It hasn't just been recently announced.
It was discussed on this very thread a couple of months ago when Thailand released the plans to have 1st July for Phuket and 1st October for a different area of the country as their plans for tourism return.
Their government might just have recently confirmed it still plans to proceed with the 1st July re-opening despite the Covid issues, but it's been in the news since March.
Thailand to Reopen Phuket to Vaccinated Tourists From July - Bloomberg
Quick edit to say that if the 'just recently announced' was in sole reference to the Gov saying they intend to crack on with 1st July then apologies, but the concept has been around for a while.
Their government might just have recently confirmed it still plans to proceed with the 1st July re-opening despite the Covid issues, but it's been in the news since March.
Thailand to Reopen Phuket to Vaccinated Tourists From July - Bloomberg
Quick edit to say that if the 'just recently announced' was in sole reference to the Gov saying they intend to crack on with 1st July then apologies, but the concept has been around for a while.
Yes the government now intend to reopen for vaccinated tourists and no quarantine.
I've just returned from Phuket 3 weeks ago, retired there in 2012. Tourists spots such as Patong, Karon and Kata have been ghost towns and the international airport has been closed with only Singapore airlines recently arriving.
Actually for me life is better without all the tourists, roads are safer and the golf courses offering fantastic discount deals.
Tough for the locals though, they desperately need them to return.