Thailand News | No More Masks | 1st July 2022
In the latest Breaking Thailand News, as of the 1st of July 2022, the national mask mandate was lifted and the wearing of masks in most places has been dropped.
In our latest YouTube video Shaun Stenning the founder of 5 Star Marine Phuket and the host of the 5 Star Marine YouTube Channel Jay Leshark, discuss this and then go out and about Phuket to find out what people on the street know about the NEW mask rules.
Why the relaxation?
The relaxation is in line with the fact that over the past few weeks there has been a steady decline in the number of new COVID infections as well as the decline in severe cases and fatalities, which enables the people of Thailand to start to resume a life close to how it was back in 2019.
So, no more masks?
Well, not 100% no more masks, and the Ministry of Public Health recommends that people consider the benefits of wearing them, which can reduce the risks of contracting COVID-19 or other respiratory diseases when they are in a crowded venue.
Regarding mask-wearing in Thailand:
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) recommends that people with underlying conditions, the elderly and pregnant women who have yet to get boosters to keep wearing masks. Those who are healthy can discard the mask when alone, exercising, eating, drinking, or in an open space where social distancing can be practiced, the DDC said.
Due to the decline of COVID-19 cases and fatalities, there has also been a relaxation in other restrictions, the main one for Phuket being the revocation of the “Thailand Pass” requirement for international arrivals effective July 1, which will have huge benefits for Phuket being it so heavily dependent on travel and tourism.
All in all, this is all fantastic news for Thailand
Phuket Private Charter
Introduction:
With 5 Star Marine, you can hire one of our luxury VIP speedboats for an exclusive Phuket Private Charter. Take the chance to experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands on board your very own Private Charter.
Your Phuket Private Charter is completely flexible, so you can customize your day with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is absolutely perfect for you. After understanding your requirements, we are able to put together a suggested itinerary.
Bespoke Itinerary:
The choice really is yours with our custom Phuket Private Charter offering; because when you book with 5 Star Marine, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary and can enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience. Our experienced crew might also discuss a few suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, and tide on the actual day of your Phuket Private Charter trip.
On your Phuket Private Charter, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breathtakingly high viewpoints. When you book a Phuket Private Charter with 5 Star Marine, we are able to tailor a bespoke day trip or multi-night tour for you.
Phuket Private Charter Inspiration:
A few examples of tropical journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Charter include:
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including getting photos of Maya Bay from the boat- the location of The Beach film
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full beach club, massage and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser known
- Easy to access and family friendly shallow snorkelling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Premium Phuket Private Charter Features:
- Our crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board; attending to your requirements for the ultimate Phuket Private Charter
- We tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
- We are flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you would like; you never have to fit in with a tour group timetable with 5 Star Marine’s tours
- With a small and intimate group of people, you get the flexibility to make the day what you want
- You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours
- We can organize a private beach picnic for your Phuket Private Charter
Phuket Private Charter Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Phuket Private Charter will include the following:
Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Phuket Private Charter.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Coconut Island: The Village Coconut Island
Located just minutes from mainland Phuket, The Village – Coconut Island is the perfect getaway holiday destination for overseas tourists and locals like Jay Leshark and his family, and they headed over to where it all started for Jay 15 years ago
After working for Sunsail Watersports Holidays teaching sailing in Turkey, Greece and Antigua Jay got a phone call back in 2007 from the owner of The Village, Coconut Island and then Jay arrived in Phuket to work at The Village in sales and marketing manager for their luxury villas.
Located on the idyllic Coconut Island or “Koh Maprao” as it is known in Thai, The Village offers true luxury and seclusion just 500m off the coast of Phuket, Thailand.
Set in a stunning position in Phang Nga Bay, the gateway to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, islands, and scenery.
Jay and the kids took the short boat trip on their 24-hour water taxi service which whisked them to The Village, Coconut Island.
Discovered initially by shipwrecked explorers hundreds of years ago, Coconut Island has always retained it’s sense of mystery and adventure, and all of the elements of its resort are designed to reflect this.
They offer Jacuzzi suites, Grand Villas, and Pool Villas all have been built to cater for couples, families, groups and singles with all of the options encapsulating the privacy and luxury that has come to define The Village, Coconut Island.
