Phuket-
Just 24 hours after most media, including us, announced that the Phuket Airport would be re-opening this weekend after being closed since April 3 due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus situation, the Thai Government has changed course.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, or CAAT, only yesterday issued an order allowing the Phuket Airport to re-open to limited domestic flights.
However, after what is stated as a “suggestion” from the Center for Covid19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, the CAAT issued a second order this afternoon ordering the airport to remain closed, with no date given as to when the airport would re-open.
CAAT Director Dr. Chula Sukmanop said in the order issued today, “Although Phuket is able to effectively control and stop the spread of COVID-19, the situation is still considered a risk that needs to be monitored continuously to ensure that measures stop the spread of the disease to other areas and prevent the disease from spreading again in the Phuket area.”
Thailand remains off limits, The Pattaya News notes, to inbound international flights except for repatriation of Thai Nationals until at least the end of May. It is widely expected this may be extended by many aviation industry experts.