reader

Peter points out crucial points to anyone considering making a foreign national a beneficiary. Aside from ensuring that multiple wills (or trusts) don’t conflict, awareness of the rules and regulations in your home country that affect transfer of assets to international beneficiaries is essential. If you are leaving assets you have in Thailand to a Thai citizen, the transaction should be fairly straight forward if your will has been properly drawn up. But if your assets are in your home country and you want them transferred upon your death to a Thai or other foreign beneficiary, the pertinent regulations of both countries come into play. The ramifications can be significant, particularly considering applicable tax rules of both nations. For assets coming out of the United States, for example, the rules differ from country to country. One size does not fit all. If your will and/or trust is drawn up by the average U.S. lawyer, don’t expect he or she is aware of the very complex rules and regulations concerning foreign beneficiaries. You really need the services of an attorney who has experience and expertise in these matters.

From Bangkok Post Suspension of Test & Go continues amid Omicron spike Thailand continues the suspension of the Test & Go scheme for travellers, as the country is battling the spike in Covid-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, a senior Public Health Ministry official said on Tuesday. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the country will not reimpose the quarantine-free programme due to the spread of Omicron. "Under the current circumstances, there's no plan to bring back Test & Go," Dr Opas told a media briefing. He did not elaborate on how long the scheme will remain suspended. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday air travellers who had successfully applied for Test & Go can enter the country by next Monday. The Phuket Sandbox is the only sandbox scheme in effect. Other similar schemes have been temporarily shelved since Dec 22. Another entry into Thailand is through the quarantine programme. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2241983/suspension-of-test-go-continues-amid-omicron-spike ============================== From Richard Barrow "I spoke to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again and they say they haven’t been informed of any decision about Test & Go and as far as they know, discussions are still ongoing. The next CCSA meeting is on Wednesday and the big one on Friday. Please wait for official announcement." ++++++++ "There hasn’t been talk for a while about updating the list of approved countries. People coming from the US and the UK might want to take note of this tweet. You are leading the pack with the highest percentage of people testing positive on arrival. " "Thai News Reports: The latest statistics show that this month so far, most international arrivals are coming from Russia (2,511), Sweden (1,359), Germany (1,143) and Kazakhstan (1,080). Most people testing positive are from the USA (7.91%) and the UK (7.35%)."

From Bangkok Post The Public Health Ministry will propose that the government continue the suspension of the Test & Go entry programme for air travellers, in light of the continuing spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday. Mr Anutin said he supported the recommendation made by health experts on Monday. He would ask the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting on Tuesday to continue the suspension of the one-night quarantine scheme until the end of this month. No applications for entry to Thailand under the Test & Go scheme have been accepted since Dec 22. Entry is only through the Phuket Sandbox, and its quarantine system, due to fears over the rising number of Omicron-variant Covfd-19 cases worldwide. The minister did not mention the future of other Sandbox schemes, which have also been temporarily shelved since Dec 22. They will also be under review on Tuesday. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2241395/health-ministry-wants-to-extend-suspension-of-test-go