While Jay was on Coconut Island, he went to visit the local village which had suffered like many other small local Thai villages, during the COVID pandemic. It was an opportunity for Jay to see the amazing work that Living Waters Phuket has done for many of the local people not only living in Phuket but also for those living in islands around Phuket.
Living Waters Phuket helped to provide portable water for 300 students at the Coconut Island School, as well as critical equipment for the school’s kitchen including a fridge, freezer, and fans.
Check out the video to see the adventures on Coconut Island as well as a walk around the local village on the island and a look into the school.
Who are Living Waters?
Living Waters Phuket is dedicated to building brighter futures for disadvantaged communities across Thailand.
They help by awarding financial grants which assist in funding essential relief projects (including sustainable food security, education requirements, renewable energy, and environmental issues) in Phuket, Koh Samui, and across Thailand.
More Than 1 Million Life Bag Donations Over 2 Years
5 Star Marine has dedicated over 2 years to packing, distributing, and donating of emergency food relief; giving their time and energy by providing continuous support to those in need throughout the Pandemic.
This devoted effort has now seen an estimated 1 million life bags go out to disadvantaged and underprivileged communities around Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phang Nga, Koh Lipe, Koh Yao Islands, and further afield. Often strategically planned when areas were struck with major isolation or community lockdowns plus the previous lack of tourism due to entry restrictions.
In the last year efforts have escalated to meet the growing needs of the communities, often supplying over 1,000+ normal or super-sized life bags per day. These are filled with dried foods such as rice and noodles, canned fish, oils, sauces and household products and help to feed a family of 4 for up to 4 days.
With the ease of entry measures from 1st May, lower reported daily cases, and Thailand opening up more to international tourism, this immense community relief effort will now come to a natural close, after over 2 years. 5 Star Marine will be able to focus back on its core business as a private speedboat operator. The toned-down entry measures are helping more international travelers return, bringing essential tourists back to our tourism-dependent economy.
5 Star Marine has worked with countless people and organizations to make these food relief efforts such a success over the last 25 months. To name just a few let’s start with a shout out to Nando and Amy from Sutai Muay Thai who helped from the very beginning in early 2020 with a makeshift packing base and distribution aid from their gym in Surin, Phuket.
Heartfelt thanks to Nina and Pete who have been committed volunteer coordinators for the last year, after previously providing critical support during 2020 to the emergency food relief efforts.
Khun Zeera and her team at 5 Star Marine have responded time and time again to emergency calls to support those in urgent need, often helping community members who were too sick to leave their rooms, homes, or even beds.
Thank you to so many others including the Governor of Phuket, the Phuket Red Cross, Phuket Has Been Good To Us, Kru Heidi and Kru Remke from UWC Thailand, Headstart School, BIS, KIS, the Phuket Hotels Association, community packing pods across the island, everyone who has helped pack and distribute – the list could go on and on, but you know who you are and we thank each and every one of you for being part of this incredible community initiative which has literally saved lives across Thailand during the worst years of the Pandemic.
As this chapter draws to a close, 5 Star Marine are humbled that they, together with countless others, have helped thousands of people across Thailand whose lives have benefited from this generosity and commitment.
5 Star Marine remains committed to helping the community recover from the Pandemic and those efforts will continue through their foundation Living Waters Phuket.
Thank you again, one and all for your support and help. Now we will focus on looking forward with optimism, for brighter times ahead.
Khai Islands Private Tour
When you book our Khai Islands Private Tour, you get to experience not just one, but a group of three famous, small islands.
Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nai and Koh Khai Nui; each offer something slightly different, and The Khai Islands Private Tour is a mere 15 – 20 minute speedboat ride from our centrally located pier in Phuket, Boat Lagoon.
These three popular and family-friendly islands are situated close together and are especially appealing for beginner snorkellers because you can go straight off the beach on some of the islands to enjoy the underwater vibrant coral and marine life on offer.
With our Khai Islands Private Tour, your day trip is customisable; there is no need to rush to get to the next island, or restrictive time slots for lunch. If you are enjoying your picnic lunch on the beach (which we can arrange for you, including Thai sharing dishes and western favourites) then just let us know and take your time to relax for longer.
