Covid Test for Phuket Entry

[MG808]

Hello all,

 

I'm currently in Bangkok and have conflicting information on the covid test requirement to enter Phuket.

 

From everything I read, you need a negative PCR test within 7 days of entering Phuket, but a local Thai friend says until July 1 you can get a PCR test upon arrival for 500 baht (free for Thai). 500 baht compared to the 2800 baht I would spend in Bangkok. Does anyone know the facts or is it all just speculation until you have boots on the ground?

 

Thanks!

[CANSIAM]

As far as I know domestic arrivals to Phuket need either 2 Sinovac or 1 AZ, OR a PCR negative test or a rapid antigen negative within 7 days of arrival. You need the MorChana app on your mobile and supposed to register at www.gophuget.com as well. Airlines will be looking for your jab or test papers when you check in at BKK.

[skatewash]

Ok, if you are already in Bangkok you would be considered a domestic arrival into Phuket.  As such you don't have to follow any of the rules for international arrivals (aka Phuket Sandbox rules).  There are specific rules for entering Phuket domestically and they have nothing to do with Phuket Sandbox which is very much in the news lately.  That is the source of much confusion.

You need a negative covid test, rapid antigen or RT-PCR, up to 7 days before entering Phuket, OR fully vaccinated OR have received one (1) shot of AstraZeneca.  While there was in the past testing available at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint entry into Phuket I don't think that is still done.  You must get your test done elsewhere before entering Phuket.  The alternative is 14 days of monitored quarantine.  Here's the graphic that covers domestic entry into Phuket.  I believe they ended the tests at some point in the last month but can't find the announcement.

For example, you can get a rapid antigen test at Takuapa Hospital in Phang Nga for 620 baht.  There's a list of medical testing labs here that you can look for a specific name of a lab or sort by province:

https://service.dmsc.moph.go.th/labscovid19/indexen.php

If you arrive at Phuket airport on a domestic flight you would have to show your vaccination status/negative covid test result prior to boarding before flying to Phuket.
 

[dougiemac52]

15 hours ago, CANSIAM said:

As far as I know domestic arrivals to Phuket need either 2 Sinovac or 1 AZ, OR a PCR negative test or a rapid antigen negative within 7 days of arrival. You need the MorChana app on your mobile and supposed to register at www.gophuget.com as well. Airlines will be looking for your jab or test papers when you check in at BKK.

1 AZ is not fully vaccinated 

[skatewash]

21 minutes ago, dougiemac52 said:

1 AZ is not fully vaccinated 

The questions was what is needed to enter Phuket.  Domestic arrivals in Phuket can enter if they have had one (1) dose of AstraZeneca.  If one dose of AZ were considered to be fully vaccinated then it wouldn't have had to be specifically listed as being allowed.

[chilly07]

Hope Bangkok (Plague City) locks down soon. Not sure Phuket wants you but they are and will be a bit short of boots on the ground in July so you could make the nos up. Make sure you don't get trampled in the rush of returning workers from the rest of Thailand/Myanmar/Laos etc

[Caldera]

18 hours ago, MG808 said:

From everything I read, you need a negative PCR test within 7 days of entering Phuket, but a local Thai friend says until July 1 you can get a PCR test upon arrival for 500 baht (free for Thai). 500 baht compared to the 2800 baht I would spend in Bangkok. Does anyone know the facts or is it all just speculation until you have boots on the ground?

 

If you fly in, your only option is to get the test before departing, as you won't be allowed to board a flight to Phuket otherwise. If you drive to Phuket, on the other hand, I think the test on arrival that you've mentioned is still an option.

[skatewash]

10 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

If you fly in, your only option is to get the test before departing, as you won't be allowed to board a flight to Phuket otherwise. If you drive to Phuket, on the other hand, I think the test on arrival that you've mentioned is still an option.

I can't locate the announcement but I believe the covid test you used to be able to get at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint on arrival in Phuket is no longer offered.  You must get your test elsewhere.  As suggested above some have gotten their test (rapid antigen) at Tukuapa Hospital in Phang Nga (620 baht).  Or you can get your test done somewhere else (other than Phuket, of course) within seven (7) days of entering Phuket.  You can't get your covid test needed to enter Phuket in Phuket (though previously, about a month ago, you could).