I'm sure expats have made provisions for this. However, this article by a Thai lawyer explores the legal realities of a foreigner dying in Thailand. From Pattaya Mail By Jessataporn "Chang" Sriboo Q. What can lawyers do? All countries have their own rules and regulations about notifications to police and embassies, corpse disposal and the follow-up in court if the deceased had any assets in Thailand. A Thai lawyer experienced in these matters can make the whole process less distressing for next of kin or significant third parties. Q. What are the procedures if a foreigner dies here? Typically, the police will quickly be informed. If the deceased died in hospital and had a recent record of illness or disease, an autopsy is not necessary. In all other cases, an autopsy will be required and this can delay the funeral. The death certificate is issued by the local authority and relevant embassy approval is required before cremation or burial is possible. At this stage, relatives usually have a lot of questions about detail – such as where the autopsy occurs and the specific role of the embassy – which a lawyer can help to make a smoother process. Also any hospital or autopsy bills must be paid before progress can be made. Q. How are the dead disposed of in Thailand? Nearly always by cremation which is otherwise known as hygienic disposal. Embassies usually have a list of morticians who can organize the details and the service at temples. Prices vary a great deal according to the location and elaborateness, starting at around 20,000 baht with no upper limit. In general, funerals in rural areas are cheaper than those in urban centers. In temples, the body is kept in a “chedi” or special area and there is no specific time frame for cremation. The next of kin or executor can obtain the ashes in an urn for lodging in Thailand (often in a temple or at sea) or for return to the native land. Q. Is burial possible in Thailand? Yes, but it’s very expensive, difficult and can take a long time. An alternative is to transport the body back to the home country by air, although it should be noted that many airlines – since Covid – do not offer this service. Also, the body has to be specially treated by embalmers and returned in a zinc-lined coffin. In my experience, well over 90 percent of deaths in Thailand are prepared for cremation here. The exceptions are mostly where the insurance policy specifically allows for international corpse transportation. Q. What happens if nobody can be found to take responsibility? Yes, sometimes this can happen when a Thai or a foreigner dies and no family member or friend can be found. Sometimes embassies may pay for disposal, but many do not. In some areas, the local authorities may arrange for a pauper’s cremation at a local temple. In other areas, there is a paupers’ burial ground where corpses are lodged and collectively burned every few years to make way for new arrivals. In the Pattaya area, as an example, the Sawangboriboon Foundation will usually be asked to assist where a body is uncollected and unwanted by anyone. We should stress that a pauper’s disposal will be an action with minimal ceremony. Q. What about wills and courts? If the deceased had any assets (cash or property) in Thailand, a probate order from a Thai court is necessary before they can be transferred. However, if a bank account is held in joint names, then the surviving partner can avoid that bureaucracy. The judge in a probate case will expect to see a properly drawn-up will in the Thai language and will normally require the presence of the executor or next of kin. The court may ask about the family tree, but the process is normally automatic. The executor will then receive written authorization which allows the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. Q. Do things sometimes go wrong? Indeed they do. Sometimes there is no will or the original cannot be found. In these cases, the process may be more complicated and, where possible, we ask the next of kin to accompany us to a hearing in the Thai court. Another problem area is where the deceased died unnaturally, say a murder, which can result in all sorts of questions depending on the specific circumstances. Sometimes, the relatives may not be satisfied with the results of the autopsy and can fund a second one either in Thailand or in the home country. Q. Do I need two wills? It depends. Where assets are held in Thailand and abroad, we usually recommend that. Care has to be taken that the two wills do not contradict each other – I have known that to happen! Some foreign probate courts can require a lot of detail. For example, if a British man or woman holds assets in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, these jurisdictions are not part of the United Kingdom. The detailed rules are very different in, say, Liverpool and Douglas. On estate matters, you really do need professional legal input. Preferably well before you meet your Maker. https://www.pattayamail.com/business/pattaya-legal-corner-dying-is-the-last-thing-you-do-384945

I don't see how this could have been rationally promulgated or actually enforced. I'm only reporting it. From Pattaya Mail In a crushing late-night order, Chonburi’s governor mandated that customers of restaurants of all sizes produce a negative coronavirus test result before entering. The arguably unenforceable dictate from Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai late Jan. 1 replaced a less-restritive proclamation issued earlier the same day that had spared smaller restaurants from the onerous unfunded mandate. Both orders were issued in reaction to the coronavirus omicron variant, which has now made its way to Chonburi on its march to inevitably becoming the dominant strain in Thailand. The original order had applied only from Dec. 31-Jan. 2 and required all staff, including entertainment performers, at restaurants – and the thousands of bars masquerading as restaurants – to be tested daily with rapid antigen kits. Customers, however, would only have to produce proof of a negative coronavirus test from within the past 72 hours or take a test on-site before entering if the venue regularly served more than 100 people or “looked busy or congested” even without actually serving 100 people. The new order, however, does away with the time limit – it’s now in force until further notice – and requires all customers, regardless the size of the venue or the customer’s vaccination status, to either take a test on-site or provide proof of a recent negative test. Restaurant owners unable or unwilling to foot the testing bill or make customers wait 15 minutes outside for test results are given no other choice than to simply close. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/all-pattaya-restaurants-now-require-customers-to-show-negative-covid-19-test-385022

