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From Pattaya Mail Thailand Covid visa extensions By Barry Kenyon Chonburi Immigration is confirming this morning, Wednesday 26 January, that visa extensions based on the Covid discretion are now restricted. Eligible foreigners are those who originally entered the country on a 60 days tourist visa, granted by a Thai diplomatic post abroad, or with 30 days visa exempt stamped at Bangkok airport. Holders of non-immigrant visas of any kind cannot now extend or renew their stay by using the Covid route. Obviously, they can continue to obtain extensions of stay if they qualify under the rules of that non-immigrant visa. For example, holders of non-immigrant visas based on retirement can continue to obtain their annual extensions provided they have the necessary bank or embassy documentation as in the past. Holders of non-immigrant visas of any kind cannot now extend or renew their stay by using the Covid route. Obviously, they can continue to obtain extensions of stay if they qualify under the rules of that non-immigrant visa. For example, holders of non-immigrant visas based on retirement can continue to obtain their annual extensions provided they have the necessary bank or embassy documentation as in the past. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/confirmatory-updates-for-thailand-covid-visa-extensions-387454 ============================== From Richardbarrow.com Many tourists cancelled plans to visit Koh Samet in Rayong after authorities imposed a compulsory 330 baht fee to do an ATK test. Local businesses are pleading for the rule to be revoked before the tourism industry is further damaged

Thailand and Saudi Arabia Tuesday agreed to restore full diplomatic relations for the first time in more than three decades with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha expressing regret over a series of “tragic cases” involving a 50-carat blue diamond that had soured ties. The Thai Enquirer attempts to explain the convoluted history of the one of the strangest series of crimes in the nation's history. From Thai Enquirer By Erich Parpart and Cod Satrusayang The visit of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday will mark the first high-level talks, in fact the highest level talks, between the two kingdoms in more than 30 years. Bilateral ties between the two kingdoms have been broken since the “Blue Diamond” incident in 1989. For those that don’t remember, in 1989, a Thai migrant worker, Kriangkrai Techamong, stole $20 million US dollars worth of diamonds from the palace of Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd and fled home. One of the stolen pieces of jewelry was a 50-carat blue diamond which was believed to be one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Kriangkrai was arrested in 1990 and he confessed to the crime and he said he decided to give back all of the stolen jewelry that he had yet to sell. Diplomatic fiasco But that was not the reason for the diplomatic row. All Prince Faisal wanted was the return of the diamonds, if they were returned, there would be no diplomatic consequences assured the Saudis. What led to diplomatic tension was after the police, led by Lieutenant-General Chalor Kerdthes and his team, arrested Kriangkrai they said they would returned the Diamonds. But instead, what was sent back was fake jewelry. Most importantly, the blue diamond was not part of cache. The police blamed a fence, Santi Srithanakhan, but Santi denies those charges. Many newspapers at the time began pointing fingers at the police. To make matters worse, when the Saudis sent two diplomats to Thailand to help with the investigation, they were killed by unknown actors. Another Saudi businessman that had knowledge of the investigation went missing in February 1990. All three cases were never solved. In 1994, Chalor and his team kidnapped Santi’s wife and son to force Santi into revealing his accomplices. Chalor ended up killing the wife and son. Chalor was sentenced to death in 2009 but he received a royal pardon which reduced his sentence by fifty years. He was later released after spending 19 years in jail. Resuming ties To this day no one knows the whereabouts of the diamonds and what happened to the Saudi diplomats. The incident has been a stain on relations for the past 30 years, something Prayut Chan-ocha wants to rectify this week. But the Prime Minister will have little to work with, even insiders within the military and the police are unsure about the real going-ons in the Blue Diamond case. Rumors among the elite and high society circles have circulated for decades about the possible whereabouts of the Blue Diamond. Some say the diamond was cut up and its parts distributed to the elite in Thai society to keep the murderer’s identity safe. The truth is we will probably never know. https://www.thaienquirer.com/36880/the-blue-diamond-affair-explained/

