Is it safe in Thailand
Updated May 2022
With the worst of the pandemic seemingly over, after 2+ years of travel restrictions, lockdowns and introduced regulations, many people ask us for an update on the current covid-19 situation in the Thai region.
Read on as we give you the latest (as of May 2022):
May 2022 Covid-19 Update
As the current regulations relate to
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone the world over who had some traveling plans might be wondering: Is it safe in Phuket Thailand? This pandemic has really made everyone rethink about taking vacations – especially when it comes to travelling the world. Lots of people have put some restrictions in place, and Thailand was definitely not left behind. So when will it be safe to travel again to Phuket? Here is the latest information…
According to the Thai Embassy website, travelers can now enter Thailand with or without quarantine depending on their current vaccination status combined with the country that they have departed from. As of May 13, 2022:
Fully vaccinated travelers – no longer are required to apply to enter Thailand using the Sandbox scheme. Nor do they need to book a 1 night stay in an approved SHA+ hotel or complete a PCR test on arrival. As long as a traveler can provide proof of vaccination they will be able to enter with a Thailand Pass without any other restrictions.
Unvaccinated travelers – have 2 options for entry.
1. Entry under the 5-day Alternative Quarantine Scheme
2. Competion of a PCR test taken 72 hrs before departure to Thailand, and upload of the result into their Thailand Pass application.
For more detailed information, please visit the Thai Embassy website.
Is Phuket Safe?
Other concerns and worries about Phuket
What other concerns can help us answer the question, is it safe in Phuket?
Besides being concerned about Phuket covid-19 related-issues, there are other worries and concerns that travelers have especially when traveling to Thailand for the first time. These concerns normally arise after reading a few negative experiences of others who have traveled to Phuket. So, even some beautiful paradise like Phuket might end up looking like a dangerous place to visit.
Like all places, there are also lots of positive reviews you will find online if you are wondering is Phuket safe. To be honest, all you need to do is take any travel precautions that you would when traveling to any other country.
Here is a list of things that people concern themselves too much about that you probably shouldn’t and some the concerns that you really need to be careful about that can be avoided if you are planning to visit Phuket.
The nightlife
Phuket is well known for its nightlife, in fact many movies and books have discussed this to great length. Of course, some have concerns that with such a rowdy, busy and colourful nightlife, and the alcohol consumption that comes with it, the streets may turn a little bit unsafe at night. So, is Phuket safe at night? Much as there is some truth rowdiness in the early hours of the morning, this is the same as other tourist destinations throughout the world. To be honest its just a small proportion of the nightlife – plus its limited to quite a few small areas which can easily be avoided. If really concerned about drunkiness as the clock strikes midnight then it might be worth steering clear of Bangla Road during this time, but, we still deem it a location worth seeing. Even if during the day instead.
Swimming in rough seas
During the high seasons, the seas are quite calm. But if you are planning a vacation from May to October, the seas can get considerably rough. Much as these sea conditions might be perfect for avid surfers, they can be very dangerous for other water-users. So be on the lookout when going into the water during low season. Stick to stick to designated swimming areas or near lifeguard stations where help can come easily just in case.
Motorbike accidents
Motorbike accidents have been known to be the number one cause of deaths for travelers which normally happen on the narrow, mountainous and twisty roads. Much as it is a very affordable way of getting around the island renting a motorbike can be very hazardous especially for inexperienced riders.
Is it safe in Phuket Thailand really? Well, if you stick to public transport or hiring a car with a local driver then yes. But if you really have to hire a motorbike, make sure you wear a crash helmet throughout, don’t drink and ride, and be extremely careful on rough roads.
Scams
One thing I need to make clear is: not every person you do business with is out to scam you. Unfortunately, you might come across a few unscrupulous individuals. For instance, much as the jet ski scam is well publicized, visitors still fall victim to it.
You can avoid most of these scams by reading about what to expect when in Phuket – in relation to prices – so that you don’t get ridiculously overcharged by taxi drivers and other service providers. A word of caution: when the deal is too good to be true, it is.
Conclusion
Is it safe in Phuket Thailand? The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been giving people updated on tourism-related Phuket covid-19 situation.
So as a traveler, ease up on that travel bucket list that you have for now. This is because, most of the places on our bucket lists promote overcrowding. So, as we wait for international tourists to be allowed into Phuket Island, instead of going to places that are popular where everyone is likely to flock once the international restrictions are lifted, stay safe by going to the places where fewer people visit. Above all, follow all the health safety regulations like keeping social distancing, wearing a mask or cloth mask, and frequently washing hands.
Travel safe. Stay safe.