PHUKET FACES THREAT OF WIDESPREAD HUNGER AND MASS BANKRUPTCIES

One of the most visited tourist resorts in Thailand is in a state of collapse due to the pandemic. The Paradise Island is in a dire situation. Most of the travel companies (70%) are closed or have already been liquidated, and the complete absence of the foreign tourists can lead to widespread hunger of the island's residents who previously served the hospitality industry.

Analytical agencies note that around 450 billion baht used to be brought to the treasury of the island exclusively by tourism, which was the main source of profit for Phuket. At the same time, almost 90% of financial revenues came from international tourism. However, the decree on the introduction of a state of emergency until the end of September made the issue of the island's survival the main one.

The authorities of Phuket have already announced the deplorable state of affairs. The governor of the island Narong Wunsiev made a public address, in which he announced the island's ability to receive foreigners. However, the Thai government is in no hurry to open the borders, despite the statements of the regional authorities.

Initially, it was assumed that the "Phuket" model of resort opening would become a basis for the entire travel industry of Thailand. This would mean that from October 2020, tourists from countries, where an outbreak of COVID-19 has not been recorded for a month, will begin to enter the island. A similar program of action was proposed for the Koh Samui resorts. However, later it became known about the introduction of a special kind of visa for visitors.

The administration of Phuket announces that the opening of hotels and further activities of catering establishments will be carried under total control. Each stage of the vacation, from staying at the airport to the complying with the quarantine measures in hotels, has already been thought out and prepared. The island is ready for gradual opening for the foreign visitors, according to Narong Wunsiev's words.

At the moment, Thailand is ready to receive tourists who have a medical certificate with a negative result of the COVID-19 test. 3522 cases of the disease have been recorded on the island itself by September 25, and 3362 patients have already recovered. However, the officials are in no hurry to open the borders, trying to balance the safety of their citizens and the loss of tourism income, which previously accounted for a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product.