Third time lucky - December 2021 trip to Thailand in covid time

[vinapu]

It was supposed to be Jun 2020 trip but Thailand did not let us in, then I tried my luck for October this year but canceled it. When Thai Pass came to an effect I decided to finally utilize that prehistoric  ticket I bought back on Dec 3, 2019 for Jun 2020.

And here I'm, feeling like chewing gum after 27 hrs trek, locked in my hotel room, waiting for a nurse to come and take my sample for dreaded PCR test. 

First time took Swiss and must say that their good reputation is well deserved, massive Boeing 777 plane was surprisingly full with plenty of mixed Thai-Caucasian couples prominently visible in statistic sample and a lot of young people. 

Few nice surprises on arrival. Thai bashers will be disappointed to hear that admission process was extremely efficiently conducted, well organized and well staffed. In reality they want to see your passport, Thai Pass QR code, immigration T6 form or whatever it'called AND YOUR BOARDING PASS FROM LEG BRINGING YOU TO THAILAND, somewhat unexpected.

At 6 am weather  extremely pleasant, perhaps no more than balmy 23,even now at 9.30 I' m sitting in my room with balcony door wide opened, AC turned off and all that in the room actually facing the sun.

Traffic was also light, Sunday morning has it' s charms. 

Dtac booth selling Sim cards was opened, just past luggage belts and I noticed 1 exchange booth open but rates were kind disappointing so I did not change money there. 

Somebody reported messy and disorganized taxi procedure but it was not my experience,as you leave customs area there tables with names of participating hotels and somebody will lead you to your car from there. I must say I need to bite my tongue not to ask my hotel representative if he would be interested in LT since he will be right in place on the Moonlight stage. 

That is it for now, I will try to update you guys but test, results and well deserved rest first before I even venture anywhere from my temporary and quite pleasant confinement. 

 

[TotallyOz]

Welcome to LOS!

[Gaybutton]

38 minutes ago, vinapu said:

YOUR BOARDING PASS FROM LEG BRINGING YOU TO THAILAND, somewhat unexpected

 

I'm not surprised by that.  My guess is they want to make sure, if a leg took you to a country Thailand has currently banned, that you were simply in transit and did not spend time there.  Of course, if you had spent time in a banned country I doubt they would have let you board to continue on to Thailand - either that or who knows what might have happened upon arrival in Thailand.

In any case, no matter what their reason was, I'm glad you made it and had a trouble-free experience upon arrival.

My next question is why did you go now, before the bars and entertainment venues have opened?  And now, because of the Omicron variant, they are already talking about postponing the reopenings even further.

How long will you be in Thailand before returning home?

[Guest]

54 minutes ago, vinapu said:

 AND YOUR BOARDING PASS FROM LEG BRINGING YOU TO THAILAND, somewhat unexpected.

Glad to hear you also encountered an efficient arrivals process and welcome to Thailand !

As for the boarding pass, I did try to reduce the element of surprise with a similar warning last week.  Were you too busy packing to read it ?🙄

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

I'm not surprised by that.  My guess is they want to make sure, if a leg took you to a country Thailand has currently banned, that you were simply in transit and did not spend time there.  Of course, if you had spent time in a banned country I doubt they would have let you board to continue on to Thailand - either that or who knows what might have happened upon arrival in Thailand.

In any case, no matter what their reason was, I'm glad you made it and had a trouble-free experience upon arrival.

My next question is why did you go now, before the bars and entertainment venues have opened?  And now, because of the Omicron variant, they are already talking about postponing the reopenings even further.

How long will you be in Thailand before returning home?

Boarding pass will not tell how long we were somewhere but has one piece of information I believe they are looking for - where we were seated in case some case will be detected aboard. 

Yes I noticed z909 was equally surprised but I decided to stress it again as people may tend to dispose boarding passes  as soon as they are seated aboard. 

As for your question,, why now,,? It was mainly to act on old Lenin's question: "if not us, then who?, if not now then when"? 

Reasons were few :I waned to utilize my old ticket before airline gives any sort of deadline which may or may nor suit me in the future- there are months wheb traveling would be financially suicidal for me.

Curiosity to see  how it is now, desire to be that early bird catching the worm, few quite encouraging messages from members on the ground already are other reasons. 

