Transcript of the above video:

A topic that this has been on the lips of many is the Phuket sandbox. I am not making this video to be intentionally pessimistic; however I am just trying to keep people updated on the situation as it is evolving. 

A recent article from the Bangkok Post, that is bangkokpost.com came to my attention. I thought this was very interesting. The headline: Phuket, Surat Thani Still Set to Open to Foreigners. When I am reading this, when I am quoting this, read between the lines. The way I am reading it is I am viewing it as if the Phuket "Sandbox" is on its back foot so to speak as far as getting off the ground. So quoting directly: "The planned reopening of Phuket and Surat Thani provinces remains intact despite more than 4,000 new COVID-19 cases and 35 deaths nationwide on Monday according to the Government Spokesman. Taweesilp Visanuyothin Spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration said on Tuesday that the reopening of Phuket on July 1 and Surathani, (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan Islands) later remains possible." Interesting. It is not a foregone conclusion that it will happen; remains possible. Quoting further: "Both provinces were reporting new daily cases in single figures." Quoting further: "Dr. Taweesilp said that they were clear criteria for the Government to stop the re-opening. For Phuket there were more than 90 new COVID-19 cases per week; outbreaks in all three districts; more than three clusters or widespread and unrelated infections; at least 80% of local hospital beds occupied; a widespread and uncontrollable outbreak of virus mutations." Well, a lot of uncertain factors to consider there. Quoting further: "Dr. Taweesilp said there would be 4 steps, based on the number of new cases, in any lockdown of Phuket as follows: reduction in activities, sealed routes, Hotel quarantine, an end to the Phuket Sandbox re-opening project." So interesting.

For those who are unaware, this Phuket Sandbox that is coming online is going to allow people to travel directly into Phuket; they can remain in Phuket without having to stay in Alternative State Quarantine i.e. a hotel room for 14 days; they are allowed for lack of a better term, free access to the island. There are certain stipulations regarding that access to the island and we have made other videos on this channel regarding that topic but long story short we have yet to hit July 1. We will certainly keep folks updated as this progresses.

It looks to me like it is still scheduled to come online. However we are not to the date yet and as with many things associated with Immigration and travel policy into Thailand as we have seen over the course of the last year and a half since this all sort of began, things can change and they can change rather quickly. We will definitely keep people updated on this channel as the situation progresses.