From The Thaiger “Thailand Trusted Destination” is the latest campaign in a long line of schemes government authorities have launched as they attempt to lure international travellers back to Thailand, even amid Omicron uncertainty. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports launched the campaign in a bid to increase the standards of tourism in the country. The project aims to build confidence in travellers by certifying businesses that meet certain quality standards, allowing them to display the Thailand Trusted Destination dancing elephant logo. The Tourism Ministry hopes this will incentivise businesses and venues to bring their standards of management, cleanliness, safety, and fairness up. Businesses will also be evaluated on their eco-friendly practices. Tourists can identify attractions that have been certified with the dancing elephant logo by searching on the Thailand Tourism Standard Facebook page or their website at tts.dot.go.th though the site seems to not be quite functional yet. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/thailand-trusted-destination-certification-aimed-at-luring-tourists

Although I remain among those still hoping to experience Bangkok again in the not too distant future, news that my favorite method of getting around Krung Thep--second only to walking--continues to thrive helps keep the dream alive. From The Nation More than 1.3 million people used Thailand’s railway services on December 29 and 30 The five lines that saw the highest number of passengers were: • Southern: 26,852 passengers • Northeast: 26,420 passengers • Northern: 23,402 passengers • Eastern: 11,010 passengers • Mahachai-Mae Khlong: 6,066 passengers Meanwhile, more than 1.28 million people used rail services in Greater Bangkok on December 29 and 30: • Airport Rail Link: 57,446 passengers • SRT Red Line: 15,590 passengers • MRT Purple Line: 50,721 passengers • MRT Blue Line: 355,242 passengers • BTS: 805,331 passengers Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010669

From Reuters / The Thaiger He will forever be known as a hero, but Dr Li Wenliang, the Chinese ophthalmologist who first sounded the alarm over Covid-19, was initially shut down and threatened by his government. Now, nearly 2 years after his own death from the virus, thousands of Chinese netizens have posted messages to honour the Wuhan medic who tried to warn the world. According to a Reuters report, the messages have been posted on the second anniversary of Li discovering a pneumonia-causing virus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. On December 30, 2019, Li, who worked at a hospital in the city, caught sight of a medical report that referenced potential SARS coronavirus infections in Wuhan. He posted about the outbreak on the Weibo social media platform but his warnings were badly received by the government. He was reprimanded by the local police and accused of creating panic. On January 12, Li was admitted to hospital, infected with Covid-19. He died on February 7, 2020. Along with the grief triggered by his death came a rare outpouring of anger at the government over its lack of transparency and its attempts to censor Li. Nearly 2 years after his death, he is being commemorated as a hero. According to the Reuters report, Weibo is awash with candle emojis and messages of thanks to the doctor, with many posting as if talking directly to him. “Happy new year Dr. Li, we will remember you forever.” According to Fang Kecheng from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, people seem to feel more comfortable posting on Li’s Weibo microblog. “Such places for anonymous expression are needed in any society, and this is especially true in today’s China.” https://thethaiger.com/china/chinese-netizens-pay-tribute-to-the-doctor-who-tried-to-warn-the-world

Richard Barrow posted this graphic on his blog today, showing the cumulative number of Omicron cases as of yesterday. In comparison to what the US and Europe are experiencing, the numbers are minuscule even when you factor in population differences.

From Reuters JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Oramed Pharmaceuticals said on Wednesday its Oravax Medical unit signed a deal with Vietnam's Tan Thanh Holdings for the pre-order of 10 million doses of its oral COVID-19 vaccine that is in clinical trials. The agreement gives Tan Thanh, a drug distributor, the right to sell Oravax’s oral vaccine in development throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, Oramed said. "The parties have agreed to negotiate follow-on orders potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars," it said, adding the ASEAN region has a prospective patient population of about 660 million. Nadav Kidron, chief executive of Oramed, said its oral COVID vaccine is undergoing Phase I clinical trials and results should be available in early 2022. The vaccine has been shown to work in animal tests, he said. As a Communist country, Kidron said, Vietnam could decide on a short Phase II trial and then give emergency authorisation. "Potentially, marketing could be very, very fast," he told Reuters. https://news.yahoo.com/israels-oramed-gets-vietnam-pre-111133515.html

