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Up to this point, I had followed the health regulations of Thailand under the covid rules. I downloaded the Morchana app before arriving in Bangkok, wore a mask, used hand sanitizer, scanned my temperature upon entering businesses, etc. But it all started to fall apart on my 7th day. This was the day I had planned to get the required second PCR test under the one day Test & Go entry program. I had checked the Ministry of Public Health web site to access the list of approved labs for PCR tests in Phuket. Of course this being Thailand, the list was outdated, or at least the list in English was. I chose a private clinic in Patong from the MOPH list. I took my paperwork, and drove to the clinic. There were no customers when I arrived. The receptionist/nurse went in the back to show the doctor my papers. He flat out refused to test me. The nurse told me to go to Patong Hospital (not on the MOPH list). So I then drive to Patong Hospital, and after sitting in the waiting area for my number to be called, a nurse at a desk in the lobby told me they would do the test, but I needed a letter from my hotel. So back to the hotel I went, and asked about a letter at the front desk. "Not our hotel, you get letter from your Bangkok hotel". I asked the receptionist to please call The Quarter Silom Hotel, where I had spent my first few hours in Thailand. I figured she would get further than I could on the phone, as she seemed to understand my plight. Of course, the Quarter Silom refused to issue me a letter. The Quarter Silom insisted that the pink paper given each passenger arriving at the airport was all that was needed to obtain permission to receive the second (free) PCR test, and to receive payment from the Health Ministry in Bangkok for the cost of the second PCR test. So back to Patong Hospital we went in the car. By now, the hospital lobby was packed with people awaiting assistance. This second attempt at Patong Hospital was as useless as the first visit. After sitting in waiting area once again for my number to be called , again they refused to help, still insisting on a letter from the hotel. The Quarter Silom was correct, as I found out the following day in Khao Lak. Since the private clinic and the Patong Hospital were uncooperative, I was fast running out of options and time that I was willing to invest in this fruitless pursuit. At this point, after spending nearly the entire morning running back and forth and getting nowhere, I said fuck it all, and just decided to chill. If two approved medical facilities were unwilling to help after my repeated attempts, I decided I had done about all I could to comply with the arcane rules of the Kingdom, at least for today. I wasn't trying to flaunt the rules, but I think many others would also have given up by this point in the day. Since the morning had been wasted trying to get a PCR test, after lunch we purchased ATK tests at a pharmacy. I had totally given up on the Thai red tape to obtain a second PCR test until we left Phuket the next morning. I thought both of us taking ATK tests was the next best thing. N's test was negative. My sealed test packet from the pharmacy had no liquid in the vial, not one drop, so it was useless. That was 150 baht wasted. The box said the test was made for a German company, but in small print, it said "Made in China". Typical of shoddy Chinese manufacturing and quality control. We went to a 7-Eleven and bought a different brand of ATK test for me to test with. My new test result using the 7-Eleven kit was also negative, the same as N's. That evening, we went to Soi Bangla one more time after dinner, and walked on the beach for a while, before winding up back on the balcony at the hotel for drinks and some moo ping. The following morning, we would be driving about 2 hours north from Phuket to a reserved beach side bungalow in Khao Lak, in Phang Nga province. This is Saphan Sarasin, the bridge that connects Phuket island to the mainland of Phang Nga province. When driving into Phuket from the mainland, all vehicles must pass through a military police checkpoint. The MP's wanted to see my passport and driver's license both times upon entering Phuket province by car. Since the bridge is not very long, there is also a nice foot and bicycle pathway to cross the channel This narrow channel of water is all that separates Phuket island from the mainland. There are many food vendors and a waterfront restaurant at the southern end of the bridge After crossing the bridge, you are in Phang Nga province On the way to Khao Lak from Phuket, we took a detour to the Samet Nangshe Lookout. It's located on a mountaintop, with a gorgeous view out over Phang Nga bay. Much of this area of Thailand features limestone karst formations that are covered in rainforest vegetation. Similar to Guilin in China, or Halong Bay in Viet Nam. And the unique karst formations are not only in the sea, they are spread throughout this region on the land as well. The road to the top of the lookout is a heavily rutted and extremely steep dirt road. Since the lookout is on private land, everyone is charged a small admission price. You have two options, either walk to the top of the mountain for 20 baht, or ride in a 4 wheel drive songtaew for 80 baht each. I didn't see anyone walking to the top. In just a few minutes, the songtaew filled with passengers, and we were off. It's the only time I have ever ridden in a 4 wheel drive songtaew with big off-road tires. The ride requires you to hold on tightly, as the truck bucks and heaves over the potholed and heavily rutted steep road surface while slowly making its way up the rough hewn path to the summit. Before arriving at the lookout, I had envisioned driving the rental car up the mountain, but there's no way a car could manage to traverse the road to the top. 4 wheel drive truck, or by foot were the only options. Samet Nangshe Lookout, high above Phang Nga Bay: The bungalow resort was located on one of the best beaches in Khao Lak. The sand at White Sand Beach was soft like powdered sugar. The water was very warm, and perfectly clean. And plenty of natural shade to escape the heat... There was room to park the car right in front of the bungalow - just make sure you don't park beneath a coconut palm tree. Falling coconuts can really put a dent in your ride. There are several bungalow resorts located adjacent to each other. They all offer beach front dining. Unlike Phuket, the food and beverage prices are very reasonable. The food was very good. Everything we ordered was tasty. Our first night at the small resort, a man from Germany saw us headed to eat dinner at the beachfront. He stopped us to tell us how much he enjoyed eating here, saying the food was excellent. There are attractive beachfront dining areas at the resorts to be continued...

