Phuket Sandbox Update – Thailand Pass And More!
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
As Thailand continues to adopt the “Live With Covid” model the national government announced a staged re-opening to Thailand. 63 countries have been announced as being able to enter Thailand quarantine-free.
For those countries on the list, there is still the Sandbox Model as well as the Quarantine Model as well.
All of these can seem confusing, so watch on in the update below to find out what’s happening here in Phuket, Thailand:
5 Star Marine Launches Living Waters Phuket Foundation
The first united Foundation in Phuket to provide grants in support of vulnerable communities!
A Brighter Future For Phuket
Shaun Stenning, CEO of 5 Star Marine explains: “Phuket has needed a credible and well thought out Foundation for years, so I decided to set one up with 5 Star Marine being the major funding source behind Living Waters Phuket. This new Foundation can carry forward the work we completed during the Pandemic, providing Life Bags to over 360,000 families; but will also provide financial grants for other vital initiatives. Living Waters Phuket will continue on in our community, providing sustainable solutions to food security, education, and environmental issues.”
A United Foundation
This brand-new Foundation is combining the efforts of registered charities, foundations, private companies, and government organizations. Living Waters Phuket aims to provide strategic and viable aid by issuing financial grants to projects around relief and solutions for sustainable food security, education, renewable energy, and environmental issues.
The Foundation officially launched on 1st November 2021 with an unparalleled financial grant from Living Waters Phuket and 5 Star Marine for the largest single food donation to date in Phuket. This initiative consists of over 8,700 ‘Super Life Packs’ to help families in need. The execution of this initiative is a collaborative effort between Living Waters Phuket, 5 Star Marine, the Phuket Red Cross, Phuket Has Been Good To Us, and various government departments.
Over 88,700 ‘Super Life Packs’ which contain enough staple food items to feed a family of 4 people for 1 whole week will be going out this week. This effort will include a staggering 44 tonnes of rice, along with noodles, tinned fish, and nearly 9,000 liters of cooking oil and sauces.
Where It All Began…
Shaun Stenning and his 5 Star Marine team have been diligently running their ‘Life Bags’ food donation program for over 20 months; dedicating efforts towards the most vulnerable communities across Phuket and the surrounding islands with non-stop weekly funding, sourcing, packing, and delivery efforts taking place.
A Natural Extension
Living Waters Phuket formed a strategic transition from the last 20 months’ worth of relief efforts. It sits in synergy as the next stage for 5 Star Marine who founded and funded this first-of-a-kind Foundation in Phuket. The Foundation will now provide a more long-term, sustainable, and ongoing means to continue providing relief via funds for projects where the community needs the most help.
Grants and Support
Grants are currently being awarded to community groups, Not-For-Profit organizations (NFPOs), and individuals who want to bridge a gap by finding solutions to sustainable food security, education, renewable energy, and environmental issues. The independent board of advisors at Living Waters Phuket will review each grant application objectively, fairly, and impartially.
If you wish to know more about Living Waters Phuket please visit the below:
Phuket Sandbox Gone? Thailand Open? What Do The Locals Think?
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
November 1st, 2021 Phuket and greater Thailand are opening without Quarantine to 46 countries. These 46 countries will not have to complete the Phuket Sandbox, just a single covid test on arrival, and then the travelers are free to explore.
Here is the list of countries:
Don’t worry if you are not on the list, then the Phuket Sandbox is open and available to all countries of the world as long as the travelers are vaccinated. If you are NOT vaccinated then there is also Alternate Quarantine.
With these three ways of entering Phuket now officially announced find out the full details in the video below:
Phuket Sandbox Adventures On The 5 Star Marine Snorkelling And Dolphin Experience.
One of our most popular tours during the Phuket Sandbox has been our Dolphins and Snorkelling experience. This is a great family-friendly trip that allows our guests to snorkel the waters of Mai Ton, spend some time spotting the local pod of dolphins, and then onto Coral Island for some lunch.
There are a number of activities available at Coral Island including Parasailing, Banana Boats, and more. Follow along with us as we launch our business into the Dry Season with over 100 guests joining us for this once-off-season launch.
See more here:
Phuket Readies For A Relaxation Of Rules With A Beach Clean At The Khai Islands
The 5 Star Marine team joined with UWC Thailand, Royal Phuket Marine, Sustainable Mai Khao, Phuket Marine Department, and the Koh Yao Yai Village Leaders to clean up the Khai Islands.
With the annual monsoon season drawing to a close the Khai Islands were in need of a good clean to prepare them for the return of tourism. During the clean up we were able to collect 156 Kilograms of rubbish and take a large portion of it off for recycling.
See the full details in our video update below:
Phuket Sandbox Update – No Quarantine? No More Sandbox? Phuket Is OPEN.
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
BREAKING NEWS – Thailand Prime Minister Announces No Quarantine For Travellers From Some Countries.
As Phuket and Thailand in general move to a “Live With Covid” model and look to restart tourism the National Government are making positive announcements to support the reopening of Thailand.
In a recent televised announcement, the Prime Minister suggested that from November 1st that travelers from some low-risk countries will be able to enter Thailand without any quarantine or sandbox needed.
Now the full rules and process for entry have not yet been decided but for a look at what we expect to happen please watch our latest update video below:
Phuket Food Relief Update – 19 Months And The Need Is Still High
The 5 Star Marine team is continuing with their food relief efforts here in Phuket. After 19 months of providing emergency food relief to the local community, our team is proud to continue to help those in need.
In this month’s update, I took the time to share with you why this Food Relief Project is needed, what the numbers are behind the economic situation, and exactly where we were delivering life bags over the last 15 days.
