Tourist-free Phuket a 'ghost island'

*A man walks along the empty beach at Patong, Phuket, seen through a torn sign telling people to wear a mask, on Oct 1. PHUKET: Go-go dancers sit playing on their phones in empty bars lining deserted streets as this…*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:56 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket, Thailand’s second most popular tourist destination after Bangkok, has been left eerily quiet in recent weeks as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeps international visitors away, turning the once-busy island into what locals are calling a “ghost island.”

On October 1, the normally bustling beach at Patong was empty except for a lone man walking past a torn sign advising people to wear masks. The scene is now common across Phuket, where nearly all of the island’s 3,000 hotels have closed their doors due to the absence of foreign tourists. Streets that once thronged with holidaymakers are now lined with shuttered shops and empty bars, and go-go dancers can be seen idly passing the time on their phones.

Local business figures are feeling the impact acutely. Preechawut Keesin, a prominent Phuket entrepreneur who owns five nightclubs and around 600 hotel rooms, described Patong as a “ghost town.” The collapse in visitor numbers has left many businesses struggling to survive, with thousands of jobs lost and livelihoods in jeopardy.

Last year, Phuket welcomed more than nine million tourists, providing a vital boost to the local economy and supporting a wide range of businesses from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and street vendors. For many local residents, the current situation has brought financial hardship and uncertainty, with little sign of a quick recovery.

The Thai government had planned to restart tourism on the island by allowing the first group of foreign tourists to arrive since April, as part of a cautious pilot programme. However, the much-anticipated arrival has been repeatedly delayed, leaving Phuket’s economy in limbo. Many businesses that had hoped for a gradual return to normalcy are now facing the prospect of further closures if the situation does not improve soon.

For the residents of Phuket, the ongoing absence of tourists has transformed daily life. Popular areas such as Patong, once known for their lively nightlife and crowded beaches, are now quiet and subdued. The impact on the local economy is visible in every empty shopfront and deserted street.

Authorities have yet to confirm a new date for the arrival of international tourists. In the meantime, local businesses and workers are left waiting, hoping for a return to the vibrant Phuket of previous years. The situation remains fluid, with the government monitoring global developments and adjusting plans as necessary. Residents and business owners alike are watching closely for any sign of recovery or further support measures in the weeks ahead.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/1999491/tourist-free-phuket-a-ghost-island