The next day after breakfast at the Furama, we went to the MBK Mall to buy a few clothes for N for the trip. There was nearly no clothing for young men at MBK, as many of the shops appeared to be permanently closed. It looked like less than 50% of shops were open. Two years ago, all the shops in MBK were open and it was very busy with customers. I suggested we go to Pratunam market the following day. N liked that idea. There was no shortage of selection at Pratunam, with hundreds of small stalls and shops open for business. The open air market at Pratunam turned out to be the perfect place for N to buy everything he needed for the trip to the south, a few nice looking T-shirts for 80 baht each, a nice button up shirt for 250, shorts at 120 each, and a pair of knock off Nike shoes for 350 baht. N seems to be very aware of prices, and he is careful in spending my money, and he looks for the bargains. A few pair of stylish underwear and socks from a Silom open air market, and he was set for the two week trip. Everything a Thai boy wears seems to look great on them, regardless of the price paid for the clothing. BTW, I just stood in the shops as his personal ATM, without providing any input on his choices for clothing, unless he asked for my opinion. After buying 2 pair of socks for 100 baht in a market area, he later spied 4 similar pair for 100 baht on the sidewalk in Silom, and he was dismayed that he had spent more per pair for his recent purchase, even though he wasn't spending his own money. He even mentioned later that he overpaid for his socks. Also, I had bought a nice backpack, and a pair of sunglasses for him at home before I left on my trip, and carried them to Bangkok to give to N. We flew Thai Smile to Phuket,a subsidiary of Thai Airways. The airline staff wanted to see our vaccination records and my Thailand Pass at the check in counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Boeing 737 was about 35% full going to Phuket. Even though I had booked two seats for us together, at check in, there were enough empty seats that they gave us each a window seat in two adjoining empty rows. Takeoff from Suvarnabhumi: We flew over Phang Na Bay a couple minutes before final approach to Phuket. The unusual karst mountains appear to be melting into the sea. Upon final approach into Phuket, the plane flew over Khao Lak, with it's endless miles of unspoiled beaches. The water is so clear, you can see coral reefs below the surface. As you can see below, Khao Lak is still very undeveloped. There are many small resorts, but they are mostly tucked under the tree cover. No tall concrete buildings, and no condo towers. Let's hope it stays that way. Upon arrival in Phuket, I picked up the pre-booked rental car at the domestic arrivals hall, and we headed for Patong. I had reserved a Toyota Vios sedan, a perfect sized car for the trip. By the end of three weeks in the south, I clocked about 2,000 kilometers of driving the car to the many different spots we visited. We traveled to parts of four provinces in all; Phuket, Phang Na, Krabi, and Surat Thani provinces. I had bought an inexpensive smart phone windshield suction cup holder to use for driving navigation before leaving home. That and a cigarette lighter socket USB plug I brought with me were invaluable in providing GPS navigation in English for free to navigate through the four southern provinces in the rental car. I used the HereWeGo phone app, and downloaded the free maps for south Thailand. For a free app, it's about as good as you can get for Thailand. I toyed with a couple other navigation apps while still in Bangkok, but I liked HereWeGo the best. A British lady's soothing voice gives the directions. There was a USB port on the stereo, but I used that for a USB stick that I had loaded with many hours of current music for the road trips we had planned. N liked the western music I had brought on the USB stick. One huge benefit of the music I brought was it caused him to turn the volume off on his phone at all times while in the car. That way we both had something enjoyable to listen to, and while driving, I was saved from hearing his various phone feeds. We were surprised at the large number of farang wandering around Phuket without masks upon arrival in Patong. I read in the Bangkok Post on January 20th that the governor of Phuket had finally decided to crack down on the many mask violators with two fines of 20K + 40k, and plans to have the police arrest the unmasked, to set examples. I don't know if he followed through with this, or if he was only blowing hot air. We stayed three nights at the Phusita House 3 Hotel in Patong Beach. The small hotel is fairly new, and very clean, with SHA certification. It's located very near the Paradise area which is the hub of gay activity in Patong. They offered free parking for the rental car. Patong is very congested, similar to Pattaya, and parking can be an issue at some of the hotels close to the Paradise complex. We drove to the southern part of Phuket to see the Big Buddha. It sits on a mountaintop, with a superb view out over the southern part of the island of Phuket. The huge statue is made of concrete, and is entirely covered with small white marble tiles. The inside is hollow, and visitors are welcome to walk inside and view different displayed items. There are not many sightseeing attractions on Phuket, so the big Buddha is one of the more heavily visited points of interest on the island. Most tourists to Phuket come for the beaches and/or the nightlife. The adjoining provinces of Phang Na and Krabi offer loads of things to see and do, however. The Phi Phi islands are a very popular day trip amongst Phuket visitors, but Phi Phi is actually located in Krabi province, it is not part of Phuket. Soi Bangla is the main nighttime entertainment street in Phuket. It is located in Patong Beach, and is similar to Walking Street in Pattaya. Soi Bangla was filled to the rafters with people occupying every bar stool, and spilling out onto the surrounding sois. While the bars in Bangkok were closed at this time, bars in Phuket were allowed to open until 9 PM daily. And none of that facade of having to sell food to camouflage as restaurants. These bars and clubs were jam packed with customers, and were operating as real bars, not pseudo restaurants. We walked the length of Soi Bangla two nights, and at 9 PM each night, police vehicles with red lights flashing started crawling forward from one end of the street to the other end to ensure the bars stopped selling alcohol, and turned the loud music off. Customers were allowed to stay in the bars, to finish their drinks. I would estimate there were at least 4,000 - 5,000 customers in the myriad of open air bars and clubs in Soi Bangla and connecting sois every night that we were in Phuket. This is Karon Beach, the next beach a couple miles south of Patong Beach, on Phuket: Somehow, on day 6 in the country, the Morchana app on my phone changed from orange "medium risk" to green "very low risk". This was before the second required PCR test that was supposed to be administered on my 7th day. WTF?? How is this possible? Our second evening in Patong, we went to the Paradise Complex, and watched an outdoor ladyboy show in front of the Zig and Zag bars. I don't really enjoy these shows, but N wanted to see it. Kudos to the ladyboys for a show well done. Everything went smoothly until a boy performer poured a full bottle of kerosene in a large circle on the cobblestone plaza, and then repeatedly attempted, but failed to ignite the fuel. That left the odor of petrol fumes as the fuel slowly evaporated throughout the duration of the show. The seating at the show was outdoors, with only a couple feet between tables. No one was wearing masks except for the bar staff. The outdoor seating arrangement was similar to the outdoor seating plan at the Soi 4 restaurants (bars) in Bangkok.

