Covid Update Saturday: 36 deaths and 2,817 infections
For Saturday the Public Health department has announced 36 new Covid-related deaths and 2,817 infections. 315 of those cases are from prisons. The daily totals have been statistically consistent for over a month now. Bangkok is still the key ‘hot spot’ with clusters around shopping areas, high density housing communities and worker camps.
• Alternative state quarantine hotels are aiming to transform into hybrid facilities during Q3 and Q4, 2021, as the reopening plan under “Phuket sandbox” model starts to affect bookings.
The average occupancy for ASQ hotels in May dropped to 30-35% from 45-50% in April, according to the NBT.
• Yesterday’s meeting of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration approved the “Phuket Sandbox” to open its doors to international travellers, as proposed by the TAT. Key change is that travellers must stay on the island for 14 days before being able to travel elsewhere in Thailand. Read more about the new rules HERE.
Foreign travellers who have been fully vaccinated for more than 14 days but no more than a year from low-to-medium-risk countries will be allowed to enter the tourism island without the need to be quarantined.
Children under the age of 6, traveling with vaccinated parents, are allowed to enter, while children aged 6 to 18 are subject to Covid tests when they arrive at Phuket Airport. Visitors must have documentation proving their immunisation from their home country, and the vaccine must be registered under Thai law or certified by the World Health Organisation.
In addition, “CESA also approved the proposal to attract foreign investments from the groups of wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, those who want to work-from-Thailand, and high-skilled professionals”, (whatever that means!).
The meeting concluded with Deputy PM and Energy Minister Supattanapong Panmechao being assigned to discuss the program’s details.
SOURCE: NBT, FRB
