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  1. #701
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    So "at least ten" means five. Thai maths at its finest.

    There will be no quarantine for fully vaccinated air travellers from five countries from Nov 1, and destinations in more provinces will also be opened to foreign tourists.
    Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the CCSA resolved on Thursday to allow in fully vaccinated visitors from Britain, the United States, Germany, Singapore and China if they pass an RT-PCR test before arrival.
    Travellers from these five countries were considered as having low-risk of Covid-19 infection. They would not have to quarantine.
    https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2197799

  2. #702
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    So "at least ten" means five. Thai maths at its finest.
    I read at the other forum that the list has been extended to 27 countries, and that list is dependant to the criteria in another international list, measuring countries based in certain covid related metrics.
    I expect the list of qualifying countries will expand by next month, as the pace of vaccinations is accelerating around the world and more and bore countries qualify.

    "The list is made up by analysing data and information from the last two weeks of Covid-19 stats, International Health Regulations 2005 and the GCI Global Advisory Council or Global Covid-19 Index. "

    "Twenty seven countries satisfy these criteria:Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Dominica, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Uruguay, Barbados, China and Croatia."
    The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up.

  3. #703
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    I read at the other forum that the list has been extended to 27 countries, and that list is dependant to the criteria in another international list, measuring countries based in certain covid related metrics.
    I expect the list of qualifying countries will expand by next month, as the pace of vaccinations is accelerating around the world and more and bore countries qualify.

    "The list is made up by analysing data and information from the last two weeks of Covid-19 stats, International Health Regulations 2005 and the GCI Global Advisory Council or Global Covid-19 Index. "

    "Twenty seven countries satisfy these criteria:Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Dominica, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Uruguay, Barbados, China and Croatia."
    Well what you probably read was:

    Daily News reported that nationals of up to 27 countries could be allowed to enter Thailand without having to quarantine.

    ASEAN NOW has also been told that 20 countries could be on the list.
    And they both got it massively wrong.

    Which isn't to say the list isn't going to get revised, because that's what the government said it would do.

    So we started with "at least ten" and now it's five, and sometime in the near future it will grow.

    Probably by tomorrow.


  4. #704
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    So we started with "at least ten" and now it's five, and sometime in the near future it will grow.

    Probably by tomorrow.
    Proposals in thailand are like soup De jure in restaurants, if you don't like it, wait a day.

  5. #705
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    Proposals in thailand are like soup De jure in restaurants
    Consumed by the courts?

  6. #706
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    And here's the switcheroo

    CCSA: The list of low risk countries is already known and will be publicly released around Wednesday next week. The number of countries will be greater than ten. People coming from these countries won’t need to do quarantine from 1st November

  7. #707
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    And here's the switcheroo
    If it's already known, why not publish it now. Is it too hot of the oven and he is waiting for it to cool down?

  8. #708
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    If it's already known, why not publish it now. Is it too hot of the oven and he is waiting for it to cool down?
    They are probably still arguing over a few and don't want to admit it.

  9. #709
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    They are probably still arguing over a few and don't want to admit it.
    That's right they don't really care about any lists and data, they just care which countries will give them the biggest bang for their buck, and the least administrative work and cost.

  10. #710
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    So they won't be doing these inbound PCR tests at the airport. I hope to fuck they aren't going to be driving samples around Bangkok for processing.

    Bangkok is set to reopen to fully vaccinated international visitors next month with "swab hubs" being set up to test tourists upon their arrival in the capital.

    Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said that the government has laid down a policy to reopen the country on Nov 1 and precautions include testing and quarantine measures.

    As for the shortening of nighttime curfew hours starting on Saturday, City Hall will wait for an official announcement of the easing of virus curbs to be published in the Royal Gazette, Pol Gen Aswin said, adding that details regarding countdown events will then be discussed.


    Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, City Hall spokesman, said that City Hall has put in place measures to welcome back foreign visitors that are in line with the government's reopening plan.

    Bangkok needs to try and prevent transmissions among residents and foreign visitors so City Hall will set up Covid-19 screening points in the capital, similar to Phuket, he said.

    In Phuket, screening points are set up at hotels where tourists check-in. But City Hall plans to set up swab hubs across the capital to carry out swab tests on foreign visitors. They will then be quarantined at hotels and wait for the result of RT-PCR tests, the spokesman said.


