By Armaan Ali Khan
As Thailand continues to struggle economically due to the lapse in tourism, innovative startups have attempted to reignite this industry. Entirely provoked by the Global pandemic, Thailand's highest grossing industry has struggled to exist, due to restrictions, quarantines, and complications. Clearly, the coronavirus has impacted lives globally, and while Thailand seemed to be coping, a recent resurgence of cases has brought the country to a standstill. Now, as the population struggles to make ends meet, an innovative reopening of Thailand's magnificent jewel is underway. Phuket (Pronounced Poo-Ket), an island located south of Bangkok brought in 10 million visitors (Phuket news), pre-pandemic in 2019, and is known as the ‘Haven of Tranquility.’ As of July 1, 2021, international tourists who have received full dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine are permitted to vacation in the Land of Smiles. Known as the ‘Phuket Sandbox,’ government officials will be trialing procedures to prepare for the eventual reopening of the country planned for October. Don’t put the cart before the horses though, as there is a catch. Strict regulations and restrictions must be adhered to, in order to undergo your vacation. Contraction of infection, or even close proximity to a COVID-Positive passenger on a flight can sound the end of your holiday. I, Armaan Ali Khan, have risked it all, and made my way to the Island of Phuket, to experience this extravaganza first hand. In the name of Panther Nation, I will be supplying you, the readers, with the process, practicality, and overall remarks of this trip. Please read on to decipher whether Phuket will rejuvenate your vacation travelling.
The Not-So-Smooth process
When one commences the planning of their trip to Phuket, differences begin to strike between conventional travel, and the Sandbox. Firstly, three weeks prior to departure, obtainment of a Certificate of Entry (COE) is required in order to enter the country during these abnormal times. For tourists to be candidates of this ‘COE’, a lengthy set of prerequisites, and documentation is required. Vacationers must possess a valid Thai Visa, which is conventional for an overseas trip, but that is solely the tip of the iceberg. Further documentation of their hotel booking, flight information, COVID-19 vaccinations, and a weighty $100,000 worth of COVID-19 insurance must further be presented. Moreover, three COVID tests which are conducted throughout your trip must be purchased beforehand, and presented when applying. The looming prospect of rejection from the application office can be nerve wracking, considering the sum of money which could be potentially lost. Thankfully in my case, my father and I were granted approval, and were on our way to our luxury vacation. Whilst embarking the plane in New York's John F Kennedy Airport, all seemed identical to pre-pandemic times. But once boarded, I could not be more wrong. Firstly, strict seating protocols meant that one was forbidden from changing their seats. Unfortunately, my dad and I were seated at different sections of the aircraft, and were unable to reunite. We were all questioning why such strict regulations, until it struck me. Contact tracing. From then on, all I could do was tighten my mask, and pray that the fellow passengers seated beside me were not carrying infection. Once we touched down on the island of Phuket, I began to reminisce about the memories obtained here from earlier visits. Quickly though, those memories were wiped away by the colossal queues waiting for me in the terminal.
Infinite rows of chairs lined the airport halls (pictures above), with passengers scrambling for front seats. Officials were going row to row ensuring vacationers were supplying the correct set of paperwork. I quickly pulled out my stack of printed documents, and began sorting through, identifying the relevant information. Graciously, we passed the inspection, and were allowed through. Unlucky for the man sitting beside me however, as he held the required documents digitally, not hard-copied. With our passports stamped, and the light at the end of the tunnel intensifying, a painful but swift COVID test (My 8th in the span of one month) stood in our way. Once conquered, we were on our way to our luxurious getaway. A one day quarantine in our hotel room was required until negative test results were delivered, which was gracefully granted, and we were finally unshackled from this captivity.
Is the Phuket Sandbox Practical?
Whilst conducting this review, I attempted to gauge the entire practicality through the perspective of a Tourist. It must be mentioned however, that the Phuket Sandbox can further be utilized as an alternative to traditional state quarantine. At present, the second summer vacation has passed, consumed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Families are longing to return to their respective homes, to visit families and loved ones. Currently, Thai government regulations require a 14 day isolation period in allocated facilities , including hotel rooms on arrival. State quarantine however, can be brutal, as families are required to stay confined to an undersized room with minimal space for exercise and movement. The Phuket Sandbox allows for travelers to complete their quarantine requisite, with freedom of movement restricted to the island of Phuket. Essentially, returnees can relish in a luxury holiday while simultaneously adhering to their quarantine requirements. Once taken into perspective, the headache of the Sandbox procedures seems more tolerable considering the additional freedom granted. Furthermore, admits into the Phuket Sandbox program are subconsciously stimulating the growth of the economy, by purchasing goods and services which may be wants or needs. This is assisting small businesses who are struggling due to the lack of customers, while altogether indulging in the renowned knick-knacks of Phuket markets.
Is it worth it? My Final Remarks
As my remaining days in this paradise of an island dwindle, my time to reflect has arrived. Without question, since arriving in Phuket, my experience has been nothing but mere heavenly. Although quite the hassle, the question of tackling the process of arrival at the airport comes down to pure preparation. Ensuring that all documents are completed, printed out and organized can guarantee your success through checkpoints upon arrival. Furthermore, although unconventional initially, vacationing on the island is relatively ordinary. Apart from the expectation of sporting a facemask, tourists can expect a standard holiday on Phuket island (which is already luxurious). Lastly, the question of visiting Phuket internationally comes down to your preference of travel. Backpackers, who enjoy hotel- hopping, and indulging in a day-to-day lifestyle are not suitable for this program. These types of travelers often found haven in Phuket pre-pandemic, but may not thrive in this type of setting. All other travelers who are looking for a luxurious holiday, are ideal for this type of travel. Lastly for residents of Bangkok who are returning from overseas, the Phuket Sandbox is a no-brainer. The opportunity to visit the coveted island of Phuket whilst fulfilling the quarantine requirements is a great arrangement. Furthermore, those who are unable to handle the captivity of conventional state quarantine will greatly benefit from participating in this Sandbox program.
To conclude, although the Phuket Sandbox is not flawless, it is definitely a step in the right direction. International travel has essentially halted due to the global pandemic, and Thailand's initiative to reignite the industry is praiseworthy. It is safe to say that until the COVID pandemic has passed, the Sandbox model will persist as the ‘new normal’ of international tourism.
Credits:
Created with an image by Engin_Akyurt - "phang nga bay phuket province james bond"