From Bangkok Post Hospital dean predicts end to pandemic The world could be approaching the end of the Covid-19 pandemic later this year, as evidenced by the rapid-spreading but less-severe Omicron variant, according to the dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa said on Tuesday the spread of Omicron would result in the majority of people surviving an infection with the virus and developing immunity. "The fast-spreading Omicron will replace the more severe Delta variant and this indicates that we are in the latter period of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said. "If the majority of the world's population has Covid-19 and they survive and develop immunity, this will lead to an end of the Covid-19 pandemic, because the global population will have enough immunity, both through vaccination and an infection that is not severe," Prof Prasit said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2253215/hospital-dean-predicts-end-to-pandemic

What makes this even more tragic is the fact that several news sources report that the parties had previously had a cordial relationship, even drinking and joking together on earlier occasions. The extreme violent reaction may have been fueled by a combination of alcohol and mental illness. It brings to mind similar reactions in road rage incidents and even domestic arguments. If there's a lesson here, it's that deescalation may not only be the reasonable course of action, it may be the one that saves your life.

As Vinapu observed, the decision whether to travel to Thailand under the revised Test and Go policy needs to be made on an individual basis. What is acceptable to one may be unacceptable to another due to a wide array of factors ranging from health. affordability, time constraints and simply uncertainty itself. In my own case, my biggest concern is acquiring the Omicron virus between the first and second shot. However, it's not that I anticipate serious symptoms--if there even are any symptoms--will be debilitating, it's the 10-days of enforced isolation that would follow. Also, I'm ticketed for departure on Feb. 7. Since I can't apply for the pass until Feb. 1, there's a high probability it would not get approved in time. In that scenario, I lose my investment in two quarantine hotel reservations and insurance premium. Although I'm retired and have more flexibility, those using vacation time would be more than a little inconvenienced. I think z909's "No unnecessary quarantine = no unnecessary quarantine costs" pretty much sums it up. ================================================= I spent some time yesterday looking for ASQ hotels and found the same thing with Agoda and other sites (i.e., Expedia, Booking.com). Many of the hotels that were offering "Test-and-Go" options under the original version don't currently appear. This may change in coming days as more hotels populate the consolidated booking sites. You need to be very cautious when booking on line. Fewer hotels seem to offer cancellation options. If you have specific hotels in mind, calling or emailing them directly may be your best bet.

From Ricardbarrow.com There were 2,705 international arrivals in Phuket yesterday on 18 flights. Out of the 64,616 arrivals during January, 4.35% tested positive. Yesterday, 5 Test & Go people and 120 Sandbox people tested positive during their 1st and 2nd Covid tests.

From Bangkok Post More Covid-19 insurance options for foreign tourists Foreign tourists are likely to have more insurance options to cover hospitel and hotel isolation expenses in Thailand as the government is trying to solve the problem of Covid-infected tourists refusing to pay for medication or running away from hotels. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, said the government is discussing with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) offering Covid-19 insurance options for vaccinated tourists whose travel insurance does not cover medical expenditure for hospitels or hotel isolation for mild asymptomatic cases. A new ruling from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last week stipulated that if a tourist's insurance doesn't cover all medical expenses for Covid-19 infection, they are responsible for such expenditure themselves. Mr Yuthasak said this means both hotels who let guests slip through the monitoring process and guests who refuse to pay their medical expenses will face legal action. The CCSA subcommittee still needs to discuss in detail insurance options and punishment. In principle, insurance premiums might start from 800 baht per person to cover the hotel isolation cost, which starts from 30,000 baht, he said. "We previously sought cooperation from hotels to look after guests during the health screening process. The new rule mandates strict compliance with health measures. Hotels cannot be careless about the process or they risk being delisted from Thailand Pass registration, rendering them unable to welcome any inbound guests," said Mr Yuthasak. During the past few months of the Test & Go scheme, there were several reports about infected tourists who went missing from hotels. Some hotel guests refused to be taken to hospitals because they were worried about expenses, said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA). According to reports from hotels, the main problems were insufficient hospital beds and high medical expenditure at hospitals. Some tourists were also worried their insurance claims might be rejected because their policies don't cover medical treatment in hospitels or hotel isolation, though these have become popular options for asymptomatic patients in Thailand. "Insurance options will help cover expenditure in case tourists become infected with Covid-19 or have high-risk contact that requires isolation," she said. With hotel operations during the pandemic so challenging because of higher costs associated with hiring more staff for extra health checks at their properties, THA disagrees with punishments for hotels in the new CCSA ruling. This rule will hurt small operators that have tight operational budgets and cannot afford to increase manpower immediately, unlike larger hoteliers, said Mrs Marisa. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2252343/more-covid-19-insurance-options-for-foreign-tourists

