I wonder how they came up with the name "sandbox" I know a lot of tourists go there to play.
In July 2021 they started this pilot project, allowing international tourists to fly to the island if vaccinated, without quarantine. They have to stay on the island for 2 weeks and regular tests.
But the catch is you have to apply to the Thai embassy for a visa and take out stiff insurance.
Pattaya is trying to launch a similar deal by Oct. They are dreaming. First they need 70% of the population vaccinated, which at the current pace will take a year. (easy for Phuket with small population.) Then how do they isolate the city ? The only thing they could do would be have the tourists wear locator bracelets which may not go down well.
On July 6 Pattaya Mail article reported Siem Reap in Cambodia considering similar project, but without all the red tape. Talking about groups but could be individual also. With only 25% population of Thailand and a better roll out of vaccines it could be realistic for the Winter season.
July 27 reported Phuket sandbox going well. 10,000 tourists have taken advantage of the project. Government now planning to open 3 more islands to the deal.
Given the pain the economy is feeling I think they may revise the 70% of the population needing vaccination, to open up for tourists. Especially when they see U.K. with high new daily cases, but low serious illness due to U.K. good vaccine roll out.