reader

Although returning Thais do not need Covid19 test results or proof of insurance, they face multiple hurdles as they try to re-enter their home nation. Most of the Thais who find themselves in this situation are frequently contract or day-to-day workers. Much of the remittances they generate end up with their families in the north and northeast of the country. The government should be welcoming them home. Yes, quarantine them for safety but do not punish them for being citizens who had to leave the country to find a decent job.

Since the test must be dated no more than 72 hours prior to departure, doubt there's much chance of it. And the logistics of having to get verified test results within that time frame makes the whole idea of booking an international ticket all but impossible unless you're prepared to pay the most expensive, last-minute fare. And try finding the required insurance policy showing minimum coverage for coronavirus of not less than US$100,000. The new rule is just another way of saying don't even think about coming.

It now makes no difference of how low hotels and AirBNB's lower their rates. Excerpt from above link: "Since people cannot get tested for the virus in most places at the moment due to the high costs and shortages of test kits, the requirement is in effect a travel ban although the government stopped short of describing it as such. "The measure aims to minimise the number of arrivals as much as possible," said government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat."

From The Thiager Visitors from 15 locations must show health certificates, insurance before boarding flights to Thailand Clarifying earlier reports, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) say that it will require air travellers, whether Thai or foreign, coming from 15 locations to show health certificates proving they are free of the Covid-19 coronavirus, and proof of insurance covering virus treatment, before boarding flights to Thailand. Earlier reports were that passengers from all locations would have to present the documents. The CAAT’s governor Chula Sukmanop announced the measure and other requirements yesterday as part of the government’s efforts to contain the disease. The conditions are to take effect on Saturday. He said arriving passengers who were in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the past 14 days will be quarantined. These areas have been designated as “disease infected zones”. Chula says that when passengers check in, airlines must verify whether they have visited coronavirus epidemic areas in the previous 14 days. They must require passengers from those infected zones and 11 other transmission areas to present health certificates issued no more than 72 hours before the flight departs. The certificates must guarantee that the passengers are free of the virus. The 11 transmission areas are Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, specific cities in Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USs. The Japanese cities are Aichi, Chiba, Hokkaido, Karagawa, Kyoto, Okinawa, Osaka, Tokyo and Wakayama, according to the Bangkok Post. Airlines must also require that passengers from these places to have insurance covering Covid-19 treatment in Thailand, up to at least 3.1 million baht (100,000 US$). Passengers who cannot provide the documents won’t be allowed to board their flight to Thailand. Those who are allowed to board must also provide the address of their accommodation in Thailand, either by written forms or by the Airports of Thailand mobile phone app. The CAAT also requires airlines to seat passengers as far from each other as possible, and to regularly disinfect their planes. Chula added that Thai disease control officials are authorised to isolate aircraft and quarantine passengers. Airlines that fail to comply will have to pay for the transport, quarantine and treatment of passengers, and bear the cost of related cases of disease control. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/visitors-from-15-locations-must-show-health-certificates-insurance-before-boarding-flights-to-thailand

