New Delhi (NVI): Thailand has introduced a new initiative which will allow international tourists to spend their mandatory two-week coronavirus quarantine on yacht off the coast of Phuket.
This move comes in a bid to boost tourism to the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the media reports.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in a statement said that, “The ‘Digital Yacht Quarantine’ aims to attract yacht travelers to Phuket as the country reopens to visitors.”
The yacht initiative was announced by the government’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), working in partnership with telecom group Advanced Info Service (AIS) and the Thai Yacht Business Association.
Under the initiative, travelers will be able to spend the 14-day quarantine in the comfort on their own yacht or small cruise ship in Phuket. Those who choose to avail of the option must show proof of a negative PCR test.
They will be also required to wear a smart wristband with a sensor that will monitor their temperature, blood pressure and pulse. The wristbands will also track their location via GPS and it works within a 10km radius of the coast.
During that time, tourists will be allowed off their ships to swim but may not visit the shore. Once the travelers are done with their 14-day quarantine, they will be allowed to return to a dock in Phuket and enter the island.
Moreover, the Thai government hopes that with this initiative will help generate 1.8 billion baht (£42 million) in revenue, with 300-500 tourists expected to take part.
Earlier, the government also suggested options of quarantining on a golf course in Thailand, aiming to bolster the tourism industry.
The Southeast Asia country banned international tourists in March, 2020 but has gradually reopened its borders, relaxing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries in December last year.
-RJV
