This Weekly Update was originally posted on September 10, 2021. For the most recent update, click here.
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Thailand Reopening in October
Thailand is set to reopen more of its popular tourist destinations starting next month. The reopening of the capital city Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as beach resorts Pattaya, Cha-Am, and Hua Hin from October 1, will be modeled after an initiative to bring back vaccinated tourists through the Phuket Phuket and Samui Sandbox programs where Thailand has welcomed more than 27,000 travelers since the programs started in July. The guidelines have not been finalized so please check with us in the coming weeks.
Updated List of Countries/Territories Eligible for Sandbox
On August 20, 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:
How to book your COVID Test in Phuket
Travelers who are arriving in Phuket through the Sandbox program are required to arrange the RT-PCR COVID 19 test before applying for the COE or Certificate of Entry. You have to book a test for Day 1(date of arrival), Day 6 or 7, and on Day 12 or 13. You may book this through your SHA+ Hotel or for convenience, you may book and pay in advance your RT-PCR tests in Phuket through the website:
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:
How to Stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 Years
Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years with VIP treatment? Thailand Elite Visa program is the best fit for you. The Thai Elite Visa is one of the special Thai visas aimed for digital nomads, retirees, business people, investors, high-income individuals and families looking to move to Thailand.
Siam Legal International is an authorized sales and service agent of Thailand Elite visa with years of experience and exemplary reputation. For individuals or families who are interested in this long stay visa program, you can download our Thai Elite e-book on this link:
Phuket Sandbox Hotel of the Week
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from, we feature one of the best SHA+ Hotels in Phuket for your Phuket Sandbox stay. Perched on the headland overlooking the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea, the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach is the most stunning Phuket Resort for a private escape. This luxury 5-star Phuket resort boasts a charming setting with ocean views. Set against the backdrop of Naithon Beach. Blurring the lines between the pool, sea and sky. Guests have direct access to Naithon Beach, named one of the best beaches on the west coast of Phuket. To book this hotel, please check:
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:
