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From CNN By Faith Karimi, CNN (CNN)His messages are a mix of uncertainty and terror -- with glimmers of hope. He is gay, a convert to Christianity and a member of the Hazara ethnic minority -- three groups that have been historically persecuted by the Taliban. The 32-year-old man went into hiding after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August, cutting off communication with family back home and holing up in a Kabul basement with his younger brother. They spent their days reading and praying and venturing outside only for food. With phones their sole connection to the outside world, he and his brother sent messages. Lots of messages. To activists and human rights organizations. To friends of friends who knew anyone who could help. Their biggest fear: meeting a deadly fate at the hands of the Taliban, as their father did years ago. "They will behead us or kill us in the most brutal way," the older brother told CNN. "They are masters in that." CNN verified the man's identity through human rights activists and has been messaging with him via WhatsApp since August. To protect his safety, CNN is identifying him only as Ahmed -- not his real name. In a series of recent WhatsApp messages, Ahmed chronicled his life in the shadows in Kabul, his deep-rooted fear of the Taliban and his scramble to flee a country he's called home all his life. Days in the basement turned into weeks filled with dread and isolation. At times Ahmed felt so hopeless he contemplated suicide. Then, late last month, came word of a possible escape route. Continues at https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/10/world/afghanistan-gay-man-whatsapp-messages-cec/index.html

From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will expand flights under the vaccinated travel lane scheme to nine more cities, following the announcement on Saturday (Oct 9) that Singapore will extend the travel arrangement to eight more countries. Starting Oct 19, SIA will operate vaccinated travel lane flights from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris and Rome. SINGAPORE: National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will expand flights under the vaccinated travel lane scheme to nine more cities, following the announcement on Saturday (Oct 9) that Singapore will extend the travel arrangement to eight more countries. Starting Oct 19, SIA will operate vaccinated travel lane flights from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris and Rome. The SIA website was down briefly on Saturday afternoon after the announcement of the new vaccinated travel lanes. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-airlines-scoot-flights-vaccinated-travel-lane-2232801

From CNN Travel Riverside restaurant owner Titiporn Jutimanon was convinced a bout of flooding in Thailand could be the end of a business already struggling from the pandemic. But with the rising tide of the Chao Phraya river this week came an unexpected opportunity. Instead of closing for the floods, Titiporn's eatery is making waves, staying open for customers who are reveling in shin-deep dining, and the thrill of avoiding the rush of water set off as boats go by. "Customers absolutely love the waves," said Titiporn, who runs the Chao Phraya Antique Cafe in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok. Videos have gone viral on social media of customers sitting on drenched chairs, taking mouthfuls of food as long-tail boats buzz by, then moving out of the way as waves hit. About 30 northern and central provinces have been hit by flooding in recent weeks, raising levels of the famous river that flows through Bangkok. Titiporn's business was forced to close during Covid-19 lockdowns, but she's glad she decided to brave the floods. "Not only do they love the atmosphere and the barbecue pork and the view of the sunset ... the flood became an additional unique factor," she said. "I feel so lucky that the customers love it, the flood wasn't a challenge for them to come." Customers cheer and laugh as their wooden stools are knocked over by the water that breaches the restaurant. It holds two sittings each day for diners to enjoy the experience when the water levels are highest. "It's a fun challenge -- you don't know if you'll get washed away somewhere while eating," joked customer Jetdanai Boonrod, 30. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-flooded-resturant-intl-scli/index.html