Thanks so much; the report and the photographs brought back many memories. Phuket isn't one of our favourite parts of Thailand- Patong in particular- but it looked (and sounded) wonderful. How I miss Thailand! P and I were there when the Buddha was being built; he bought a tile (for want of abetter word) , wrote his name on it and it was used as some sort of cladding. It was a spiritual experience for him; I stood well away as he said a long prayer. I noticed other Thai visitors observing him with respect. I was touched. I look forward to the next instalment.

I just returned from a one month holiday trip to Thailand. Since there are very low numbers of international tourists in Thailand at this time, I decided to focus my travel on some of the very popular southern areas on the Andaman Sea. These regions are usually overrun with sun seekers and are heavily crowded in the high season, so I thought this would be a good time to take advantage of lower hotel costs, and of not being swarmed with tourists and day trippers from the nearby resort areas. The last time I was in Thailand before this was in Jan/Feb 2020, just two years ago. It was on this trip that I met N. For nearly two years since that last trip, I had been planning to see N again on my next trip. In the interest of anonymity, I will refer to my friend as N in this report, by initial only. Because I did not see other boys during this most recent trip, this report mostly covers our travels together. Sorry, but no details of boy bars and massage shops, as I did not visit any. For this current trip, I intended to see only this boy for the entire month in Thailand. He pushes all my buttons, and I said why not? This is the first time I have had only one boy stay with me for my entire holiday. Although I didn't spread my baht amongst many boys as is usual for me on my trips, I surely made a very large difference to this one boy's finances. I did tip generously in hotels, taxis, etc in most cases, but the only tips given to a boy was to N. As luck would have it, the Bangkok bars were ordered closed again before I arrived in Thailand in early January. With the ever-changing rules, and opening times teetering back and forth, I hadn't planned to be bar hopping on this trip anyway, so I didn't really miss making my usual rounds of the nighttime haunts and go go bars. I had applied for the Thailand Pass in December 2021, and I entered through the airport with no issues. I won't bore you with the details, as the entry process, paperwork requirements, the blue chairs at Suvarnabhumi, etc have already been reported in this forum by other members. I entered the country under the original 7 day Thailand Pass program, but with the amended version requiring two PCR tests, one upon arrival, and a second test on the 7th day. Under the amended rules, the second PCR test was to be paid for by the Thai government. N had taken two ATK tests 3 weeks apart before my arrival, and sent me emailed photos of them, so I felt confident that he was being safe, and taking the required precautions to avoid the virus. Upon arrival, and before exiting the baggage claim area to face the gauntlet of awaiting private car drivers at the airport, I purchased a DTAC Sim card in the baggage claim hall, right after passing through immigration. To answer a previous question from a board member, I did see a True Sim card kiosk in the baggage claim hall as well. I didn't see an AIS kiosk, but I wasn't looking for them. Surely they would have a presence there too, as they are a major telecom player in the Thai marketplace. Insurance - I bought a 100k USD policy from a US company before the trip. I know only 50k was required, but I wanted the higher limit, and the price difference was minimal. The policy I chose was also a "cancel for any reason" policy. I'm usually not inclined to purchase travel insurance, as my health insurance plan covers me overseas anyway. But since the Test & Go program required it, I opted for a decent US based plan. I considered the options, and figured that it would also cover any pre-paid hotels and or flights I might have to cancel if testing positive for covid during my travels. I compared insurance policies on Squaremouth.com before deciding on which