Thailand’s RE-OPENING starts on April 1st - Bangkok Jack

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Thailand's RE-OPENING starts on April 1st

March 19, 2021

In the clearest indication yet of the likely way forward for the reopening of the country to foreign tourists Thai business media has said that there will be four phases, according to their sources.

Tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan's plan that will be discussed at the end of this week will see tourists from low risk countries like the UK, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and India able to visit.

Plans are also afoot to add to the number of countries creating a medium risk category, reported Bangkok Business News.

BBN said that D-Day for the start of what is known as Area Quarantine – part of what is now being called "Open System" – will be April 1st.

Tourists will still have to quarantine for 7 days from April to September if they have been given two doses of vaccine in their home countries.

It's ten days for those not vaccinated.

There are four phases:

Phase 1 – April and May: Tourists will be able to use fitness facilities, swim and go on cycle rides in the grounds (subject to protocols). They can eat food delivered from outside the hotels.

Phase 2 – June to September: would involve the setting up of an exclusive travel area or "seal route" in which tourists could move around while doing Area Quarantine for 10 days. They would be restricted where they could move.

After they have completed their quarantine they can travel anywhere in Thailand.

The plan is to have Area Quarantine in Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani (Khon Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Phangnga and Bangkok.

Phase 3 October to December: is called the "Sand Box" and will be done from October to December in seven specified tourism provinces that are mostly by the sea. This could involve one day in quarantine with a swab test requirement for tourists who have already been vaccinated twice abroad.

Along with it will be an end to the Certificate of Entry document that will be replaced by a vaccine certificate (perhaps the so-called "vaccine passport).

Phase 4 from January onwards would see quarantine ended and free movement throughout the country though a one day quarantine with swab test might still be required. Tourists would still need to have been vaccinated twice abroad and have documentation related to that.

Under the Open System tourists will be able to come for a stay of 45 days (up from the previous 30) or utilize Special Tourist Visas, Yacht Quarantine or Elite cards.

Picture: Bangkok Business News

Speculation based on Thai media sources at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and potential visitors to Thailand are advised to await official clarification probably this Friday.

Even then caution is advised as the Thai authorities have been known to flip-flop especially amid the uncertainty of the vaccine rollout and unpredictability of the next stage of the pandemic.

BBN also indicated that the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, halted abruptly amid concerns about clotting, is likely to be resumed following contact with the WHO and other worldwide agencies who are saying that there is no cause for concern. – Reuters



Thai immigration questions and answers – March 2021 - Pattaya Mail

 Thai immigration questions and answers – March 2021

Pattaya MailMarch 19, 2021

Chonburi Immigration shows off its new mobile service vehicle which is crammed full of the latest police technology and CCTV facilities.

Here's a summary of some of the most frequent topics currently being raised with Thai immigration authorities and Thai embassies overseas.  For more detailed responses and any policy changes, you should visit an immigration office in Thailand or refer to the Thai embassy website in your country.



Can I leave Thailand and return using my re-entry permit?

The only way you can return to Thailand is by obtaining from the Thai embassy in your country of intended departure a certificate of entry.  While the documentary requirements vary according to the visa in question, they always include Covid insurance worth US$100,000, proof of registration with a quarantine hotel in Thailand, health checks etc.  A re-entry permit on its own will not be sufficient and, for many purposes, is not necessary.

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Which visas now require general health insurance?

Thai embassies will want to see, in addition to specific Covid cover, general insurance worth at least 400,000 baht outpatient and 40,000 baht inpatient for the Special Tourist Visa (up to 270 days) and for non-immigrant visas based on retirement, whether type "O", "O/A" or "X".  Whilst abroad, applicants will be able to use foreign insurance companies but later extensions sought in Thailand at immigration offices will likely require registration with a Thai-based company.

The very busy Royal Thai Embassy in London authorizes which Brits can come to Thailand.

Must I have a return airticket to apply for a certificate of entry?

If you are a citizen one of the 54 "exempt" countries able to apply for a maximum 45 day stay in Thailand without a visa, you must be in possession of an airticket both in and out of Thailand within that time scale.  Actually the ticket out of Thailand need not to be to your home country but to any destination outside Thailand.  Some, but not all embassies, are also asking for an outward-bound airticket when examining the application for a 60 daytourist visa.

What exactly does quarantine involve once you land in Thailand?

