Thailand Test And Go Returns!

Thailand Test And Go Returns!

The Thailand Test And Go Scheme Is Set To Resume 01st February 2022

Despite initial reservations, the Thailand Test and Go scheme was a massive boost for the Phuket diving industry. Even though the tourist arrivals were way below normal. A lack of diving options in south-east asia especially drew a large number of divers to Phuket. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines all still have heavy restrictions on international tourism.

In comparison getting to Thailand and especially Phuket is relatively easy especially when test and go returns. It’s not quite so straightforward as it was before and we’re hoping they will revert to previous requirements soon*. The main difference is a second PCR test at the travelers expense on the 5th day of your visit. Completely unnecessary in our opinion, complicating what should and could be a simple process. Test and go and come back again to test and go would be a more appropriate name for the programme but it’s not very catchy.

Both tests must be paid for and confirmed for your Thailand Pass application to be successful.

Tourists will still be allowed to travel anywhere in Thailand after receiving their first negative PCR test. For the second test you’ll be required to once again book into a SHA+ hotel for the night and await results. Potentially putting the brakes on your holiday.

*UPDATE: As from 01st March 2022, new applicants of the Thailand pass only need to stay 1 night in a SHA+ hotel and wait for the first test results. The 2nd PCR test has now been dropped in favour of a rapid antigen test with no requirement to stay a 2nd night in a SHA+ hotel. Great news!

If You Test Negative

This is the big one. By far the most negative (pardon the pun) aspect of the a programme. Travelers were being placed into quarantine even if they’re asymptomatic. Insurers are refusing to pay out leaving a very bad taste in the mouth. Point blank refusal from tourists to accept this did force a more sensible approach in recent weeks on Phuket. The Phuket governor allowed mild or asymptomatic tourists to self isolate in their hotel or villa so at least no extra bill.

We don’t know if Phuket will still be allowed this more sensible course of action from 01st February. Travelers are requested to have insurance that covers them for any kind of quarantine including asymptomatic. Make sure you’re absolutely covered for all scenarios.

Can I Change From Sandbox To Test And Go?

Yes you can. You will need to reapply for your Thailand Pass, it can take up to 7 days to be re-approved. Applications for Test and Go can’t be submitted before 01st February. So if your planned departure date is within the first week of February, rearranging your flights or sticking with your original Thailand Pass under the Phuket Sandbox would be less riskier options.

The Thailand Pass remains the same. Here’s a direct link to the official government website. Where you’ll be able to follow the simple steps to register

Booking A Hotel

There has been a change to the wording regarding suitable hotels. We know your hotel for the 01st and 05th night of your stay must be SHA+ but it also has to have a partner hospital. The partner hospital is the new term. Definitely something you’ll need to check with your chosen hotels before confirming your booking.

Booking through a well known platform and then directly contacting the hotel for confirmation of test appointments and transport has been the most efficient method according to our guests.

There is an official SHA+ website which you can view here. However the choice of hotels appears to be quite limited. This could be due to the aforementioned partner hospital terminology.

So Are You Coming?

Thailand still remains a wonderful place to visit right now. The low tourist numbers really bring out the best of what Thailand and in particular Phuket has to offer. We really think that we’re in the endgame now so next year could be a whole lot different. Making the extra effort and jumping through the few hoops really is worth it to see this beautiful country like you’ll probably never see it again.

Oh and the scuba diving is fantastic!

By Justin Hartrey

I've been enjoying the incredible marine life in our oceans for over 25 years. 13 years ago I became a PADI professional in Phuket, hoping to introduce as many people as possible to the incredible beauty of the seas.

Having been fortunate enough to dive all over south east and especially Thailand, I enjoy sharing my diving experiences and passion on this blog.

Originally from Bristol in the UK, I swapped the frigid waters of the North Atlantic for the warm tropical seas around Thailand and can confidently say that I wouldn't go back

Posted in News & Updates on .

Popular Services

myanmar liveaboard mv smiling seahorse

MV Smiling Seahorse Myanmar

If the the Mergui Archipelago wasn't remote enough for you, the MV Smiling Seahorse only takes 16 guests on its fabulous Myanmar trips. It's very likely that you'll not see another scuba diving liveaboard on your Myanmar safari that can last from 7 to 9 days. After a 3 year hiatus due to covid and civil unrest, MV Smiling Seahorse will once again be visiting the wonderfully isolated Myanmar dive sites. For 8 years the team have been explo [...]

Find Out More
thailand-liveaboard-dolphin-queen-at-similan-island-no-8

MV Dolphin Queen

The MV Dolphin Queen is a very popular 3 decked wooden mono hulled boat that visits all the best dive sites in the Similan and Surin Island National Parks. She has a sundeck, a top deck with dining area and a main deck that has the spacious kitting up area and dive deck. 22 guests are comfortably accommodated in a mix of air-conditioned cabins to suite all budgets. The main deck has 2 double bed, 1 twin and 3 quad share cabins. The twin an [...]

Find Out More

Daily Schedules

M/V Kepsub Schedule

Jobs @ Local Dive Thailand

Local Dive Thailand is one of Phuket's fatest growing & most vibrant scuba diving operations, we are always looking for quality staff to join us, so feel free to have a look at our jobs listing page.

Job Listings

Contact LDT

Local Guides, Local Knowledge, Local Experiences

Don't trust your diving to amateurs or freshly minted dive guides, dive with local experienced experts from Local Dive Thailand. Our Scuba Diving Phuket Tours will take you to see the rarest of the rare critters, you will be amazed by the macro life our guides can find, in the secret places only they know. To put it in perspective, if you were going to climb Mount Everest you would certainly hire a local sherpa to lead the way & keep you safe. Diving is similar because there is absolutely no substitute for local experience & local knowledge, Local Dive Thailand's guides are Phuket's Sherpa's of the Andaman Sea!

Learn More About Us

Scuba Diving Phuket, Phi Phi & Thailand

When talking about Scuba Diving in Phuket, you should believe the hype, many seasons we have had Whale Sharks grace us on our regular and easy to reach dive sites and on a good day you can add Sea Horses, Sea Moths, Snake Eels, Frog Fish & Octopus to what you can see on any given dive and so much more. If we are heading to Phi Phi Island for the day, you can possibly see Hawksbill Sea Turtles and Black Tip Reef Sharks, also don't forget the King Cruiser, 84 meters of beautiful wreck and the most amazing reef nursery for fish and nudibranch. Local Dive Thailand day trip tours to these locations are not to be missed when you are scuba diving Phuket, get in touch with us and book an 'awesome' day of diving.

Book Your Day Trip

Related News From Local Dive Thailand

See why we are Thailand's leading scuba diving Phuket tour provider, stay up to date & watch out for news & special liveaboard offers!

single use plastics banned in thai national parks News & Updates

Single Use Plastics Banned In Thai National Parks

From yesterday (06th April 2022) the Thai National Parks office has banned the use of single us plastics and styrofoam products in all National Parks. This includes marine parks so this may affect you on our Phi Phi day trip and Similan Island liveaboards. Although most of the plastics we find on the dive sites are not jettisoned from boats, it's still a welcome move. As a dive community, Phuket has long practised good environmental [...]

Read Full Story
phuket news for august 2022 News & Updates

Phuket News August 2022

After the relaxation of the cannabis laws last month, unsurprisingly the Phuket news in August has been a little slow... An unfortunate dutch guy, great news on tourist visas and another crackdown on motorbike rentals. Not the brightest thing to do but a tourist went spearfishing inside the Phi Phi National Park and then posted his catch on social media. Outrage from Thai netizens ensued and the manhunt was on! The police did finally c [...]

Read Full Story
Where To Stay in Phuket Phuket Sights & Fun

Where To Stay In Phuket

Choosing a beach resort for your stay in Phuket has got more and more difficult over the last few years. Great restaurants, bars and hotels have started springing up all over the island. Taking away the necessity to stay in the traditional party town of Patong. As Patong gets more crowded and remains fairly one dimensional, tourists have begun to look at alternatives. Still the busiest place in Phuket and the number one choice for the [...]

Read Full Story

Local Dive Thailand Office In Phuket


Find Us On Google Maps