Thailand to ease travel restrictions for some countries - The Thaiger / Bangkok Post

Thailand to ease travel restrictions for some countries

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has confirmed the government intends to ease travel restrictions for arrivals from some countries, but the 14 day quarantine remains in place for now. Spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin says the easing of restrictions will be applied to 56 countries, including Australia, the US and France, whose nationals will not require visas to enter Thailand. However, they will need a certificate that confirms they are Covid-free 72 hours before travel, along with a confirmed reservation at a quarantine hotel.

The easing up of the paperwork side of the restrictions will go part of the way to help attract a few more visitors but the 14 day quarantine, including the expense, remains a barrier for any larger numbers of tourists at this stage.

While in 14 day quarantine, they will be subject to 3 Covid-19 tests, as the government conducts an assessment to determine if quarantine could be reduced to 10 days in future. Prior to this, arrivals in quarantine would be tested twice, once around 3-5 days after arrival, and the second time 1-3 days before leaving. They will now be tested 3 times, a policy that is set to continue until the end of the year. Officials then plan to analyse the results to decide if quarantine can be reduced to 10 days. The analysis will begin on January 1, with health officials expected to have a conclusion by January 15.

The current mandatory 14 day quarantine is having a severe effect on an already-crippled tourism industry and officials are hoping that a reduction might encourage more visitors. However, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has said any reduction would only apply to people arriving from countries considered safe from Covid-19.

Ministers and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have already foreshadowed keeping Thailand's borders closed to general travel until at least April next year. For once the usually over-optimistic TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. has made a completely honest assessment of the current situation.

"There are unpredictable factors that come into play when trying to determine how 2021 will pan out, like the availability of a Covid-19 vaccine, the number of coronavirus infections and travel restrictions. The tourism sector might not have what's considered a normal revenue, at least 80% of the pre-pandemic level, until 2022."

Meanwhile, Taweesilp says the CCSA supports end-of-year festivities going ahead, but organisers and those in attendance must adhere to disease control measures. This echoes a statement from PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has proposed splitting large celebrations into smaller zones, where numbers are limited. He warns that events that are not following Covid-19 safety measures can be cancelled.

"Strict measures must be in place while people enjoy themselves during the New Year celebrations. I don't want people to suffer from Covid-19 after New Year. Everyone must cooperate for the sake of the country's safety."

As usual The Thaiger urges people wanting to travel to Thailand at this stage to contact their embassy before they book flights or accommodation. Whilst we receive daily complaints about embassies not responding, all we can do is recommend you PERSIST.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

This post was last modified on Friday, December 18, 2020 9:58 am 

CCSA offers incentives like visa extension to make up for 14 days lost in quarantine - The Nation

CCSA offers incentives like visa extension to make up for 14 days lost in quarantine

Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin

The Centre for the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Thursday that some types of visa have been reactivated, the certificate of entry (CoE) validity extended and sports tournaments have been given the go-ahead.

CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said that since December 1, the authorities have been conducting three Covid-19 tests on people under quarantine, instead of two. The previous set up was to test individuals between the third and fifth day and then again between the 11th and 13th day. Under the new system, visitors will be tested on the first day, then between the ninth and 10th day and then again on the 13th or 14th day.

He said the new testing system may offer authorities an incentive to reduce the mandatory quarantine period from 14 to 10 days, though nothing is clear as yet.

Separately, the Public Health Ministry is looking for ways to cut down on the fees private hospitals are charging for Covid-19 tests. Private hospitals, which have been contracted to test people in alternative state quarantine (ASQ), have been asking the government for more funds.

Meanwhile, tourists who arrive on cruise ships and complete their 14-day quarantine on board will be allowed to extend their visa by another 15 days. The CCSA said that under the current 30-day visa, tourists only have 15 days to travel around after they have completed their 14-day quarantine.

Tourists have until December 29 to apply for the 15-day visa extension.

Meanwhile, tourists who are unable to travel within the time period specified in the certificate of entry (CoE) will be granted an extra 24 hours. If the travel can be completed within 72 hours after the original timeframe, then a new CoE will not be required.

Taweesin, however, provided little information on the Foreign Ministry's plan to allow CoE applications to be completed online.

The CCSA has also issued a new list of 56 countries and territories whose citizens do not require a visa and can live in the Kingdom for up to 30 days. The countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Principality of Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, non-immigrant visa holders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea can stay for a maximum of 90 days based on inter-governmental agreements.