Assuming that most readers of the forum easily spent more than the 82,576 baht target per trip to Thailand in the past, the TAT should be soliciting more gay travelers going forward to reach its income goal. From The Thaiger / BP TAT 80% revenue recovery plan: get travellers to spend double While the Tourism Authority of Thailand admits the revenue figures for 2021 are grim and likely won’t improve monumentally in the final quarter, they still have a rosy outlook on the tourism market rebounding over the next few years. The TAT is estimating that by 2023 tourism revenue will have recovered to 80% of the huge numbers seen at its peak in 2019. They plan on making up revenue loss from fewer people coming by attracting wealthier travellers and getting tourists to spend more in Thailand. In 2020, before Covid-19 fully took hold, 6.7 million travellers journeyed to Thailand. This year, that number is only about 100,000 according to TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn. But he predicts that as things begin to reopen more over the next few months, 2022 should see a recovery to about 50% of the tourism numbers Thailand saw in 2019, with another 30% improvement the following year. The TAT’s plan to see revenue numbers jump so high seems to hinge on the idea of drawing more wealthy and high spending travellers to Thailand over the next few years. The TAT acknowledges they don’t expect to see anywhere near the 40 million travellers seen in 2019, and has taken a traditional Thai approach towards recovery: double the amount that each tourist pays. They hope to increase from the 49,700 baht average per tourist in 2019 to get higher-spending travellers to spend an average of 82,576 baht per person now. They say they will lean on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism that adds value for higher prices, but admit that their plan to attract only rich travellers will create great economic disparity and not benefit small and budget tourism businesses. Domestic tourism has seen a 34% drop this year from figures in 2020, when 90.52 million domestic trips were taken. The predictions for all of 2021 are that about 60 million domestic trips will be taken. Covid-19 once again affected travel, particularly dampening the Songkran holiday that still occurred sporadically around the country but was not a massive travel holiday period it traditionally is. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/tat-80-revenue-recovery-plan-get-travellers-to-spend-double =========================== Thai Lion Air adds more aircraft to fleet as Thailand plans further re-opening Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet as Thailand plans to re-open more parts of the country to international travel. The carrier’s chief executive, Aswin Yangkirativorn, says the expanded fleet, which includes 2 Airbus aircraft and 2 Boeing 737s, will serve international destinations. The airline has already taken delivery of the Airbus aircraft, with the Boeing delivery expected before the end of the year. According to a Bangkok Post report, the carrier plans to focus on markets in Singapore, Taiwan, India, and Japan. Aswin says that while China would have been an important market for the airline prior to the pandemic, its citizens are not expected to resume international travel until mid-2022.

From Coconuts Bangkok Days after Thailand remained on a revised list of nations barred from traveling to the United Kingdom, a top diplomat said this morning that it would soon be removed. Ambassador Mark Gooding said Thailand will be excluded when the “red list” is updated Monday. On Tuesday, the U.K. government scrapped its color-coded threat system in favor of a simplified list, removing 32 nations – but not Thailand – in the process. “Happy to confirm that Thailand will be removed from the UK’s red list at 0400 UK time on 11 October, and that UK will recognise vaccine certification from Thailand,” tweeted Mark Gooding, British ambassador to Thailand. Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela will remain. That means eligible, fully vaccinated travelers and those under 18 can go directly from Thailand to the United Kingdom with only a COVID-19 test. Those who are not fully inoculated with an authorized vaccination must still take a pre-departure test, and then two COVID-19 tests as well as complete 10 days of self-isolation. While many questioned whether the United Kingdom would recognize the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine, the embassy replied via Twitter this morning that it is “working in a phased approach” to recognize more vaccines. For now, it is likely that those who received the Sinovac vaccine, which has been found to be less effective, will have to quarantine at home for 10 days upon arrival there. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/thailand-can-travel-to-uk-again-starting-monday/

From Channel News Asia WASHINGTON: Singapore is working on establishing a vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with the United States before the end of the year, said Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on Thursday (Oct 7). Speaking at an event at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, Mr Gan noted that as a hub for business and travel, it is important that Singapore remains connected to the rest of the world despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have had successful pilots of vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) with Germany and Brunei to facilitate the entry of fully vaccinated individuals into Singapore for business and leisure. We are now working on a VTL with the US as soon as possible, and certainly before the end of the year,” said Mr Gan. He added that Singapore is continuing to facilitate the arrival and return of work pass holders from the US to Singapore. The current VTLs with Germany or Brunei were launched on Sep 8. It allows fully vaccinated travellers from Germany or Brunei to enter Singapore without serving a stay-home notice. Instead, they take multiple COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-us-working-vaccinated-travel-lane-gan-kim-yong-2229571 ========================================= Singapore, South Korea to launch vaccinated travel lanes on Nov 15 SINGAPORE: Singapore and South Korea have agreed to launch vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) starting from Nov 15, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced on Friday (Oct 8). Under the VTLs, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to travel between Changi Airport and Incheon International Airport, and be subjected to COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, in lieu of serving quarantine or a stay-home notice. There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel or requirements for a controlled itinerary or sponsorship, said the ministry. To support the VTLs, Singapore and South Korea have also reached an agreement on the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates, which will take effect from Nov 15. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-singapore-south-korea-vaccinated-travel-lane-vtl-nov-15-2230431