From Bangkok Post Tourism minister to seek reprieve for overstayers The Tourism Ministry will seek a reprieve for some 500,000 tourists who will end up overstaying their visa now that countries in Europe have started sealing their borders to deal with Covid-19. "Most of the remaining tourists are long-stay elderly travellers from Germany, Italy and Russia who spend their winters here. They came to Thailand before the virus hit their hometowns and decided not to return home. They fear not receiving sufficient healthcare [upon returning home during such dire circumstances]," said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. European countries have been closing their borders since this weekend and flights have been cancelled, making it impossible for tourists to fly back home, he said. Mr Phiphat told the Bangkok Post that he is going to discuss the matter with the Interior Ministry and Immigration Bureau, as this problem comes under their jurisdiction. He plans to seek a temporary reprieve for these tourists as well as visa extensions for those whose countries have been affected. He will also ask the authorities to not have overstayers blacklisted. By law, tourists from most countries can get a tourist visa for 30 days and are fined 500 baht for every day they overstay. Serious offenders can face deportation or be blacklisted, which bans them from re-entering. Mr Phiphat said the request is for humanitarian purposes, adding that long-stay guests can also help keep local businesses running during this tough time. However, he admitted this is a "delicate" issue and could lead to future concerns about national security. As for whether Thailand will impose strict measures to stop foreigners from entering the country, Mr Phiphat said Thailand will not shut borders. "But we will intensify screening along the borders and boost medical checkups for tourists from neighbouring countries," he said. "Thailand has a good reputation for its healthcare and hospitality services, which gives foreigners more confidence. However, since Thais are worried about the outbreak, we have to carefully screen each incoming guest." https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1881580/tourism-minister-to-seek-reprieve-for-overstayers#cxrecs_s ====================================================================================================== From Khaosod English Thailand Reports 60 New Virus Cases, the Highest Surge to Date BANGKOK — The health ministry on Thursday said it discovered 60 new cases of the coronavirus infection in the country, the highest jump in number so far. In a daily news briefing, disease control department director Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai said most of the newly infected – 43 of them – were those close to individuals who previously tested positive for the virus, while the other 17 were either travelers from overseas or infected by unknown sources. The news came as Thailand inches toward the declaration of “Level 3” pandemic, which could see government enacting more restrictive measures such as travel bans and extensive business closures. The total number of confirmed infections now stands at 272 cases. Suwannachai said the new patients include: 12 people who worked at or recently visited Lumpini Boxing Stadium 14 people who worked at or recently visited nightlife establishments in Bangkok’s Thonglor, Sukhumvit, and Ramkhamhaeng neighborhoods. 12 people close to patients who worked in aviation and shipping industries. 5 people who were infected from a religious ceremony. 9 people who recently visited Taiwan, France, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Japan, and Germany. 3 people who came in close contact with foreigners 1 person who worked in the media And 4 other miscellaneous cases. Suwannachai also said three people are in critical condition, including a Belgian national. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/03/19/thailand-reports-60-new-cases-the-highest-surge-to-date/

FINAL UPDATE: The Viets were finally moved to an army barracks where they will begin their isolation period.

Laos/Vietnam

SECOND UPDATE: The Vietnamese (all from Ha Tinh who worked in Thailand) remain stranded in the rain at border crossing. No food in eight hours. A bus arrived to take some across but driver refused to allow them to board. He reportedly wanted assurance that his bus would be cleaned afterwards. Unsatisfied, he drove away.

UPDATE on what ggobkk posted: The quarantine facilities at the border crossing became overwhelmed with the influx of returnees. According to a report from a trusted source, about 200 returning VN nationals are in a holding area, waiting to be allowed to cross.

I hope your optimistic take on things proves to be more accurate than my conservative point of view. But I will take exception to a few points. First, don't underestimate some of these guys. Many knew what it was like to perform hard physical labor before they ever came to Bangkok. Laborer is not a "zero" skill. Second, performing half naked on stage, occasionally banging your cock against a pole and facing frequent rejection doesn't strike me as a particularly easy lifestyle.

Although at some point the virus will run its course, getting the bars up and running again will probably take a while to return to what we came to think of as normal. The majority of boys working the bars come from outside of Thailand. Many of them are now on their way home or soon will be. I'd doubt they'll return until they know the virus scare is over and the clubs have been given the official OK to reopen. Even then some may be reluctant to go back until they are assured that tourism has ramped up. The nights of seeing 40-50 on stage at Luckyboys seem unlikely in the near term. Massage shops may also so be slow to get staffed up again.