Currently, all visitors must undergo isolation in a hotel for a period of two weeks after which they are free to travel domestically as long as they are virus-free.  The registration and payment are on-line prior to receiving the certificate of entry and the quality of the experience will depend on what you are prepared to pay.  But leaving your room will not be a regular feature.  The most expensive quarantine experience is to be found in five star hotels, golf course residences and even off-shore yachts.



Why do only some expats have to provide general medical insurance when applying for an annual retirement extension at a Thai immigration bureau? 

It depends on the category of non-immigrant visa on which your extension is based.  If "O/A" (annual) or "X" (10 years), you will need a Thailand-based policy worth at least 400,000 baht inpatient and 40,000 outpatient.  If your non-immigrant visa was type "O" no insurance is currently required for an annual extension.  However, that remains true only if the "O" retirees remain in Thailand and do not venture abroad.

After surviving the embassy and the flight, you now wait your turn with airport immigration officers.

Is it worthwhile obtaining a Thai Elite visa which allows a five year stay for 600,000 baht?

There are, in fact, many Elite variations but that is the most popular option.  Against the Elite is that you must pay 600,000 baht up front and must still do the 90 days immigration check-in and refresh the visa on an annual basis.  Also you may find the extras, such as fast airport immigration processing and discounts on purchases, somewhat exaggerated.  On the plus side, you do not need re-entry permits, nor prove bank balances once you have joined.  Some holders of retirement and marriage extensions of stay say the Elite option is much less hassle with minimum contact with ever-changing immigration rules.  There is no requirement to have general medical insurance.



Do you need a Covid test, vaccination or specific insurance to renew or extend a visa in Thailand?

Not currently, although some immigration  or employment offices do require virus clearance for work permits or for the newish four year Smart visa for new technology experts and investors.  Thailand has only just begun its vaccination program – only around 60,000 inoculated so far –  so it would not be feasible to require it at this stage for the hundreds of thousands of foreigners still here.  It's likely that Thailand will be guided, in part, by decisions yet to be made by other tourist-orientated countries.

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When will travel and in and out of Thailand return to normal?

Impossible to predict.  On the positive side, some kind of vaccine passport may be available this or next year whilst the Thai government is very keen to open up the country as soon as possible.  It's also possible that travel insurance, hidden in the cost of the airticket, may simplify the whole insurance debate, but that's far from certain.  On the negative front, Covid has hugely empowered Thai embassies abroad and they may be reluctant to give up that bureaucratic control over entry of foreigners to the kingdom.  Many travel experts prefer the term neo-normal as the days of buying an airticket and hopping on a plane with just your passport are not returning any time soon.  If ever.

The Thai government on Friday released its proposal for relaxing COVID-19 measures and re-opening the country to foreign tourists. - Thai Visa



 



The Thai government on Friday released its proposal for relaxing COVID-19 measures and re-opening the country to foreign tourists.

The most notable of Friday's announcement is that quarantine will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days from 1 April. It will then be reduced to 7 days later for vaccinated foreigners, before quarantine will be scrapped completely by 1 October for those who have received the vaccine. 

Much of the proposals were as first reported earlier this week, with Thailand set to reopen in three phases.

Phase 1 - which will take place between 1 April and 30 June will see Samut Sakhon no longer being listed as a 'red zone' or maximum controlled area, where it will join Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathom Thani, Tak and Ratchaburi as an 'orange zone' or controlled area.

Fourteen other provinces, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Chonburi, Rayong, Chumphon, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat will remain 'yellow zone' or a high surveillance area. 

The remaining provinces will be listed as a green zone.

Phase 2 - from 1 July to 30 September - there will no longer be any color coded zones or controlled areas in Thailand. All restrictions will be lift, expect for those under the new normal, such as social distancing, mask wearing and temperature checks when entering some premises. 

Phase 3 - from 1 Oct - the government is aiming to allow vaccinated tourists from low risk countries to enter Thailand without the need to quarantine. However, this will depend on the COVID-19 situation in Thailand and whether or not sufficient numbers of medical workers in the country have received the vaccination. 

Meanwhile, it was announced that quarantine will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days from 1 April.

CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin said that  both Thais and foreigners will need to need to quarantine for 10 days but this will be reduced to 7 days later in the year.

It was also announced that the state of emergency will be extended to 31 May and that water throwing and foam parties have been banned for this year's Songkran, but there are no restrictions on domestic travel.