From VN Express Ho Chi Minh City, a major tourist hub, will only consider welcoming back foreign tourists from next year onwards, with this year's focus being on reviving domestic tourism. The city will open up its tourism activities in three phases based on the pandemic situation. During the first phase in October, the city will only allow travel companies to organize one-day tour packages to ‘green zones,’ which are deemed to have low Covid-19 spreading risks such as Cu Chi and Can Gio districts, famous for historical sites and eco-tourism destinations. In the second phase from November until the end of the year, the city will focus on boosting the domestic tourism market, welcoming back tourists from other localities where the pandemic has been brought under control. In 2022, the city plans to resume all tourism activities and consider welcoming back fully vaccinated foreign tourists. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/places/hcmc-not-ready-to-welcome-foreign-tourists-this-year-4367928.html

From Channel News Asia JAKARTA: Indonesia has approved a COVID-19 vaccine produced by a unit of China's Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products for emergency use, its food and drug agency (BPOM) said on Thursday (Oct 7), the fourth Chinese vaccine cleared for use in the country. BPOM chief Penny Lukito said the protein-recombinant vaccine, given three times in a three-month span, has an efficacy rate of about 81 per cent, with 77.47 per cent efficacy against the Delta variant, lower than other variants, she said. Trials of the vaccine, Zifivax, were conducted in China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Ecuador and Indonesia, involving 28,000 people, with the efficacy based on any degree of severity. Indonesia has also approved use of the Sinovac, Sinopharm, and CanSino vaccines. Once Asia's COVID-19 epicentre, Indonesia has vaccinated a fifth of its population of about 270 million people. It has recorded more than 4.2 million coronavirus cases and 142,000 deaths overall, but average daily infections have fallen dramatically since the peak of its crisis in July. Mahendra Suhardono, head of Jakarta Biopharmaceutical Industry, which is partnering with Zhifei, said Zifivax shots could be produced in Indonesia this year. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-approves-covid-19-vaccine-chinas-zhifei-unit-2228386

From Bangkok Post Hoteliers keep domestic focus for Q4 As Thailand remains on course to reopen more areas to vaccinated tourists, aiming to stimulate the national economy during the traditional high season, hoteliers are pinning their hopes on the restart of tourism, particularly in Bangkok. The capital recently had its reopening plan pushed back to November from October. Whether Thailand's reopening is an immediate economic success is dependent upon the model set for Bangkok, said Garth Simmons, chief executive at Accor for Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea. The sooner Thailand can reopen to the world, the quicker the economy can be revived and people can resume their livelihoods as tourism is a lifeline for many people in the country, he said. Impacts from the prolonged pandemic and the most recent wave have caused the unemployment rate in the tourism sector to reach 71%, or 3.05 million people in the third quarter this year, from a total of 4.3 million workers prior to the outbreak, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand. Mr Simmons said even though properties in Bangkok have prepared for the arrival of international guests, Accor is focusing on the domestic market in the fourth quarter this year. Michael Marshall, chief of commercial operations for Minor Hotels, said the company enhanced its facilities, job training and services for the guest experience, as well as offering promotional campaigns to attract key sources for the reopening. The complicated certificate of entry (COE) process should also be relaxed, following the lead of other countries that have made similar adjustments, he said. "Thailand will continue to compete with many destinations, so it is vital travellers are not deterred by complicated travel conditions," Mr Simmons said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2193727/hoteliers-keep-domestic-focus-for-q4