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Pattaya City Hall, in an unannounced but significant move, has changed its controversial billboard at the entrance to Walking Street. The original wording “Welcome to Neo Pattaya” has been changed to “Welcome to Pattaya”, although the futuristic scene of a waterfront landscape without a beer hall or go-go club in sight has been left alone. Neo Pattaya has been heavily promoted by the local authority in the past two years. It envisaged a Neo or New Pattaya which would abandon its traditional reliance on the flesh pots and move rapidly upmarket to become a business and leisure center more like Miami, Singapore or Abu Dhabi. Attention was drawn to beach renovation projects, ring roads, the Bali Hai pier transformation and the upcoming hi-speed rail link to Bangkok as examples of a Neo Pattaya generously funded by Thai and foreign investors in the three-province Eastern Economic Corridor. The aspirations were always optimistic, at any rate in the near term. Many improvements notwithstanding, Pattaya continues to be plagued by flooding in the wet season and environmental pollution all the year round. Many millions of baht have been spent on Pattaya beach improvements, only to risk being washed away in the rainy season. Raw sewage still finds its way into the sea in some districts of Greater Pattaya. The resort’s main streets are lined with bulldozed vacant lots, awaiting building permits, which are unsightly. Traffic snarl-ups are back in the afternoons and evenings. Neo Pattaya has also been put on hold because life is being breathed into traditional tourism. Most bars have reopened even if they have to pose as restaurants and require the fig leaf of respectability provided by the certificates of the Safety and Health Authority. A recent inspection of Walking Street revealed that the only types of business still out of action are go-go chrome palaces. But live music, romantic settings and even dancing are back on the agenda, or so it seems. A City Hall officer said, “The emphasis at the moment is on welcoming domestic tourists and visitors from traditional markets, such as Europe and the United States, who were approved under the Test and Go policy now in abeyance.” He explained that the concept of Neo Pattaya was designed before the coronavirus pandemic appeared and that it was a 10 year strategy. However, with so many questions marks in 2022 about the pesky virus and the future of international travel, Pattaya has to learn to walk again before running can even be contemplated. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-drops-its-neo-title-for-2022-384403

From Pattaya News The Chonburi Public Health Office last night (December 26th) has announced Covid -19 vaccine walk ins for people who live in Chonburi. Foreigners, according to officials, can participate although must wait in line the same as anyone else, show their passport and visa information, and officially tourist style visas are not eligible. (Your mileage could vary here in terms of foreigner eligibility, please check with the hospital before spending significant time waiting in line or commuting-Editor) The walk in campaign is from today (December 27th) to January 2nd. Pfizer for people aged from 12 years old – Pfizer 1st dose – 2nd dose – Recovered from Covid -19 more than one month Pfizer 3rd dose for people who received these Covid -19 vaccines more than 3 months prior – Two doses of Sinopharm – Two doses of Sinovac – Two doses of AstraZeneca – Sinovac + AstraZeneca – Sinopharm + AstraZeneca AstraZeneca for people aged more than 18 years old – Two dose AstraZeneca – AstraZeneca 1st dose – Pfizer 2nd dose – Recovered from Covid -19 more than 1 month AstraZeneca 3rd dose for people who received these Covid -19 vaccine more than 3 months – Two doses of Sinopharm https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/27/covid-19-vaccine-walk-ins-for-thais-and-foreigners-including-boosters-available-in-chonburi/

From The Thaiger TUI Nordic continue their European flights into Phuke Yesterday it was reported that Europe’s largest travel firm TUI Nordic announced it had cancelled scheduled chartered flights to Phuket from December to April next year. The Thaiger has since been contacted by TUI Nordic to say that the information, originally published by The Nation, was incorrect. European travel giant TUI, with their headquarters in Sweden, have now confirmed that TUI will indeed continue with its flights to Phuket throughout the northern winter schedule, as planned. A Phuket representative was quoted originally, but the Senior Product Manager of TUI Nordic, Pontus Svensson, sent an email to The Thaiger this morning stating that TUI Nordic will continue services into Phuket, and also, because of the changes to the government’s Test and Go arrival program, happily reroute TUI passengers through Phuket, where the Sandbox Program is still accepting applications. “Customers that have booked holidays outside of Phuket, will be contacted and offered to change their holiday to Phuket instead – and for the ones that had time to fill in Thailand Pass before the restrictions changed, their holiday remains unchanged.” https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/tui-tourists-european-travel-firm-cancels-flights-to-phuket-2

Or for those who recall with fondness Babylon in its salad days, a sort of outdoor "garden of earthly delights."

