Thai resort island of Phuket closes beaches, prepares to shut airport

Tourists swim on a beach in Phuket, Thailand, during the weekend. The popular Thai resort island of Phuket on Tuesday (March 31) has closed its beaches, restricted access to outsiders and is preparing to shut its airport in efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. - AP

BANGKOK: The popular Thai resort island of Phuket has closed its beaches, restricted access to outsiders and is preparing to shut its airport in efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana barred all vehicles from entering and leaving Phuket from Tuesday until April 30, as well as issuing an order to close Phuket airport from April 10 to 30.