Phuket locals praise return of tourists, but still wary of COVID-19

By The Phuket News

 

Everyone questioned, from local tour operators to somtam vendors, beach masseuses and motorbike taxi drivers, all need tourists to return so they can make some income. Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: A snapshot of opinions of local residents and business owners has shown that the general consensus is that the return of at least some tourists is much welcomed in the hope of relieving the financial suffering on the island, but the need to enforce COVID-19 preventative measures remains strong.

 

Wirintra Paphakitjayotpat, a tour operator, said plainly, “It’s a good idea to let foreign tourists in, so we can make some income.”

 

“I am not worried about COVID-19 infections because the tourists must be scanned by the CCSA. They must be rich enough to afford the costs, and love themselves enough for doing it,” Ms Wirintra said.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-locals-praise-return-of-tourists-but-still-wary-of-covid-19-77503.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2020-10-01

 

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So have any tourists actually made bookings or is it all still speculation as to them going to Phuket ?

47 minutes ago, keith101 said:

So have any tourists actually made bookings or is it all still speculation as to them going to Phuket ?

 

130 Chinese so far .... laughable

Most real local phuket people praise that there are no tourists and less thais from other provinces here.

 

In their opinion phuket was raped long enough from outsiders. Most are happy about that break and enjoy their phuket and the improving nature.

I just hope they all will remember who brought the Chinese plague into this world, when they see the first arrivals from China comming.

I can just see them already  planning  how to overcharge and rip  off

4 minutes ago, Deli said:

I just hope they all will remember who brought the Chinese plague into this world, when they see the first arrivals from China comming.

goldfish memory and attention span

The problem with only admitting "rich" tourists is that these people will stay in upmarket places and use appropriate services so will not venture anywhere near places like local beer bars, street vendors, motorbike taxi's, small restaurants, normal taxi's, excursion operators etc which is where the "touristy dollar" is badly needed. Once again Thailand is pandering to the rich and entitled and not giving to hoots about it's "grass roots" people. 

Er they are Chinese so have already all paid for trips, rooms etc so your average restaurant, bar or shop ain’t going to see any of the money ! ????

7 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

8 hours ago, keith101 said:

So have any tourists actually made bookings or is it all still speculation as to them going to Phuket ?

 

130 Chinese so far .... laughable

And these are no real tourists quite likely. They are more likely investors, who go there to buy for a few bucks the bankruptcy assets from ruined Thais. Normal Chinese neither can effort nor have the time for 14 weeks quarantine. These Chinese now will stay longer, much longer.

Chinese coming for a minimum 30-days, of which 14 are in solitary confinement are not your flag following, trinket buying, mama noodle type tourists.

 

My Moo Baan is probably 50% Chinese (Chiang Mai). They buy property like we buy ice cream. They are here for other reasons...

On 10/1/2020 at 2:46 PM, Deli said:

I just hope they all will remember who brought the Chinese plague into this world, when they see the first arrivals from China comming.

What could possibly go wrong...