From Thai Enquirer Officer in critical condition after being shot in the head during clashes with protesters A crowd control police officer is in a critical situation after being shot in the head by unknown assailants at Din Daeng intersection, a senior police officer told Thai Enquirer on Thursday. Din Daeng has been the site of frequent clashes between police and pro-democracy demonstrators. The clashes began earlier this year when pro-democracy demonstrators tried to march from the nearby Victory Monument to the prime minister’s residence located near Din Daeng. Since then ongoing street battles have occurred nightly in the area. The use of live rounds marks an increasing escalation in the area and has prompted concerns from protest leaders and the government. “The officer was found shot in the head and was taken to Police General Hospital last night,” Police General Krisana Pattanacharoen, the deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, told Thai Enquirer over a phone on Thursday. “He’s in a critical condition, and needs to stay in the ICU for a period of time under close medical care.” “After sending the injured officer to the hospital, the crowd control police enforced the law to control the situation in the area,” he said. “16 protestors were arrested and confiscated of weapons including ping pong bombs and firecrackers.” https://www.thaienquirer.com/33702/officer-in-critical-condition-after-being-shot-in-the-head-during-clashes-with-protesters/

From Channel News Asia AKARTA: Indonesia will reopen Bali's airport to some international travellers on Oct 14, said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan on Monday (Oct 4). Speaking at a virtual press conference, Mr Pandjaitan said that the airport on the popular tourist island will be open for travellers from some countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. “Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport will be opened internationally on Oct 14, 2021, as long as it fulfils the provisions and requirements regarding quarantine, testing, and the readiness of the (COVID-19) task force. "Every international arrival passenger must have proof of hotel booking for a minimum of eight days for quarantine at his own expense,” said the minister. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bali-airport-reopen-travellers-some-countries-oct-14-indonesian-coordinating-minister-2220486

From Coconuts Bangkok Where to buy 40 baht COVID test kits in Bangkok COVID home test kits will soon be sold for a fraction of the price through government pharmacies, but Bangkok has to wait a couple weeks for them to show up. Two million SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (ATK) will be sold starting Oct. 18 by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization at a price below market: THB40 (US$1.20). While the tests aren’t as reliable as traditional PCR tests, they are still relatively accurate – and very fast. The following link locations eight locations (with maps) where home test kits will be sold at eight organization pharmacies around metro Bangkok: https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/where-to-buy-40-baht-covid-test-kits-in-bangkok/

From Bangkok Post The Tourism and Sports Ministry is poised to start collecting a 500-baht tourism fee for a "tourism transformation fund" next year, with the budget following a co-payment model. The Centre for Economic Situation Administration last week approved the creation of the fund, which is expected to subsidise projects that transform the industry, focusing on high-value and sustainable tourism. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, said the fee collection of 500 baht per person should start next year, with the aim of collecting 5 billion within the first year, assuming 10 million foreign arrivals in 20 Mr Yuthasak said the additional 200 baht will be earmarked for: projects initiated by the private sector, community enterprises, or social enterprises that would like to transform their business to meet the fund's strategy; helping the country restructure from mass tourism to high-value or a bio-, circular and green economic model; and environmentally concerned tourism. "The projects should be co-creations and the government should use the fund to support projects that can create an economic impact. The proportion of public-private financial support could be 50:50, 60:40 or 70:30, depending on how much we want to make those projects happen," he said. The fund is also meant to budget insurance and development projects for foreign visitors that require government initiatives rather than the private sector, including those needing matching grants from local administrations, said Mr Yuthasak. After the concept is approved, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and TAT are required to have discussions with related authorities about setting up the fund committee and funding mechanisms, such as how to collect the fee from tourists, he said. "The additional cost won't have an impact on tourists as we want to focus on the quality market," said Mr Yuthasak. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2191883/collection-of-b500-fee-from-foreigners-starts-next-year

