Flying to the Phuket Sandbox from Arizona, USA, this video documents Dave and Kim's 2021 journey to Thailand during the pandemic entry program, including a rental car to Los Angeles, a stop in Oceanside, and a 16 hour Singapore Airlines flight with their dog Bella.
Leaving the Arizona Desert
The journey begins with a one way rental car from Mesa Gateway airport to Los Angeles International Airport, plus a quick stop at Dave's parents' house in Oceanside, California. It is a classic multi leg international departure, documented in detail for viewers planning their own move.
The Phuket Sandbox Era
In mid 2021, Thailand's Phuket Sandbox program allowed vaccinated travelers to enter through Phuket with reduced quarantine. This video captures that unique travel window, showing what paperwork era flying to Thailand actually involved.
Bella the First Sandbox Dog
The family brought their dog Bella along, and they were told she was the first Sandbox dog. For anyone who has wondered about moving to Thailand with a pet, this moment alone makes the video a valuable piece of expat history.
The Long Haul to Phuket
The flight on Singapore Airlines ran 16 hours from LAX to Singapore, then another hour and a half to Phuket. Dave shares the reality of ultra long haul travel with a dog, from departure to arrival in Thailand.
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