With our Khai Islands Private Tour, there is no set schedule; the day is bespoke for you, so it will be very different to the more rigid timings you might find with the group tours.
Therefore, if you are looking for an easy, close by island day trip that is good for families, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach you can’t beat 5 Star Marine’s Khai Islands Private Tour.
Let’s take a look at what the three Khai Islands have to offer:
- Koh Khai Nok
The distinctive egg-shaped island of Koh Khai Nok helps to explain its other known name “Egg Island”. It is blessed with soft, sandy beaches, and the water is crystal clear with a pale blue tinge. Simply standing in the water just off this island you will get to see plenty of colourful fish, so it is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. On your Khai Island Private Tour, you can take your time to enjoy this islands’ sandy beach, relax and take in the sights and experience some off-the-beach snorkelling here. - Koh Khai Nui Island
Khai Nui is another wonderful spot for snorkelling, this time right off the boat. It is another picturesque and small island you can visit on your Khai Islands Private Tour. It boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters abundant with a great variety of coral and marine life making this a great spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling off the boat. - Koh Khai Nai
This is the largest of the three islands and Koh Khai Nai offers clear, shallow waters which makes it popular and a safe choice. This area offers some perfect snorkelling opportunities for families with young children due to the shallow, clear waters. There is also a postcard on a white sandy beach to enjoy a spot of lunch on.
5 Star Marine’s Khai Island Private Tour
Our Khai Island Private Tour is personal and customisable, so your day trip itinerary will take into account what you want to get out of your day, be fully flexible so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy, and be a combined itinerary with our experienced guides. Our guides and captains will ensure that you discover the three islands in the best possible conditions, and understand that timing at Khai Islands can be important to give you the best experience on the day.
Contact us to book your Khai Island Private Tour:
+66-93-720-6221
Looking For A Memorable Experience? – The Official Monthly Newsletter
It’s been another great month of tours. Seeing the smiling faces of our team, our guests and reading the amazing reviews online has really inspired us all to keep fighting forward. We are moving now into some of the best sea conditions of the year so it’s time to get out explore and find new places.
One of my new favorite places to visit is Koh Mook, with our team heading over there almost weekly at the moment. Swimming into Emerald Cave, exploring Koh Kradan (arguably the best beach in the area), and seeing the Dugongs.
Hoping to see you on board again soon!
– Shaun
IN THIS MONTH’S NEWS!
- Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!
- Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.
- 5 Star Vlogs.
Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!
- With a custom Phang Nga Bay tour, 5 Star Marine will guide you around hidden coves and lagoons, as well as stopping off at the iconic James Bond island which became a major attraction after featuring in the 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.
Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.
- One of our very good friends (who started out as a Guest) Amy Tan writes this wonderful monthly newsletter highlighting what we like to refer to as “Volunteerism“. In her newsletter this month she focused on the Life Bag project that we have run here at 5 Star Marine.
5 Star MarineLife Bags
Staff Profile of The Month
- Name: Alex
- Position: Tour Guide
- Favorite tour to go on: Koh Rok/Koh Ha
- Favorite activity to do in Phuket when not working: Relaxing at the beach and spending time with family.
- Favorite food: Any Phuket seafood. Phuket seafood is the best.
5 Star Vlogs
Have you liked and subscribed?
Stay up to date with the latest Phuket News, see one of our tours, and find things to do in Phuket.
We also have challenges for our YouTube host Jay Leshark who last month learned how to do Brazilian Ju-Jitsu on the beach. Well, we say learned, it was more of a… well best watch to find out what happened.
Go to our YouTube page and make sure you like and subscribe. Join the 5 Star Universe.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST NEWS:
THE SEA IS CALLING!
Jump On Board On One Of Our VIP Private Speedboats And Explore The Amazing Islands Of Phuket – At A Discount – Contact Us To Discuss Our Discounted Returning Guest Rates.
Phone
+66 93 720 6221
+66 93 720 6221
Private Boat Hire Phuket – Reclaim Your Sense of Adventure
Luxury Private Speedboats
5 Star Marine has a growing fleet of VIP, luxury speedboats available for private boat hire in Phuket. Experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands in absolute comfort. Their entire fleet has been custom built and enhanced to ensure you get the most luxurious time on the sea as a family, couple, or group of friends during your very own customizable private boat hire in Phuket.