From Thai Enquirer This article was originally published on The Third Pole. (Original story can be found here) About a year ago, the Boon Rueang Wetland Forest Conservation Group began a survey of wildlife in the 483-hectare community forest in northern Thailand. “We have recorded some leopards, otters and other animals,” says Songpol Chanruang, chair of the group. Though only around 130 kilometres long, the Ing River that feeds the Boon Rueang wetlands is the second most important habitat for the Eurasian otter in Thailand, according to the Living River Association, an NGO that promotes community-based conservation in the Mekong basin. The Eurasian otter – a species listed as globally Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature – is known to occur at at least 10 locations along the banks of the Lower Ing River. The Ing River is a tributary of the Mekong. The stretch where the Ing and other tributaries like it in northern Thailand flow into the Mekong is sandwiched between a huge number of dams. There are 11 hydropower dams upstream on China’s section of the Upper Mekong – known as the Lancang – and 11 more in various stages of planning and completion on the Lower Mekong in Laos and Cambodia, most with some level of Chinese involvement in development or construction. The effects of upstream dams on the ecology of downstream tributaries are largely unknown. Major dams along the Mekong River, including those which are under construction or in the planning stages (Graphic: The Third Pole) “The seasonal cycle has changed over the years, and this was noticed after dams were built… especially during the past 10 years,” Chanruang says. “The Mekong hardly floods into the Ing River, or if it floods it no longer lasts for a few months, but a week, or even just a few days.” “We just hope [the otters] can adjust to the changing environment by using their wild instincts to find a safe place to breed and feed,” says Chanruang, stressing the need for more study and public engagement. The Mekong floods during the wet season between June and October, filling the Ing and other tributaries. This soaks the wetland forests of Thailand’s north. The natural flooding of the Mekong provides this region of Thailand with the water, fish and nutrients needed to support the Ing River forests and wetlands. The fish nursery this creates sustains both wildlife, such as otters, and communities downstream. But in the past decade, a spate of dam projects on the Mekong mainstream have resulted in the flooding process becoming unnaturally intense and rapid. “The water now comes and goes quickly, not lingering in the forest like it did in the past,” says Chanruang, describing the seasonal floodwaters of the Ing River. “It’s clear that [water levels] have dropped significantly during the rainy season over the past few years. Its colour has also changed, from muddy water to clear.” Continues with photos https://www.thaienquirer.com/33444/untold-impact-on-northern-thailands-wildlife-from-mekong-dams/

Seems more like TIT 😉

From Pattaya Mail Locanation.com, a new hotel reservation platform backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), made its debut on 1 October 2021 to help boost country reopening. This newly-launched platform is an alternative to other online travel agencies like Agoda and Traveloka. It is part of the TAT Travel Tech Startup Season 2. TAT Deputy Governor of Domestic Marketing Thapanee Kiatpaiboon said the agency is keen to support startups, specifically Thai-bound TravelTechs, helping to maneuver them through international competition. What makes this platform different from the rest is that it does not collect any commission fees from participating hotels, as well as allows businesses to communicate directly with actual users on the platform through posts and direct messages. Proceeds from the revenue spared can then translate to privileges or extra benefits provided to hotel guests, such as airport shuttles or free minibars. The platform also supports the government’s Phase 3 of the ‘We Travel Together’ or ‘Rao Tiew Duay Gun’ scheme with 2 million eligible accounts. It began accepting reservations from 1 October 2021. Here is the link to the platform: https://locanation.com/ https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-launches-new-hotel-reservation-platform-as-cities-reopen-to-foreigners-374284

From The Thaiger Taxi hailing apps legalised Taxi hailing apps, with fares starting at 40 baht, have now been officially approved for use in Thailand, having received the sign off by Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob. The new ruling allows companies to apply for permissions to operate using mobile apps, subject to a 30-day trial period. The Minister expects 10,000 taxis of up to 7 passenger capacity to be signed up for the programme and available in Bangkok. Taxis will be categorised into 3 different vehicle types from small taxi cars to large taxi vans with travel rates priced accordingly. For the cheapest taxi option, rates will start at 40 to 45 baht for the first 2 kilometres and then will charge between 6 and 10 baht for each additional kilometre. Midrange taxis will start at 45 to 50 baht with 7 to 12 baht per kilometres after the first 2 kilometres. The largest taxi size will have pickup fees that include the first 2 kilometres priced at 100 to 150 baht, with additional kilometres costing 12 to 16 baht each. To avoid price gouging, hailing charges to order or flag down the taxi has been limited to 20 baht maximum. Waiting or idling in traffic will be charged at a rate of 2 baht per minute as well. The plan says that when a user orders a ride through a taxi hailing app, first priority will be given to public taxis followed by second priority to environmentally-friendly vehicles. Motorbike taxis are hoped to be added to the programme in the near future. In order for companies to join, they must have registered capital of more than 5 million baht, a qualified business within Thailand, operate 24 hours a day, and must have never had GPS permissions revoked by providers. Companies that have expressed interest already and qualify for these restrictions include GrabTaxi, Robinhood (Purpil Venture Co), Delivery Hero/Food Panda, Velox Digital (Gojek) and Lineman. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/transport/taxi-hailing-apps-legalised-fares-from-40-baht-10000-in-bangkok