one to buy. The policy I chose gives me 90 days after an event to submit a claim. I thought this would allow me plenty of time to sort it all out at home, if it came to submitting a claim. My Test & Go hotel was The Quarter Silom. The driver took me in a private car to Paolo Hospital in Saphan Kwai, where a nurse came out to the car for the obligatory swabs, then off to Silom. The time at the hospital was about 7-8 minutes. The Quarter Silom is in a very good location on Soi Tarntawan, nestled in between Silom and Suriwong Roads. It is a new hotel, and very clean. It is not a place I would normally stay due to the small rooms, but they offered a 6 hour PCR test window package for a very low price, along with a private car from the airport, and breakfast was included. The fact that the only meal in the Test & Go package was breakfast gave me confidence that they intended to usher me out of the room before noon the following day. Upon checking in about 1 AM, the boy at the front desk asked if I needed anything else, and I jokingly said "Yes, I'd like two cold Singha beers, but I know you won't allow me any alcohol per the Test & Go regulations." I only wanted a shower and about an hour to wind down before a long awaited sleep after crossing through 12 time zones, on three flights to reach Bangkok. The boy at the hotel reception replied "the bar is closed, but just take what you want from the bar refrigerator, and we'll charge you in the morning when you check out". I got my nightcap of two cold Singha beers from the bar fridge. Amazing Thailand!! The next morning after breakfast was delivered to the room, I called reception, and they confirmed that my test was negative, as I expected. N had already emailed me. I sent him an SMS, and he was in my arms less than 45 minutes later. My plan was not to look for luxury in a Test & Go hotel, but for a fast PCR test turnaround time, and to be on my way after a few hours of shut eye. The Quarter Silom was very close to my next hotel, so the taxi the next morning was only about 60 baht. Upon check out, a Quarter Silom hotel employee introduced me to the Bolt car and motorbike taxi app. He called a Bolt car for us to move to the next hotel. Bolt is similar to Uber, with some very attractive prices. A Bolt car for us in some cases in Bangkok was no more expensive than skytrain tickets for the two of us would have cost, to cover the same distance. I believe Bolt is subsidizing their shorter rides to generate business, since it's a fairly new service. I suspect prices may go up in the future, once they have established a solid customer base. The total price for The Quarter test & go package was 3,899 baht inclusive of the room, a 6 hour PCR test, a private car from the airport, and breakfast. I booked the package through Agoda. I checked out, and into the Furama Sathorn, into an executive suite. Very large quarters, and a beautiful view of the Bangkok skyline, especially at night, from the 12th floor room. I only book rooms with balconies, as I enjoy sitting in the open air in the morning for a bit after I wake up. We sat on the balcony a couple evenings as well. Only staying in rooms with balconies eliminates a large percentage of available hotels for me to choose from, but I don't like being trapped inside, behind glass windows. The breakfast buffet at the Furama was included in the room price. The food was a mix of Thai and western fare, changing each day. Clear plastic food service gloves were provided for guests for touching the spoons, tongs, and opening the food warmer bin lids at the buffet tables. As with masks, many customers ignored the hotel request to wear the disposable gloves when filling their plates with food. Much as I like Bangkok, a few days on both ends of my trip is usually enough for me. To me, the big city is not a beautiful place for a holiday. I like to visit a different area of the country on each trip. N and I stayed at the Sathorn Furama for four nights before flying south. Here is the view of the city skyline from the balcony of the Furama. A perfect view of the Maha Nakhon building. If you look closely, you can see a number of people out on the glass platform at the top of the skyscraper in one photo. To be continued...

