Thailand Plans to Reopen Phuket for Overseas Visitors

If everything goes according to plan, then Phuket, one of Thailand’s biggest tourist attractions, will open its borders to overseas travellers from October this year.

Located in southern Thailand, Phuket, in the middle of the Andaman Sea, is the biggest island of the country. It is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife.

According to media reports, the nation’s tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, at a meeting in Bangkok some time back, had hinted that a travel bubble to Phuket may begin from October 1.

However, visitors have to fulfil mandatory regulations related to the pandemic crisis.

According to latest reports, tourists will have to book themselves for a minimum period of stay of 30 days (it was earlier reported that the minimum period would be for 90 days), out of which they will have to spend 14 days in quarantine in hotels.

Travellers have to seek the hotel’s advice for accessing open areas of the property or access the beach during their stay.

It is advisable for visitors to acquaint themselves with rules governing PCR tests. According to the latest reports, visitors are required to pass two PCR tests for COVID-19.

Big Buddha of Phuket Rising 45 metres on top of Nakakerd Mountain overlooking Kata beach, this white marble Big Buddha was appointed as Phuket's symbolic Buddha image back in 2008. A great place to witness people's grand faith and stunning surroundings of the ocean. pic.twitter.com/R3Lsxa1Qqu

— AmazingThailand (@ThailandFanClub) September 19, 2020

Depending on the resort, vacationers will be able to access the open area of the hotel during self-isolation or even access the beach. During this period, the visitors will have to pass two PCR tests for COVID-19 and a third one for visiting other provinces after two weeks of quarantine.

Although the news has perked up many travellers, especially Europeans who prefer to spend their winter here, the government is yet to release the names of the countries who may take advantage of the travel bubble.

We suggest you keep tabs on updates though. Recent reports say that the plan to reopen Phuket has hit a snag with the nation ending a 100-day streak of no local community coronavirus transmission last week.