From Tourism Authority of Thailand UPDATED! TEST & GO scheme resumed from 1 February 2022 From 1 February, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance. Eligible travellers • Thai citizens. • Foreign travellers, including but not limited to diplomats, guests of the government, Thai work permit holders, students and their family, and patients seeking medical treatment. Eligible countries • All countries/territories. Pre-Arrival Requirements All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand: A Thailand Pass, which can be applied via https://tp.consular.go.th/. *The system will reopen for new TEST & GO applications from 1 February, 2022 (09.00 Hrs. Thailand Time) A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling. Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents with a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before travelling, are not required to have a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test result and can have a saliva test when entering the Kingdom. For arrivals by water, everyone on board the vessels must have a medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected within the officially specified time frame. Anyone on aboard with a history of COVID-19 infection within a period between 14-90 days must have a medical certificate of recovery. An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000. Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand’s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement. A proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s, such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5, and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5. The prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel. *Travellers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result. A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery Everyone 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand. Travellers 12-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine. Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement. Travellers 6-11 years of age, travelling with parents, are exempt from this requirement. For arrivals by water, everyone on board must be fully vaccinated. This is except for travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians. Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection who have recovered by medical treatment, and travellers who have received at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine after post-infection must have a certificate of COVID-19 recovery. All travellers must undergo ‘exit screening’ at the point of departure, i.e., at the airline check-in counter and present the required documents to the person-in-charge to carry out the checks. On-Arrival Requirements / During the Stay All travellers must undergo ‘entry screening’, including body temperature check at the point of entry. Present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks, then proceed through the Immigration procedures. Proceed to the prearranged accommodation or medical facility to undergo the first RT-PCR test. The trip must be by a prearranged vehicle on a sealed route. Then, all travellers must wait for the test result within the hotel only. Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents, can have a saliva test. If testing negative for COVID-19, travellers are free to go anywhere in Thailand. However, they must stay at their prepaid accommodation on Day 5 and undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result.) The second test can also be taken when the travellers experience respiratory symptoms. Travellers whose test result returns as positive will be referred for appropriate medical treatment in accordance with Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expenses must be covered by the required insurance for foreign travellers, or national healthcare coverage for Thais and eligible foreign expatriates. Pending on their conditions, they may be medically advised to receive treatment in either hospital hotel isolation or community isolation. During receiving the medical treatment – at least 10 days, they must remain in their accommodation only. They should not leave their accommodation unless utmost necessary, and must notify the Communicable Disease Control officer in-charge. After having recovered from COVID-19, they will receive a medical certificate of recovery. While in Thailand, travellers are advised to strictly follow standard, good personal hygiene practices; such as, wear a mask in public, maintain hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer), and keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive they must get an appropriate medical treatment. Those with COVID-19 testing appointment must get tested. All travellers must download and install the MorChana application, and set it on at all times for the COVID-19 precautionary measures and to record the result on Day 5-6 in the application. Meanwhile, travellers who have applied/obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December, 2021, with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from 24 December, 2021, onwards, are still required to undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost). Guidelines for Domestic/International Departure For domestic departure, travellers must show proof that they have received a negative result for their RT-PCR test. For international departure, it is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure. Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on www.tatnews.org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation. https://www.tatnews.org/2022/01/thailand-reopening-exemption-from-quarantine-test-go/

