Thai Airways ready to fly foreign tourists to Phuket again

Thai Airways International wants to fly foreign tourists on special direct charter flights from six countries to Phuket, beginning in late November.

This is part of the government’s plan to revive the subdued tourism sector, the airline’s acting president Chansin Treenuchagron said.

The six countries are Denmark, Germany, the UK, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

The airline will operate two flights per month on each of these routes. They will increase the number of flights if there is rising demand.

Special charter flights from China to Phuket are also being planned.

Chansin said the airline will ensure the security and health of their passengers on all these routes.

Physical distancing will be adopted at all times during check-in, boarding, while in flight, and deplaning.

Cabin crew members will wear protective suits, masks and gloves, and serve boxed meals to avoid physical contact. They will also observe passengers for symptoms of infection.

On the island itself, Royal Orchid Holidays will arrange accommodations which pass the alternative state quarantine evaluation by the public health and defence ministries.

The beleaguered tourism sector in Thailand has been pleading for the government to take steps to come to its rescue and reopen the country to foreign travellers.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says he is in talks with state agencies on how best to open the country to foreign tourists once the pandemic situation improves.

Thailand on Thursday reported one more coronavirus infection, making a total of 3,404 confirmed cases.

The new case had returned from India and was found infected while in state quarantine.