From Channel News Asia BTS fan ads in New York (left), Singapore (top right) and South Korea (bottom right) (Photos: Twitter @BTSNewYorkCity, @Once_Russ, @Fan_club_ad) SINGAPORE: The United Nations General Assembly is probably not on most people’s must-watch list. But on Monday (Sep 20), more than one million people tuned in to the meeting of world leaders in New York. More precisely, they watched K-pop sensation BTS deliver a message about the resilience of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We believe that every choice we make is the beginning to change, not the end,” said band leader Kim Nam-joon better known as RM. This was the third time BTS attended the UN meeting. Having skyrocketed to the top of global pop charts, it’s little wonder these international superstars were appointed South Korea’s special presidential envoys mere weeks ago. Of course, people want a piece of the BTS action. The group commands the attention of millions in the BTS Army everywhere they go. Just look at how their supporters have taken celebrity worship to whole new levels. It is not uncommon to see big, splashy pictures of BTS and other K-pop idols on New York City Times Square advertising billboards, the Nashville sign and even on the Urban Deca Towers in Metro Manilla - purchased not by the music companies or sponsors, but crowdfunded by fans to celebrate their idols’ birthdays and milestones. In Singapore, local fans splurged on a panel advertisement at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station to celebrate BTS’ sixth anniversary in 2019. And in April this year, a Chinese fan club raised 2.3 million yuan (US$356,000) in one hour and used the money to customise the exterior of a Jeju Air plane to celebrate BTS member Jimin’s birthday. The US$5 billion K-pop industry has gone global. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates there are about 1,835 K-pop fan clubs across 98 countries - with 104 million members. The Hallyu wave has gotten so out of hand, just this month, Chinese social media accounts of some 20-something K-pop fan groups have been suspended or shut down to curb obsession and excessive spending. Continues with photo https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/why-kpop-fans-spend-money-bts-united-nations-2208521

From Bangkok Post Sandbox now open to everyone ully vaccinated travellers from “any country in the world” can now book holidays in Phuket and other provinces taking part in the sandbox scheme, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says. The change will allow previously excluded Indonesians and Malaysians, among many others, to travel to the southern resort island and some of its neighbours. Before the pandemic, Malaysia was the country’s second biggest source of tourists, with more than 4 million arrivals or 10% of the global total in 2019. The announcement by the TAT late Friday is part of an expanded push to revive tourism, after authorities halved the mandatory quarantine period to seven days for vaccinated travellers from abroad. The agency said authorities would no longer follow a list of eligible countries — estimated to be around 80 — based on Covid transmission risk. “This means Thailand is now welcoming travellers from any country in the world to the Sandbox programme,” it said in a statement on its website. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2191359/sandbox-now-open-to-everyone ============================= From Pattaya Mail Decline of Covid-19 patients closes Bangkok field hospital The country’s largest field hospital in Nonthaburi Province closed its doors on Thursday after a decline in new daily caseloads. Busarakham treated 20,436 Covid-19 patients during its operation which started on May 14. According to Dr Kiatiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for health, it took only seven days to set up “the country’s biggest and best field hospital.” Dr. Kiatiphum said it opened with 1,000 beds with contributions from the government, as well as the private and civil sectors, and later expanded to 3,700 beds. With intensive care and semi-intensive care units, the facility helped free up beds for critically ill patients at conventional hospitals.