From South China Morning Post The global health body warns that targeting travellers from infected areas may discourage countries from reporting outbreaks and delay the arrival of medical aid Some analysts fear that countries which attempted to restrict movement failed to use their time to prepare their health systems to cope with Covid-19 After decades of experience in dealing with global disease outbreaks as deadly as Aids and Ebola, the World Health Organisation has forged a series of guidelines on how to deal with epidemics. Most countries are now ignoring them in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. It has specifically advised against imposing travel bans on countries with Covid-19 outbreaks and warned that international restrictions can be “ineffective” during public health emergencies. The WHO says such actions can discourage countries from timely reporting of outbreaks if the result is economic and social disruption, while experts say it can also delay medical aid. “Why we’re concerned about these outbreaks is the direct and immediate loss to human life and making sure that is limited. But it is also about the functioning and stability of societies and their abilities to have a long-term response to both health and economic needs,” said Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health programme at the non-partisan US-based Council on Foreign Relations. Bollyky also said that these targeted travel bans could distract governments from making the necessary preparations for the arrival of disease. “Clearly some countries relied on this without taking all the domestic measures that needed to be done to prepare for the outbreak, and that’s tragic.” An unprecedented number of travel constraints are now in place around the world as countries scramble to deal with the spread of Covid-19, after failing to prepare for its arrival after it broke out in China almost three months ago. Continues at https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3075640/how-ignoring-who-guidelines-and-relying-ineffective-travel-bans-may-have

That should make them the only gay venue left open in Patpong. At least there would be some vestige of the soi's recent history remaining until this scourge goes away.

From Los Angeles Times After a rare mass shooting in Thailand, something just as unusual: Therapy BANGKOK, Thailand — When a soldier went on a shooting rampage at a mall in northeastern Thailand last month, Ponglert Supatwanich and his 17-year-old son survived by hiding in a post office for six hours. Though shaken in the aftermath, he did not think about seeing a therapist. But help came to him, turning the 55-year-old hotel owner into a believer in mental health treatment in the Buddhist “land of smiles,” where experts say lingering stigmas around psychological treatment stop many from seeking professional help. “In Thailand people don’t want to go to a psychologist. If you go, it means you are crazy,” he said in an interview weeks after the Feb. 8 rampage that left 29 people dead in and around the Terminal 21 mall in the city of Korat. “We don’t express our feelings to each other.” In their modern history, Thais have endured coups, violent street protests, army crackdowns and natural disasters. But the mall shooting was widely seen as unprecedented, an anomaly that forced national reflection. Authorities said a 31-year-old soldier, angered by a property deal gone awry, shot at least one person on a military base near Korat, raided a weapons depot and stole a Humvee, and then opened fire at a temple and the nearby shopping mall where he picked off fleeing shoppers. Thai police and soldiers cornered him in a lower floor of the mall, shooting him dead several hours after the siege began. Americans may have grown inured to the details of such attacks, but Thais were transfixed by images of candlelight vigils and emergency responders, by criticism of social media platforms after the shooter live-streamed parts of the attack, and by the failure of the political establishment to push for gun control reforms. Once the media glare died down, a group of healthcare practitioners studying art therapy in Bangkok traveled to Korat to speak with survivors. They did not know what the response would be, but dozens of people showed up to the hastily assembled, two-day project in late February, where they sat for sessions, drew pictures and took part in therapeutic drum circles. “First we thought people would say, ‘Oh it’s odd,’” said professor Bussakorn Binson, dean of the faculty of fine and applied arts at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, who helped organize the sessions. “But so many people came, we had to do double work.” Bussakorn, an ethnomusicologist better known as Jane, has for several years collaborated with an Israeli professor, Rachel Lev-Wiesel of the University of Haifa, to organize arts therapy training courses and publish research. Next year, they plan to launch Thailand’s first graduate degree in creative art therapy at Chulalongkorn University. Continues at https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-16/mass-shooting-thailand-therapy

