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I am now coming to the conclusion that Thai regulations are similar to market prices. You go to a market to buy something and there is no price on any of the goods. You make an offer, there is a counter offer, and another, and so it continues. Haggling. After all this Covid nonsense I’m sure the same applies...it being Thailand. One office invents a rule...it’s haggled by another..and another..and so it goes on. Eventually it reaches the Big Boss who makes a decision, overruling all the Hagglers. Numerous examples now exist: All restaurants closed New Years Eve.... All restaurants closed, except takeaway...nobody allowed in from the UK...All visa renewals require a covid test...and so it goes on. Each one overruled. Just wait until the Official Announcement. TiT.

I was saying to a friend today the whole thing might be a new record in the Thai government's competition for the most idiotic and nonsensical regulation as well as the fastest flip-flop. But then going on to say "most likely to the permanent resident visa" is another record on top of it. Why for PR's? EVERYone is already in the country in the exact same way as all other foreigners and indeed all Thais. Being in the country and thus being of equal Covid-risk as everyone else has nothing, nothing whatsoever, to do with visa type. Bureaucratic stupidity at it's best, again.... Probably just a flimsy attempt at a face-saving exit from the whole thing. When this came out this morning I just thought this is so idiotic, they will surely backtrack on it. I didn't have to wait long this time

I can't see the basis for testing tourists before extending their visa. In this case, the tourist has already been in the country for nearly two months and was tested multiple times before being release from quarantine. He has remained in Thailand and not traveled abroad. If they are going to test tourists at the 60-day mark, then why not test all citizens every two months if the goal is to register more "positives'? It must be clear by now that all available assets should be directed at inoculating the maximum number of people. Do that and the rationale for testing greatly diminishes. Officials advocating for ideas like 60-day testing all have one thing in common: they all have good jobs. They haven't been made redundant by the decimation of the hospitality industry.

typo, yesterday was just 347, today only 346

Yes, I would be OK with it. But, it won't happen. What happens if the rates of reported cases go up? They shut down more. They purposefully don't want people tested. I don't think it is racial. I think it is more about anyone from any other place.

I am sure you are correct in raising the issue of profit. It is no longer a surprise that prior to the government announcing contracts for projects requiring land purchase, that land has always just recently been purchased by the crony capitalists. And for the same reason - so more can gain from the outsize profits - transport infrastructure like expressways and MRT lines are carved up with bits going to different bidders rather than just one. For an inter Bangkok expressway trip to require three tolls is just nonsense.

Years ago there were pleas that at least one extra car be added to the Skytrain and MRT. There is plenty of room on the platforms for at least 2 or 3 more. Yet even though many additional stations have since been added and yet more are about to come on line, there are still no extra cars. Once the tourists return, travelling at any time of day will feel like the sardines on Japan's commuter system.

The Secretary of the Australian Department of Health and former Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy said yesterday that he can’t see border restrictions eased this year. He made it clear that the vaccine(s) are not a panacea. His statement made the Australian travel industry very depressed. I’m afraid we just be planning and dreaming beyond 2021.

first that should think about decongesting trains in a peak times by adding more trains. Size of crowds at Siam station sometimes is downright scary.

People have strange tastes

it's good to have review but likely we will not have a choice and will take whatever jabs our government will provide. Great unknown is how long immunity will be secured for. But that can be only found in time. If I had a choice I'd pick up one I can get fastest to get over with.

it's still 3247 shopping days till 2022 so I'd be much more optimistic

Unfortunately it's just a dream at the moment, I think 2021 will be a lost for tourism same as most last year , borders clousure and restrictions will continue till most of the population in the world will be vaccinated and Covid virus will be under control I don't see it happening this year

I wouldn't mind to check in person whether you are right and I would if not that damn quarantine , for me at both ends of trip

vinapu, at present, it will not be a treat to return.

even with drastic changes, rest assured it will be a treat to return, whenever it will be

Biguyby,- yes thinking about it - the Coco gym must be as you say on the 4th floor. During my February trip I visited I think 5 times. The entrance was on beach road via a lift. There was not much else on that floor.

The ninth floor was a gym a year ago called Coco. I went there a few times.

Long time no see you ! I hope Das Berliner also survives somehow so we can meet over schnitzel like before vinapu

I want to get the better vaccine: Pfizer or Merdena.