    Measures will also be in place to contain transmissions, particularly at night entertainment venues which may be allowed to resume operations on Dec 1.


    Measures include carrying out rapid antigen tests and administering vaccines in Bangkok's popular tourist spots, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said.


    Asked about the Tourism and Sports Ministry's plan to invite Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned Italian opera tenor, to perform at a countdown event in Bangkok, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said that City Hall cannot make a decision on the matter as approval must be sought from the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).


    CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirungson said that the centre has come up with a host of strategies for the country's safe reopening.


    They include taking precautions to contain transmissions among at-risk and vulnerable groups and building public confidence about the so-called "new normal" way of life.


    She also said the CCSA on Friday discussed a proposal by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for foreign visitors who have received two vaccine shots with the result of RT-PCR test before arrival to use the Thailand Plus tracing app instead of the certificate of entry, Dr Apisamai said.


    She added that this will reduce their time of seeking permission to enter Thailand from 3-6 to 1-3 days.


    Chiang Mai governor Prachon Pratchsakul has also welcomed the government's Nov 1 reopening plan, saying the northern province will welcome back foreign tourists despite some new infection clusters detected recently.


    He said that one of the major clusters is centred around a market that has been ordered closed for 14 days.


    The governor was confident that the cluster will be brought under control before the reopening date.


    The Charming Chiang Mai tourism promotion project will also be launched to cover 25 districts of the northern provinces with about 1,000 Covid-free "blue zone" villages taking part in the project, the governor said.


    On Monday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government will reopen the country to fully vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries without quarantine on Nov 1, in what is seen as a key effort to boost the economy.


    The CCSA has also eased additional virus curbs, including shortening nighttime curfew hours starting today.

    'Swab hubs' for arriving tourists

  11. #711
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    CCSA operations director say detailed announcements on Thailand’s reopening plan to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine will come this week

    A clear and actual plan for Thailand’s reopening to welcome fully vaccinated foreigners will be discussed and finalized within 1-2 days, the director of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) operations center stated today, October 18th.

    General Supot Malaniyom from the CCSA’s operations center revealed today to the press that the details of the plan to open the country to fully vaccinated tourists without mandatory quarantine, according to the Prime Minister’s policy, will be announced at a major CCSA meeting within 1-2 days from today, October 18th, 2021.

    Additionally, details on what should be prioritized and considered in terms of how and if the plan will be able to be implemented next month will be available this week and will not be “held off until the last moment”, according to the director. This statement appeared to be directed at many people commenting on social media who had been afraid that any “official” announcements about the plan would be held off until possibly the last several days of October, like the Phuket Sandbox previously, leaving people with little time to plan potential trips in November.

    “What needs to be done urgently is to accelerate the Covid-19 vaccination inoculations, as well as making sure that scheduled vaccines and alternative vaccines will be delivered to Thailand as originally set previously over the next several months to reach our vaccination goals of 70-80% depending on the area. Other related departments and government agencies have to be fully prepared for the reopening, especially the public health, tourism sectors, and the private sectors in all areas,” Supot added.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Sumanee Watcharasin, director of the Office of Risk Communication and Health Behavior Development, from the Department of Disease Control, told the Associated Press that the CCSA is holding a meeting with many related Ministries and agencies this afternoon, October 18th, 2021 to prepare and draft out a clear reopening plan, considering the safety of the people of Thailand as the main priority.

    According to the CCSA’s consideration, the reopening will be gradually done in certain areas, depending on the readiness of each province and factors as follows. (TPN notes these are strictly proposals and are NOT final. They are being seriously considered, but are not yet “official”)

    The pandemic situation must be stable.

    The capacity of public health officials and the ability to handle disease prevention, the worst-case scenario of Covid-19 transmissions, and treatment for patients must be discussed and planned. Doctors are primarily developing their plans in terms of “worst-case” scenarios overall to be adequately prepared.

    All 17 “pilot” provinces in so-called “BLUE” (Business, Lesuire, Ultimate Experience) zones require 70 percent of the population to be fully vaccinated.


