Empty beaches, chained doors: Surreal scenes in Phuket as island pins reopening hopes on vaccines
CNN
With the Thai government planning to allow vaccinated tourists to visit the resort island of Phuket without quarantine restrictions from July 1, many are hopeful international travelers will soon return. Until then, empty beaches and chained doors offer signs of the economic plight currently facing many.
Phuket, Thailand (CNN) — Pre-pandemic, Phuket's Patong Beach was not a place you'd go for peace and quiet. On any given day during high season, this popular Thai beach town would be filled with tourists from all around the world. Jet skis, longtails and speed boats roared through its bright blue waters. Some pulled parasails, their colorful puffs of nylon kites moving through the skies, keeping harnessed bodies afloat. Massive cruise ships could sometimes be seen anchored offshore.
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