Phuket opens for business in bid to save tourism industry

A man rakes the sand on a beach as Phuket gets ready to open to overseas tourists from July 1 allowing fully vaccinated foreigners to visit the resort island without quarantine, Phuket, Thailand

BANGKOK: Thailand is pushing ahead with plans to jumpstart its crucial tourism industry by reopening the popular resort island of Phuket to vaccinated travelers, even as the more virulent delta strain of coronavirus sweeps through the region.

As of yesterday, inoculated tourists from low-and medium-risk countries such as the United States and Spain will be allowed to holiday in Phuket without quarantining.