It certainly seems that way. From Chanel News Asia One surrendered Hong Kong hamster tests COVID positive as city lockdown grows HONG KONG: Hong Kong authorities said on Sunday (Jan 23) one hamster surrendered to authorities by pet owners had tested positive for COVID-19 and that more than 2,200 hamsters had been culled as the city struggled to contain an outbreak. On Tuesday, officials ordered the killing of hamsters from dozens of pet shops after tracing a coronavirus outbreak to a worker at a shop and asked people to surrender any bought on or after Dec 22. While a handful of hamsters had already tested positive for the virus, this latest case is the first involving a hamster in the care of a pet-owner that had tested positive. Despite a public outcry against the hamster crackdown, authorities urged pet-owners to continue to hand over their tiny furry pets given burgeoning health risks. "(The government) strongly advises members of the public again to surrender ... as soon as possible their hamsters purchased in local pet shops on or after December 22, 2021 for humane dispatch," the government said in a statement. As of Jan 22, a total of 2,512 animals, including 2,229 hamsters, had been "humanely dispatched" according to a government statement. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/surrendered-hong-kong-hamster-covid-19-positive-lockdown-2454076

The only way tourists can enter Vietnam is through organized tours of select locations, according to procedures announced today. It appears that it will be months before more liberal policies are adopted. From Vietnam News Those wishing to enter Việt Nam for tourism purposes can do so by joining tour groups under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism’s pilot inbound tourism programme for fully vaccinated arrivals. Under this vaccine passport-based scheme aimed at reviving international tourism after two years of pandemic, foreign tourists could go to five destinations in Việt Nam – Phú Quốc (Kiên Giang Province), Nha Trang (Khánh Hoà), Đà Nẵng, Hội An (Quảng Nam), and Quảng Ninh, with Bình Định and HCM City soon to reopen as well. https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1118745/immigration-department-issues-relaxed-entry-protocols-for-foreign-nationals-overseas-vietnamese.html

From The Thaiger Attacker arrested in stabbing Police in the western province of Kanchanaburi now believe that a man they took into custody is responsible for a brutal knife attack on two British men that resulted in one of their deaths. Yesterday morning at 8:49 am, police found and apprehended a 23-year old Thai man that many suspected was the assailant in the stabbing. New reporting revealed that Prasut Thipthep was arrested very nearby the crimes he’s alleged to have committed when police found him just across the street from the house that had been rented by the British men who were attacked. He was said to be hiding in a room that belonged to a relative. It was reported that the attacker has a history of mental health issues, with hospital records for previous problems. After the crime was committed, angry residents, believing he was responsible for the grisly murder, attacked and beat the suspect enough that he had to be sent to the hospital for treatment. Sufficient evidence was left behind at the scene of the crime including the sickle-shaped knife used in the stabbing and a pair of slippers shoes believed to be owned by the attacker. The man remains in police custody and will be held at the Muang District Police Station for further investigation. He’s been charged with murder and attempted murder for the incident. According to police, the two British men were playing loud music on a radio in front of their house after 3 am as they sat at a table drinking beers. They were surprised by a Thai man with a long sickle-shaped knife confronting them and attacking them. It is thought that the attack may have been provoked because the Thai man was upset by the loud music late at night 55 year old Shaun Kevin Dagnan (previously reported as Sean Kewin) suffered serious wounds from stabbing when was admitted for emergency treatment in the nearest hospital. New Reports say that while his life is no longer in danger, she is still being treated closely at Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital for his wounds. But 49 year old John Marcus was found face down in a pool of blood near his chair in front of the house with a stabbing to his neck that, despite the hospital’s best efforts, resulted in his death. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/attacker-arrested-in-stabbing-of-2-british-men-in-kanchanaburi