From Thai Enquirer The number of daily Covid cases could reach 30,000 per day by mid-March if the majority of people and businesses fail to strictly follow prevention measures, the Ministry of Public Health warned on Monday. Thailand discovered more than 500 Omicron cases so far and the ministry does not want to suggest another lockdown. “We are now at a new crossroad because of the outbreak of Omicron and the new variant has a high transmission rate,” said Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the ministry’s permanent secretary. “If we do nothing, the outbreak will be hard to control and it could take up to three to four months to control it and the daily number of cases could reach 30,000 cases,” he said. For the scenario where cases rapidly increase after the New Year season but people continue to get vaccinated, follow universal prevention measures, get tested regularly if they were at risk and businesses continue to adhere to the Covid-Free Setting regulations then cases could reach 17,000 cases by the end of January and decrease to around 16,000 by the end of March. For the best-case scenario where there is no rapid increase of cases after the New Year season with no major clusters and people and businesses continue to strictly follow prevention measures then cases could reach 14,000 cases by February and decrease to around 10,000 by the end of March. “If we prevent it well, cases could be around 10,000 and the outbreak would take around two months to control,” Kiattiphum said. “What the ministry wanted to see is obviously the best-case scenario so we all have to work together once more and we do not want to lock down the country,” he said. In terms of the hospital bed situation, only 13.7 per cent of the total 178,139 hospital beds around the country are occupied at the moment. There are now 514 Omicron cases in Thailand since the first case was discovered in late November. Of the 698 samples that were taken from around the country between December 24 and 26, 44.3 per cent were Omicron and 55.4 per cent were Delta. In a study with 100 Omicron samples that were discovered in Thailand, 48 were asymptomatic. Of the 41 cases that have symptoms, 34 patients have experienced mild symptoms including coughing (54 per cent), sore throat (37 per cent), fever (29 per cent), muscle ache (15 per cent), runny nose (12 per cent), headache (10 per cent), difficulty breathing (5 per cent) and less sense of smell (2 per cent). Seven patients, who were all vaccinated with two doses of Covid vaccines, have a lung infection but none of them require a ventilator and no one died from Omicron in Thailand so far. Out of 20 patients that were given Favipiravir, 10 of them have improved medical conditions within 24-72 hours after receiving the anti-viral drug. https://www.thaienquirer.com/36120/omicron-numbers-could-reach-30000-per-day-if-people-are-not-vigilant/

From Richard Narrow Twitter site The government has announced four additional holidays next year to make four more long weekends in order to help stimulate travel and the economy. Friday, 15 July (five days) Friday, 29 July (4days) Friday, 14 October (4 days) Friday, 30 December (4 days)

From The Thaiger Following the cancellation of Thailand’s “Test & Go” tourist scheme amidst fear of an Omicron outbreak, the Europe’s largest travel firm TUI Nordic announced it had cancelled scheduled chartered flights to Phuket from December to April next year. Around 30,000 people had plans to travel to the island province. The head of the Phuket Hotels Association (Kata and Karon), Angkhana Thaneswisetkul, said most visitors were hesitant to visit Thailand after Omicron cases piled up despite the New Year’s holidays, and that some EU nations are already instituting quarantine for returnees from countries with the new variant. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/plans-change-for-30000-tourists-european-travel-firm-cancels-flights-to-phuket

From Richard Barrow's Twitter site As promised, the Bangkok Governor opened the first section of the Chong Nonsi Canal Park on Christmas Day. This section, between Sathon Road and Narathiwat Ratchanakarin 7, is only 200 metre long, but by the time it is finished, it will run for 4.5km

