Image: Nok Air

 

PHUKET: With Phuket Sandbox tourists stuck on the island under the current shutdown of flights and buses across the country, Nok Air has announced that it will continue its Phuket - U-Tapao flights twice a day through to at least Aug 18.

 

The move follows Nok Air being allowed to operate one special flight a day from Phuket to U-Tapao, on the outskirts of Pattaya in Chon Buri province, on Aug 2, 4 and 5.

 

However, Nok Air last week also requested special permission to continue the flights as a special service for Phuket Sandbox tourists looking to leave the island.

 

Full Story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/nok-air-phuket-u-tapao-flights-to-continue-80988.php

 

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-08-09

 

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Nok Air announcing rescue flights ? This sandbox really is falling apart.

At least there is some clarity for now, until 18th August to be precise. Not good enough but improvement for some. I think we should cheer for it as we know it is a rarity that someone in charge at least have a plan until 18th August.

3 hours ago, ChC1 said:

At least there is some clarity for now, until 18th August to be precise. Not good enough but improvement for some. I think we should cheer for it as we know it is a rarity that someone in charge at least have a plan until 18th August.

"Plan' is a term unknown in Thailand

Slightly different news, I know of a long term Expat, currently in the US visiting family with his wife and with flights booked to return here in September, has been advised by Singapore Airlines that he must reschedule his return before 31st August.   Looks like some international flights to the Sandbox are going to be pulled imminently.

Phiphat and his cronies on their jolly in Phuket won't need to catch the Covid Express bus now - Limo's awaiting at U-Tapao, how convenient ....

6 hours ago, pagallim said:

Looks like some international flights to the Sandbox are going to be pulled imminently.

 

My September ticket to Phuket with Turkish Airlines has already been canceled by the airline.

 

 

 

 

 

43 minutes ago, Espanol said:

 

My September ticket to Phuket with Turkish Airlines has already been canceled by the airline

 

 

It is interesting, I went to have a look after your post. It is indeed Turkish Airlines are not selling any ticket to Phuket any more. Can't find any fares on the system.

 

However, Singapore Airlines is still twice daily between Singapore and Phuket.

1 hour ago, Espanol said:

 

My September ticket to Phuket with Turkish Airlines has already been canceled by the airline.

 

 

 

 

 

With the Delta variant spreading in Thailand (including Phuket), it will be a good face-saving excuse to close the "Phuket Sandbox" scheme. If/When the covid situation improves, the scheme can be re-introduced in the high season when traditionally more real "winter tourists" are coming from Europe.  They usually stay longer and the hoops that they have to jump through are more palatable.