Thailand: Samui on course for July 15 opening

The Samui Plus programme for inoculated tourists should open for Certificate of Entry (COE) applications this week as Surat Thani is slated to open three islands on July 15. Meanwhile, the Phuket sandbox scheme has to ensure a clean sheet, meaning there should be no infections among inbound travellers for 14 days in order to start the process of considering reducing mandatory stays on the island below 14 days. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, said the approval process would not be delayed like the Phuket scheme as the Royal Gazette had already granted permission to other areas last week according to reopening plans. The programme just needs approval from the sub-committee of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) by this week for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to start the COE registration process for the Samui Plus scheme. Yuthasak said the number of tourists expected to arrive is estimated at 1,000 in the first 30 days, generating at least 100m baht for the provincial economy. It has predicted fewer numbers than Phuket because this model comes with more restrictive regulations. Upon arrival, tourists are required to spend their first three days in an alternative local quarantine facility in any of the island's nine certified properties, totalling 254 rooms. Tourists can step outside their hotel on days four to seven but must remain on Koh Samui under the escort of tour operators. From days eight to 14, they can opt to go to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for tours.<br/>