CMBob

Would note that when I transferred stamps [essentially retirement extension and re-entry permit....although they first include a box indicating information regarding your Non-O (or Non-OA) from which extensions were initially granted], CM Immigration wanted a photocopy of every single page of my old passport which had any stamp at all on it (including stamps from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma in my case). To be on the safe side, have a complete copy of every page (except blank pages) of your old passport.

As mentioned above (and presuming the rules don't change), you are currently required to have the covid insurance last as long as your permission to stay. So, if you currently come in visa exempt and get 45 days, you'll end up buying the insurance for 2 months (not possible to purchase for just 45 days). If you enter via an existing annual extension, you have to have the insurance for as long as your current extension lasts (e.g., if you entered today and your annual extension expires next July, you'll have to purchase a minimum of 10 months of coverage).

The time period (45 days) has not been reduced as of yet (wasn't last Saturday nor yesterday when a friend came in visa exempt). I see the news today that supposedly some relaxed rules about entry will start November 1st for some areas; however, what's required (still a Certificate of Entry, covid insurance, some partial quarantine, or whatever) or whether they'll change the current 45-day exemption back to the usual 30-day exemption hasn't been spelled out. Presuming the covid insurance is required for your entry (and that's likely in October), it must cover your entire stay time period. I recently came in visa exempt and had to buy the insurance for 2 months (offerings are for set time periods....1 month, 2 months, etc., and there is no option to just buy it for 45 days).

With respect to the Phuket "sandbox", I'm surprised at the posts mentioning various costs for the three PCR tests (first one is at the airport in Phuket upon arrival and the next two are during your 14-day stay). I obtained the Certificate of Entry in the US and, in the process of doing that, I was required to pay 8,000 baht for the three tests (in fact, you can't get your final COE without uploading proof that you've paid for those tests). How I paid for them was via an url on the US Thai embassy website (I was unaware of any other choice) and payment was made to an outfit . Perhaps the costs vary for other countries but, for those coming from the US, it's 8,000 baht and is paid through some outfit named "Phuket City Development Co, Ltd."

Yes I read it but am wondering if you read my response. Either they encountered an unusual situation or somebody is attempting to rip them off....or they misunderstood what they were told).

Sorry for the delay, was busy and computer was down for a while. No, I didn't. Flew from Phuket to Bkk and Bkk to back home here in CM. Upon presentation of my "parole" paperwork (paperwork provided to show that you've completed the 14-day stay in Phuket and had the three negative tests), I was waived through without any issue or further requirements.

I had the two doses of Pfizer 6+ months ago in the US. Zero reaction to the first shot, not even a mild soreness at the injection site. The second shot seemed to cause me to wake up early and I felt a bit off for 2/3rds of the next day (how much was due to the vaccine or lack of sleep, really don't know). Talking with a lot of friends who also had the Pfizer shots, it seemed that nobody had much of a reaction (other than some soreness around the injection site for a day or two) to the first jab and it seemed like maybe 20-30% had the same reaction (lethargy?) to the second shot that I had. Out of 30-50 people I talked to who had the Pfizer regimen, nobody had any moderate or severe reactions.

Adding...the dates and times for tests #2 and #3 are paid for and scheduled before you get your final COE (as you can't get that without uploading proof you already have taken care of that).

Given you haven't gone thru the COE process or entered the Phuket program, probably best to let those who have done so provide info. Yes, 3 PCR tests are required during the 14-day (not 7) time period. One at the airport on arrival, one on the 5th/6th day, and the third and last on the 11th/12th day.

Rather fruitless for people posting here their "understandings." Just read the requirements for a Certificate of Entry on your embassy's website and your "understandings" will be clarified. With respect to the OP's post, he is either being ripped off or he just misunderstood. To get your final Certificate of Entry, you have to show proof you have already paid for 3 PCR tests here....one upon arrival at the airport (you have to stay in your hotel room until those results are known...mine took 4 hours) and two more within the 14-day time period. That's it as far as I know.

Agree with Radjag's comments above. I arrived at the Phuket "sandbox" last Saturday. I too doubt that many true tourists are using the program. I'm using it to return as an expat as were the few people I asked who were on my Singapore Air flight. While quite the ordeal and expense, the sandbox program sure is better in my view than spending 14 days in a hotel room in Bangkok.

Would note that the Chicago Thai Consulate told me in no uncertain terms that the 72-hour time period is measured from the departure time of your first international flight (and not from the departure time for any domestic flight(s) to reach another airport where you'll take your first international flight).