This is a developing news story, this post may be updated without warning

 

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19/3

 

Top drinkers in Asia-world. The Nation



The average price of beer costs more in Bangkok than in Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin, a new study has revealed. - Thai Visa



REUTERS FILE PHOTO for reference only

The average price of beer costs more in Bangkok than in Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin, a new study has revealed.

According to the World Beer Index 2021, the average price of a 330ml bottle of beer in Bangkok is USD$4.82,approximately 149 THB.

The World Beer Index from Expensivity calculated the average price of a bottle of beer in 58 countries bought from either a supermarket or a hotel bar.

Thailand-particularly Bangkok- was  ranked in 37th place overall with beer prices ranging from $0.94 (29 THB) in supermarkets to $8.70 (269 THB) in hotel bars.

Out of the other ASEAN countries to feature in the study, only Singapore was found to be more expensive than Thailand, with the average price of a beer costing $5.17. 

This was followed by Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur-$4.74), the Philippines (Manilla-$4.82) and Indonesia (Jakarta-$3.17).

South Africa's capital cities Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town have the cheapest beer with an average price of $1.68. The study said the culture of bulk buying beer in South Africa contributed to its low average price. 

Following South Africa is Ukraine (Kyiv), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Saravejo), Ghana (Acra), Tunisia (Tunis), Georgia (Tbilisi), Chile (Santiago), and Czech Republic (Prague).

Meanwhile, Qatar (Doha) emerged as the city with the most expensive beer price tag with a whopping average of $11.26 per bottle. Football fans take note.

"A beer in Qatar is expensive. The mostly Muslim country introduced a 100% tax on alcohol imports ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and visitors need a special permit to drink alcohol," the report stated.

It is also worthing pointing out that there were a few notable exceptions to the study, such as  Australia, New Zealand and Ireland (yes, Ireland!). How can you have a study on beer consumption without including the Irish?

 

 

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Thai Airways disputes $7.4bn of aircraft lessor claims - Bangkok Post

Thai Airways disputes $7.4bn of aircraft lessor claims

Thai Airways planes parked at Suvarnabhumi airport (Reuters file photo)

Thai Airways International Plc is challenging some US$7.4 billion in claims from dozens of aircraft lessors and engine service provider Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, saying it is not liable for the monies because they concern future expenses and were incurred after the airline received bankruptcy protection from a Bangkok court.

Thailand's flag carrier, which is undergoing a court-supervised restructuring to trim debt and return to profit by raising fresh capital, is disputing around 192 billion baht ($6.3 billion) claimed by 48 lessors including BOC Aviation Ltd and SMBC Aviation Capital Ltd, and another 33 billion baht that Rolls-Royce says it is owed for maintenance services, according to a copy of the debt rehabilitation plan seen by Bloomberg.

A spokesperson for Thai Airways declined to comment. Representatives from BOC Aviation, and Rolls-Royce and SMBC Aviation in Europe also declined to comment.

The disputed amount is more than half of Thai Airways' total liabilities of 410 billion baht. Yet an amicable settlement with creditors is key for the airline to stave off bankruptcy.

The carrier will require 30 billion baht by the middle of this year to resume its scheduled commercial services and pay for one-time employee separation costs, Acting President Chansin Treenuchagron said earlier this month.

Some 50 billion baht of fresh capital in total will be sought over the next two years, either through new shares or borrowings.

The Finance Ministry, Thai Airways' largest shareholder, has already backed the proposed restructuring, which also seeks to impose a three-year freeze on debt repayments, a waiver of unpaid interest on loans and the deferment of bond repayments for six years.

Thai Airways posted a record loss of $4.7 billion (144.6 billion baht) last year after most of its services were halted by border closures due to Covid-19. Accumulated losses and mounting debt turned the airline's equity negative prompting the Thai bourse to suspend its shares from trading last month. The stock fell 54% in 2020.

The carrier submitted the debt recast plan to the bankruptcy court on March 2 and expects creditors to vote on it on May 12.

Bondholders, although their repayments will be deferred, have not been asked to take any haircut on their principal. They are owed about 70 billion baht in total.

"Bondholders are very happy even though the repayment period will be extended for some time," said Somboon Sangrungjang, a senior lawyer at Kudun & Partners Ltd, which represents the bondholders.

