Footage shows tourists on Thai island Koh Samui today (July 23) as part of a ‘sandbox’ quarantine scheme to bring holidaymakers back to the country.

Ministers hope that allowing tourists to roam around popular areas that are sealed off from the rest of the country – still struggling with rising Covid-19 infections – will help to kick-start the economy.

The scheme – officially called ‘Samui Plus – is similar to the Phuket sandbox which allows vaccinated holidaymakers with negative PCR tests entry into Thailand.

Despite the surge, ministers are pushing ahead with ‘sandbox’ quarantine plans for popular parts of the country that tourists can visit and boost the country’s struggling economy.

Thailand has recorded 467,707 Covid-19 cases and 3,811 deaths as of July 23 – with cases rising dramatically throughout July.

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.