Find the full details in the video below:
Phuket Sandbox Update – 7 Day Sandbox, Bars Open, Island Hopping Easier Than Ever!
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
As Phuket transitions away from its wet season towards the dry (or high) season, the Thailand Government has made a major and positive update to the Phuket Sandbox program.
Instead of being a 14-day Sandbox Program or the 7+7 Day Sandbox Model, it is now just a simple and easy ‘7 Day Sandbox’.
Along with the reduction in the Sandbox days, the number of RT-PCR Covid-19 Tests required while staying has also come down. As of now, with the new update, there are just 2 tests required; the first on the day of arrival and the second on day 6 of your stay.
The good news continues as island hopping by private speedboat is now easier than ever before with a wide-ranging 11 destinations now open. Plus, none of these stunning destinations require additional Covid-19 tests for Sandbox Travelers.
The return of the dry season, the reduced Sandbox days model, fewer Covid-19 tests and new island destinations are all pointing in the right direction for our Sandbox Guests.
For full details watch this short video update below:
Rules for Domestic Guest Speedboat Day Trips – October 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
The weather is starting to turn, the seas are getting calmer and in addition, the islands around Phuket are still quiet.
So, this really is the best time to appreciate a VIP speedboat day out on the water with friends and family.
For clarity, 5 Star Marine have broken down the rules per destination for all our DOMESTIC / EXPAT guests; effective 1st October 2021.
Phuket Provincial Islands:
For the following islands, we simply need your Passport Copy, (on your phone is sufficient). That is it, no further requirements:
Out of Phuket Province Islands:
For the following islands we simply need your Passport Copy and Vaccination Certificate:
* Covid-19 tests are NOT required for any of the above islands.
** If you are unvaccinated a simple Antigen Test in most cases is all that is needed to visit these locations.
Here is a great graphic that summarises this all:
With the requirements hugely easing, please contact us to book your memorable day out on the water, or if you have any questions about the new rules.
Island Hopping Here We Go
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
We are thrilled to welcome a LOAD of new destinations to enjoy from 1st October; and yes, these are going to be open to both Sandbox and Domestic guests.
With the change in season, the seas become calmer so let’s take a look at the exciting new destinations which now become accessible; working our way out from our base pier in Boat Lagoon:
1. Khai Islands
Three popular and family-friendly islands offering shallow snorkeling only 15 minutes from the pier. These islands are close together and are especially good for beginner snorkellers as you can go straight off the beach and experience a plethora of tropical fish. Also, a great spot for a beach picnic.
2. Mai Ton & Coral Combination
5 Star Marine runs a respectful dolphin spotting program at Mai Ton Island which is around 30 minutes from Boat Lagoon, where you can also snorkel before making your way to Coral Island, with beautiful snorkeling, plus relax on the beach with great vibes on Banana Beach Club, which also offers activities, massages, lunch, etc.
3. Racha Islands
The two idyllic Racha Islands; Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, provide some of the best snorkeling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. With Manta Rays and Whale Sharks hopefully coming back again this October / November, don’t miss your chance to spot these magnificent creatures.
4. Phi Phi
Phi Phi is a particularly well know location in the Phuket region, and now with the change in season you can take advantage of some stunning location all to yourself – literally, you might just be the only boat out there! Enjoy Phi Phi Ley and Bamboo Island and chance spotting turtles and clownfish.
5. Krabi Islands and Hong Krabi
The turquoise waters of the Hong Krabi Lagoon are to die for, and why not get your adrenaline going with a climb up to the new 360-degree viewpoint on Hong Krabi? This is arguably one of the best seascape views of the Krabi island sets, Phang Nga Bay, and surrounding islands in the national park that you can get from anywhere. It might be a long climb but it is worth the reward. Enjoy the infamous Railay beach for a lunch stop and gorgeous scenery too.
6. Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga truly is one of natures’ spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location. This location provides a different type of tour, it is not a snorkeling tour, but more about the seascapes, canoeing, caving, and exploring.
7. Koh Rok
The sea becomes like a lake in high season, making Koh Rok and Koh Ha idyllic destinations to make the most of when the season comes around. This area combines stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colorful marine life and corals and therefore offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities you can find. In season, you can also regularly see whale sharks between here and Koh Ha also.
8. Koh Ha
This offers some of the best snorkeling, stunning soft sandy beaches, and is less crowded than the better-known Similan Islands. A little further to travel compared to most of our other day trip locations; but well worth every minute for the guaranteed natural beauty and a great stop on the way to Koh Lipe.
9. Koh Lipe
This will open up in the next few weeks and boy are we raring to go! Koh Lipe is bursting with things to see and do; enjoy a romantic time at Sunrise or Sunset Beach, explore the coral reefs snorkeling at Red Coral, head to Monkey Beach or Stonehenge Rock. You might even get to spot the odd whale shark, Manta Ray, or turtle.
10. Similan & Surin Islands
Two phenomenal island-hopping destinations are situated off the West Coast of Phuket. These areas are bursting with amazing marine life, rich coral, and sandy white beaches. Enjoy a memorable boat trip to the renowned Similan Islands; a stunning archipelago in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, which is made up of 9 islands. We can’t wait for it to open from October 15th to May 15th. Further away and only open 6 months per year, due to the monsoon season plus in an attempt to preserve the marine environment.
11. Phuket By The Sea Tour
This unique program leaves from Boat Lagoon and travels under the Sarasin bridge then you make your way down to the banana beach past Surin, Kamala, and Patong for example, where you can stop off at a beach club or two!
So there you have it – 11 amazing tours opening up from 1st or 15th October. There are a few rules and regulations for Sandbox and Domestic customers, but please contact us to find out more, and in most cases just need your passport and proof of vaccination.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore while you can!
