UNVACCINATED & PARTIALLY VACCINATED TRAVELLERS ARRIVING BY LAND Travellers, arriving by land, who are not fully vaccinated or cannot show a vaccine certificate, are to enter a 14-day quarantine.

During their quarantine stay, they will have to undergo two RT-PCR tests: the first on arrival (Day 0-1) and the second just before completing the quarantine period on day 12-13 (consult DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS for more information on how days are “counted”).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED To be allowed to enter Thailand, travellers a required to obtain all relevant documentations and permissions. Please find more information on the documents required in section WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

With the situation relating to the re-opening of Thailand, the conditions are often developing swiftly; we strongly recommend that travellers enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more details.


WHICH DESTINATIONS HAVE ASQ/ALQ FACILITIES? It is presently possible to visit 13 provinces to do the necessary Quarantine time (find more about ASQ/ALQ in WHAT IS “ALTERNATIVE LOCAL QUARANTINE” (ALQ/ALSQ)? ):

Central Thailand: Bangkok

Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mukdahan

Southern Thailand: Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani

North Eastern Thailand: Buriram, Prachinburi

Central Thailand: Nakhon Nayok

North Western Thailand: Tak

Eastern Seaboard: Chonburi

DO ASQ/ALQ TRAVELLERS UNDERTAKE RT-PCR TESTS? Yes, they do. The first test will be conducted upon arrival on Day 0-1, and the second test upon finishing the quarantine period on Day 8-9 (see DATE REFERENCE | COUNTING DAYS for more information on how days are counted).


ADDITIONAL POINTS

WHAT IF THE TRAVELLER HAS COVID-19-LIKE SYMPTOMS? Travellers who experience respiratory problems or other related symptoms must alert staff at the accommodation or contact the nearest hospital immediately.

Alternatively, the Tour East Thailand hotline will assist remotely.

WHAT IF A TEST RESULT IS POSITIVE? In the event travellers are testing positive for COVID-19, the hotel or accommodation will coordinate the transfer of the traveller to the medical facility. There, further examination or treatment will be provided for which the traveller is responsible for all medical expenses or in accordance with an agreement on expenses between the hotel or accommodation and the traveller.

Here are two scenario:

AFTER TESTING AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL Travellers will be in the accommodation awaiting the result Travellers will be transferred to the hospital Family, friends, hotel staff, drivers who had been “involved” with traveller infected will be transferred to an

Alternative Local Quarantine Hotel ALQ Full payment made to the SHA Plus Hotel (in case of Phuket) is transferred to the ALQ Hotel. Any rate difference

will be charged to the client on spot.

AFTER TESTING ON DAY 6-7 Family, friends, hotel staff, drivers who had been “involved” with traveller infected will be transferred to an

Alternative Local Quarantine Hotel ALQ Full payment made to the SHA Plus Hotel (in case of Phuket) is transferred to the ALQ Hotel. Any rate difference

will be charged to the client on spot.

Hospital costs will have to be covered by the Travellers and their health insurance.

It is also important to advise that travellers may be accommodated in an ALQ hotel if a fellow traveller (e.g. someone sitting nearby in the aircraft) has tested positive.


CHANGELOG

For easier reference, major changes to the information is logged here. Click on the text marked in blue and proceed to the section within the document.

03/10/2021

Complete make-over of the previous Thailand Re-Opening Program.

The reduction of the mandatory 14 days for the Sandbox Scheme resulted in the 7+7 Extension become obsolete. Instead, the Thai Authorities have gifted us a few more Sandboxes – creatively named – and at least one more health app.

The official state tourism wizards admitted that more details are to follow. Whenever new information becomes available, it will be recorded here.

04/10/2021 Updated the section Error! Reference source not found.

07/10/2021 Added section explaining SHABA and how Tour East can help booking hotels, obtain the SHABA ID which is used to apply for the all-important COE(WHAT IS SHABA?)

08/10/2021 Updated the ASQ/ALQ Chapter WHICH DESTINATIONS HAVE ASQ/ALQ FACILITIES? and DO ASQ/ALQ TRAVELLERS UNDERTAKE RT-PCR TESTS?

Added information relating to Visa Extensions VISA EXTENSION

Worked on recreating and highliting links to references within the document. Some tend to disappear to revert back to Normal Black font

11/10/2021 Added clarification about the booking’s prepayment (PAYMENT FOR SANDBOX & QUARANTINE ACCOMMODATION)

12/10/2021 Added the announcement that travellers from selected low-risk countries can do Quarantine-free as of 1st November 2021 (QUARANTINE-FREE)

13/10/2021 Updated the entry rules for domestic travellers into Phuket (Error! Reference source not found.)

