Koh Samui reopens on 15th July
The Land of Smiles is slowly reopening its doors to vaccinated international tourists. First on the list of provinces to welcome foreign visitors is Phuket under the “Sandbox” programme, that kicked off on 1st July 2021.
Following its footsteps is Koh Samui, which plans to welcome inoculated tourists from 15th July 2021 under the Samui Plus programme.
Just like its predecessor, Samui Plus also has a list of requirements for interested visitors. Applications are expected to open within this week.
Below are the details surrounding Samui Plus, the nation’s second reopening scheme.
Thailand’s reopening updates:
- Phuket reopens on 1st July
- Covid-19 patients with no symptoms can self-isolate
- Thailand to reopen in October
Applications for Samui Plus expected to open this week
The Thai government plans to open Koh Samui to vaccinated tourists – both local and international – on 15th July 2021 under the Samui Plus scheme. Currently, the programme is under review by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), and estimated to be approved within this week.
Image used for illustration purposes only
Image credit: @skalclubsamui
Like the Phuket Sandbox project, guests are required to stay on Koh Samui for at least two weeks. Below is the timetable provided by TAT:
- Days 1-3: Guests are to stay in their hotel rooms or designated approved areas at their accommodation.
- Days 4-7: Guests can travel within Koh Samui through designated routes and tour programmes only
- Days 8-14: Allowed to travel between Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
- Day 15: Providing that the PCR test provides a negative result, guests can travel freely throughout the country
Requirements for the Samui Plus programme
Visitors can apply for a Certificate of Entry (COE) to participate in Samui Plus through the portal provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Below are the requirements to apply for Samui Plus:
- Applicants must have been fully vaccinated by an inoculation approved by the Ministry of Public Health and/or the World Health Organisation
- Applicants must have tested negative for Covid-19 no longer than 72 hours before travel date
- Applicant’s passport must have at least six months validity from application date
- Applicant must provide proof of:
- Confirmed return-flight from Thailand
- Payment for bookings with an Alternative Quarantine (AQ) OR Safe & Health Association (SHA)+ approved accommodation
- Applicants must show booking confirmation for at least 14 nights, unless travellers can show proof of return tickets from Thailand before the specified timeframe.
- Payment for RT-PCR Covid-19 tests at their accommodation
- Covid-19 insurance with a coverage of at least ฿3,228,000 (~USD 100,000)
Thailand is slowly reopening
The Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes provide hope that Thailand’s travel industry will slowly return.
With the reopening schemes coinciding with mass vaccination drives, we are hopeful that we’re getting a little closer to the government’s plan to fully reopen the country in October.
Where’s your next travel destination in Thailand?
Cover images adapted from: Agoda
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