PM in 2 day visit to economically-ravaged islands of Phuket, Samui

The PM and his Cabinet are visiting Phuket and Samui today and tomorrow, in order to meet with business leaders and provincial government, to discuss ways to help the decimated local economies. Since the closure of borders in late March, as the Covid-19 pandemic began its worldwide rampage, former tourist hotspots like the southern islands have borne the brunt of the economic fallout. Both islands rely on more than 90% of their income, either directly or indirectly, from international tourism.

Officials have confirmed the planned itinerary for Prayut Chan-o-cha and his entourage, which will include an inspection of Covid-19 screening and hygiene measures at both Samui and Phuket airports. Officials at Phuket International Airport say it can currently handle the testing and quarantining of 578 foreign arrivals a day. Even so, the amount of people would be along way down from the previous 30,000+ arrivals Phuket averaged in 2019.

The PM is expected to hold talks with tourism officials and business leaders on both islands, in relation to the safe re-entry of tourists arriving under the Special Tourist Visa scheme. It is not yet known how successful or not the scheme might prove, given the onerous paperwork and substantial expense involved.

The PM and his officials will hold a mobile Cabinet meeting in Phuket on Tuesday. They are also expected to meet with officials and business leaders from neighbouring provinces, including Phang Nga, Krabi, and Trang, all of whom have been similarly affected by the border shutdown.

The government says it wants to support local businesses and hear any ideas they might have on how best to revive both international and domestic tourism. The PM’s visit to Koh Samui is also thought to be aimed at promoting the island as a safe destination. It’s understood some domestic tourists cancelled planned trips to the island after a woman who’d recently returned from overseas tested positive on the island after she’d been discharged from quarantine.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News