I always say that we need only one bar and only one guy in that bar so it's time I act on my own wisdom I decided. Holding ticket paid already exactly 2 years ago to a day and very economical hotel prices are other reasons. Desire to see celebrations of closure of Halampong was other point as I, m and always were railwayman by heart.

Not to mention fun of  attending midnight mass at HOLY Redeemer on Christmas Eve. Two years of staying at home helped to built my own travel fund beyond expectations. And you know what? I simply missed Thailand and now sitting on the balcony of my prison I see I missed her even more than I thought. 

Since I,m already vaccinated my reasoning is I Don't need to worry about getting sick, they are always others who do, right? 

While point about bars is valid there's danger thet it may be very long before they open in former format, another point of not waiting. 

And there's sense of adventure to go when not many do, although plane yesterday was almost full, traffic in all airports on my way was noticeably reduced even for time of year. 

I was thinking about January but I may have something coming up, that' one and if it, what stops me from returning in January again, not likely but not impossible either.

So reasons are many and none IMNSHO particularly stupid. Whether trip was good use of time and resources remains to be seen when it be over. 

Hope that answers your question. 

 

 

[Londoner]

I'm envious! And delighted to see that entry was painless....even a little thing like being able to buy a SIM.

I hope we can look forward to daily updates. 

[Gaybutton]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

Hope that answers your question.

It does.  I hope all goes well and you enjoy your time in Thailand.

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, Gaybutton said:

  I hope all goes well and you enjoy your time in Thailand.

I already do even if I'm imprisoned in my room and slept alone good part of the day. Sleeping with open window in Thailand, it must be my first. 

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, Londoner said:

I'm envious! And delighted to see that entry was painless....even a little thing like being able to buy a SIM.

I hope we can look forward to daily updates. 

It was indeed but preparation all those documents  before entry was a bit intimidating not to mention annoying but I, m sure, worth it. Gnash your teeth and do it. 

Good news is, nobody mentioned Morchana app or whatever is called. 

As for daily updates don't  count on it but I'll try if only because I don't like my new tablet and if weather like today will hold it may be problem for me to stay indoors unless forced by suitable company. 

[rollingstone]

Looking forward to your daily update and hopefully you are not going to write the episodes only after you return to your home country. Looking for updates on bars, massage joints in particular. 

I am booked up to go to Bangkok in two weeks time but I might not eventually be going - can always reschedule.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, rollingstone said:

Looking forward to your daily update and hopefully you are not going to write the episodes only after you return to your home country. Looking for updates on bars, massage joints in particular. 

I am booked up to go to Bangkok in two weeks time but I might not eventually be going - can always reschedule.

Don' t spit on me but it will be exactly what will happen. I will keep you posted about tourist stuff since it was my thirst up to 3 days ago so I understand the needs but manly stuff will wait until I return. 

As for your trip you are best placed to made informed decision based on your priorities and circumstances. All I can say now it' s I' m very happy I braved to come, at least after 1 day. 

 

[vinapu]

As confinement started to wear on me precisely at 9.55 P. M. phone buzzed and YES positive I. E. negative result came. At time when decent people start making their beds I left my comfy prison heading to nearby BTS. It looks that ticket machines are revamped and are taking only coins now, at least that was my impression, will check again.

Vagons are revamped, some seats are removed to make more standing room. As I entered, to remind me paradise is near I was greeted by commercial poster featuring two BL actors, Mark and his partner, can' t recall his name now. Then across from me in company of the girl was sitting guy I recall from one of massage parlors. 

Silom was quite deserted, Sunday night after all but still few vendors, few massage places opened, in one close to former Robinson I noticed stunner playing with cat. Soi 4 quite full, forget social distancing. Some bars crowded, some less so but none empty. Jupiter opened with karaoke inside and tables outside. Had beer and YES, got lucky. Not very lucky as I' m Longtimer but lucky enough so good start. 

Walking  Silom from Narathiwas to Charon Krung I noticed very empty street, I saw, more rats than people, not that were too many of them. And street was very clean, almost no garbage anywhere. And with that emptiness of darkened street I had a thought- where the fuck in the world you can walk at night completely empty  quite long stretch of the street in the city with multi million population and feel relaxed and safe? 

Next time you start complaining about this or that in Thailand remember that I walked alone to tell the tale without any heart pumping. 

Very mild temperatures now so I slept, if one can call 3 hours sleep "sleep" as jet lag is ravaging me, with wide open balcony door and was waked up by feeling hungry and sound of crowing cock. Go figure, in the middle of 10 million city!!! 