    According to the latest announcement, the blue zoned provinces/areas are Bangkok, Samut Prakan (Suvannabhumi International Airport), Krabi, Phang Nga, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Phetchaburi (Cha-am), Chonburi (Pattaya, Banglamung, Na Jom Tien, Bang Saray, Koh Sichang, Si Racha), Ranong (Koh Payam), Chiang Mai (Meung, Mae Rim, Mae Tang, Doi Tao), Loei (Chiang Kan), Buriram (Mueang), Nong Khai (Mueang District, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Sang Kom), Udon Thani (Mueang District, Na Yung, Nong Han, Prajaksilpakom, Kumphawapi, Ban Dung), Rayong (Koh Samet), and Trat (Koh Chang). This could, of course, change before the final announcement and before it is made official.


    TPN media notes that it is not yet clear if tourists will only be allowed in these blue provinces or if officials are only ensuring that the top tourist areas, where the overwhelming number of visitors go, are highly vaccinated. CCSA officials stated that all in-depth questions such as this would be answered “some time” this week once plans were finalized.

    Additionally, the list of “low-risk” countries that would be allowed to visit would also be announced this week, according to General Supot.

    TPN media will provide the final announcements when they are made, hopefully, this week as stated today, which would provide adequate time for potential visitors in November to prepare.

    CCSA operations director say detailed announcements on Thailand's reopening plan to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine will come this week - The Pattaya News
    Last edited by harrybarracuda; 19-10-2021 at 01:53 PM.

  12. #712
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    Opening up the country is also a matter of national pride. It would be very embarrassing to those in power if neighboring country's governments manage to open up their economies and Thailand's government failed to do so.
    It is my opinion that regardless of the covid metrics the Thai government will make an attempt tp open up.

  13. #713
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    Opening up the country is also a matter of national pride. It would be very embarrassing to those in power if neighboring country's governments manage to open up their economies and Thailand's government failed to do so.
    It is my opinion that regardless of the covid metrics the Thai government will make an attempt tp open up.
    The question is will an influx of recently tested, vaccinated tourists cause a load of clusters anywhere?

    The answer is of course no, and they have ample data against which to measure it.

    The major cause of outbreaks is, and will remain, Thais trafficking other Thais or foreign nationals from infected neighbours, bypassing testing and quarantine.

  14. #714
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    The question is will an influx of recently tested, vaccinated tourists cause a load of clusters anywhere?

    The answer is of course no, and they have ample data against which to measure it.

    The major cause of outbreaks is, and will remain, Thais trafficking other Thais or foreign nationals from infected neighbours, bypassing testing and quarantine.
    I think the tourists will be more in danger from the locals than the other way around.
    Out of the total 10,000 plus infections 14-20 were from people coming in from other countries. Let's assume that all of these were tourists , then if you were to multiply tourism 10 X you will still have an insignificant increase in covid cases.

  15. #715
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    Out of the total 10,000 plus infections 14-20 were from people coming in from other countries. Let's assume that all of these were tourists , then if you were to multiply tourism 10 X you will still have an insignificant increase in covid cases.
    Why would you assume they're tourists?

  16. #716
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    Why would you assume they're tourists?
    It is reported that there were cases of foreigners arriving at the sandbox that were infected. I am sure some of the numbers in the daily covid reports might also include workers coming over the border. But for the purpose of argument I assumed that all of them were foreigners coming in under the existing sandbox program. Even then the numbers would be insignificant in the scheme of things.
    Anyway, the point is not what the foreigners were, but that their infected numbers are insignificant.

  17. #717
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    It is reported that there were cases of foreigners arriving at the sandbox that were infected. I am sure some of the numbers in the daily covid reports might also include workers coming over the border. But for the purpose of argument I assumed that all of them were foreigners coming in under the existing sandbox program. Even then the numbers would be insignificant in the scheme of things.
    Anyway, the point is not what the foreigners were, but that their infected numbers are insignificant.
    I've seen 2: An Emirati family (Shitopharm) and a Brit (provenance unknown)

    They were both detected on arrival and never left quarantine.

    You can't just make shit up "for the purpose of argument".

    Cases arriving from overseas could be Thais or foreigners. They are most likely going into ASQ.

    And if they are in quarantine, they are not entering the population infected.

    The other Sandboxers who were found to be infected got it well after arrival which means they most likely caught it from Phuket residents.

  18. #718
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    I've seen 2: An Emirati family (Shitopharm) and a Brit (provenance unknown)

    They were both detected on arrival and never left quarantine.

