Waiting on reports

[ggobkk]

One of our most distinguished Forum members messaged me yesterday to learn if I might be visiting Thailand in December when he is planning on returning.  I replied that  I was undecided but would most likely not return until I knew more about the situation on the ground, especially about clubs and other venues for meeting the boys/guys/men.

I live on the west coast of the US and finding flight to Thailand is a bit of an issue.  I used to fly via Japan or Taiwan and those are not available at the moment.  I'm also unsure about the insurance as I'm 77 (there it is for all to know) and most of the insurance options pause at 75.

So, a few thing to iron out...what is important, Forum Members, if you are in Thailand or when you return please put a report on the Forum.  The reports and the the updates on individual boys, like b.babe (remember him), were a vital part of the Forum.

I'm assuming that the paperwork will be simplified, though the Thais seem to love paperwork, and I'll find insurance and will show up in early 2022.

 

 

 

[vinapu]

15 minutes ago, ggobkk said:

The reports and the the updates on individual boys, like b.babe (remember him), were a vital part of the Forum.

 

Moonlight is supposed to open on Dec 1 and only then we will see if and how many of their models, including Babe will return. There's always danger that being forced out of bars some boys could find another gainful employment and we will never see them on the stage again

[Guest]

7 hours ago, ggobkk said:

I live on the west coast of the US and finding flight to Thailand is a bit of an issue.  I used to fly via Japan or Taiwan and those are not available at the moment.  I'm also unsure about the insurance as I'm 77 (there it is for all to know) and most of the insurance options pause at 75.

I have read that there is no age limit on the "free" Emirates travel insurance, which is accepted for entry into Thailand.    However, Emirates will cease offering that insurance for reservations made after the end of this month. 

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, z909 said:

I have read that there is no age limit on the "free" Emirates travel insurance, which is accepted for entry into Thailand.    However, Emirates will cease offering that insurance for reservations made after the end of this month. 

another 'early bird catches the worm ' case

[10tazione]

16 hours ago, vinapu said:

Moonlight is supposed to open on Dec 1 and only then we will see if and how many of their models, including Babe will return.

and only then we will see if and how many of their models, including Babe will return.

and I'll be there!

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, 10tazione said:

and only then we will see if and how many of their models, including Babe will return.

and I'll be there!

so arround noon on Dec 2nd we can expect your first report, right ?

[ggobkk]

Reader was kind enough to direct me to an insurance broker that is willing to insure me for several more years of travel.

[10tazione]

On 11/9/2021 at 9:36 PM, vinapu said:

so arround noon on Dec 2nd we can expect your first report, right ?

I thought livestreaming is state of the art nowadays ...

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, 10tazione said:

I thought livestreaming is state of the art nowadays ...

don't look for excuses please

[vinapu]

I got in on good authority from somebody who arrived in Phuket very recently that all admission process is very smooth, results of tests are delivered very fast and it took all of 4 hrs from landing to be free man on the beach already.

Mor Chana app is apparently not working which is even better news.

So it looks that doom peddlers ,  basking in looking at empty half of glass and salivating at  chance to tell us to stay away because nothing is opened and working are not exactly 100% right.

And with good luck we may even get some travel report, long forgotten staple of our forum.

[10tazione]

12 hours ago, vinapu said:

I got in on good authority from somebody who arrived in Phuket very recently that all admission process is very smooth, results of tests are delivered very fast and it took all of 4 hrs from landing to be free man on the beach already.

Testing at the airport makes sense, since the clock only starts ticking when the test is done. Unfortunately, I just read in Phuket News that the Airport is asking to relocate the testing because they expect an increase of arrivals and "There will be congestion in the terminal building and we will be unable to increase the capacity to accommodate future tourists".