From Khaosod English Trade Chief Resigns Over Mask Hoarding Scandals BANGKOK — The head of the Internal Trade Department resigned on Monday amid allegations that he colluded with the hoarding and profiteering of millions of sanitary masks. Whichai Phochanakij submitted his resignation just hours after the government abruptly removed him from office and transferred to an inactive post. In an interview with reporters, he maintained he had nothing to do with the alleged stockpiling and sales of 200 million face masks to China. “On the bright side, this is a good thing to do because I worked so hard that I had to undertake a brain surgery once,” Whichai said. He continued, “But what really hurt me is that people believed in fake news more than reality. I confirm that the stockpiling of those 200 million face masks doesn’t exist because the current production capacity takes four months to reach that number. Therefore, you will never find it because it doesn’t exist.” His transfer was signed yesterday by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, who said in the order that it is aimed “to build confidence among people.” Prior to his removal from the office, Whichai was at the center of a controversy relating to the acute shortage of face masks in Thailand, which have since come under oversight of the department. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/03/16/trade-chief-resigns-over-mask-hoarding-scandals/

I'll have you know I find it quite unladylike of you to be speculating on my dance card availability.

I wouldn't sweat it, Boy69. You're probably not on their dance card, either.

Then by all means off with their heads! Close the place down. Stand outside holding "Do not off these fat, old, ugly, unsmiling boys" sign.* * Forgetting of course that all of these boys are slimmer, younger, better looking than we are.

It seems that their biggest fear is having their ER's or out-patient facilities contaminated. The government appears lax in designating where a person who suspects they are infected can go and be assured of treatment and testing (if warranted). Most working class Thais cannot readily afford the cost of testing. If this indeed does get out of hand, the fallout from lack of coordination will quickly surface.

Posts in the recent thread (below) makes reference to the same topics. Unfortunately, there seems to be no central, authoritative source the media can rely upon to get accurate information on the administration's policy going forward. Songkran Postponement Goes to Cabinet; Conflicting Reports of Bar Closing (or not)

From CNN Airbnb further expands its coronavirus response (CNN) — As coronavirus spreads across the globe, the vacation rental company Airbnb expanded its extenuating circumstances policy yesterday, allowing almost all travelers to cancel their reservations penalty-free. Now, most travelers who booked with the company will qualify for penalty-free refunds for bookings, and thousands of travelers are canceling their reservations and choosing to stay home. Here's what you need to know about booking with Airbnb: What is the extenuating circumstances policy? Airbnb's reservations come with one of six cancellation policies set by the host, which range from flexible to super strict. These are set by the host. The company can override those conditions with its Extenuating Circumstances Policy, and that's how many Covid-19-related cancellations may qualify for refunds. Continues at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/airbnb-coronavirus-global-policy-change/index.html

From Khaosod English Some Hospitals Apply ‘Farang Pricing’ for Coronavirus Testing BANGKOK — At least two hospitals in Bangkok are charging foreigners more for coronavirus tests, a survey found on Monday. While the vast majority of hospitals surveyed by Khaosod English apply the same fees to Thais and foreigners in their testing, Ramathibodi and Paolo Phaholyothin hospitals charge foreigners by about 40 percent more than Thai nationals. But regardless of nationalities, coronavirus testing fees in Bangkok generally cost in the thousands. The price is considered so steep that Roongreung Kitpati, an advisor to the Ministry of Health, said Sunday that those without symptoms or at-risk travel history should refrain from getting checkups, which could overcrowd hospitals and use up test kits. “If you aren’t sick, please don’t get tests because it’s useless and wastes money. Most tests yield negative results. But if you are in an at-risk group, such as contact with the infected, please contact the Department hotline,” Roongreung said. Many hospitals will also only provide Covid-19 testing if the person has symptoms such as fever over 37.5C, cough, runny rose, respiratory problems, and if they have travel history to an at-risk country, are in contact with someone who returned from such a country or currently has the virus, or are a medical personnel who is in close contact to the infected. Here are the costs if you do get a coronavirus test at a hospital: Public/University Hospitals Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital: Tests are 3,000 – 6,000 baht, same price for foreigners. Admission available. Ramathibodi Hospital: Due to limited test kits, testing will only be given to those with Covid-19 symptoms. Tests cost 5,000 baht for Thais, 7,000 baht to foreigners. Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital: Does not provide Covid tests unless patients already have Covid-19 symptoms. The hospital said they cannot determine the price for a test, since they can only be prescribed by doctors. Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute: Tests cost 8,000 – 14,000 baht, but may be free depending on the doctors’ discretion. Private Hospitals Ramkhamhaeng Hospital: 6,500 baht for a Drive Thru service where doctors will swab your nose and throat. Medical results will be sent through text messages within eight hours. Same price for both Thais and foreigners. Book via their Facebook, though the service is fully booked through Thursday. Vichaiyut Hospital: 7,500 baht, not including any prescribed medicine. Same price for Thai and foreigners, but tests are reserved for those showing symptoms. Bangkok Christian Hospital: 8,200 – 10,000 baht. Same price for Thais and foreigners. St. Louis Hospital: 8,000 baht but will only test those showing Covid-19 symptoms. Same price for Thais and foreigners. Phyathai 2 Hospital: 6,500 baht, but will have additional service fees. Same price for Thais and foreigners. Phyathai 3 Hospital: Same price as Phyathai 2, but will only test on those with symptoms or recent travel to at-risk countries. Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital: Will not say how much a test costs. Tests can only be prescribed by doctors, no walk-in check ups available. Samitivej Hospital Thonburi: 8,000 – 10,000 baht, same price for foreigners. Bumrungrad International Hospital: 10,500 baht for those with no Covid-19 symptoms, test results available within 48 hours. Those with symptoms pay 7,500 – 18,500 baht, but the hospital will not admit Covid-19 patients. They will be sent to other hospitals. Paolo Phaholyothin Hospital: 5,000 baht for Thais, 7,000 baht to foreigners. PatRangsit Hospital: 8,000 baht for both Thais and foreigners. Praram 9 Hospital: 10,000 baht for patients with symptoms, 8,000 baht for those without. Same price for Thais and foreigners. Mongkutwattana Hospital: 6,000 baht for both Thais and foreigners. Covid-19 Tests Unavailable At: BNH Hospital Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital Bangkok Hospital Siriraj Hospital Rajavithi Hospital; but treats patients sent via the Department of Disease Control for free. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/03/16/some-hospitals-apply-farang-pricing-for-coronavirus-testing/

NOTE -- I post this because it is dated today, less than hour ago. However, I am unable to find a second source confirmation. This may or may not accurately reflect current conditions or official policy. From MSN (source Reuters) Thailand plans to close bars, schools, halt cockfights to curb coronavirus BANGKOK, March 16 (Reuters) - Thailand plans to close down schools, bars, movie theatres, cockfighting arenas and other entertainment centres to curb the spread of coronavirus as well as to postpone next month's Thai New Year holiday to limit travel, officials said on Monday. The planned measures come after new cases jumped by nearly threefold in the space of a week and reached 147. The government will ask the cabinet on Tuesday to approve closing of universities, public and private schools, kick-boxing rings, cockfighting arenas, bars and theatres nationwide, deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on Twitter. Cockfighting is legal and hugely popular in Thailand. The government also plans to postpone the traditional Songkran new year holiday, which falls on April 13 to 15, to limit travel inside and outside of the country for the traditional water festival. Restaurants likely would be allowed to remain open if they took precautions on social distancing, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said. But he added that two clusters of infections linked to a bar and a crowded boxing match showed the need to limit public gatherings. "In this situation, prevention and treatment are the number one priorities. We have to prioritize people's lives over tourism and economic impacts. We don't know how tough the upcoming battle will be," Wissanu said. He also recommended that government employees work from home if they can. The new measures were decided on by a special coronavirus task force chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing its total tally to 147. One person has died of the virus in Thailand. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/update-1-thailand-plans-to-close-bars-schools-halt-cockfights-to-curb-coronavirus/ar-BB11fFN2

That's what real men look like. Pretty good from this perspective.

I agree but try getting something done In Washington. It took the threat of the Corona virus to get Trump and Pelosi over the hump. Unfortunately he used a shotgun approach to the drug trade, killing off many users along with the sellers. And I suspect his eagerness to eliminate corruption was fueled more by his desire to replace them with cronies loyal to him. Dictators aren't prone to change their stripes.