The good news is that Thailand has been removed from the red list. This means that fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the UK after completing a pre-departure screening are no longer required. However, they must still pay for a day 2 PCR test.
We are thrilled to announce that Thailand has been removed from the UK's travel redlist after much speculation. This is a great boost for Thailand's tourism industry. With the best weather forecast for peak season, especially along the Andaman coast, and insight from UK tour operators, we know there is a lot of interest in Thailand. There are also 1,000s of delayed holidays that will be rebooked immediately for winter sun escapes or departures in 2022. Ms. Chiravadee Khunsub (Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, UK & Ireland), said that today's announcement gives travelers the confidence they need to (re)make their travel plans.
Sandbox success
This is a crucial moment for Thailand, as Thailand has been open to international travelers, including from the UK and Ireland, since July 1st under a Sandbox initiative that has proven extremely successful. With only 135 positive Covid-19 cases, over 41,000 tourists have visited Phuket to date. This proves to both locals and visitors that international travel is safe. This is a great news story for Thailand's tourism industry. It was one of the most visited destinations in the UK (attracting around 1 million Brits annually pre-Covid-19).
Prior to Thailand being moved to the UK's travel redlist, around 20% of Sandbox arrivals came from the UK. This was the 2nd source market for Phuket. To date, the Sandbox initiative has brought in $75,000,000 (2.5 Billion Thai Baht) to Thailand's economy. It is expected that it will bring in $325,000,000 by 2021. Khunsub said that the UK market will contribute approximately 20% to this. We are delighted by today's news.
What are the best places to go in Thailand?
Thailand's entry requirements have been relaxed further since October 1st, making it more accessible for holidaymakers. All visitors to Thailand must begin their itinerary at a Sandbox* location* for at least 7 nights (reduced to 14), before they can travel to any other parts of the country.
Travellers can now enjoy traditional Thailand itineraries like Phuket Bangkok Chiang Mai, and also experience the capital city of Bangkok and the mountains and rural north. Khunsub said that this gives British tourists and tour operators more flexibility and allows them to enjoy multi-centre itineraries and island-hopping.
For the first 7 nights, travelers must stay in SHA+ accommodation. There are more than 5,000 hotels approved for this purpose. Travellers are allowed to explore the destination of their choice and can also take day trips, tour the city, and dine out.
For example, a winter itinerary that includes 7 nights in Phuket, 3 nights Bangkok, and 4 nights Chiang Mai could be a two-week trip.
*Current Sandbox locations
Travellers who have been fully vaccinated can travel to Phuket, Surat Thani (Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan), Phang-Nga and Krabi via the Sandbox programmes. They must stay seven days (reduced to 14) before they are allowed to leave for other parts of Thailand. This means that fully vaccinated travellers can travel directly to beaches such as Phang-Nga or Krabi from Phuket, where direct flights into Krabi cannot be made.
Return to Bangkok
Thailand's plans to reopen will be extended further (exact details TBC). Other popular destinations will also become accessible entry points, so travellers can start their itinerary in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin. A large portion of Thailand will be open by the end of this year. This includes historical sites like Ayutthaya and Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and hidden gem beaches like Khanom, Trat, and Trang.
Visa extension
TAT also announced that the STV scheme, which permits long-staying visitors to stay in Thailand for 90-270 days, will be extended by one year. The STV visa has been well received by everyone, from students to retirees to digital nomads. Khunsub said that we are thrilled to see British tourists back to Thailand and to see them enjoy our incredible Kingdom and all it offers, including our delicious Thai food, national parks and wildlife, cities and shopping, as well as our famous Thai smile.
Quarantine-free travel requires the following:
