Coronavirus: Thailand opens up for tourism

The program, called the "Phuket Sandbox," allows for vaccinated adults to come to the island of Phuket along with unvaccinated children, subject to strict health protocols.

Phuket, Thailand (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Phuket, Thailand
(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
On July 1st, Thailand launched a program called the "Phuket Sandbox" in order to bring tourism back to the popular island. According to a Foreign Ministry announcement, the program allows for vaccinated adults to visit along with unvaccinated children under the age of 18. 
According to the Thai Foreign Ministry's announcement, visitors to the island must still wear masks and uphold social distancing. They also must undergo three COVID tests, which must be ordered in advance. 
The Thai Health Ministry announced that anyone who tests positive, even if they do not have symptoms of the virus, will be transferred to a hospital, at their own expense, unless they have proper travel health insurance. According to the ministry, this will apply even for visitors who come with their families or as part of a group. 
The Israeli foreign ministry requests that these requirements be taken into account before deciding to travel to the island.
Thailand has been a highly popular destination for Israeli tourists. The announcement comes as many Israelis who traditionally travel abroad in August were forced to remain in the country due to travel restrictions, which in turn drove up the prices of internal tourism to unprecedented heights.    
All the information regarding the program, including registration, can be found on the Thai Embassy to Israel website, as well as  Thailand's tourism administration website.