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, 10tazione said:

Testing at the airport makes sense, since the clock only starts ticking when the test is done. Unfortunately, I just read in Phuket News that the Airport is asking to relocate the testing because they expect an increase of arrivals and "There will be congestion in the terminal building and we will be unable to increase the capacity to accommodate future tourists".

and it makes sense, recently upon return to my hometown I was randomly selected for a test in the airport. It went very smoothly but while waiting at moments I felt uneasy with people congregating in the line too close to each other

[Boy69]

On 11/12/2021 at 7:08 AM, vinapu said:

I got in on good authority from somebody who arrived in Phuket very recently that all admission process is very smooth, results of tests are delivered very fast and it took all of 4 hrs from landing to be free man on the beach already.

The problem is not with arriving to Thailand but the complicated process to get the Thai pass to enter the country ,at the YouTube video below arriving to Thailand was smooth and easy but it took them nerve-racking weeks to receive the Thai pass .

 

 

[Guest]

35 minutes ago, Boy69 said:

The problem is not with arriving to Thailand but the complicated process to get the Thai pass to enter the country ,at the YouTube video below arriving to Thailand was smooth and easy but it took them nerve-racking weeks to receive the Thai pass .

The Thai pass is no reason at all to dismiss traveling to Thailand.   

You need to upload 5 documents, in jpeg format and the authorities say the application will be processed within 7 working days.    Some are instant and some take 5~6 days.

Anyone prepared to apply for the pass 14 or more days in advance of the travel has very little to worry about.   Apply, then if nothing arrives within 7 days, contact them immediately.

There are a few who carelessly booked flights within the first 7 days of the new regime and a very small proportion of those missed flights.   However, anyone who reads this kind of thread will know much better than to be first to try something new from the Thai authorities.

 

[Boy69]

3 hours ago, z909 said:

You need to upload 5 documents, in jpeg format and the authorities say the application will be processed within 7 working days.    Some are instant and some take 5~6 days.

This "easy process" and a night quarantine on arrival is a turn off for most potential tourists.

[Guest]

53 minutes ago, Boy69 said:

This "easy process" and a night quarantine on arrival is a turn off for most potential tourists.

The advantage of that is those of us who do decide to go to Thailand can get some great hotel rates, probably find plenty of space on the planes AND enjoy many attractions without crowding. 

It's not my problem if the process turns off most tourists.   That's a problem for the Thai economy and the people who rely on tourism.   I have some sympathy for the Thai people, but solving the governance issue is their responsibility, not mine.   Board rules prevent me from saying more.   

[Boy69]

21 minutes ago, z909 said:

The advantage of that is those of us who do decide to go to Thailand can get some great hotel rates, probably find plenty of space on the planes AND enjoy many attractions without crowding. 

It's not my problem if the process turns off most tourists.   That's a problem for the Thai economy and the people who rely on tourism.   I have some sympathy for the Thai people, but solving the governance issue is their responsibility, not mine.   Board rules prevent me from saying more.  

I agree but another turn off is the closure of entertainment venues till mid of January ( and in my opinion it will be longer than that because the current Thai government is determined to change the Thai int'l image to family friendly destination) I love Thailand and pay many visits over the past twenty years but the current situation and restrictions is making me wonder if it is still the land of smiles I used to love and cherish ?

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Boy69 said:

the current situation and restrictions is making me wonder if it is still the land of smiles I used to love and cherish ?

Probably not.

However, in 2021, the decision is all about choosing the best holiday options in 2021.   

What was available in 2019, 2006, or whatever year you choose to think of doesn't matter.    I make decisions looking forward. 

[vinapu]

7 hours ago, Boy69 said:

....the current situation and restrictions is making me wonder if it is still the land of smiles I used to love and cherish ?

ChaoPraya rives still flows her course to the sea and War Arun stands where it was before. I even venture that chicken with cashew nuts tastes still great and so does Singha beer. 

What is missing are bars and guys IN them but that doesn't mean all willing and handsome guy evaporated all of the sudden. They may be now on other side of bar door

[10tazione]

13 hours ago, z909 said:

The advantage of that is those of us who do decide to go to Thailand can get some great hotel rates, probably find plenty of space on the planes AND enjoy many attractions without crowding. 

It's not my problem if the process turns off most tourists.   That's a problem for the Thai economy and the people who rely on tourism.   I have some sympathy for the Thai people, but solving the governance issue is their responsibility, not mine.

