The Nation/Asia News Network
BANGKOK — Fourteen five-star hotels in Phuket have put their names forward as alternative state quarantine options and two – Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Trisara Hotel – have passed the Public Health Ministry’s criteria.
Though Sripanwa Hotel’s result has yet to be announced, 11 other hotels are currently being checked by public health officials.
The price for 14-day luxury alternative quarantine in Phuket ranges between Bt99,500 and Bt650,000.
Meanwhile, a relevant committee voiced concerns about visitors agreeing to pay so much to be quarantined as they will not be allowed to leave their rooms.
Separately, shrines in Phuket have agreed to hold the annual Vegetarian Festival from October 17 to 25 under the new normal, by insisting that visitors wear face masks and maintain social distancing. The “extreme” acts the festival is famous for, such as fire-walking and self-mortification, will be cancelled, while the number of spirit mediums will be limited.
The serving of vegetarian food at shrines and other details are currently under discussion. Once all details are finalized next week, they will be proposed to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration for approval.
Phuket has, so far, had 227 coronavirus patients, with 224 recoveries and three deaths.