Laguna Phuket partners with hospital to launch first hotel-based PCR test centre for Phuket Sandbox arrivals

June 30, 2021

Laguna Phuket, a resort spanning 1,000 acres of tropical parkland and beachfront on Phuket’s west coast, has increased its efforts to safely restart Thailand’s tourism industry by partnering with the Bangkok Hospital Phuket to launch the first hotel-based PCR test centre for Phuket Sandbox arrivals.

PCR is a common and simplified way to describe reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Test results that state 'PCR' or 'RT-PCR' as the testing method are acceptable for pre-departure testing. After initial infection with SARS-CoV-2, it takes a number of days for viral replication to produce enough genetic material to be detected by PCR. This occurs roughly 2-3 days before symptoms become apparent.

With the Royal Thai Government’s Phuket Sandbox initiative due to commence on 1st July 2021, the “Pearl of the Andaman” is preparing to welcome back fully-vaccinated visitors from all over the world. To ensure the safety of tourists and local residents, all arriving travellers will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, and then on the sixth and 12th days of their stay. The establishment of this new facility at Laguna Phuket will enable guests to be tested quickly, comfortably and conveniently.

The PCR test centre, opening on 1^st July, is located in Canal Village, the retail precinct in the heart of Laguna Phuket that features more than 30 stores. It is steps away from the existing BDMS Clinic and operated by highly trained medical professionals from Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

Part of the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), the largest hospital network in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Hospital Phuket is used to serving international clientele, with over 100,000 International patients per year from 187 countries. The new PCR test centre at Laguna Phuket will open daily from 09.00 to 14.30 hrs, and will operate in accordance with strict Infection Control Health Guidelines.

Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket notes “Laguna Phuket is the perfect destination for the Phuket Sandbox programme. Overseas travellers can stay in our self-contained lifestyle resort, soak up the ambience at Bangtao Bay and enjoy outstanding leisure activities. The opening of our new PCR test centre, in cooperation with our partners at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, will provide guests the extra assurance of the best possible care during their stay with us.”

All seven world-class resorts at Laguna Phuket – Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort, and SAii Laguna Phuket – have achieved SHA Plus certification, which recognises that they adhere to strict health and safety standards and that their staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This means that guests have more than 1,400 first-class, fully-equipped rooms, suites and villas to choose from.

During their stay, visitors will be able to experience Phuket’s natural attractions, including lagoons, parkland and 3km of pristine beach overlooking the Andaman Sea. A wealth of activities includes restaurants, bars and spas, boutique shopping, private yachting and water sports, and golf at the award-winning 18-hole Laguna Golf Phuket, which was named as ‘Thailand’s Best Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards. They can also head out and explore the rest of the island, including a string of beautiful bays, panoramic viewpoints and the authentic Sino-Portuguese heritage of Phuket’s Old Town.

In preparation for the Phuket Sandbox, the 1,500-square metre Angsana Convention and Exhibition Space (ACES) has been used as a vaccination centre for resort staff and local residents, as Phuket moves towards achieving island-wide herd immunity against COVID-19. As a result, Laguna Phuket is ready to welcome overseas visitors and stimulate the recovery of the tourism industry in Thailand.

For more information and to book your safe and secure vacation at Laguna Phuket, please visit www.lagunaphuket.com.

Image top: Sandbox safety: (left) Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket with staff of Bangkok Hospital Phuket at the newly opened PCR test centre located in Laguna Phuket; Image centre: Laguna Phuket is located on a 3km stretch of beach in the Bangtao area of the island; Image above (L to R): Ms. Wattana Rattanadiloknaphuket, Assistant Nursing Director, Bangkok Hospital Phuket; Dr. Lalita Kongseeha, Deputy Hospital Director, Bangkok Hospital Phuket; Mr. Paul Wilson, Senior Assistant Vice President, Laguna Phuket; Mr. Anthony Loh, Vice President, Laguna Phuket; and Ms. Maneewan Kaewchansri, Nursing Manager, Bangkok Hospital Phuket

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