From Bangkok Post No new Covid surge There were 22 more Covid-19 fatalities and 2,532 new cases registered during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry said on Sunday morning. This compared with 30 coronavirus-related fatalities and 2,766 new cases reported on Saturday morning. On Saturday, 3,771 Covid-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the coronavirus. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said in the afternoon briefing that almost half of the new deaths occurred in the southern region. The 22 new fatalities were Thai nationals between the ages of 25 and 93, 10 of them in the southern region – three in Nakhon Si Thammarat, two in Satun and one each in Krabi, Chumphon, Trang, Ranong and Surat Thani. Bangkok registered one fatality while none were detected in the city’s adjacent provinces. The 2,532 new cases included 2,449 local infections and 60 imported cases. Bangkok had 414 new cases, followed by 179 in Chon Buri, 144 in Nakhon Si Thammarat, 79 in Samut Prakan, 73 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, 66 in Chiang Mai, 60 in Surat Thani, 55 in Kalasin, 54 in Trang and 51 in Pathum Thani. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2237923/2-532-new-covid-cases-22-more-death

From CNN The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will go ahead with its New Year's Eve fireworks celebration, according to a news conference Thursday from Mayor Eduardo Paes. This comes after the mayor had previously canceled celebrations nearly three weeks ago due to rising Covid-19 concerns. “We want the celebrate the end of the year in a calm, safe and organized manner. We met with the scientific committee, which confirmed that it would be safe to hold the city’s New Year’s celebrations under the previsions presented by the city government. We also got authorization from the state’s scientific committee. We’re doing all we can in order to avoid large displacements or gatherings,” Paes said. The city’s famous fireworks display is set to last for 16 minutes over Copacabana Beach. The area will be restricted to residents of the beachfront neighborhood. Paes said traffic and public transportation to the area will be blocked during evening hours on Dec. 31. Revelers are encouraged to stay close to their homes to “avoid unnecessary travel.” “We’re putting a special plan in place for Copacabana because it is traditionally the largest gathering place for the city. Copacabana’s New Year’s Eve celebration is shown on television screens around the world. It’s going to be a beautiful New Year’s celebration and I hope it will be inspirational and bring us hope. We hope 2022 will be a better year,” Paes added.

While on the subject of Richard Barrow, he's posted this week about taking the night train to Chiang Mai and spending a day in the Diplomatic Suite at La Meridian. Check it out for some great photos and video.

From Pattaya News Hotel room bookings in Pattaya have dropped significantly after the Thai government suspended the “Test & Go” scheme earlier this week. This has led to a rising number of business leaders asking for Pattaya to become a Sandbox zone like Phuket during the suspension. Mr. Boonanan Pattanasin, the president of the Pattaya Businessmen and Tourism Association, told TPN media, “After the “Test & Go” no-quarantine tourism scheme for all international tourists has been suspended and only the Phuket Sandbox allowed with the other sandbox zones closed, the number of hotel rooms booked in Pattaya have dropped significantly.” “Many tourists are planning to come to Pattaya during the high season from January to February. We need either the “Test & Go” system to remain open for this registration so that tourists can come to Pattaya after New Year or allow Pattaya to become a Sandbox.” Boonanan added. “Pattaya is similar to Phuket. We have many tourism attractions and businesses and rely on tourism for about 85 percent of our GDP. Only having the Phuket Sandbox cannot drive the whole countries tourism economy.” Boonanan stated. https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/24/pattaya-hotel-room-bookings-drop-significantly-after-test-go-scheme-suspended-more-business-leaders-call-for-pattaya-to-be-a-sandbox-again/

There are two alternative ways to access Richard Barrow and neither require registration: https://www.richardbarrow.com/ Richard Barrow's Twitter site

Politician and BS are frequently used in the same sentence.....and not without cause.

From Bangkok Post New Year countdown to stay The private sector will still be allowed to host New Year countdown festivities under strict precautions while City Hall has decided to cancel all events it had planned to mark the New Year in Bangkok amid fears of a surge in Omicron cases. National Security Council secretary-general Gen Supoj Malaniyom, in his capacity as head of operations at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the CCSA is permitting the private sector to proceed with its plans but they must seek permission first. City Hall's decision to cancel its activities has nothing to do with the CCSA's policy, Gen Supoj said. At least two major New Year countdown parties remain on the calendar in Bangkok -- one at Iconsiam and the other at CentralWorld. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2236891/new-year-countdown-to-stay