No doubt I' d like to have something to do with other cock at that hour but ifyou don' t have what you like, you like and enjoy what you have. 

 

[vinapu]

Dear and beloved readers. 

As I mentioned I hate typing on my new tablet, it's just too sensitive so most of my posts are coming in installments I. E. I write a bit, post and add  more under,, edit,,. Point is don, t read too soon after i posted it as more may to come/ if you care of course/

[Guest]

Typing on a tablet is not ideal but with predictive typing it is better than using my Bluetooth keyboard, which I decided to leave at home this time.

Editing is more tricky.   If I quote someone, then change my mind, it's impossible to delete the quote.

As for the rats, I do wonder why the cats look so underfed with so much food to be caught.

[thaiophilus]

On 12/5/2021 at 2:39 AM, vinapu said:

 I noticed 1 exchange booth open but rates were kind disappointing so I did not change money there. 
 

In the airport proper, or down in the basement?

In normal times, if you need to change money at the airport it's best to go down to the basement, where there are several money exchanges. Because it's technically the airport rail link terminal, it is outside the cartel that the banks run in the airport proper and the rates are significantly better (several percent, not fractions of a penny).

Of course "normal times" don't apply so I don't know whether the exchanges are operating at present.

[thaiophilus]

On 12/5/2021 at 3:19 AM, Gaybutton said:

YOUR BOARDING PASS FROM LEG BRINGING YOU TO THAILAND, somewhat unexpected

I'm not surprised by that.  My guess is they want to make sure, if a leg took you to a country Thailand has currently banned, that you were simply in transit and did not spend time there. 

or it could just be TiT bureaucracy. They were asking for boarding cards for no obvious reason when I last arrived back in 2019.

I never destroy the paperwork until the journey is completely finished. (Baggage receipt in particular: some countries actually require it before you can pick up your bag!)

[vinapu]

Airport exchange booth was by the luggage belts. Because of covid I was, whisked to the waiting taxi so no chance to see whether booths at railway station are opened. What I noticed in Silom area few booths are closed presumably due to lack of tourists. 

I like to steer you to a "" Silom bars" thread where I posted a bit about Dreamboys show. As you see, live is slowly going back to normal. There was some movements I Hot Male outside too but did not have a chance to check it out yet. Soi 4 on Monday was, less busy but by no means deserted although at Jupiter it seemed only waiters were present and perhaps two boys but it could change later. 

Bars are starting earlier, at 8 but also closing earlier, at 11.

Walked certain twink to a taxi past midnight through Patpong 1 and few bars were showing sign of life. On another hand atop of Mahanakhon between 10 and 10.50 apart from first arrival I. E. me only 3 other tourists appeared, one of them stepped on the glass platform, but I was first anyways. 

Lunching with another forum member  at world famous, 5 Michelin stars Foodland Patpong restaurant between 1 and 2 it was almost empty as well with more staff than diners.

Quarter Silom, new hotel in soi 6, just past Tawan or at least when Tawan once was, perish the thought is very modern and well appointed, even with a pool and a gym. Rooms not too big but very well appointed and organized, I liked long desk particularly. There's breakfast buffet, well stuffed particularly with Asian style food, if not included in room rate one needs to splash 129 baht. 

Kind of novelty are almost universal so far( 3 out of 4) requests for deposits at check-in, either 1000 or 500 so be prepared with cash or card number. Whether it's new trend or just kind of my bad luck remains to be seen. 

Dragon fruits are quite big this year so it looks covid works well for that crop. 

And jet lag is still killing me, as usual 3rd day is the worst. Getting old is no fun, jet lags, twinks and other disasters don't compensate for a fact that from time to time somebody yields the seat in the subway car or bus. 

[numazu]

I just want to give my most heartfelt thanks to @vinapu for taking the plunge on not only visiting Thailand during these uncertain times, but also to document, in almost real time, his exploits. The trip reports continue to be the bread and butter of this forum, and @vinapu your perspective is always welcome and greatly appreciated, in my world.

I have completely written off Thailand for at least this holiday season. While I'm glad that things look like they are slowly getting back to normal, some of the uncertainties still make me feel that I won't be able to enjoy myself as much as i would, like the usual New Year circuit parties for example, have not been reinstated, as far as i know. I am heading to Mexico and Brazil for Christmas and New year, but who knows after that. 