5 Star Marine specialize in private tours, whether you want to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breathtakingly high viewpoints; if you book a private boat hire in Phuket with them, they can tailor a bespoke itinerary just for you on your day / multi-night tour.
For the ultimate private boat hire Phuket experience, you can trust 5 Star Marine’s Captain’s Choice to bring you itineraries that are only available to small and private groups, and not offered with any other boat tour company. So, why not sit back and relax whilst you enjoy the bespoke selection of untouched paradise locations on offer with 5 Star Marine?
Private Boat Hire Phuket Advantages
When we talk about a private boat hire in Phuket with 5 Star Marine, you can get so much more out of the experience versus a group speedboat charter:
- Our Captain and crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board
- 5 Star Marine are able to tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
- We can be flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You have the flexibility on timing; it is your own private boat hire in Phuket
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you are would like; you won’t have to fit in with a group timetable
- With a small and intimate group of people, it is a more Covid-19 safe environment, with fewer people on board and more space to yourselves
- You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours because time does not allow
- We can organize a private beach picnic to enjoy for your private boat hire in Phuket
In 5 Star Safe Hands
5 Star Marine has been providing private boat hire in Phuket under their TAT SHA approved status since 2020. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) awarded this certification, and the TAT Safety and Health Administration Plus Certificate is proudly held by the company also.
As one of the first tourism services to gain TAT SHA Plus status in 2021, 5 Star Marine was recognized as adhering to public health measures regarding Covid-19 safety. This means that all guests can rest assured and feel safe and secure on board a 5 Star Marine during your private boat hire in Phuket.
Luxury Inclusions
To make sure you have the best time on your private boat hire in Phuket, 5 Star Marine add in a few little extras for your comfort and convenience during your trip:
- Tour Photos and Video
- Masks and Snorkels
- Fins (Adults)
- Fresh Fruit
- Soft Drinks and Water
- Picnic or Thai Sharing Lunch (available on request at an extra cost)
- Licensed Guide
- Life Jackets
- Beach Mats
- Hand Sanitiser
- Insurance
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Payments for your private boat hire in Phuket can be made on the day; 5 Star Marine do not take deposits so there is no need to worry about refunds or lost money if the weather turns poor. Obviously, we cross our fingers and toes for smooth seas and bright skies, but in the event that the tour date is predicted to be poor weather, 5 Star Marine will re-schedule with you.
Private Boat Hire Phuket Destinations
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Similan Islands abundant sea life
- Phi Phi, including Maya Bay – the location of The Beach film starring Leonardo di Caprio
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Hong Krabi lagoon and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser-known
- Easy to access and shallow snorkeling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Contact 5 Star Marine now to get out and explore, there are so many places to be discovered on your private boat hire Phuket.
We look forward to welcoming you on board for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From the 5 Star Marine Team
Contact Information:
Location: Boat Lagoon, Pier L, Phuket, Thailand
+66937206221
Phuket Breaking News – Test And Go, Sandbox, Crocodiles And A New Water Park
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/
Join Jay and Shaun from 5 Star Marine as they discuss the latest news stories on Phuket. From the resumption of the Test and Go program, to Crocodiles being found on Bangtao Beach and a new water park opening up.
This is a light-hearted version of the news designed to keep you informed as well as give you some light entertainment to break up the constant negative news cycle. Watch along below:
JAYS CHALLENGES: A Day Cleaning The 5 Star Marine Boat
We are pleased to introduce a new series of videos to our YouTube channel called Jays Challenges. Jay has been having way too much fun fishing, snorkeling, swimming with sharks and more so it’s time he does some of the hard work around the office.
Shaun asked Jay to complete his first challenge in this video which is to scrub 3 of the 5 Star Marine fleet and prepare them for upcoming tours.
As always with Jay, he took a little nap, stopped for some tea, and had a shower on the pier. All this and more in today’s video:
It’s been a crazy 2 years. Unprecedented is the word that comes to mind. Global tourism shutdown, we completely changed our business model, we provided over 610,000 life bags to people in need, we started a foundation, moved offices, and delivered over 1000 memorable boat experiences. And that’s just a few of the things that we did here in the last 12 months. To take a look at the year in review check out this video below: