Surat Thani announces urgent COVID-19 control Measures for Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan

The following is a notice/release from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Bangkok, 24 July 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions and screening requirements needed for domestic travel to Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani, for both Thais and foreigners, effective from today 24 July 2021, until further notice.

Mr. Vijvut Tjinto, Governor of Surat Thani Province, yesterday (23 July 2021) signed Provincial Order No. 4798/2564, which cited the need to prevent, control, and curb local COVID-19 transmission on Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani, as well as to minimize the impact on travelers under the recently launched Samui Plus model.

Entry measures for travelers to Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan

  1. All travelers must scan the specified QR Code upon purchasing an air or ferry ticket, complete all the information truthfully, and must be able to provide proof to officials at the Seatran Ferry Don Sak Pier or Raja Ferry Port Don Sak, or at the origin-destination’s airport (i.e., Bangkok or Phuket).
  2. Travelers from Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or ‘dark-red zone’ provinces are required to undergo quarantine for at least 14 days or as specified by officials and to undergo COVID-19 testing as required. However, they will be allowed to take isolation measures, but they must:
    – Have received 2 doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at least 7 days from the date that the 2nd dose was given, or the 1st dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 21 days, or have a certificate of having recovered from COVID-19 for not more than 90 days,
    AND
    – Have received a negative result by an RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen method not more than 72 hours from the day the test was done at certified hospitals or healthcare facilities only.
  3. Travelers from Strict Controlled Areas or ‘red zone’ provinces are required to undergo quarantine for at least 7 days or as specified by officials and to undergo COVID-19 testing as required. However, they will be allowed to take isolation measures, but they must:
    – Have received 2 doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at least 7 days from the date that the 2nd dose was given, or the 1st dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 21 days, or have a certificate of having recovered from COVID-19 for not more than 90 days, AND
    – Have received a negative result by an RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen method not more than 72 hours from the day the test was done at certified hospitals or healthcare facilities only.
  4. Travelers from Controlled Areas or ‘orange zone’ provinces are required to undergo isolation measures.
  5. All vaccinated travelers are subject to undergo testing or quarantine as deemed appropriate by the officials.
  6. Children under 12 years old traveling with a parent or guardian are exempt from taking the test.
  7. Measures No. 2-5 are not* enforced on travel between Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, or travelers under the Phuket Sandbox traveling by air to Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, or other endorsed projects to reopen pilot destinations.
  8. All travelers must download and install the ‘Mor Chana’ application and turn on the share location function at all times.
  9. Airlines and ferry companies are responsible for checking the vaccination certificate and COVID-19 test certificate each time before selling tickets, as well as to notify travelers of all the above measures, especially the quarantine requirements.

Restrictions and closure of businesses and services

  • Gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed unless receiving official approval.
  • Convenience stores, restaurants, and eateries, and other shops can open during normal hours.
  • Department stores, shopping centers, and community malls can open during normal hours.
  • All indoor and outdoor sports venues, public venues for exercise, public parks, gyms, fitness centers, and yoga centers can open per normal hours.
  • Meetings, training, seminars, and similar types of activities are allowed to be organized at only 70% of the seating capacity, but not more than 100 people.
  • Organizing of parties, carnivals, housewarming, and large celebrations, including traditional ceremonies; such as funeral ceremonies, ordination ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, religious days, or ceremonies are allowed to be organized, but the number of attendees must be limited at not more than 50 people. During the event, the on-site banquet is prohibited; only takeaway is allowed. Selling and/or consumption of liquor or alcoholic beverages at the event is not allowed.

While in Surat Thani, all visitors regardless of their length of stay must strictly follow the D-M-H-T-T-A precautions: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and – Alert application.

Masks must be worn at all times in public areas and in any vehicle with 2 or more people.

Visitors must also abide by the measures put in place by Surat Thani province.

Kindly note that the designation of provinces into different zones can be changed without prior notice, so please check with the local authorities in your destination before planning any domestic trips.

Correction notice: The original version of this was missing the word not. It is unclear if this was an error from the original press release but has been corrected.

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Co-owner of TPN Media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America, but has also lived in Dallas, Sarasota, and Portsmouth. His background is in retail sales, HR, and operations management, and has written about news and Thailand for many years. He has lived in Pattaya for over nine years as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over a decade. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/