Phuket province has strengthened COVID-19 control measures as the number of new infections has reached about a dozen each day, while the Phuket “sandbox” tourism reopening program continues.
Provincial governor Narong Woonsiew said a set of new COVID-19 control measures, aimed at stemming the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, were rolled out on 19 July and are due to take effect from today until 2 August. Violations of these COVID-19 control measures will lead to imprisonment of between one and two years and/or a fine of between 20,000 baht and 100,000 baht.
He said the curbs include a temporary shutdown of pubs, bars, karaoke shops and other similar types of entertainment venue. Among other measures, the closing time of shopping malls and restaurants serving alcohol will be 9pm, while partying and drinking alcohol on the beaches, in public parks and other public spaces is totally banned.
Meanwhile, Phuket authorities have announced that only people who have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to arrival will be allowed to enter the province. The same rules apply to Phuket residents who want to return home.