From Philstar Global In shock announcement, Duterte says to retire from politics MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte made a shock announcement Saturday, saying that he would retire from politics and no longer pursue a vice presidential run, in deference to popular opinion that this runs counter to the intent of the Constitution. Duterte initially said he would run for vice president for continutiy of his administration's programs and to get immunity from suit,a privilege that that office does not enjoy. "The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino is that I am not qualified, and it would be a violation of the Constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the Constitution," Duterte said after his long-time aide turned senator, Bong Go, announced that the president withdrew his acceptance of nomination as the vice presidential candidate of the PDP-Laban faction controlled by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. "In obedience to the will of the people, who after all placed me in the presidency many years ago, I now say sa mga kababayan ko, sundin ko ang gusto ninyo (I will follow what you want,)" Duterte added. "Today, I announce my retirement from politics." In a surprising turn of events, Go filed a certificate of candidacy for vice president instead of Duterte. Go was previously the faction's chosen standard bearer, but he had repeatedly refused to accept the nomination. It is now unclear who the PDP-Laban's presidential candidate would be. While unexpected, it is not the first time that Duterte said he was retiring from politics. He made the same overture in 2015, only for him to eventually run for president. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/10/02/2131104/shock-announcement-duterte-says-retire-politics ============================= From Channel News Asia Philippines loosens coronavirus curbs in capital region MANILA: The Philippines further loosened coronavirus restrictions in the capital region on Friday (Oct 1), allowing restaurants to accept more guests and gyms to reopen after recording a decline in daily COVID-19 cases. The Philippines, which is battling one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in Asia, is gradually relaxing curbs to allow the recovery of the economy. Restaurants and personal care services were permitted to double their allowable operating capacity to 20 per cent, while fitness studios and gyms were allowed to reopen their doors, but only to fully vaccinated clients. "This is one step towards the recovery of the economy. People are enthusiastic about opening up," Benjamin Abalos, chairperson of the capital's council of mayors, told Reuters. The capital region, an urban sprawl of 16 cities that is home to 13 million people, is the country's coronavirus epicentre, accounting for a third of confirmed infections and one in every four deaths. Nearly four-fifths of the area's population has already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, government data showed. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-covid-19-restrictions-eased-cases-fall-2214671

I've read and heard nothing but good things about this venue on Silom Soi 4. Although it's not business as usual (pre-covid), this place has attracted a loyal following of expats and locals. The food gets high marks as does the staff. This photo from a current post on its Facebook site shows some local entertainment that adds some class to an already classy affair. Check it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed. https://www.facebook.com/PrideBarAndRestaurant

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s new tourism promotional slogan for next year unveiled The Thai government plans to promote tourism next year under the new slogan “Visit Thailand 2022, Now Even More Amazing Thailand Has It All”, together with investments as well as the setting up of a tourism promotional fund to transform Phuket into a world class destination. The ambitious plan for Phuket and the tourism sector was approved during an online meeting today (Thursday) of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. A tourism promotion fund, with the support of the private sector and civil society, will be set up, not just to promote tourism but also to effect changes in the tourism industry for sustainable growth, as well as reducing as much red tape as possible to promote tourism. According to the NESDC, various lockdown restrictions have been eased to make travel easier, such as the shortening quarantine from 14 to 7 days, issuance of visa on arrival and the granting of permission for Russian passenger aircraft to land in Phuket. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-new-tourism-promotional-slogan-for-next-year-unveiled/

