As Coronavirus cases soar across Thailand Phuket opens for vaccinated tourists

The Thai tourist island of Phuket has opened to foreign tourists – but only those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and come from countries deemed low to medium risk.

Incoming travellers will not be required to undertake 14 days of hotel quarantine but must remain on the island for a fortnight before they are allowed to move on to other parts of Thailand if they choose to.

The reopening comes as Thailand is experiencing its third and most deadly wave of Coronavirus yet, but Phuket has attempted to set itself up like a fortress to protect its people and visitors.

More than 75% of the island’s population has been vaccinated, compared with just 3.6% of the rest of the country.

There will be strict rules about entering Phuket from other parts of Thailand, where new infections have been exceeding 4,000 a day this week.

Thailand is pinning its hopes on the pilot…