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Sandbox or quicksand? Thailand on edge as Phuket prepares to welcome back foreign tourists

14 Sept 02:11 Key points summarised by AI

Phuket is launching its "Sandbox" scheme on July 1, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to enter without quarantine if they test negative, aiming to revive the struggling tourism sector.
The initiative faces significant public concern due to rising COVID-19 infections, the spread of new variants, and incomplete local vaccination rates, with public polls showing strong opposition.
Authorities have implemented a command center and contingency plans, including "danger signals" and escalating measures, to curb or cancel the scheme if infection rates or hospital occupancy rise.
Serving as a pilot, the Phuket Sandbox is part of Thailand's broader reopening strategy, but experts caution that potential outbreak control costs could surpass tourism revenue.

20 Oct 11:38 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet approved a new Bt50-billion 'A House for Each PLUS' home loan scheme from the Government Housing Bank, offering up to Bt3 million with 40-year repayment terms for low- and middle-income earners.
This initiative aims to significantly boost the property sector and national economy, projecting to generate Bt125 billion in economic activity and create jobs.