Businesses have responded cautiously to the plan to reopen Phuket to vaccinated foreign tourists next month, as operators aren't confident they will be able to draw tourists back to the resort island due to the tough requirements for tourists.

Starting from July 1, Phuket will waive quarantine requirements for foreign tourists who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 under the "Phuket Tourism Sandbox" model.

However, tourists will have to stay on the island for 14 days before they are allowed to move on to other destinations in the country -- up from the previously announced seven days.

Wichai Ruangcharuwattana, manager of the Sunshine Tour Phuket Co, told the Bangkok Post that overall the reopening plan will help the resort island's economic recovery.

As his company focuses on tourists from Asian countries, most of whom generally don't plan to stay for more than five days in Phuket, Mr Wichai said he hasn't seen any new bookings.

"Some golfers from Singapore had expressed interest in spending three days in Phuket, but that's it," he added.

"Though Phuket will reopen in July, we don't know how many foreign tourists will return. As for Thai tourists, they may be worried that prices of hotel rooms, food and tour packages in Phuket may increase, so not many will visit," Mr Wichai said.

Chalermlak Kepsap, owner of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel on Patong beach, voiced disagreement with the 14-day stay requirement, saying it may dissuade foreign tourists from visiting.

"It will be difficult for them to remain on the island for 14 days. This may be too long, considering the number of tourist spots and activities on the island. It will be more helpful if they adopt a seven-day rule because tourists will have a chance to visit other destinations," Ms Chalermlak said.

She said Patong beach, a popular tourist spot in Phuket, is still quiet with no tourists, as many visitors know the monsoon season will peak next month and last until October.

"As hotel operators are not confident the reopening plan will draw foreign tourists back, several have decided to remain closed," she said, adding that some small hotels have been closed for almost two years.

Ms Chalermlak also pointed out that many vendors in Patong are from other provinces, and after the Covid-19 hit the area, most decided to go home and many have yet to come back.

Don Limnanthapisit, president of a committee on Phuket old town community, said he agrees with the 14-day requirement, though he warned that the reopening may lead to a new surge of infections.

"Though foreign tourists will be required to show proof of vaccination, this does not mean they are totally free of the virus," he said. "Foreign tourists may not want to wear their masks in public. When they arrive in Phuket, they want to enjoy themselves drinking. If we cannot control them, this may lead to a new wave of infections."