Phuket Aims For 1,500 Foreign Arrivals on July 1

About 1,500 foreign tourists are expected in Phuket on day 1 of the Phuket Sandbox program. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) works toward 100,000 foreign guests and 8.9 billion baht in tourism income. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is supervising the program’s marketing efforts, as the agency aims to restore Phuket’s tourism sector by drawing 100,000 foreign visitors by the end of September. Yuthasak Supasorn said.

Foreign visitors who have received the required vaccinations will be permitted to visit Phuket without being subjected to a 14-day quarantine. No information was provided about the number of confirmed bookings. Yet, several island businesses voiced their concern over a hasty reopening. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn also added that that around 1,500 foreign visitors are anticipated to visit Phuket daily from July 1 to the end of September, earning 8.9 billion baht in revenue.

Thailand is prepared to welcome international visitors, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said, adding that there is no need to be concerned over Covid-19. Phuket International Airport has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health to establish Covid-19 swab testing centers. Results will be available in less than three hours. If a traveler is tested positive, the patient will be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Checkpoints are also being established as a preventative step to inspect individuals heading to and from the island. The Marine Department has collaborated with the Interior Ministry to prepare officers to look after guests on the sea, whereas land transport has been enhanced for safety.

“If the results are good, the program can be applied to other provinces. The result may boost public confidence, resulting in a stronger economy and more vibrant tourism,” Yuthasak Supasorn added.

Lt Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, commander of the Fourth Army Region, and VAdm Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, commander of the Third Naval Area, told a meeting related to the Phuket Sandbox that the defense forces were prepared to assist the government in protecting travelers in accordance with Covid-19 prevention measures.

Source: Bangkok Post