Thailand opens Samui for vaccinated visitors despite delta threat

Hotels ramp up capacity amid optimism in COVID-slammed tourism sector

The Thai government's initiative to reopen tourism has been spreading throughout the country's famous resorts such as Samui island. © Reuters

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

July 15, 2021 15:00 JST

Updated on July 15, 2021 16:48 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's effort to rescue its ailing tourism industry took another step forward as the island of Samui and nearby islands reopened starting Thursday for vaccinated foreign visitors, despite an outbreak of the COVID-19 delta variant in the country.

Hotel operators on the island are looking to ramp up capacity, betting on more foreign tourists as the government tries to kick-start the sector. Thai retail giant Central Group's hospitality arm will open a new resort on Samui island in August.