    You can't just make shit up "for the purpose of argument".

    Cases arriving from overseas could be Thais or foreigners. They are most likely going into ASQ.

    And if they are in quarantine, they are not entering the population infected.

    The other Sandboxers who were found to be infected got it well after arrival which means they most likely caught it from Phuket residents.
    are you drinking? or do you just like to argue?

  19. #719
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    are you drinking? or do you just like to argue?
    Are you fucking joking?

    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    But for the purpose of argument I assumed that all of them were foreigners coming in under the existing sandbox program.

  20. #720
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Bangkok prepares testing protocols as reopening looms

    With the Nov 1 reopening looming, Bangkok is preparing protocols for testing tourists outside the airport, at hotels or 'swab hubs' to avoid congestion on arrival.

    Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor for domestic marketing, said swab tests for travellers will be conducted outside the airport to disperse the flow of tourists with travellers transferred via hotel limousines to SHA Plus hotels which have partner hospitals or swab hubs.

    Swab hubs, organised by the Thai Hotels Association (THA), will be established as a centres for small hotels which could be places like hospitals or alternative quarantine facilities.

    While waiting for the result, all arrivals are required to stay in their hotel room during the first night.

    Ms Thapanee said over 300 hotels are waiting for SHA Plus approval which should be ready by the end of this week.

    The TAT will help trial the standard operating procedures at Suvarnabhumi airport on Oct 25.

    "Bangkok's reopening will proceed as scheduled on Nov 1, so all related parties have to tie up any loose ends before the reopening," Ms Thapanee said.

    As of Oct 18, Bangkok's vaccination rate was 68.74% or 7.9 million people were fully vaccinated, according to the Public Health Ministry's vaccine dashboard.

    The TAT already launched a marketing strategy to attract tourists, particularly businessmen, long stay and wellness markets.

    She said there is tourism demand and international flights for next month as Bangkok is the gateway to the country.

    Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, THA president, said RT-PCR tests should be controlled to the same standard with less expensive prices to attract more tourists.

    She said hoteliers started to see forward bookings in December, mostly from markets that don't have to undergo quarantine on their return.

    Around 60-70% of 940 hotels in Bangkok are reopened, compared to only 50% during the peak of the recent wave, mainly attributed to the country's reopening and the resumption of domestic Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) events.

    According to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau more than 1,000 Mice groups, generating 250 million baht, are scheduled for October-December.

    Mrs Marisa said the occupancy rate for Bangkok hotels is estimated to increase from 20% this month to 30% in November.

    Bangkok prepares testing protocols as reopening looms

  21. #721
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    Are you fucking joking?
    I am but without the "fuking " part.
    Again the point is not what type pf foreigners they were that brought in infections from the outside, but that they were so few,in relation to the overall covid statistics. And that if the influx of more , even if 10x will still be insignificant in the overall scheme of things.
    But if you want to argue the price of tea in China, I like green tea and I don't care how much it costs.

  22. #722
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckaroo Banzai View Post
    I am but without the "fuking " part.
    Again the point is not what type pf foreigners they were that brought in infections from the outside, but that they were so few,in relation to the overall covid statistics. And that if the influx of more , even if 10x will still be insignificant in the overall scheme of things.
    But if you want to argue the price of tea in China, I like green tea and I don't care how much it costs.
    I'm not arguing anything.

    I'm simply stating facts.

    Unless you know of any arriving 'Sandboxers' who were infected other than the two cases I reported, it's safe to assume that the rest got infected from the local population.

    It's not "10x" and it's not even '14-20'.

  23. #723
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Vaccine passports for Thais/Thai residents (not much use unless you've had a decent vaccine).

    Thailand quarantine and entry conditions-245308300_4732402713449772_7941218018372791120_n-png

  24. #724
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Well today's PR briefing was a bit fat nothingburger, other than "If you get a COE now, it will work even if it's for after Nov 1st".

    No mention of quarantine, countries or anything.

  25. #725
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    We are making progress. First, the list of countries whose vaccinated citizens can test on arrival, wait a day and continue on their holidays:

    No doubt Bonanza Boy will be happy to see Greece on there.

    Thailand quarantine and entry conditions-fcovn8zuuaevolb-jpg

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