According to reports, Phuket’s tourism industry are prepared to accommodate the anticipated influx of Chinese tourists. The Phuket Tourism Council has also voiced its support for the use of non-discriminatory disease prevention methods that do not target travelers from specific nations.
Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the chairman of the Phuket Tourism Council, stated that tourism enterprises in Phuket and the Andaman region are prepared to welcome Chinese tourists. Upon Thailand’s initial reopening to international tourists, he acknowledged that there were problems with hotels, service venues, and transportation. He stated that the majority of firms have experience with tourists, and the relatively low tourist numbers allow for good preparations.
Mr. Thanet highlighted that if the number of tourists returns to pre-pandemic levels, problems may develop because Phuket is now experiencing a labor shortage and several enterprises have yet to reopen owing to a lack of money. He noted that the number of tourists is anticipated to exceed pre-pandemic levels in October of this year, when schools will be closed in China and people would travel during Golden Week. In light of the anticipated surge of Chinese tourists, he emphasized his support for the government’s execution of nondiscriminatory disease prevention measures.
Dr. Kusak Kukiattikoon, the head of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, stated that Phuket is medically prepared to receive visitors. He stated that more than 90 percent of Phuket’s population had received two doses of the COVID vaccine. 69% received the third dose, whereas 40% received the fourth. There are only three to five COVID hospital admissions each day; hence, the province has excess capacity to accommodate an increase in patient numbers.
Dr. Kusak stated that Phuket villagers continue to observe disease control measures, including the use of face masks. Nonetheless, he desires that vulnerable individuals and members of the “608 Group” who are at danger for severe COVID symptoms and mortality receive booster doses. He noted that tourism businesses hiring new employees should examine the newcomer’s immunization record. If the individual has not yet received a booster vaccination, the employer may contact any public health institution to schedule the booster dose.
