Communication and effective virus control are the key factors to keep the Phuket sandbox in operation as it deals with an upsurge of Covid-19 cases.
Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said the province must adjust management in a timely manner after the number of new infections exceeded the reopening threshold of 90 cases per week.
More field hospitals are scheduled, while providing home isolation is an option for patients with mild symptoms, under a partnership with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency and Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Aside from Phuket, tourism operators are concerned about a travel advisory as daily cases in the country surged to more than 17,000 infections, which is sure to dent tourist confidence, especially from the EU, he said.
"Specific communication differentiating the Phuket sandbox from the whole country is essential to help travellers understand the scheme," said Mr Bhummikitti.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said there is low risk of a large cluster developing from new infections, while hospital bed occupancy in Phuket is only 30%.
The number of international travellers in the Phuket sandbox tallies 12,395 for the first 28 days, of which 29 were tested positive for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Teerapol Chotichanapibal, chief of commercial operations at Nok Air, said Phuket is the main gateway to the country, with 10,000 arrivals considered a successful reopening given the short notice.
Airlines must comply with a domestic flight ban to contain the virus, but Nok Air still operates from U-Tapao airport to facilitate passengers with essential travel needs in other regions, including Phuket.