The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) is banking on the country to reopen by the fourth quarter as the tourism industry faces another setback following a new wave of infections, which has dampened the outlook for Phuket’s sandbox model due to start in July.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, newly-elected Atta president, said the reopening plan in July will be difficult to execute without effective vaccinations as Thailand is still recording over 1,000 infections every day.
Therefore, tour operators have pinned their hopes on the fourth quarter, during which there is more chance for tourists to return to pilot areas.
Mr Sisdivachr said it was important…