But he added there will be "some disputes between Thai Air and other creditors".



Thai government to turn off tourism aid after cases of fraud - Nikkei Asia

Thai government to turn off tourism aid after cases of fraud

Industry calls for further help while lobbying to open up to vaccinated foreigners

BANGKOK -- Thailand's tourism industry faces another blow after the government shut the door on more domestic travel subsidies following revelations that many hotel operators had abused the system.

The Thai cabinet earlier this week turned down a proposal by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to extend the subsidy scheme called "We Travel Together" after many hotels and guesthouses were found to have defrauded authorities.

"We badly need the subsidy and the government should extend it as soon as possible, otherwise the tourism sector cannot be revived," Wassana Srikanchana, president of Hua Hin-Cha am Tourist Association told Nikkei Asia.

Under the "We Travel Together" scheme due to expire at the end of April, the government will pay for up to 40% of a hotel's room rate, to a maximum of 3,000 baht ($98), per night for six million Thais who have registered for the discount. The scheme was aimed at spurring domestic tourism to help offset the loss of foreign arrivals.

However, Thai authorities have found more than 500 cases of fraud. Some hotel operators and workers registered themselves on the scheme to get government funds for their property, without actual stays. Other hotels marked up their room rates to get the maximum subsidy. Some registered more rooms than they actually had -- in one case, a guesthouse with only 12 rooms registered itself as having 100 rooms.

"Such cheating tactics forced the government to not extend the project and order the TAT to instead come up with other strategies to help the tourism sector and close any loopholes that can be exploited," Anucha Burapachaisri, the government spokesperson, told reporters.

The tourism industry accounts for around 20% of the country's gross domestic product and generated around 3 trillion baht of revenue in 2019. Two-thirds of that total came from foreign tourists. However, the pandemic led countries to close their borders, causing a sharp drop in the number of foreign tourists in 2020 and forcing businesses to turn to domestic travelers.

But even the government's subsidies failed to inspire domestic tourists.

In the first 11 months of 2020, data from TAT showed that domestic tourists generated 428 billion baht in revenue, down 56% from the same period a year ago.

Wassana of the Hua Hin-Cha am Tourist Association said the government should focus on reducing the economic impact of the pandemic and seek ways to prevent fraud. "If there are cheating people, the government should find a way to tackle them and punish them. But do not slash a program that can benefit all of us," Wassana said.

Vorasit Pongkumpunt, a former president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, a popular island in the south, said the cabinet's decision to not extend the project made the situation even harder for hoteliers.

"It is around the time that hoteliers are planning to offer promotions to attract tourists," said Vorasit. "But the decision not to extend the scheme has thrown everyone, as tourists would rethink if they should travel now that prices are higher with no subsidy."

The industry is also calling for the country to reopen its doors to foreign tourists. Tourism and hospitality leaders, including chief executives of major hotel chains, have sent a petition to the government asking for the country to open up from July 1 to vaccinated travelers without quarantine requirements.

"As Thailand is starting to vaccinate its most vulnerable and its health care workers, we believe that now is the time to announce a firm and irreversible date to reopen its borders. This will give confidence to international travelers and encourage them to book a trip to Thailand," said the open letter.

Additional reporting by Masayuki Yuda 

Govt hopeful of 4% annual growth - Bangkok Post

Govt hopeful of 4% annual growth

The government plans to achieve economic growth of 4% this year, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said yesterday.

However, he said the outcome depended on several factors, including local investments, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development project, the economic stimulus schemes and the reopening of the country.

Mr Arkhom said the US government's US$1.9-trillion (58.3 trillion baht) coronavirus relief package should also benefit the Thai economy.

The minister said the economy appeared to be on the road to recovery since plumbing the depths last year, but economic activity was still curtailed following the second virus outbreak in December.

He said external factors would largely determine when the economy fully recovers because the country was still missing revenue from tourism and exports were only slowly picking up.

"By the fourth quarter of next year, income from tourism will flow in, both inbound and outbound," said Mr Arkhom. "We need to promote outbound tourism too because it is related to the aviation industry.

"I think tourism will increase later this year as there will be a rollout of vaccine passports."

The minister said there were no plans to cut the 20% corporate tax ceiling as tax revenue was the government's main source of income and the tax ceiling was low compared with neighbouring countries.

He said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had praised Thailand's economic stimulus schemes and thought they would remain until the country was fully over the pandemic, which is expected to take two years.

