Thailand loosens quarantine regulations for international tourists

Good news for those having the plan to travel to Thailand this October and the remaining of 2021.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand, from October 1st, travelers take the Samui Plus program which includes visits to three islands in the southern part of the country: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao will only have to spend one day quarantine in the hotel. This new policy is to match the new progress of pandemic control, to encourage more visitors to this beautiful country, and aims to gradually and fully restore the travel industry of Thailand. 

Wonderful beach, water and rock of Koh Samui - Thailand

To enjoy the new policy, international tourists must be fully vaccinated with at least 2 injections, and of course, bearing a valid vaccination certificate issued by one’s country.
According to the new policy, tourists will only spend one day in a government-designated hotel, waiting for PCR test results upon entry. Tourists are then free to explore the three islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao without having to follow a mandatory route.
By the new policy, the fee of the Covid-19 test was also reduced to 8000 THB (about US$245) from the last 1500 THB (US$ 456) per person. The new policy is expected to be applied from October 1st, 2021.
This new policy is considered to provide international visitors with easier conditions than the present one, encouraging more tourists to the country.

It is now time for Sun, Sea and Sand of tropical paradise

Currently, and until the new policy comes in force on the 1st of October, visitors take this Samui Plus program still have to undergo a 3-day quarantine within the hotel compound. From the day the 4th to today the 7th you can only explore around Samui Island on a designated route. The visit to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao islands can only be done after day 7th of the program with an "escort" of a local travel agency.

“We hope that these positive changes will help to bring more international visitors to Thailand in the coming months” – Said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, Chairman of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, mentioning the Phuket Sandbox program which was proved to be ineffective since there were too many strict regulations that discourage tourists to come. “We need to make something new, easier for both international tourists and local travel companies.

Earlier, on September 6th, TMoTS also announced that Thailand will fully reopen for travelers from the beginning of 2022 after it gains public immunization. This means that international tourists can freely enter the country without having to take any quarantine measures.