Maybe Songkran next year will be a thing?

And @vinapu please continue this trip report! Maybe you will have a monodiet of twinks this trip. I havent been dining on twinks lately. Too many muscle gods taking up my time in Brazil.

[vinapu]

Sorry guys for lack of updates but I found chapel for quiet contemplation and I' kind of busy. Will write soon but pleased to inform you that things are picking up, I'd say, by the day at least In BKK but will have news from Pattaya as well. Working on certain travel guide to go there with me as I,m afraid I may be lost in Ekkamai or something. 

Dearth of tourists is visible so if you are thinking of coming, just do it for YKW sake

 

[Boy69]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

Working on certain travel guide to go there with me as I,m afraid I may be lost in Ekkamai or something. 

Ekkamai is far away and unpleasant ,It's better to take the bus to Pattaya from Mochit bus station or the airport bus from Suvarnabhumi .

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Boy69 said:

 

Quote

The Vinapu comment was "lost in Ekkamai".  I'll bet he doesn't go anywhere near there.

[thaiophilus]

14 hours ago, Boy69 said:

Ekkamai is far away and unpleasant ,It's better to take the bus to Pattaya from Mochit bus station or the airport bus from Suvarnabhumi .

??? surely "far away and unpleasant" best describes Sai Tai Mai, which isn't near anywhere.

I'd say Ekamai is accessible and compact. It's right by the BTS station of the same name, so unlike Mochit you don't need a taxi. Also it's so small you can't get lost, unlike Mochit. Tickets for the Pattaya buses are sold at the rightmost counter and the buses leave from platform 1.  Simples.

However, if you're going from Suvarnabhumi, don't overlook the Bell buses. Pre-booked only, about every 2 hours during the day, about twice the price of the regular buses, but that includes minibus shuttle to your hotel.

[vinapu]

On 12/8/2021 at 2:27 AM, numazu said:

@vinapu@vinapu

And @vinapu please continue this trip report! Maybe you will have a monodiet of twinks this trip. I havent been dining on twinks lately. Too many muscle gods taking up my time in Brazil.

No chance on twink monodiet as I found suitable hunk 😀and I, m on 3/5 monodiet now. As for parties they won,t  probably happen for New Year but can be arranged which happened to me on Wed when innocent after massage beer invitation turned into well attended one. I never know l can walk that fast being somewhat quite drunk and I even liked sound of my voice singing Russian military song,, Raise immense Country,, ( Vstavay strana ogromnaya for you Russian readers if any) in original in Raya's elevator just past midnight. 

So I'd not be worrying about lack of parties. 

[vinapu]

15 hours ago, Boy69 said:

Ekkamai is far away and unpleasant ,It's better to take the bus to Pattaya from Mochit bus station or the airport bus from Suvarnabhumi .

I think you mixed  both stations, why one going to Pattaya would go to Morchit which is in other direction unless living near there?

I agree about airport bus being best option, easy to get to and bus is not stuck I traffic. In Pattaya airport bus station is, just walking distance from Jomtien complex. 

[vinapu]

Speaking about transport options - yesterday I surveyed new SRT red lines from Bang Sue stations. Shiny and fast. About 10 minutes to Don Muang airprt, trains every 20 MINS, go all the way to Rangsit. 42 baht to Rangsit.  Another one  goes other way, across the river to Bang Bamru terminating in some Tailing Chan or something, I forgot no, convenient for unique boat shaped Wat Chelo. 

On another hand old, rickety train from  Hualampong took 1 hour to Don Muang while with new train with need to take Mrt to Grand BaNg Sue Station, than walk to platform  and again walk quite a bit at Don Muang one easily can be there in mere 60 minutes. Conveniently as you walk from SRT to terminal there,s Street food mall on the way so yoy can have your fill.

I,m bit sarcastic here and it, s not warranted since I really liked it but it,s good to be realistic with timing. New SRT station is also at south end of terminal while old one is just across with much lass, walking. Anyways as we know on 23 rd Hualampong option becomes history.

Bang Sue is a monster of the building as far as size goesvbut eye pleasing from outside and all. It needs is a shuttle from old station there, elevated or in the tunnel. 

It, s also prepared for the furore with " HIGH SPEED TRAINS" pointers installed already. You build it and they will come.