Tourism amid pandemic: Phuket gets ready for tourists from July 1 with ‘sandbox’ plan

Many businesses shuttered since early 2020 after Thailand closed the border to foreign tourists. PHOTO: PUNNISA KHANTAKUL
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SINGAPORE - Sabai Sabai, a family-run restaurant, among the many dotted along Phuket's renowned Patong beach, is ready to open its doors.

All the 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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