Coronavirus Tourism

Phuket gets ready for tourists from July 1 with 'sandbox' plan

Fully vaccinated tourists can visit ring-fenced island; rules include multiple Covid-19 tests

Madam Yupin Khantakul, owner of the family-run Sabai Sabai restaurant on Phuket's Patong beach, says the reopening of the island to tourists from Thursday gives hope for her business. PHOTO: PUNNISA KHANTAKUL
Madam Yupin Khantakul, owner of the family-run Sabai Sabai restaurant on Phuket's Patong beach, says the reopening of the island to tourists from Thursday gives hope for her business. PHOTO: PUNNISA KHANTAKUL
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Sabai Sabai, a family-run restaurant, one of many dotting Phuket's renowned Patong beach, is ready to open its doors.

All its staff are vaccinated against Covid-19 and the eatery has stocked up on cleaning supplies, while the kitchen is filled with fresh produce in anticipation of the island's reopening on July 1 - marking the start of an experiment by the Thai government to revive the tourist playground.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on June 27, 2021, with the headline Phuket gets ready for tourists from July 1 with 'sandbox' plan. Subscribe