From Thai PBS World A Briton was killed and his compatriot was seriously injured after a Thai man attacked them with a sickle-shaped long knife in front of a house in Muang district of the western province of Kanchanaburi early Saturday morning. Thai police identified the deceased as 49-year old John Marcus and the survivor as Sean Kewin, 55. Police said that the two Britons were drinking at a table in front of their house, while music playing on a radio, when the assailant attacked them. Both were rushed to the nearest hospital, but Marcus died from a wound to his neck, while Kewin was admitted for emergency treatment. Police suspect that the assailant could be a resident of the same neighbourhood, who reportedly has a history of mental treatment and who exhibited recent injuries, possible suffered during the fight with the two Britons. At the time of this report, police were still looking for the perpetrator. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/briton-killed-and-another-seriously-injured-in-knife-attack-in-kanchanaburi/

Given the current restrictions toward international arrivals (especially the ridiculous second pcr test), I'll be among those postponing my next trip (ticketed in early February) for several months. When you consider that Thailand is receiving fully vaccinated and tested tourists before they even land in the country, the additional testing requirements constitute unnecessary anxiety and expense. I'd be spending the first 5-6 days (after the first test) primarily worrying if I'm going to test positive on the second. That's not a formula for a pleasant stay. The hodgepodge of new hoops you have to jump through just to get the pass should be sufficient as long as I observe the same protocols expected of Thai citizens when out in public. The imposition of the second test could find the visitor restricted to a quarantine hotel room--or some other facility--for 10 days. Even if my visa was extended (as described in the article below), I still may be facing additional change fees or a different fare basis depending on conditions at the time. =========================== Phuket Immigration visiting those in Hotel Isolation to extend visas After the story went viral of a man being charged for an overstay because he was locked in Hotel Isolation after testing positive for Covid-19, Phuket is taking action. The Immigration Chief of Phuket is sending staff around to local hotels to make sure that people caught in a 10-day Hotel Isolation do not have their visas expire. If a traveller tests positive for Covid-19 while in Thailand, they are subject to a mandatory isolation period of 10 days, but what if their immigration stamp ends in 5? Authorities tout their new plan as a proactive step to keep people on the right side of the law, by offering this convenience they say builds trust and shows that Phuket is taking care of their tourists. The immigration Chief explained that Phuket is remaining vigilant against the spreading Omicron variant throughout the world. He also conceded that this abundance of caution can create difficult situations and inconveniences for people travelling, especially if they catch the virus while on holiday here. “During the second test on Day 5 or Day 6, many tourists are testing positive. Therefore, they have to be brought under the treatment process according to public health measures, either in ‘Hotel Quarantine’ or ‘High-Risk Contact’ quarantine. But during the quarantine period, the tourist visa period may be nearing its expiration and the tourists are unable to travel to extend the visa by themselves. Therefore, Phuket Immigration is proactive in providing visa extension services, which is convenient for tourists by coordinating with accommodation operators where tourists have been detained for a period of one week.” He said that the new hotel visit initiative from immigration will help tourists staying in over 200 properties on the island make sure that their visas are in good standing. He also observed that it was a good chance for officials to answer any questions and explain Covid-19 safety measures, something authorities were out in force in tourist hotspots doing over the past two nights. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-immigration-visiting-those-in-hotel-isolation-to-extend-visas ======================================== The following quote from the above article poses more questions than it answers: "“During the second test on Day 5 or Day 6, many tourists are testing positive." How many is many? 5, 50, 500?

Although I prefer to regain my wellness in Bangkok, I think this proposal is a worthy idea. Now if authorities can only come to realize that the best way to make it a reality is to make Thailand accessible as it was in 2019. 'Wellness' Sandbox touted The government is set to promote Hua Hin and Cha-am as Thailand's “Wellness Sandbox” to attract health-conscious tourists from around the world. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday that the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (Cesa) approved in principle the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) proposal to promote the "Thailand Wellness Sandbox" for Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Cha-am district of Phetchaburi. According to the spokesman, Hua Hin and Cha-am will be touted as destinations for wellness tourism targeting tourists from neighbouring countries in Asean as well as from Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Canada. Health-related products and services in both districts will be highlighted, along with the "Thailand Riviera" campaign to attract visitors to coastal destinations in the South, Mr Thanakorn said. Efforts will be made to ensure tourists receive international-standard services, he said. Cesa also instructed TAT to consider expanding wellness promotion to other regions, Mr Thanakorn said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2251671/government-to-plug-wellness-sandbox

