Philippines' Duterte says to retire Phuket opens to vaccinated travellers

MANILA, Oct 2, (AFP) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office.

BANGKOK, Oct 2, (AFP) - Fully vaccinated travellers from any country can now book holidays to tourism haven Phuket, the Thai government announced, under tweaks to a struggling quarantine-free travel scheme.

Thailand's tourism industry has been on its knees, with the pandemic and related restrictions slashing visitor numbers from 40 mn in 2019 to a mere trickle over the last two years.