From today (Tuesday), anyone arriving on Phuket Island by vehicle or boat must prove that they have received two COVID-19 vaccine shots or have passed an RT-PCR or rapid antigen test a maximum of 72 hours prior to their arrival, otherwise they will be subject to 14-days of home quarantine and placed under the close watch of officials in the province.

The new travel restriction was imposed by the provincial communicable disease committee of Phuket, in a renewed effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 onto the resort island.

Those who defy the restriction may face a fine of up to 100,000 Baht and/or maximum of one-year imprisonment under the Communicable Disease Act, and/or a fine of up to 40,000 Baht and/or a maximum of two-year imprisonment under the Emergency Decree.

Almost 600 COVID-19 infections have been found in Phuket since April 1^st.

The restriction will remain in force until further notice.