100 % correct for me!!!

Even though holiday preparation was a pain and did'nt exactly go like planned (applied for COE, but embassy after long wait decided to decline and told me to reapply for Thailand Pass, so I have basically been forced to apply on the first day possible), I always had in my mind using the chance of seeing Thailand as long as there is only a low number of turists and famous sights are not totally overcrowded which under normal circumstances isnt possible anymore.

Hotels are embarrassingly cheap, I am having the huge pool for me alone, and very soon I will be heading off to one of the beautiful southern islands with an adorable cute boy I met in an open massage shop (could be right out of a BL series).

As Vinapu already announced, more details to come - but holiday comes first.

[Boy69]

2 hours ago, 10tazione said:

100 % correct for me!!!

Even though holiday preparation was a pain and did'nt exactly go like planned (applied for COE, but embassy after long wait decided to decline and told me to reapply for Thailand Pass, so I have basically been forced to apply on the first day possible), I always had in my mind using the chance of seeing Thailand as long as there is only a low number of turists and famous sights are not totally overcrowded which under normal circumstances isnt possible anymore.

Hotels are embarrassingly cheap, I am having the huge pool for me alone, and very soon I will be heading off to one of the beautiful southern islands with an adorable cute boy I met in an open massage shop (could be right out of a BL series).

As Vinapu already announced, more details to come - but holiday comes first.

Great !

Send us travel report and your experience with the your companion adorable boy .

[faranglaw]

Dear Husband and I, here in a gloomy Vancouver November, got our Thailand Passes approved without much trouble; we just followed the directions.  I also got my 3 month visa approved, again not much trouble.  Four days start to finish for all of this.  Yes, we will have to stay one night in a quarantine hotel, so we will see how that goes.  But it is not a huge turnoff to me, just a bit of extra expense.  

So we arrive late on November 29th, and will let you all know how it goes. We are hoping to travel freely in LOS by the end of the day on the 30th.  Very much looking forward to seeing his family and various acquaintances and friends we haven’t seen for two years.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, faranglaw said:

Dear Husband and I, here in a gloomy Vancouver November, got our Thailand Passes approved without much trouble

congratulations on being brave and we are waiting for report how things are

[10tazione]

Flight & Arrival in Phuket
Business class was full.
Economy Plus was about 15% full, seating was 2+4+2 and not all side rows were occupied with 1 or 2 people, the middle rows were completely empty.
Economy I am not sure, max 50% full, probably less, once I checked the seatings and the last third of the economy seats where completely empty.

On the plane they distributed the TM6 immigration card and later the distributed the T8 health form.
On arrival, first we were seated in rows and told to prepare the following documents: passport, immigration card, Thailand Pass and the pre-departure PCR test result. After someone checked all four docs are prepared, we had to queue for at health counter, were they kept the PCR test result. All this was done in less then 10 minutes. T8 was not needed.
Next to immigration, fingerprints and immigration card as usual, no queue at all. While walking to the baggage claim, I checked all the exchange boots (with really bad rates, no Superrich in Phuket), then bought a sim card and when I arrived at the baggage claim, my suitcase appeared within minutes.
Next step was the PCR test. Here the queue was a bit longer. First to the counter were they checked the PCR test booking (which in Phuket is separate from Hotel booking) and gave you the testing material. Then to the booth where they took the probe.
Exactly 1 hour after landing i was sitting in the taxi to Patong Beach and the clock for the test results was already ticking.
Check-In at the hotel was as smooth, I went to the room, registered my email adress for receiving the test result, took a shower and decided to unpack all my stuff despite yet knowing wether they will put me to jail or not.
4h after landing I got the test result. Actually I wasnt prepared it was that fast and if I didn't request an early check in I would have probably been still waiting in the hotel lobby when the result came. I called the reception and asked if I can leave the room now and they said yes you can.

All was really well organized!!!

