Will Phuket’s Messy Opening Be the Spark Thailand’s Tourism Recovery Needs?

For all the criticism and ridicule that has been heaped on Thailand for its fussy and arduous roadmap to reopen from July 1, starting with Phuket, the kingdom may still have the last laugh as the one that led the unlocking of international travel in Asia. The Maldives may have been first to reopen in the region but Thailand, with 40 million arrivals in 2019 versus Maldives’ 1.5 million, is the real litmus test. Much is at stake for Asia’s top volume destination (excluding Greater China). It is attempting a reopening at a difficult time. When the Phuket “sandbox” model was mooted earlier this year, Thailand didn't imagine the worst Covid-19 flare-up it faces today. Its pride at excellent virus management dented, the country is tightening the screws to ensure the safest possible reopening, even though Phuket now has less than five new cases per day and is said to be on track to achieve herd immunity. Thus weeks to go to July 1, officials are still dotting the i's and