Phuket reopening to act as model for other Asian islands

Banyan Tree Holdings Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping says plans to open Thailand's Phuket island to international travel from July may act as a model for other countries to follow.

Speaking to Bloomberg, he said that fully vaccinated travellers could enter quarantine-free. The opening follows a concerted push to get islanders vaccinated, with about 60 percent of the population covered. That compares with just 5 percent for Thailand as a whole.

Thailand has been one of the hardest hit countries in Asia, with tourism accounting for about 18 percent of its economy. Others that might follow the model include Bali and Phu Quoc, home to the Corona Resort & Casino Phuket.

Phuket reopening offers model for Asia as travel bubbles burst (Bloomberg)