Thanks; every photo is beautiful and evocative, particularly on this cold London morning. Even photo of the menu; I've chosen today's breakfast, lunch and dinner! I'm sorry to read about the problems with your test. It's hard to see what else you could have done but, on consideration, I suppose it shouldn't be that surprising....TIT. Please keep reporting and sending those photographs. They brighten-up my day.

+1

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon While substantial Thai tourism will certainly resume once the pandemic subsides, the traditional expat market is already in steep decline. These are the guys who retired here on fixed pensions to enjoy the golden years before the prospect of the crematorium became a near-term possibility. Journalist Sarah Scuzzarello describes this group as “Elderly retirees enacting privilege over local people because of their superior wealth.” The immigration bureau does not publish meaningful statistics and retirees can hide under several visa categories, not necessarily those labeled as such. But their numbers have shrunk from perhaps 400,000 ten years ago to a small fraction in 2022. Mostly Europeans, Brits and Scandinavians in particular, the retirees that remain are now mostly in their 70s or older. Thai lawyers these days deal with more enquiries about post-mortem probate than about how to get married here. The reasons for the slump are many. An American media-sponsored survey in 2019 found that the main issues were the rising cost of living, fears that hospital treatment would bankrupt them and the fact that “Thailand isn’t what it used to be” for various reasons. These were mostly about traffic congestion, Chinese tour buses in Pattaya or overweight gogo dancers. Of course, the pandemic has encouraged the downward trend as few people consider resettlement abroad during an international health crisis. Desperate publicity about Brits stuck in Thai hospitals, dependent on crowd-funding to save their lives, has finally killed off the nonsense that the embassy will ride to the rescue. Pattaya illustrates these themes very well. It is beyond debate that the retiree market has slumped and that bald heads and expanding waistlines dominate in the residual expat population. Of course some wealthy retirees are still around, but the nightlife centers such as Soi Buakhao are teeming with short-term tourists, “Covid” visa-extension perpetual survivors and budget-conscious retirees looking for food and drink bargains. Many of those remaining in Thailand claim to have nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, the Thai tourist minister Phiphat Rathchakitprakarn has made it very clear that the welcome expats of the future will be high-net-worth individuals such as multi-millionaire pensioners, well-heeled investors and foreign professionals and executives who can transfer their work skills to boost the Thai economy. In return they will have a 10-year visa and the perk of avoiding three-monthly trips to immigration to report their whereabouts. Other bonuses are still under wraps. Many doubt the scheme will work. But that’s not the point here. The squeeze is already on against retirees who think that 800,000 baht in the bank is a tremendous sum. That would disappear after a few days in the intensive care unit. The compulsory insurance net is slowly closing – howbeit with multiple loopholes for now – whilst the assumption that third parties and visa agents will be able for all time to arrange extensions of stay for those unable to fund themselves is speculative at best. Whatever Thailand’s future in international immigration, the traditional retiree is past his prime. Pattaya is no exception. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-can-longer-rely-on-elderly-retiree-expats-388987