Visa on arrival (VoA), however, is still suspended until the Covid-19 situation gets better.

Three types of visitors – transit visa holders, tourist visa holders (not from the 56 countries and territories listed above) and athletes participating in meetings or competitions hosted by Thailand – will get a 15-day extension on their visa to compensate for the 14 days lost in quarantine.

The Honda LPGA women's golf tournament will be held in Thailand from May 3 to 9. Spectators will be allowed to join based on the virus situation at the time.

Separately, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry is planning to add Mandarin to the Thailand Plus application from January onwards. The apps will also be linked to smart wristbands and Thai Chana apps.

The spokesman added that Christmas and New Year celebrations will be held as usual, but under the new normal, people will be required to maintain social distancing, observe hygienic behaviour and agree to cooperate so there is no need for a lockdown like in other countries.

Chonburi ranked number one in highway accidents in Thailand in November, HAIMS reports - Pattaya News

Chonburi ranked number one in highway accidents in Thailand in November, HAIMS reports

Thursday, 17 December 2020, 17:24

PHOTO: Siambusiness News

National –

The Highway Accident Information Management System (HAIMS) revealed that the number of accidents on highways nationwide in November has significantly increased by 10 percent, compared to the same period of November last year, in which Chonburi was ranked with the highest rate in road accidents.

Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai told the press yesterday, December 16, that there are a total of 1,335 accidents on highways, resulting in 241 deaths and 1,222 injuries with 2,219 vehicles involved.

Although the number of fatalities has decreased by 5 percent in 2020, injuries have increased 9 percent and so has the number of car accidents by 19 percent. The Department of Highways has filed a report of property damage for about 12 million baht, according to the director-general.

PHOTO: Siambusiness News

Sarawut stated: "Most of the road traffic accidents were caused by over-speeding driving, followed by cutting-off other motorists, drowsy driving, and equipment failure, respectively. About 941 of them occurred on straight segments."

"A total of 51 severe accidents happened on Highway No. 7, Nong Kham-Phla, which makes Chonburi have the highest number of accidents, followed by Suphanburi and Bangkok, respectively," he concluded.

How have Thailand and Cambodia kept Covid cases so low? | Coronavirus | The Guardian

How have Thailand and Cambodia kept Covid cases so low?

Rebecca Ratcliffe

A dancer wearing a face shield to protect against coronavirus performs at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand.Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

Wed 16 Dec 2020 10.01 GMT

Last modified on Wed 16 Dec 2020 17.45 GMT

When the coronavirus first began to spread rapidly in the Chinese city of Wuhan, Thailand appeared especially vulnerable. It was the first country outside China to report a case of Covid-19, when, on 13 January, a 61-year-old woman from Wuhan was confirmed to have tested positive in Bangkok. Thailand was in its peak tourist season, welcoming travellers from around the world. A major outbreak seemed almost inevitable.

Yet, 11 months later, like many of its south-east Asian neighbours, Thailandhas so far avoided the worst of the virus.

As of 15 December, Thailand has recorded 4,246 infections since the start of the year – just over a fifth of the cases recorded on Monday alone in the UK. Fatalities stand at 60.

Prof Anucha Apisarnthanarak, chief of the infectious diseases division at Thammasat University, said the country's success was down to clear communication by health experts, a willingness to allow scientists to lead the response and an effective lockdown, which was followed by the public.

"I think one of the most impactful interventions was universal mask wearing," he added. "We did it not because we knew [it would be effective] but because somehow this is the Asian culture." There is, Anucha said, now evidence to suggest that this significantly lowered the number of infections and deaths.

People eat lunch separated by plastic screens, implemented to reduce the spread of Covid-19, at a food court in Bangkok. Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

As Thailand kept its case numbers under control, medical teams were able to offer greater care to patients who did test positive. Any person confirmed to have the virus was hospitalised, even if they were asymptomatic or had just mild symptoms – a policy that reduced the risk of further local transmission and of a patient becoming seriously ill.

'We are not immune'

Initially, just two laboratories in Thailand had capacity to test for Covid-19, but the number has since grown to 250, said Dr Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, deputy chief of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre at King Chulalongkorn memorial hospital. "We can have early detection of any suspected case," she said, with results provided within 24 hours, allowing early treatment. A WHO report on Thailand's response produced in July, stated that the case fatality rate was around 1.7%.

It is possible that demographics and the environment have also played a role. Obesity and other possible risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are relatively less common in Thailand than in many of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus, said Anucha.

In neighbouring Cambodia – where confirmed national cases stand at 362 as of 15 December, and there have been no confirmed deaths – three-quarters of the population live in rural settings, and spend a great deal of time outdoors.

Neither countries' response has been flawless. Some have pointed to the low testing rates in Cambodia, and expressed particular concern over the vulnerability of prisoners in the country's notoriously cramped jails. Last month, the government identified what it described as the first community transmission, with the director of prisons, who had recent contact with inmates, testing positive.

A joint statement issued by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights urged the government to conduct rigorous testing of prisoners, and to reduce overcrowding. Prisons department spokesperson Nuth Savna said last week that some inmates had slight fever, coughing and runny noses – symptoms he attributed to the changing weather, though they had not been tested at the time, according to a report by VOD English.

Cambodia's authoritarian leader, Hun Sen, a staunch ally of China, had previously caused alarm earlier by appearing to downplay the virus. Rights groups have accused him of using the virus as a pretext for cracking down on dissent and expanding his powers.

Military police officers hand out free face masks amid concerns over coronavirus at a park in Phnom Penh.Photograph: Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP/Getty Images

Hang Chansana, head of emergency health at the Cambodian Red Cross, said hospitals had not yet been overwhelmed – which would be the case if the country was facing a major outbreak. He put the country's success down to a strategy focused on three points: "One, promote control of the imported case; second, prevent spread in the community; and third, improve the treatment for the positive cases."

In both countries the pandemic has proved economically devastating. In Thailand, strict entry restrictions have halted tourism, contributing to millions of job losses. Over recent weeks, a small cluster of cases has emerged, linked to people travelling undetected over the Myanmar border, prompting fears the virus could spread among migrant workers, who may be reluctant to report symptoms if they have not crossed into the country through an official route.

Anyone entering Thailand is required to quarantine in designated facilities for 14 days, and undergo multiple Covid-19 tests.

The country will only be able to open up again once global cases are under control and a vaccine becomes available, said Anucha, which could be in May or June next year. He believes it is possible for Thailand to retain control of the virus – but only if it keeps up its guard.

"Our country really needs a vaccine," he added. "We are not immune."

Thailand: Mandatory health insurance for retirees, What you should know, Since October 2019, foreigners - just landed.com



Mandatory health insurance for retirees

What you should know

Since October 2019, foreigners living in Thailand on a retirement visa are required to take out a health insurance plan that meets certain conditions. Let's see exactly who is affected, why was this change made, and what are those conditions.

Who is affected?

All foreigners over the age of 50 who stay in Thailand for a period of at least 1 year and do not intend to work. That is, retirees holding one of the two 'retirement visas':

• Non immigrant O-A visa

• Non immigrant O-X visa

Why the change?

The Thailand government claimed that there were a high number of unpaid healthcare bills from foreigners living in Thailand, especially from retirees with long-term visas.

In 2018, they stated, the unpaid amount was estimated to be 305 million baht (approximately 8,3 million euros). Consequently, they have decided to take action against it, making health insurance an obligation for all retirees.

Health insurance conditions

The new regulation requires expats to have health insurance with a company approved by the Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) of Thailand. The insurance plan must provide:

• Cover for Outpatient Treatment of no less than 40,000 baht (1,096 euros) and Inpatient Treatment of no less than 400,000 baht (10,968 euros).

• Cover for medical expenses related to COVID-19 of no less than 100,000 USD.

You can take local health insurance from Thai brokers and agents. However, unless you speak Thai, it's recommended to go with a well-known international company such as Cigna Global Health Thailand.

With international health insurers you have the advantage to get coverage in Thailand and in your home country, access to the best hospitals & doctors and shorter waiting times. Plus, you'll be able to communicate in your own language with their multilingual team.



Thai Smile flights hoped to spark tourism boost for Phuket - Phuket News

Thai Smile flights hoped to spark tourism boost for Phuket

PHUKET: Thai Smile, the domestic carrier operated by THAI Airways International, will increase its number of flights to Phuket in the New Year in the hope that other airlines will follow, leading to cheaper airfares to Phuket.

Phuket Governor Narong Woonchiew announced the news during a press conference broadcast live online this morning (Dec 16).

Governor Narong admitted that despite the multitude of domestic tourism campaigns currently underway, the number of Thai tourists coming to Phuket has fallen far short of enough to help support Phuket's devastated tourism industry.

In addition, Phuket currently has "no more than" 10 foreign tourists who recently arrived on the island.

"All of them are currently serving their 14-day quarantine now," he said.

PLEA TO BANGKOK

Governor Narong explained that the move by Thai Smile to increase their number of flights to Phuket followed a delegation he led to Bangkok earlier this month, accompanied by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office Director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri.

Also joining the delegation from Phuket were Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam and PTA Vice President of Meeting & Special Activities Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, as well as Kongsak Kuupongsakorn, President of Southern Thai Hotels Association and Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, PTA's Vice President of Meeting & Special Activities.

TAT Deputy Governor Sirikorn Chiewsamut was present for the talks, held at the head office of Thai Airways International in Bangkok, as was Chaturon Chaiyakam, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Consular Affairs (DCA).

The meeting was dubbed by the PTA as a way to join forces to help save Phuket tourism.

The aim was to urge THAI Airways International to arrange direct international passenger flights to Phuket and for its dometic carrier subsidiary THAI Smile to reduce airfares to Phuket to help boost the number of domestic tourists visiting the island.

Mr Bhummitkitti said that Phuket's tourism industry could be saved if international flights started flying directly to Phuketm before continuing on to Bangkok, and if domestic flights to and from Phuket were cheaper to encourage more domestic tourists to visit the island.

Mr Bhummitkitti called for those present to help make direct international flights to Phuket from main cities in Europe, and notably Scandinavia, to respond to demand from tourists in those source markets.

"For four months already we have had private jets coming to Phuket and now we have private yachts. A lot more people want to come but they cannot because there are too many limitations," he said.

"So we want THAI Airways to operate direct international flights to Phuket as they did before.

From previous statistics, a lot of passengers preferred to come to Phuket first before travelling to Bangkok," he explained.

"If we can make this happen, a lot of tourists will come," Mr Bhummitkitti noted.

"We now have a lot of ALQ hotels with thousands of rooms available [in Phuket], but at this stage we have not more than 20 rooms have been used," he pointed out.

As of Monday (Dec 14), the Phuket Provincial Health Office reported that 21 hotels in Phuket had now been ratified to operate as ALQ venues, altogether offering 2,554 rooms available.

The rooms are currently empty of guests as no international tourists are allowed to land directly in Phuket.

The PTA will file an urgent request to the economic adviser to the prime minister and to the CAAT [Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand] to have a meeting to set maximum rates for ticket prices, a statement by the PTA quoted Mr Bhummitkitti as saying.

"The PTA also proposes that THAI Smile have charter flights from northern and northeastern Thailand to the South," the statement added, presumably so that tourists could be brought to other tourism destinations in the South without any risk to domestic passengers travelling on regular scheduled domestic flights.

BALANCE NEEDED 

Governor Narong told the meeting a balance must be struck between quarantine restrictions and allowing the economy to recover.

Stimulating domestic tourism to offset the loss of revenue from foreign visitors had produced satisfactory results with about 200,000 visitors arriving in Phuket last month, according to the local estimates, he added.

Domestic visitors have been keeping Phuket's tourism industry afloat, but there would have been more tourists if airfares, particularly during long weekends, were not so expensive, Governor Narong explained.

Gov Narong added that airlines should add more flights with the expectation that it could lower the ticket prices.

However, for the tourism industry to survive and thrive again, more international visitors were needed, Governor Narong said.

The meeting discussed reinstating direct flights from European countries whose nationals make up the traditional mainstay of long-stay visitors to Phuket.

The air links which should be given priority are those from Frankfurt and Copenhagen to Phuket with onward flights to Bangkok.

TAT Deputy Governor Sirikorn Chiewsamut said travel demand for Phuket remains strong in some international tourist segments despite the 14-day mandatory quarantine regulation.

Although international arrivals are nowhere near the pre-COVID level at the start of the year, a return of direct commercial flights will help revive flagging tourism, the meeting was told.

Department of Consular Affairs (DCA) Deputy Director-General Chaturon Chaiyakam said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has relaxed restrictions in granting tourist visas. Previously, tight restrictions were in place for visa applications sought by people from countries with widespread infections.

Jesada Chandrema, THAI's Acting Vice-President for Sales, said the airline has taken note of the calls for resumption of direct scheduled flights to Phuket from Europe. He described the proposal as "interesting and possible".

THE GOOD NEWS

Governor Narong this morning announced, "After talking in Bangkok with Thai Airway CEOs, they agreed to add more flights from Bangkok to Phuket, but said that it would not happen until after January 1. The reason depended on the supply and demand of price determination in the market." 

"If Thai Airways increases the number of flights to Phuket, then other airlines might adjust their strategy afterward. This could result in cheaper flights to Phuket, and encourage more travellers to come," he explained.

Regarding the request to have international flights land directly in Phuket before continuing on to Bangkok, Governor Narong said, "We expect to get an answer about this soon."

OUT OF POCKET

Governor Narong this morning also pointed out the reality of the current state of economic impact on Phuket.

"I admit that Phuket province has lost so much income during this time. I've asked many people about the number of tourists in Phuket…This year, the income is very low," he said, adding that people in Phuket had "lost a lot".

"Let's compare. We used to receive 10 million foreign tourists per year, and only 200,000 Thai tourists visited Phuket last month. Normally, Thai tourists make about 4 million trips to Phuket per year.

"So I am not surprised that the income is so much less. I have to think about how to figure it out. The flights are one option to bring people to Phuket.  The aim is to save Phuket's tourism industry by having additional flights," he said.

Governor Narong pointed out that Phuket's distance from Bangkok was a major obstacle in attracting domestic tourists.

Driving to the island would take too long when Thais are looking to enjoy just a short vacation, and the cost of a flight to Phuket was too prohibitive, he said.

"If they are travelling as a group, the cost of travel will be much more expensive. For example, for three people travelling together the cost of the flights and other stuff will be about B30,000.

"Instead, people decide to travel to places closer to home. There are beaches and mountains closer to Bangkok that they can travel to that are cheaper to reach and leave them much more of the same budget to spend on other things there instead of Phuket," Governor Narong said.

Bangkok pollution is so bad, Public Health Ministry advises people to work from home - Thai Visa

Bangkok pollution is so bad, Public Health Ministry advises people to work from home

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Dr Opas Kankawipong told the Thai media that people could consider working from home as Bangkok and its surrounding areas were swathed in PM2.5 pollution. 

 

Dr Opas admitted that the pollution had reached unacceptable levels and said it had happened quickly and was affecting different areas in different ways. 

 

He cautioned about engaging in outside activities for prolonged periods though much of the risk depends on which activity. 

 

He cautioned that vulnerable groups like the very young, old, pregnant women and those with heart, respiratory, allergies and skin conditions should take particular care. 

 

Asked about delivery drivers and policemen who must spend a long time outside in their jobs he said that N95 masks were awkward to wear but there are specialist masks for PM2.5 for these high risk groups.

 

For the rest of the population a normal surgical mask would suffice, two layers were not necessary. 

 

His call to work from home was just a suggestion if people are able to do so because it would limit the amount of matter in the air from vehicle emissions of people travelling to work. 

 

He said there was no credible data to correlate the effect of PM2.5 on the potential spread of Covid-19.  

 

Source: Daily News

 

 

 

Intressanta siffror och ord: Thailand's foreign EX-PATS see the good life slip away

Thailand's foreign EX-PATS see the good life slip away

December 16, 2020

Expat in Asia image

From the mountains of #ChiangMai to the beaches of #Phuket, #Thailand has long been a draw for foreign retirees wishing to spend their golden years in tropical bliss.

But for the many who have enjoyed paradise on the cheap, their dreams are ebbing away as the country opens up to a wealthier class of retirees.

The Thai baht rose to a six-year high against the dollar last year to become one of the world's most stable currencies.

Though it has depreciated in the past two months, it is still significantly stronger compared to three or four years ago.

Seen as a safe bet amid the U.S.-China trade war, the baht has caused visitor numbers to drop and hotel occupancy rates to halve.

But for those living here on fixed savings or pensions, the baht's strength has decimated their income.

British expats have lost about 30% of their purchasing power following the pound's plummet in the wake of Brexit.

The financial squeeze comes amid changes to visa rules for retirees. As of February last year, foreigners must have a security deposit of 800,000 baht ($25,364) in a Thai bank account for two months prior to application or a monthly income of 65,000 baht; or a combination of the two totaling 800,000 baht.

Applicants must now also have health insurance. For someone aged 75, for example, that is a "big problem" as the premium could be as much as 100,000 baht per month, said Sebastian Brousseau, CEO of Isaan Lawyers.

The stringent regulations have caught many elderly expats used to a free and easy lifestyle off guard, with many fearing for their future.

In Pattaya, a coastal city with a big retired community, the sense of desperation is palpable.

"Life in Pattaya has been getting worse for people ever since the economic crisis and since a few years ago," said Leng Leng, who runs Mercy Pattaya, a local Christian charity.

Two men watch the world go by in Pattaya, a coastal resort with a big foreign community that is being squeezed by a strong baht and new visa rules. (Photo by George Styllis)

Pattaya has been a haven for expats ever since American servicemen flocked here for sun and sleaze during the Vietnam War, turning a sleepy fishing village into Asia's sin city.

Gerry, a U.S. Navy veteran who declined to give his last name, first visited back then and has stayed ever since. At 83, alone and estranged from his family, Gerry has built his life here.

But barely able to cover his living costs, let alone the deposit he now needs for a visa, he feels trapped, having been "out of the U.S. system" for more than 30 years.

"I'm too old and too scared to go anywhere else," he said.

Gerry does not own property here, but for those who do, a downturn in the real estate market has dashed their chances of a quick sell.

Demand for properties has waned since last year as many expats, disgruntled with Thailand's tightening immigration system, have moved to other parts of Asia, while China has imposed new controls to curb capital flight, said Jean Charles, the founder of TwoFlat Real Estate.

The situation has intensified Thailand's glut, which is set to worsen with arrival numbers decimated by the new coronavirus.

Yet amid this turmoil, the country has been unflinching in its bid to capitalize on the world's aging populations, promoting Thailand, with its sunny weather and affordable health care, as a place to age with dignity.

Thailand issued almost 80,000 retirement visas in 2018, an increase of 30% from 2014, with Britons accounting for the bulk.

Research by Kasikornthai Bank estimated that in 2016, there were 68,300 foreigners over 50 years old holding long-stay visas, a 9% increase over the preceding two years.

The market's niche but lucrative potential is prompting huge investment from health care operators.

The Thonburi Healthcare Group launched Jin Well-being County in 2018, a 3.7-billion baht retirement city complete with a hospital and apartments aimed at wealthy Thais and Asians.

The group plans to build a 43-hectare facility in Krabi targeting largely Westerners in the coming years, said Jin Well-being manager Ken Chen.

"It'll be more like a five-star hotel," said Chen.

At 99,000 baht per sq. meter, Jin Well-being's apartments are not cheap, but for foreigners they could help bypass some of the stringent retirement visa rules, said Chen.

Bolstering this bid for wealthy retirees, the government has been successfully promoting an elite visa scheme, with options for five-, 10- and 20-year visas ranging from 500,000 baht to 2 million baht.

Applications among retirees jumped on average 34% between 2016 and 2019 amid record growth, after citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners Group was appointed as exclusive global concessionaire for the program.

By avoiding the need for annual renewal, the elite visas offer "longer-term certainty" for those wishing to live or invest here, along with other "bells and whistles," said Dominic Volek, Henley's Head of Southeast Asia.

The bid to lure wealthier individuals has made many here feel they are being squeezed out, said Darren Low, owner of The Sportsman pub in Pattaya.

Yet Low is hopeful that with Thai economic growth dropping to a five-year low last year and tourist arrivals forecast to drop as much as 50%, the government might look to expats to buffer the economic impact.

A positive sign came earlier this year when the government quietly dropped a revived immigration law that drew heavy criticism, days after China announced a ban on overseas tours to contain the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, relief from the baht is expected after it softened at the start of the year, following the central bank's announcement that it will relax rules on capital outflows to weaken the currency.

Yet Low has noticed many around him have already abandoned themselves to despair, drinking heavily as their once-rosy vision of Thailand turns bleak.

"People are just deteriorating," said Low.

Even if the government does throw them a lifeline, it may be too late. "It probably already is," he said.