Phuket 'sandbox' plan gets initial nod from CESA - Nation Thailand

*Phuket requires 925,000 doses of the vaccine to inoculate 70 per cent of its population before it can reopen. Related. 'Speeding*

Published: 2026-03-14 20:40 UTC Event date: developing

The Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) has given initial approval to the Phuket “tourism sandbox” proposal, paving the way for vaccinated foreign tourists to enter Phuket without quarantine starting July 1, pending further consultations. The decision was made at a CESA meeting on Friday, with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who chairs the committee, instructing the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to coordinate with the Phuket governor and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) before the plan becomes official.

Under the proposed scheme, tourists who can provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a negative test result will be permitted to fly directly into Phuket and move about the island freely, bypassing the mandatory quarantine currently required elsewhere in Thailand. The move is part of efforts to revive Phuket’s vital tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn explained that the “sandbox” model is designed to allow Phuket to reopen safely to international visitors while minimizing public health risks. He added that similar frameworks could be expanded to other key destinations, including Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani, once local vaccination rates increase and appropriate safety measures are in place.

A critical condition for Phuket’s reopening is the vaccination of at least 70 percent of its population. Officials estimate that approximately 925,000 vaccine doses will be required to reach this target. Local authorities are currently working to accelerate the vaccine rollout in anticipation of the July deadline.

The reopening plan is seen as a potential lifeline for Phuket’s economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. The resumption of international arrivals is expected to provide much-needed relief for local businesses, hotel operators, and workers who have endured more than a year of drastically reduced income. The prospect of a quarantine-free entry is also anticipated to make Phuket a more attractive destination for foreign visitors compared to other regional competitors.

Next steps involve detailed discussions between the TAT, the Phuket provincial government, and the CCSA to finalize health protocols and logistical arrangements. The final approval will depend on the progress of the local vaccination campaign and the evolving Covid-19 situation. Authorities have emphasized that public health and safety will remain the top priorities as plans move forward. Further updates are expected in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the proposed July 1 reopening.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30404168