From richardbarrow.com Infection rate of international arrivals tested during their first week in Thailand: 1-20 January: 3.52% (139,633) Test & Go: 3.77% Sandbox: 3.78% Quarantine: 2.16% ===================================== Bangkok Airways to fly twice daily sealed-route Bangkok-Phuket flights from 1 February Bangkok, 21 January, 2022 – Starting from 1 February, 2022, Bangkok Airways will operate two special sealed-route flights per day from Bangkok to Phuket in support of the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension programme. The two services – one at midday and the other in the early evening – will be operated by an ATR72-600 aircraft. Flight PG5275 will depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.00 Hrs. and arrive at Phuket International Airport at 14.05 Hrs., while Flight PG5279 will depart Suvarnabhumi Airport at 17.10 Hrs. and arrive at Phuket at 19.15 Hrs. The introduction of the two daily Bangkok to Phuket flights coincides with the 1 February, 2022 resumption of the Sandbox Extension programme between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), whereby Sandbox travellers can travel within these destinations during their first 7 days in Thailand and can stay in 3 different hotels if they so wish. Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has also approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme and the reopening of Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray – in Chon Buri, and Ko Chang in Trat as Sandbox destinations – also effective from 1 February, 2022. This means that from 1 February, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance. Existing rules under the scheme remain unchanged, additional requirements have been introduced to ensure stringent COVID-19 precautions. Meanwhile, fully vaccinated travellers from overseas who are planning to travel to Thailand under the Sandbox programme can choose to undergo their first 7 days in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray), and Trat (Ko Chang). https://www.tatnews.org/2022/01/bangkok-airways-to-fly-twice-daily-sealed-route-bangkok-phuket-flights-from-1-february-2022/

From VN Express Vietnam Airlines to resume regular flights to Europe Vietnam Airlines plans to resume regular flights to France, Germany, Russia, and the U.K. starting Monday, after a gap of almost two years caused by the Covid pandemic. The national flag carrier will operate its first flight to Europe from Hanoi to London in the U.K. on Monday and another flight from Hanoi to Frankfurt in Germany next Thursday. From February 8, the carrier will operate flights once a week every Tuesday on the Hanoi-London route and the Hanoi-Paris-Frankfurt routes every Thursday. Another once a week flight between Hanoi and Moscow is set for launch on January 29. Tet, Vietnam's biggest and most important holiday, often sees millions of migrant workers and overseas Vietnamese return to their homes for family reunions. Under current regulations, fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 arriving in Vietnam only need to self-isolate for three days. Everyone, except children below two, must have tested negative for the novel coronavirus using the PCR method within 72 hours before departure. However, due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant, passengers are also required to undergo a rapid test on landing at the Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports.

When large, international banks opened their operations in Thailand, and other foreign countries, two things were different than today: most banking was conducted in person and on-line banking was generally non-existent or in its infancy. There was a not dissimilar evolution in the international airline industry. Facilitated by code-sharing and network affiliations, economies of scale changed over time. This allowed carriers to offer seamless flights involving other carriers. Code sharing did for the airlines what ATM networks did for banking.

