Thailand allows foreign tourists joining "Phuket sandbox" to visit other destinations
Thailand’s Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) has approved a new rule allowing foreign tourists participating in the "Phuket sandbox" scheme to visit other tourist spots in three southern provinces after seven days starting from August 1.
International tourists arrive at Phuket International Airport, Thailand on July 1. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) has approved a new rule allowing foreign tourists participating in the "Phuket sandbox" scheme to visit other tourist spots in three southern provinces after seven days starting from August 1.
The other tourist spots are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in Surat Thani province; Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay Bay in Krabi province; and Khao Lak, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi in Phangnga province.
CESA's spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the centre approved the regulation on July 22, adding that the governors of the three provinces are required to work with the private sector and civil services to seek cooperation from people living in those areas.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expected to propose additional tourism spots to be reopened later for international tourists, he said.
TAT reported on July 22 that the "Phuket sandbox", a pilot phase of Thailand’s tourism reopening plan, recorded 9,358 foreign visitors between July 1-21, while room reservations between July and September tallied 244,703 room nights, generating 534 million baht (around 16.2 million USD)./.
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Nearly 8,000 foreign tourists have applied for a Certificate of Entry (COE) through Thai embassies and consulates around the world since the country kicked off the Phuket Tourism “Sandbox”, a pilot phase of Thailand’s tourism reopening plan, on the resort island on July 1.
Three resort islands in Thailand’s Surat Thani province – Samui, Phangan and Tao – will reopen for foreign tourists from July 15 under the “Samui Plus Model” scheme, authorities confirmed.
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International tourists arrive at Phuket International Airport, Thailand on July 1. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
