Thailand plans to 'fully reopen' Phuket by July, govt begins rigorous vaccination campaign

Government of Thailand has started a rigorous vaccination campaign in resort island of Phuket in order to kick start stagnant tourism industry. residents of Phuket were allowed to jump queue during mass inoculation drive to speed up Thai government’s goal of vaccinating at least 460,000 people by July 1, in order to fully reopen island to overseas tourists latest by October.

Phuket Tourism Association President, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam told CNA that island economy has been in shambles due to COVID-19 pandemic that grounded international air travel and induced fear for travel. Phuket residents have been losing hope, he said. Only last year, country h welcomed as many as  40 million tourist arrivals, but this year due to coronavirus pandemic, figures of overseas travellers shrank to just 6.7 million, dipping 78 percent. Incurring Thai government revenue loss of  87.5 million baht (US$2.92 million). island nation is now aiming to minister jab to 70 percent of island’s population with joint efforts from Phuket’s industry association of hotels and tourism to achieve herd immunity by October. 

Scrapped quarantine measures

Thailand also scrapped quarantine measures for travellers to revive tourism sector, allowing foreign nationals to be able to roam, explore cafes and establishments freely without restrictions. Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, meanwhile, told local brocasters that goal of mass inoculation is challenging but necessary to boost nation’s GDP. ministration also relaxed border measures to uplift devastated tourism sector and attract foreign visitors. 

A spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tanee Sangrat, told Associated Press that travelers entering country — Thais, and non-Thais — are no longer required to have fit-to-fly documents issued by Thai consulates effective April 8. Although, a negative covid test result will be mandatory to produce. Meanwhile, those who are immunized will be required to show certificates approved by Thai FDA and World Health Organization. Thailand is hoping to fully reopen Phuket as it is one of most popular destinations for international travellers on Island.