With regard to the comment about masks and them hiding the "Thai Smile"....My husband and I are fully vaccinated healthy Americans who have a trip planned to Thailand this forthcoming January (2022). We have been closely watching the evolving travel guidelines, and are fully prepared to stay the first 7 nights in an approved hotel/resort in Phuket. After 7 nights and clear covid tests, we'll either focus on scuba diving in an approved zone, or if policy permits, we'll travel to the mainland (Chiang Mai then a few days in Bankok) then home. The ONLY thing that has me reluctant to proceed with the trip, is the idea of having to wear masks outdoors in the hot weather/at the pool/on the beach. We completely understand needing masks indoors, but it won't feel like much of a beach vacation wearing a mask. I want to be super respectful of everyone else and were we not vaccinated I would understand wearing masks all the time. But one of the reasons we got vaccinated and want to vacation in Phuket is their high vaccination rate (and likely booster shots by then) which should in theory be safe without masks outside. Can anyone tell me what is actually happening at resorts/beaches/shops/restaurants in Phuket with regard to masks? Are tourists wearing masks all the time?