From The Thaiger New Test & Go program draws huge criticism The revamped Test & Go entry scheme now requires overseas arrivals to stay at an approved hotel on day 1 and again on day 5 of their stay – and to take a PCR test on each day. They must Netflix and chill in their hotel rooms after each test, until they receive a negative result. However, what has many people scratching their heads is the fact that in between both tests, people are free to wander wherever they like. Test & Go does not require travelers to book the same hotel for days 1 and 5, or even to stay in the same province. Tourists can arrive in Bangkok on day 1 and by day 5, be in Chiang Mai for their second test and mandatory hotel stay. What is also not known is whether the government will consider infections detected on day 5 as imported… The new requirements have tourism operators concerned that tourists will be put off by the additional costs, especially the second PCR test. Ratchaporn Poolsawadee from the Tourism Association of Koh Samui says PCR tests on the island cost 2,200 baht. He wants that price cut to 1,500 baht, as otherwise, it could be a deterrent for people traveling on a budget. Meanwhile, มาริสา สุโกศล หนุนภักดี from the Thai Hotels Association says officials need to design a system for the new testing requirements prior to Test & Go resuming. She suggests that the second test should be dispensed with once the Covid situation improves. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-news-today-new-test-go-program-draws-huge-criticism

From Bangkok Post Phuket wary of travel call involving sealed route Authorities in Phuket on Thursday gave a lukewarm response to an idea that Covid-infected tourists with no symptoms could be allowed to travel via a sealed route. Pichet Panapong, deputy Phuket governor, said visitors testing positive for Covid-19 should be isolated in their hotel rooms, adding he had already conveyed this to the chief of the provincial immigration police who floated the idea. He said SHA Plus managers, whose role it is to ensure compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures such as vaccination requirements for service staff, were also instructed to strictly comply with the virus curbs. "For the proposed sealed route, if tourists need to go out, they may visit areas where there are no other people, like an empty beach via a sealed route. But this arrangement must be supervised by an SHA Plus Manager. "Some tourists with no symptoms might forget they are infected and visit markets or shopping malls. This is worrying. I think the best thing to do is to keep them isolated. A sealed route may be considered in some cases only," he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2250875/phuket-wary-of-travel-call-involving-sealed-route

There is much confusion in the Thai media at the moment about the resumption of Test and Go. Articles appear to contain incomplete details or in at lest one case inaccurate details. Everything remains very fluid. From Richard Barrow's website: FACT CHECK: Someone asked me about the story in The Nation regarding the updated rules for Test & Go. I can confirm that it isn’t true that you must book at least five nights in a hotel and show receipts to get a Thailand Pass. You only have to book for Day 1 and Day 5. ========================= The language about changes in insurance requirements is ambiguous. The official Thai Pass website contains no new information. ========================== From Pattaya Mail The CCSA also agreed to reimplement the “Test&Go” scheme for vaccinated international arrivals under nearly quarantine-free conditions. Two RT-PCR tests are required on Day 1 and Day 5 of the arrival. Travelers must stay at SHA+ hotels while waiting for the PCR results. These must be paid for in advance and there will be a system in place to ensure that tourists check into hotels, especially on Day 5. One will need to only stay at the hotel until the results of their test arrive. There does not appear to be a country restriction on the Test and Go program based on the preliminary information. Upon arrival in Thailand, travelers must present receipt or booking records of the SHA+ hotels on the nights after the PCR tests. The registrations of “Thailand Pass” for entering the program under Test and Go would reopen on February 1st. You will not be able to register for Test and Go prior to this date. There was not a specific time announced for when this will open on this day. The Test and Go program will need to be officially released as law in the Royal Gazette, like all major laws, before becoming “official”. Specific regulations will also be clarified when this happens, although there is not a “promised” date or time for the release of the changes and could be anytime before February 1st. For individuals interested in Sandboxes versus Test and Go, Chonburi (Banglamung, Pattaya, Sri Racha, Koh Sichang, Sattahip(only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray) will be added. Additionally, so will Trat (Koh Chang only), and additional travel links will be opened between Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Surat Thani(Koh Samui, Phangan, Koh Tao). This is effective February 1st in terms of registration, but will also need to be published in the Royal Gazette. TPN notes that with Test and Go reopening there is not a significant difference between sandbox and test and go plans, although one needs to stay at a qualified hotel for their entire sandbox stay. In other changes, high-risk contacts will now be isolated/quarantined for only 7 days versus previously having to be quarantined for up to fourteen days. They will need to have several negative rapid Covid-19 tests both before their release from isolation (Day 5/6) and after being released (Day 10). The guidelines for what entails a high-risk contact are also much more clear than before, specifying that to be considered a high-risk close contact one must have been with the positive case in question on the day of the onset of the illness or 2-3 days before the onset of symptoms in a closed place for more than 30 minutes. Not wearing masks during contact or close moments is also considered high-risk. https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/thailand-covid-19-center-announces-major-covid-19-preventive-measures-changes-including-resumption-of-testgo-scheme/