18/10/2021 Updated the official “clarification” relating to transit flights on arrival via Bangkok Error! Reference ource not found.

Updated the flight “situation” into Samui (Error! Reference source not found.)

22/10/2021 Insurance cover requirement down from US$ 100,000 top US$ 50,000

Quarantine free travel – introducing ARRIVING ON LAND OR BY SEA (NEW)

Effective for arrivals from 16th December 2021 onward travellers can enter on land (Nong Khai’s border checkpoint starting 24 December 2021 only) and sea provided that they meet the vaccination and testing requirements.

LOW-RISK COUNTRIES and providing first guidelines on where travellers can do/updated requirements

02/11/2021 Complete rework of all schemes. Removal of details relating to the original Sandbox schemes (since there are now “more Sandbox destinations”.

11/11/2021 Added Flight Conditions for Blue Zone Scheme (CONDITIONS O)


Added more information in the chapter THAILAND PASS . It is especially important to understand that the COE is not “gone” yet.

Adjusted the Arrival Procedures (ARRIVAL IN THAILAND)

12/11/2021 Added details on flights into Thailand (FLYING TO THAILAND)`

16/11/2021 Added the Samui Health Pass back (KOH SAMUI | THE SAMUI HEALTH PASS)

Added reference to Go Phuget, which used to be required by anyone entering the island (PHUKET | THE GO PHUGET SITE)

17/11/2021 A bit of clarification relating to the SHABA ID (SHABA ID)

Added some details on the arrival/requirements for entry to Samui from abroad (Error! Reference ource not found.)

After seeing many comments on varying speed of Thailand Pass confirmation, found reference to this in a CCSA briefing of today (COUNTRIES WITH THE FASTEST THAILAND APPROVAL CHANCES)

19/11/2021 Added information on the new SHA+ standard (WHAT IS SHA EXTRA PLUS) which appears to (for now only apply to Test&Go Scheme)

Adjusted the Thailand Pass handling period from 3-5 to 7 days (THAILAND PASS)

Added new information on the timeframe during which arriving travellers may have to wait in their room obtain the results of their tests (REQUIREMENTS FOR QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL)

Added TAT’s new Infographic of the Test&Go Scheme (QUARANTINE-FREE (TEST & GO))

22/11/2021 Added some clarification on SHA EXTRA PLUS hotel bookings and payment of RT-PCR Test

Minor adjustment to the condition of first seven days in a Sandbox destination (THE LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES BASIC CONDITIONS AT A GLANCE)

26/11/2021 Added information indicating that applications to enter Thailand after 15th December 2021 would have to be deferred to 1st December 2021 (Error! Reference source not found.)

27/11/2021 Added information on the new CCSA Announcements relating to the possibility of Test & Go Travellers to enter on Land and by sea (ARRIVING ON LAND OR BY SEA (NEW))

Rewrote the almost entire REQUIREMENTS FOR QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL section to reflect the many changes (i.e. Child age, no more pre-booked accommodation etc.)

Added that the Blue Zone program does now (as of 16th December) allow entry on land and by sea. Adjusted the section heading along the way (CONDITIONS OF ARRIVAL)

Adjusted the mandatory length of stay for the Blue Zone schemes as well as all other conditions (THE LIVING IN THE BLUE ZONES BASIC CONDITIONS AT A GLANCE)

30/11/2021 Added vaccination guidelines by age group as informed by authorities on this day (

VACCINATED TRAVELLERS (AGE GROUPS))

Updated the list of accepted vaccines (WHICH VACCINES ARE RECOGNISED BY THE THAI GOVERNMENT?)

Updated the definition of being fully vaccinated (THE DEFINITION OF BEING FULLY VACCINATED)

Removed the temporary notification for applications for entries after 15th December 2021


01/12/2021 Reinstated “The current 1-night waiting period in a hotel and a confirmed payment (for a 1-night stay at a SHA++ hotel, 1 RT-PCR test, and prearranged airport transfer) will be reinstated.” in all sections of the “Test & Go” procedures as well as the applicable section of the Thailand Pass System

Updated the Blue Zones which have grown from 17 to 26 (THE BLUE ZONES)

WELCOME BACK TO THAILAND ! - Tour East

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