The 'Phuket Sandbox' model may not live up to expectations

Recently, the Thai Immigration and Tourism Authority released a report on the number of tourists coming to visit through the "Phuket Sandbox" program, and the Ministry of Sports and Tourism also calculated the revenue that Phuket has earned in recent times. They pointed out that, "this program is in a fragile position between success and failure".

Accordingly, revenue from tourism in the past 2 months is estimated to reach 1,634 million baht, of which revenue from accommodation services reached 565 million baht with more than 366,971 room nights booked, among 400 hotels participating in the tourism "sandbox" program.

Since its launch, a total of 28,197 international visitors have visited the island. About a third of those have now returned home or left Thailand, 4,963 are still in Phuket, while 12,742 have left the island for other Thai provinces. The visitors come from all over the world, but the majority are Thai.

The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said the shortage was due to the rising number of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand. Several countries around the world have listed Thailand as a high-risk destination. The UK has previously asked people returning from Thailand to self-isolate in hotels. Strict restrictions are preventing international tourists from coming to Thailand.

Despite the high number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand, since the sandbox program was implemented, only 83 people (0.3%) of tourists to Phuket have tested positive for Covid-19. Tourists surveyed also expressed satisfaction, with 80% satisfied with the hospitality here and 85% satisfied with the accommodation service.

Phuket has been closed to domestic tourists due to the tense situation of the pandemic across Thailand. From September 8, when Phuket lifts the lockdown, fully vaccinated domestic tourists will be able to visit the island and will be screened under new measures.

Khanh Ha