Phuket reopens ports, road link

Phuket reopens ports, road link

Phuket reopens land and water access on Monday with no coronavirus cases being treated, but the airport remains closed to international flights. (Photo: Achadtaya Chuenniran)
Phuket reopens land and water access on Monday with no coronavirus cases being treated, but the airport remains closed to international flights. (Photo: Achadtaya Chuenniran)

PHUKET: All entry and exit points by land and water reopened on this southern island province on Monday after Covid-19 lockdown measures were relaxed under an order signed by governor Pakapong Tawipat on Sunday.

The bridge crossing at Tha Chat Chai to Phangnga on the mainland and all 24 boat landings were open to traffic.

Phuket airport remained closed to international passenger flights.

The provincial communicable disease committee had informed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) of the province's readiness to reopen the airport, Mr Pakapong said.  

However, the CAAT has extended a ban on all international flights to Thailand until June 30. Limited domestic flights are operating.

The governor said people can leave Phuket by land without restriction. However, those entering Phuket via the Tha Chat Chai checkpoint were required to have their temperature taken and download the "Mor Chana" application to support Covid-19 tracing efforts.

On Sunday, Mr Pakapong presided over the closing of one of the field hospitals opened to cope with the spread of Covid-19.

The governor said Phuket had 227 confirmed cases in total. Of these, 223 had recovered and been released, three died and another died from motorbike crash injuries. The were no patients still being treated for the disease. 

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (3)