that waiting when everything is set up already is worst part of any trip but you will have fun and Bangkok to yourself to a degree. With Tawan and Moonlight opened even more fun than those of us who were in December

I'm planning to add a visit to the Philippines to my March trip to Thailand. But, all my googling gives me little idea how picking up guys works there, or where I should visit and stay. Will anybody take pity on me and give a newbie some pointers? Where should I stay/visit? How do you find guys and where? I've managed to find some on twitter, but even then many are unclear to me as to whether they're offering just massage, or more, and whether they service guys at all.

From Coconuts Bangkok Located on the 74th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon at 314 meters up, the Mahanakhon Skywalk will be closed tomorrow until April 11. It will open again at 10am on April 12. The nature of the renovations were not specified. The skywalk has been popular among tourists and locals for its magnificent, panoramic 360-degree view of the capital. Coconuts was there when it opened, you can read our experience here. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/mahanakhon-skywalk-closed-for-renovation/

From Thai Enquirer By Natcha Patanasophon Sex is a rarely discussed topic in Thailand, and it’s been like this for centuries. But conversations around sex education with a focus on gender identity and sexuality are finally starting to change. Chaitong Yingpeant, an adult content creator who prefers to use an anonymous name, told Thai Enquirer that the country suffers from a long history of distorted information about sex. It’s a problem rooted in conservative beliefs, he said, one where traditional opinion is that young Thais should avoid sensitive conversations about sex in their entirety. “Thai society now misunderstands sexuality,” Chaitong said. “Adults and the government need to focus on providing proper sex education. If people receive correct information, then there will be less misunderstandings about sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases.” He believes that people’s perceptions towards sex is changing quickly. Today, there’s more access to knowledge than ever, so there’s no reason why this should not be reflected in Thai schools as well. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/37450/sex-talk-why-thailand-needs-to-have-healthy-conversations-about-sex/

Some people love Bangkok some hate it. Personally I love it. The excitement, buzz, of a bustling Asian city! Nothing like it! Can’t wait to return.

rest assured covid related idiocies are everywhere. As reported in other thread recently ( on Sunday ) I was forced to take PRC test twice in the same say by two very developed and otherwise well governed Western nations.

Yes, but life is short. I say Go after Him. Regrets come later only if… you don’t pursue the object of your lust… or you analyse too much (price is excessive, contact flaky etc)

Daydreamer You are not the only one to have trouble with the second test. After 6 or 7 days ( that was the rule in December) I returned to the hospital where I had the first test. I asked about making a booking for the second test and they insisted it had to be done on line. They gave me a QR code but wouldn’t book me in. Went back to my room and tried on line. Eventually after a few hours I thought I’d made a booking but got no confirmation or even acknowledgement. So I turned up on the day and walking to the entrance tripped up over an unmarked step in the car park. Dishevelled, I sat in the queue for over 2 hours until my number was called. That was on the 3 January. Now, nearly 6 weeks later, I am still waiting for the result. Ive lost interest!

