Looking at Phuket from a Standpoint of Status:

Since the launch of the Phuket sandbox scheme on July 1, the southern island has welcomed over 42,000 foreign visitors to its shores. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has got the calculator out again and according to TAT Phuket director, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, over 2 billion baht has been generated for the economy.

“We set the target at 100,000 visitors because we thought we would have both short-and long-haul visitors. But so far, most of our visitors are from the United States and Europe.”

The Bangkok Post reports that most foreign travellers came from the US, the UK, Israel, France, and Germany. A reduction in the number of days tourists must spend on Phuket means travellers can now venture to Krabi, Surat Thani, and Phang Nga after 7 days, instead of the previous 14. After 7 days at 1 of those tourist spots, they are free to travel elsewhere in Thailand.

In related news, Phuket health chief Dr Kusak Kukiatiikoon has confirmed infection rates on the island are on the decline.