A deputy spokesperson of the government said Phuket will not introduce the accommodation model for international visitors in the immediate future and the Thai people should be on vacation in order to support local businesses.

The Phuket Model project designed to provide an example of welcoming visitors was addressed in greater detail by Traisulee Traisoranakul, and the officials involved had yet to take into consideration several important factors, including how to receive tourists, what types of tourists are to be welcomed, and steps to screen them in order to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

“It will take quite sometimes until it can be guaranteed that when foreigners are allowed in, they will not pose the risk of the second spread of COVID-19,” she said.

“Phuket people and Thai tourists can rest assured that the door has not been opened to foreign tourists. Actions will be taken in the most careful manner and properly and will not pose the risk of spreading COVID-19 for the second round.”

Traisulee said Phuket Model will see the limited tourist destinations areas, 14-day quarantine upon arrivals, and COVID-19 free countries.

“Now the government is inviting Thai people to have a vacation to help stimulate the economy and distribute income to local people,” she said.