It's becoming more apparent by the day that some of the more reliable information on this topic is being provided board members who actually worked their way through the process, or are in the process of doing so. This article about authorities attempting to get insurers interested in offering 10 days of coverage for those who test positive illustrates the confusion that exits between ministries, hotels and hospitals. From Bangkok Post Insurers avoid travellers after heavy Covid losses Insurance companies have become reluctant to offer Covid-19 coverage to foreign tourists as the industry was beset by a liquidity crunch after issuing many policies and experiencing a high number of cases the past year. Tourists remain interested in the country, as new registrations for the Test & Go programme reached 119,807 as of Feb 8. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for marketing communications at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said following discussions with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) over optional Covid-19 insurance for international tourists, only a few companies expressed an interest in joining the programme. Only 4% of inbound tourists have tested positive for Covid-19, most of which have been mild cases. Many insurance companies are facing losses from Covid-19 claims from local cases and are unsure about offering policies to foreign tourists, particularly in terms of reimbursement based on possible scenarios, he said. The Public Health Ministry is dealing with insufficient or expensive hospital beds in major provinces by allowing each provincial communicable disease committee to grant permission to hotel operators to establish isolation rooms on their properties to host asymptomatic guests. Mr Siripakorn said the 10-day hotel isolation price starts from 20,000 baht, including three meals a day and telemedicine from a partner hospital. "While waiting for the OIC to conclude an insurance package, we have to increase affordable hotel isolation as an option for infected tourists so they don't have to pay more than 100,000 baht for treatment, as happened before," he said. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said hotels in many provinces have not yet applied for isolation rooms as they are unsure about the procedures. Hotels in Bangkok are still waiting to hear from the Department of Health Service Support regarding rules, she said. "We were told there is an act that grants permission to hotels to serve as isolation centres, but according to provincial authorities, the partner hospital has to take charge of this process, not hotels. At present, few hospitals are aware of this rule," said Mrs Marisa. She said the obstacles of Covid-19 insurance and hotel isolation are weighing on the domestic situation, with local cases rising sharply to 13,182 on Wednesday. After Test & Go resumed on Feb 1, the flow of tourists has not been as strong as in November, when the scheme was first introduced. "The fifth-day compulsory Covid test is hampering tourism," Mrs Marisa said. "Locals may hesitate to book trips if infections spike." https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2261703/insurers-avoid-travellers-after-heavy-covid-losses

A list of some insurance companies can be found here. https://asq.in.th/thailand-covid-insurance It indicates those policies that cover you for asymptomatic covid. NOTE: This is a company that provides a service for acquiring Thailand Pass for a service fee. I assume you can purchase the policies directly without using the service.

they picked up good timing since I'm stuck at home for a few months. I like to go there few times every trip, no idea what needs to be renovated , glass was holding up nicely in December

I had a similar question regarding an insurance policy I was considering purchasing for my recent trip. Before buying, I emailed the insurance company and asked if they would pay for a hotel quarantine. They answered me within about six hours. The answer in my case was "if a health authority or government orders you into quarantine, we will pay the cost of your stay regardless of whether it is a hospital or hotel". You may want to ask before purchasing a policy, as there are many different companies, and most of them sell different levels of coverage.