From Channel News Asia There’s a reason why China exists inside its own bubble but how long can it hold out as the rest of the world slowly open their borders, asks an observer. HONG KONG: What is normal in a post-pandemic world? How can the idea of a return to a normal state of affairs be articulated and realised by a state? The answers to these questions depends what country you are talking about. At present China equates a return to normal with zero COVID-19 cases, where China is safe from imported cases of the virus and where its population is protected from local transmissions. To achieve this, China has locked itself away from most of the world and put its population through an extensive campaign of vaccinations. According to China’s National Health Commission, by the first week of September, Chinese authorities had administered over 2 billion doses of the three Chinese vaccines currently available. Although it is unclear how many people have received both doses, it is an impressive effort. But this does not mean that China has successfully returned to normal. The efficacy of local vaccines is the biggest hurdle the government faces in moving towards a post-pandemic normal. China has undertaken a massive inoculation campaign and any vaccine is a good vaccine if it prevents the onset of severe symptoms or death but not all vaccines are equal. Chinese vaccine manufacturers Sinopharm and Sinovac have not released comprehensive phase three data for their vaccines for peer review. There was a May study on Sinopharm’s two vaccines, but it was notable for not including certain vulnerable populations nor those beyond the West Asian countries. Sinovac is yet to release its phase three vaccine data, but World Health Organization (WHO) estimates — released when it was given emergency approval — stated that it prevents symptomatic disease in only 51 per cent of the inoculated population. Both the efficacy of the vaccines and the transparency of the data supporting them is well below that offered by other vaccine producers. This is a problem because most of the world has chosen a different pathway to post-pandemic normal. Whether through conscious policy decisions to prioritise economic security over health security, political choices, access to more efficacious vaccines or simply because countries could not access sufficient vaccines for their populations, most of the world is living with the virus and its consequences. As a result, COVID-19 is going to be globally endemic rather than eradicated. The difference between these pathways presents major hurdles for China, medically, economically and politically. If China is to shift towards a post-pandemic normal, it will have to accept a greater likelihood of community transmissions than is presently the case. There is no indication that such a scenario is presently acceptable to the Chinese government. Given this reality, the Chinese government is unlikely to seek a new post-pandemic normal of opening up anytime soon. It first needs to deal with or significantly mitigate the medical, economic, and most importantly, the political threats posed by opening its borders and returning to the world. For now, China exists inside its own bubble. It is a safe but unsustainable option for any country seeking to return to normal. Nicholas Thomas is Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and International Studies at the City University of Hong Kong. This commentary first appeared on The East Asia Forum. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/china-covid-19-vaccine-travel-borders-economy-2209486

Prime Massage on Soi 6 and Adam Massage on Soi 4 are reportedly open according to their FB sites.

From Coconuts Bangkok A Dutch national said today he will appeal a court ruling against his lawsuit challenging dual-pricing at Thailand’s public hospitals as unconstitutional. Erwin Buse said the Administrative Court in Phetchaburi province relied on incorrect information provided by the health ministry in its Tuesday decision. “I am very disappointed that the court mainly follows and repeat statements of the defendant without fact check,” Buse said Wednesday afternoon in a message. He noted that the ministry had changed how it defined labor costs, a key factor in determining hospital fees. Erwin had asked the court to strike down the pricing structure in place since 2019 for violating the constitution’s equal protection guarantee, as by the ministry’s own regulations, the fees should be determined by actual costs. In its judgment, the court said that it did not see that as discriminatory – because the higher rates charged of foreigners, who it presumes earn more than Thais, is good for the nation. “The pricing was set on an appropriate basis of socioeconomic status, and it benefits Thailand, so it therefore doesn’t count as discrimination,” the court ruling said. His lawsuit named the ministry and its head, who is now Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It asked the court to annul the rate structure and order the ministry to revert to unified rates in place since 2004. Buse first took on overcharging on a personal level several years ago when he was traveling 100 kilometers from his rural residence for cancer treatments at Hua Hin Hospital. He described being charged hundreds of baht in “additional fees” each time. Under new rules enacted in September 2019, public hospitals were instructed to charge patients at what amounts to four tiers based on their legal status: Thai nationals, citizens of neighboring countries and working foreigners on non-immigrant visas. The fourth group consists of tourists, retirees and included foreigners married to Thai nationals. Fees are much higher for the third group – which includes most expats – while those in the fourth pay much more, often double. For example, according to a ministry fee structure published at the time, simple antibody screenings cost Thais and ASEAN residents THB130 and expats THB190. Retirees and tourists pay double – THB260. On the higher end, a spinal MRI that costs citizens and their neighbors THB18,700 jumps up to THB23,375 for working expats and THB28,050 for retirees/tourists. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/dutch-expat-to-appeal-after-thai-court-sides-with-higher-hospital-fees-for-foreigners/