Patong

I walked along the beach. Almost noone was wearing a mask. The hotel said "It is not that strict at the beach" and they were right. Later I checked some exchange boots. In the streets people were mostly wearing a mask. The best exchange rate I could find was 37.20 while interbank exchange rate was 37.76 Baht per Euro, so not Bangkok rates but better than ATM. Equipped with some Baht I was prepared to later explore the gay scene of Patong which is pretty small in normal years so I didn't expect too much.

The beach was alive but very far from full. Other beaches I checked out in the following days were almost empty. So whatever the number of turist arrivals is, it is definitely not enough for an island like Phuket! I had the feeling there were more taxi drivers and tour booths than turists. I think the bigger & better hotels are operating well since they can offer really low rates and still be profitable.

On the way to Paradise Complex I passed through Bang La Road, which is the walking street for our straight friends. It was pretty active I would say, noone needs to complain here! Some places were pretty packed, I actually wouldn't feel comfortable Covid-wise.

Paradise Complex consists of 3 parallel strips.
The first strip has 3-4 massage shops, all were open, looked more or less the same I remember it from 10 (?) years ago.
The second strip is where Aquarius Sauna is - looked pretty dark and deserted
The third strip is where the host and gogo bars are. About 3 host bars (Zig + Taeng Mo + ???) and Zag Club (normally a Gogo Club, but I think they were only playing music outside for the opposite Zig bar) was open. Peoplewise it was rather quiet. The good thing is that you can sit outside and don't have to go into the bars. The next day there was a travesty show, so that particular place was well visited.
Are they doing ok? I am not sure ... there were a few "for sale" signs in the street and it was unclear to me to which bars/buildings they were referring.
Did I do well? Yes I did. I went to the first host bar and spent a few rounds for the staff which consisted of about 5 boys, 2 of which were pretty cute twinks, the others "boys next door". "New boys" according to the owner. I guess this will be the motto in any of Thailands gay bars after reopening.
I decided to go upstairs with one of the 2 twinks, and while the massage was bad I still left happy.

The bars start closing at 11pm, I don't think they have to but they decided to because there are just not enough customers.

The next day I checked out the massage shops. Most boys a bit too effeminate for my taste. But in one of the shops I found the right guy. Massage was good and afters were great. At the time we finished the room was quite a mess ... this is what must happen after 2 years of lockdown.
As for taking a boy to the islands, that didnt turn out as planned; I am not sure what the problem was, but in the end he didnt want to leave his shop/friends and came up with different excuses why he couldnt go. The best one of was "I think I have Covid" ... is this the new "buffalo died"?

Thats pretty much it so far. In general I try to do most things (like eating at restaurants) outdoor. I wear a proper FFP2 mask when doing indoor activities like getting a regular massage. I dont wear a mask while doing boy stuff - that would spoil the fun and I roughly calculated it would need a few 1000 boys in Phuket to encounter one that has Covid ... by that number I will have died from exhaustion anyway. And they are well vaccinated as far as I can tell ... one boy had 2 x Pfizer, the other hat 2x Chinese + 1 Astrazeneca.

I also try to avoid being registered by name as you never know. I am not using the Mor Chana app since I was not able to register (Android; "Invalid Thailand Pass Information" - anyone else?) and am not too keen on being monitored anyway. There is now an update of the app but I don't want to try if it works.
At arrival I got a rapid test which I did after 6 days and took a few fotos of the negative result in case someone would want to see it. I also brought some rapid tests from home, so I will check every 5 days or so. So far the only things they seem to care is the Thailand Pass, the release form of the first hotel where I did the "quarantine night" and the vaccination certificates, I needed these for checking in at a different hotel and when taking transport.

[Boy69]

55 minutes ago, 10tazione said:

As for taking a boy to the islands, that didnt turn out as planned; I am not sure what the problem was, but in the end he didnt want to leave his shop/friends and came up with different excuses why he couldnt go. The best one of was "I think I have Covid" ... is this the new "buffalo died"?

So typical to Thai  boys they are moody and unreliable ,Too bad it didn't turn the way you wanted traveling with him.

 

Keep us updated .