for temple lovers some samples of what Chiang Mai has to offer

Day 11 We had breakfast together, then I packed my meagre possessions and taking advantage of my newest friend’s motorsai we went to my new digs – impressively named and even more impressively looking Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel in small alley 1 block from Chiang Mai gate. In normal times I likely would be to stingy to rent room there but covid times are depressing hotel prices exponentially so even such beauty and luxury become affordable at 1200 , breakfast included. Since after last night there was no doubt that S will be my companion for next 2 I checked him in and he got his own door card as there was no way I let him to sleep at home even if he is married with a child. Specially with such modest tip expectations, right? palatial Phor Liang Meun terracotta Arts Hotel, lobby and a room When we settled in he suggested that we visit electronic shop as he wanted to check some new phone model so we went , remember WE have a vehicle. Phone in question had price tag of 13000 but now was on promotion for 12000. I was even asked if I like it, how thoughtful. But no, at no time suggestion was made I should chip in because as Ecclesiast says it is time for everything , for laughter and cry , for sowing and harvest and so on. Then we parted ways string in knowledge that I will come to Classic for massage with somebody else but take him home afterwards. I continued with my tourist program, visiting temple after temple and when I got too spiritual I decided to bring myself to the level by going to Sanctuary Spa, not far from my hotel, easy to find as it’s facing moat close to SuanPrung gate. Entry is bit forested with ample greenery. It was only one guy on duty, others could be called in but no need since guy was handsome, tall , muscular and bulgy. I always say all we need is 1 bar and 1 guy in it so decided to try my wisdom. Fee was 1000 baht for 1.5 hr session, min tip the same and off we went. Both massage and afters were outstanding , truly were so tip was increased to 1500 and we parted ways both smiling. If I was not engaged with S , there was another candidate. But I like S. and after all that sightseeing I kind of miss him so slowly but surely I walked again to Classic where S din not even bother to present himself as it was known that today is somebody else’s turn. Mamasan reminded me that 5 massages are getting 6th free and since tomorrow is my last day he suggests 4 hands. Today it was B, the body builder. That was pleasure to extend that I asked him to come to my hotel during day tomorrow handing him over hotel’s business card and my Line. S was waiting in the wings but when we were done he confidently emerged and soon after motorsaied me to a dinner. During which suggestion , mind you, just suggestion was made we can go to the mall to do some shopping. Not that I need to buy anything but obviously he did so I just tagged along. We had a good luck as some Adidas shoes were on sale and so were jeans but of course nothing stopped US from buying 2 pairs of shoes , jeans shorts and jacked . WE bought , I paid but I kind of had fun witnessing how I’m manipulated into opening my heart and wallet . Even now recalling it I smile. Truth is all those good were good value for quite a modest price and I thought in view of night past and future, worth the expense. Now we know what low LT tip means, LOL. There was pressing need for a belt for another 1200 but despite shining eyes, my short ‘no’ did the trick and pressure eased down. In the room all goodies were arrested and I told him he will get them on day of my departure as I don’t want him to poke them into eyes of his friends in Classic as long as I’m here. He got the concept. Before you call me old fool etc let me tell you that now my fun started and I would be ungrateful asshole if I did not state that I was greatly rewarded for my troubles all night long, it’s why I smile. Even skillful suggestion I will buy him that phone tomorrow did not spoil my fun. I think this is what happens when guy makes sure you like him. So my day 11 , busy and expensive turned still to be memorable and full filled , fuck the money.

Day 8 . It went without saying that we will have repeat of the day and night today. I don’t even remember who said it first but it was obvious. Tip was increased substantially as good work should be rewarded properly . Breakfast in French restaurant on the corner, very cheerful waitress who seemed to like N very much thank you and I was pretending I don’t notice it. Quite sumptuous with signature crispy fresh baguettes , I liked it very much, tasty , classy and filling. He went to his room and then to gym, I chose internet exercises in the room. As mentioned before I was subject of massive attack from that Grindr guy and tried to fend his messages off until around noon got tired and decided finally to go to Pattaya proper. Rest of daylight was spent walking about and it was quite depressing sight with all those shops and restaurants boarded or at least closed. Walking street completely dead bar one survivor – 7/11. On another hand signs of clinging to life were encouragingly numerous, I had a dinner in newly opened kebab restaurant on 2nd street. Few massages were opened with guys anxiously waiting for customers, a lot of walker along Beach Rd and girls ubiquitous, forced to take their trade to the streets with bars closed but generally Pattaya was bit depressing sight with devastation much more pronounced that in Bangkok. Alt Heidelberg closed but Berliner café and Salt and Pepper still operating. Few quite big hotels closed, in others only few windows were lit. Surprisingly exchange rates in few still opened places were at least as good as in Swampy’s basement by train station. Sunee – dead, those complaining in the past about Arabs racing motorbikes now have their day, sois quiet like pre-pandemic funeral home. Boyztown, dead zone with only Scandic opened with 3 guys on duty , one of them veteran of many years there. But baht busses still 10 baht. Internet café in soi post office still opened and tailor in Pattayaland also did not give up. Not as cheerful like before but still standing. So Pattaya girls and boys are not giving up, no matter what trade they are in. It was darkening when I returned to Complex , straight to N’s shop for massage and right after I extracted him from there by way of paying 300 off fee and we went to Agate greeted by knowing smile of lady at reception. If last night was steamy , this one , my last in Pattaya for now , was nothing short of volcano , geyser, earthquake e.t.c. I think people of certain age should conduct themselves with more dignity and modesty but since nobody was watching us I took an option to be young again with quite a success ending day 8 well stretched and exercised.