From Bangkok Post Test & Go for overseas arrivals to be restored, fine-tuned The Test & Go programme will be reintroduced soon while entry rules under the scheme will be tweaked to allow close monitoring of overseas arrivals' health, said Gen Supoj Malaniyom, head of operations at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Gen Supoj, also secretary-general of the National Security Council, added that Test & Go rules need to be tightened. The CCSA is looking into ways to monitor the health of overseas arrivals during the first seven days of entry. It appears that under the tightening of the programme, arrivals will undergo two RT-PCR tests during their initial seven days, the first upon arrival and the second on the fifth or sixth day. Before the programme was suspended earlier this month due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, overseas visitors only had to spend one night at a hotel. If their Covid-19 test was negative, they were free to leave their accommodation and enjoy their holidays. Gen Supoj said the CCSA on Wednesday assessed the pandemic situation in the kingdom and found that daily caseloads, which had shot up previously, were now stabilising. The centre is considering adjusting areas with varying degrees of Covid-19 prevalence and easing some restrictions to allow greater mobility. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted measures should be modified where necessary to help revive the economy. Also on Wednesday, the Public Health Ministry suggested that overseas visitors take out comprehensive health insurance that covers all Covid-19 treatment cases. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the public health permanent secretary, said visitors must ensure they are fully covered for all types of Covid-19 treatments. Partial insurance coverage leaves the government to pick up the rest of the bill. So far, 100 million baht of state funds have been disbursed. "We will no longer subsidise. The visitors must buy insurance that covers all treatments or purchase additional health insurance when they arrive here," Dr Kiattiphum said. "The measure will take effect when Test & Go is reintroduced." https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2250235/test-go-for-overseas-arrivals-to-be-restored-fine-tuned

I think this clearly demonstrates that a guy who's savvy enough to understands this will never find himself desperate for work.

Coming to Bangkok since 2002 and don't think I ever booked a massage or offed a guy who wasn't smiling. You can't gag and smile at same time. ☺️

From Channel News Asia BANGKOK: Thailand expects the first leg of an 873 km high-speed railway connecting it to China to begin operations in 2026, a senior official said on Tuesday (Jan 18), three years later than planned, Phase one links the capital Bangkok to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 200 km away. Phase two connects Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai, bordering Laos, about 330 km further north. The second phase is currently under environmental assessment and is expected to begin service in 2028, said government deputy spokeswoman Traisulee Traisaranakul. The project comes under China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative, which aims to link the world's second-largest economy by land corridors and sea links to Southeast, Central and South Asia and Central Asia, and with maritime routes opening up trade with the Middle East and Europe. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-expects-high-speed-rail-china-2023-2442766

You seem to believe that the available options are toiling in the rice fields or selling bananas. But Thailand has been rapidly transforming into an industrialized country with many entry-level manufacturing jobs available. Working in the rice field is normally something that the whole family contributes to in the planting and harvesting seasons, but some of that labor is now mechanized. It's not the Thailand of 40-50 years ago. The options aren't as humble as you project. You twice refer to suppressing the gag reflex. You and I have obviously had very different experiences in Thailand because I've not encountered that behavior. Many are up front in setting their personal limits but so do we. If I treated an affair as a purely transactional arrangement, I would expect a mechanical and impersonal response. I've found that trying to learn a little about the guy as an individual frequently makes a difference in how he views both me and himself. It's been my experience that most of the guys I meet have much better self-images than you present here.