Thai advice blue zone sandbox rules

[Underparmummy]

Specifically Ko Samui, has anyone done it successfully or have any advice? Travelling as a family at Easter, main issues are that it has put an end to stay in Bangkok at start of holiday with some faff around changing dates in Samui and the day 5/6 PCR. We have DC and covid seems to be such a regular feature of everyday life now, how the hell would we be lucky enough to get all those neg PCRS?!

The PCRS at departure/arrival are controllable but day 5 and 6 is a real lottery isn't it? Airports, the resort etc, day trips. You cannot manage those risks well for not having one of us positive and shipped off to quarantine for two weeks somewhere...

Anyone done it? Planning to do it? Think Im being over the top?!

[Nikkiten]

We decided against Thailand because under the covid section of the gov.uk advice it says: You may be separated from your children if they test positive for COVID-19. If this happens and you need help, you can call the Embassy on +66 (0)2 305 8333.
It depends on how your DC would cope but I know ours are too young.

[LadyLazarus40]

My ds Iain Thailand for 8 weeks entered through Phuket Sandbox.

Had to have PCR within 48 hrs of departure as transiting through Dubai (but Dubai have now relaxed this I think), PCR in arrival and then one on day 5. All easy and v efficient.

[Underparmummy]

@Nikkiten

We decided against Thailand because under the covid section of the gov.uk advice it says: You may be separated from your children if they test positive for COVID-19. If this happens and you need help, you can call the Embassy on +66 (0)2 305 8333.
It depends on how your DC would cope but I know ours are too young.

Eek!! That is scary. They are not teeny tiny but at what age would they be ok with that?!
Travel agent to tbf is sympathetic to my worries and has said they will look into other options for us but my worry level is definitely rising!

[Underparmummy]

@LadyLazarus40

My ds Iain Thailand for 8 weeks entered through Phuket Sandbox.

Had to have PCR within 48 hrs of departure as transiting through Dubai (but Dubai have now relaxed this I think), PCR in arrival and then one on day 5. All easy and v efficient.

Yes, 3 pcrs during stay in sandbox basically. We have had 5 cases of covid in our family in 4 months, including one person having it twice. 15 negative tests seems literally impossible to me right now.

[Underparmummy]

Thanks both!

[LadyLazarus40]

@Underparmummy my ds (he’s 18) said it was all v well organised and easy. We were crossing fingers as his gf (who he is travelling with) had Covid (for 2nd time) over Christmas so there is always the worry it may still throw up a + but all was fine. They are both double vax and boosted.

[Underparmummy]

Thanks @ladylazarus40, nice to hear a positive story about travel and covid not ruining things in general!

[Rua13]

Check out the Thailand forum on TripAdvisor as it has more up to date news.people wrote about kids testing positive but they were not separated from their parents..Good deals to Thailand at the moment but it's risky travelling with kids.

[Balaboostah]

I wouldn't risk it personally for a beach holiday, especially not on Samui where local officials may decide to impose restrictions in their own special ways.

[Balaboostah]

Also you should be aware that the Thai PCRs are more sensitive than those usually used in other countries and many people test negative before leaving but positive on arrival for this reason.
That said, you won't getting many opportunities to enjoy Koh Samui when it is so quiet (although it will probably be busy with domestic tourists due to Songkran in mid-April)

[Underparmummy]

Thanks all - we have switched destination. We will do Thailand another time.