This Weekly Update was originally posted on September 24, 2021. For the most recent update, click here.
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Bangkok Reopening Postponed
Thailand’s proposal to reopen Bangkok to vaccinated foreign tourists or returning residents and the plans to reduce the mandatory quarantine stay will be postponed to November 2021 due to the low number of vaccinated residents in Bangkok. The reopening can only go ahead if 70 percent of Bangkok’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The standard operating procedures and guidelines should be finalized before the end of October and we will let you know as soon as it is available. At the moment, all international arrivals in Bangkok will be subject to mandatory quarantine regardless of their vaccination status.
Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai Sandbox
The government’s plan to introduce the Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai Sandbox programs for vaccinated foreign tourists will be postponed to November 2021 with no definite date of reopening. The standard operating procedures and official guidelines should be finalized before the end of October and we will let you know as soon as it is available. At the moment, we recommend traveling to Thailand without quarantine through the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Sandbox programs.
New Eligible Countries for Phuket and Samui Sandbox
On September 22, 2021, the CSSA and Tourism Authority of Thailand published the new list of countries and territories eligible to enter Thailand under Phuket and Samui Sandbox as follows:
COVID-19 Extension
On September 20, 2021, the Thai Immigration Bureau extended the deadline for the COVID extension applications to November 26, 2021. For foreigners who are currently in Thailand, regardless of your visa type or category, you are still allowed to request the 60-day COVID extension at any local immigration office. The extension of stay will commence on the date of application. Please note that this extension of stay is never automatic, you must apply for this at your immigration office and it will be at the discretion of the officer to approve the application.
Phuket Sandbox Hotel of the Week:
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from, we feature some of the best SHA+ Hotels in Phuket for your Phuket Sandbox stay.
- Hotel Clover Patong Phuket
- My Beach Resort Phuket
- Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Hotel
- Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach Resort
- Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa
- Saii Laguna Phuket
What is the Best COVID Insurance for Thailand
Based on experience, the common problem for COE applications being rejected is that some insurance policies are not properly worded. Your COVID 19 insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 100,000 USD medical expenses including the COVID-19. We recommend purchasing the AXA Insurance Plan 2 as it offers not only the normal coverage on medical expenses (including COVID 19), loss of life, or accident, it also features additional coverage on a flight delay, baggage delay, and loss or damage of personal effects. To purchase the most reliable, based on our experience, insurance that has never had any problem with the Thai Embassy or Consulate, please click the link below:
COE Application Service by Siam Legal
Application for the COE is free of charge and you do not need any assistance to apply for the COE. However, there may be instances where some individuals voluntarily choose a paid service provider such as a law firm to assist them to prepare their documents and submitting them on their behalf. Individuals may encounter problems with their documents that are not being uploaded properly or some information or documents that are deemed unacceptable to the Thai embassy or consulate that may cause delay or rejection of your COE application, so it may be helpful to retain a service provider to assist you with the application. These paid services offered by Siam Legal are listed below.
Siam Legal Visa and COE Application Assistance
Sandbox Package 1: 200 USD
- Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and tourist visa)
- Assistance in COE application
- 3 to 4 weeks process
- Available in the US, UK, and Canada visa applications only
Sandbox Package 2: 100 USD
- Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
- Extensive checklist of required documents
- Assistance in COE application (including Visa holders and Visa Exemption)
- 5 to 10 days process
- Available in eligible countries only
- Available for Thai and foreign nationals
For the latest information, weekly updates, and guide about How To Travel to Thailand in 2021, you may check of PDF Guide here:
