Phuket reopens for foreign tourists as Thailand rolls out 'sandbox' plan

Thailand embarked on an ambitious, but risky, plan by opening the popular resort island of Phuket to fully vaccinated foreigners from lower-risk countries. Thailand launched the “Phuket Sandbox” tourism scheme that allows full access to vaccinated foreign tourists, hoping that the island will breathe new life into a tourism industry devastated by the pandemic. (Image Credit: AFP Photos)

Thailand embarked on an ambitious, but risky, plan by opening the popular resort island of Phuket to fully vaccinated foreigners from lower-risk countries. The move was made hoping that the island will breathe new life into a tourism industry devastated by the pandemic.

As the first flight arrived, airport fire trucks blasted their water canons to form an arch over the Etihad jet from Abu Dhabi as it taxied to its gate.

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha welcomed the tourists with folded hands at Phuket International Airport.

The “Phuket Sandbox” tourism scheme allows access to vaccinated visitors, in Phuket.

A newly-arrived tourist from Israel swims in a pool at a hotel in Phuket.

Tourists walk at the almost-empty Kata beach in Phuket.

Newly-arrived tourists from Israel enjoy at a swimming pool as Phuket reopens to overseas tourists.

People enjoy a walk by the almost-empty Kata beach in Phuket.

Tourists from Israel enjoy in a jacuzzi at a hotel as Phuket reopens for tourists.