PHUKET: Beaches were reopened to the public on this southern island province on Tuesday after more than two months of lockdown, the provincial governor said.

Governor Supoj Rodruang na Nongkhai asked everybody to maintain disease control standards, including social distancing, and ensure beaches, toilets and other places were kept clean.

"Provincial authorities thank Phuket people for their cooperation in the fight against Covid-19. The crisis is major, second only to the tsunami," he said, referring to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

The governor said local hotels had made renovations in preparing for their reopening, possibly next month.

"Hotels must comply with 'new normal' measures. I expect all of them to reopen in July," Mr Supoj said.

Patong mayor Chalermlak Kebsap said beach lifeguards and inspectors would make sure all visitors wear face masks and carry alcohol gel to control disease.

Providers of massage, umbrellas, beach beds, boats, jet skis, food and other services along beaches were instructed to maintain a high level of cleanliness, she said.

The police said parties were still prohibited on beaches.

Services have already resumed at malls, restaurants, barbers, hairdressers, gymnasiums, fitness clubs, movie theatres, zoos and massage parlours -- with disease controls in place .

Phuket has not logged a new case of coronavirus disease 2019 for 16 days. The island province recorded 227 Covid-19 cases in total, three of whom died. Infections were found in 1.81% of the 12,506 people tested to date.