More Destinations in Thailand to be Available Starting from October

The launch of the Sandbox program was a big hit in Thailand, and so no wonder why the government decided to expand the initiative and add more destinations available to foreign guests. Initially, Phuket was the only resort open for tourists, followed by Samui. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), more than 27,000 international guests visited the country in the period between 1 July and 16 August. Although the numbers are small compared to the pre-pandemic level, this is still a big help for the local communities that heavily depend on tourism.

Phuket Sandbox was the pilot destination of the new travel initiative, and so no wonder why hotels in Phuket enjoyed the biggest number of foreign guests. Starting from the launch on 1 July and until 31 August, as many as 26,400 visitors used the program. They generated 1,634 million Baht in revenues. Out of these 1,634 million Baht, 565 million Baht were spent on accommodation, shopping and tours generated 376 million Baht, food and beverage – 350 million Baht, medical and health services – 229 million Baht, and other expenditures accumulated 114 million Baht. In July-August, tourists spent on average 61,894 Baht during their stay in Phuket.

Travelers from what countries used the Phuket Sandbox the most? The USA remained the biggest source market with 3,482 arrivals. The UK scored second with 3,351 arrivals, followed by Israel (2,909 arrivals), Germany (2,092 arrivals), and France (2,083 arrivals). The SHA Plus certified hotels in Phuket managed to sell 366,971 room nights. July had slightly more booked nights than August (190,843 vs. 176,128).

The Samui Plus program was opened second. It was launched on 15 July and allowed guests to book hotels on Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha-ngan. Tourists can travel directly to Samui or stay for 7 nights in Phuket first. By the end of August, 918 visitors used this sandbox program, generating a revenue of 37.6 million Baht. Once again, tourists from the United States and Europe accounted for the majority of arrivals.

On 16 August, Thailand launched the Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension, which reduces the mandatory stay on Phuket from 14 to 7 nights and lets tourists spend another 7 nights in Phang-Nga (Ko Yao or Khao Lak), Krabi (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi, or Railay Beach), or in Surat Thani (Ko Tao, Ko Samui, or Ko Pha-ngan). Finally, starting from 1 October, Thailand reopens Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.