Footage shows visitors continuing to arrive at the Phuket ‘sandbox’ quarantine island today (July 13) despite a surge in Covid-19 cases in Thailand.

Tourism chiefs hope the project, which sees vaccinated holidaymakers ‘isolate’ on the sprawling island, will fire up the country’s struggling economy.

However, the success of the project is still uncertain following rising numbers of Covid-19 cases across Thailand, with a record high of 9,539 infections and 91 deaths a day recorded last week.

Economists have warned that it could be another five years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country’s National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.

Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.