The IMF projects Thailand's economic growth at 2.6%, slightly below the ministry's own forecast of 2.8%.

Meanwhile, the ministry is finalising the details of the "Rao Phook Pun" (We're all connected) scheme to help one million low-income civil servants. 

“Big Joke” officially returns to Royal Thai Police as Police Advisor, appointed by Prime Minister - Pattaya News

"Big Joke" officially returns to Royal Thai Police as Police Advisor, appointed by Prime Minister

Wednesday, 17 March 2021, 16:09

PHOTO: Matichon

Bangkok,

Police Lieutenant General Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn today, March 17th, has officially been appointed by the Thai Prime Minister to be positioned as Advisor of the Royal Thai Police, responsible for strategic internal duties.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O'Cha had chaired the meeting of the Police Service Commission this afternoon and announced the appointment of three groups of senior police officers as Police Special Advisor, Police Special Expert, Honorary Police, and Police Advisor.

Big Joke, according to the Prime Minister, will return to the Royal Thai Police as the Police Advisor, equivalent to Assistant Commander of the Police, to serve on strategic work in the department. 

THAI and THAI Smile to Trial IATA Travel Pass - Bangkok Post

THAI and THAI Smile to Trial IATA Travel Pass

IATA Travel Pass consists of a mobile application that helps travelers to store and manage their verified certifications for COVID-19 tests or COVID-19 vaccines. This will be important for governments that are likely to require either verified testing or vaccination proof as a condition of international travel during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The IATA Travel Pass will be more secure and efficient than current paper processes used to manage health requirements. This will be important given the potentially enormous scale of testing or vaccine verifications that will need to be securely managed.

The trials of IATA Travel Pass by THAI and THAI Smile aim to increase passenger confidence to travel, enabling a quick recovery for global aviation and the tourism industry around the world.



Harsher penalties needed for Drunk-Drivers - Bangkok Jack 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Harsher penalties needed for Drunk-Drivers

March 17, 2021

Thailand to Implement Tougher Drunk Driving Laws

An overwhelming number of people agree with harsher punishments for drunk drivers who repeat the offence, a survey carried out by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University found.

The Suan Dusit Poll survey, which was conducted on 2,152 participants last month, found that 93.96% of all respondents said there is a need to apply tougher penalties against repeat offenders, said the manager for the Academic Centre for Road Safety, Tanapong Jinwong, on Monday.

Dr Tanapong was speaking at a seminar titled "Drunk-driving Accidents and Repeated Offences", which was co-hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

The poll also found that 87.45% of the respondents believe repeat offenders should be jailed without the possibility of probation.

Out of the 2,152 respondents surveyed, 56.73% said they had seen drunk-driving accidents.

"That's why they asked state agencies to work with the private sector to come up with urgent measures to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving," Dr Tanapong said.

Rungarun Limlahaphan, director of Social Risk Factor Control of ThaiHealth, said her organisation has been campaigning to prevent drunk-driving accidents since 2003.

According to figures obtained from the Justice Ministry's Department of Probation, 17,584 drunk drivers were placed on court-ordered probation in April 2019, but the numbers dropped to 550 in April last year, as the Covid-19 pandemic brought about strict curbs which included a night-time curfew, a ban of alcohol distribution and consumption, and closure of entertainment venues.

Ms Rungarun said roadside breath testing is also key to reducing road accidents.

At the event, Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the Stopdrink Network Office, took note of campaigns promoting responsible drinking.

Citing foreign research, he said such campaigns won't help mitigate excessive drinking, as they are mostly marketing ploys designed by alcoholic beverage producers to hike sales volume. – Bangkok Post 

Ingenting jag ser fram emot 👎👎👎👎

Thailand to celebrate Songkran for SIX-DAYS

The Thai new year of Songkran is being extended to 6 days of water fights according to the Cabinet after approving the holiday to run from April 10 to 15.

March 17, 2021

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Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome says details of the holiday will be sent to the Centre For Covid-19 Situation Administration for approval as he says Songkran participants will probably be allowed to take part in the water fight activities after daily reported Covid cases in the Kingdom have dropped to double-digits.

The culture minister says there is talk of setting up so-called "water play" areas that would allow the water fights and splashes to go on with a Covid-19 check-in at the entrance.

The Pattaya News says face shields, goggles and raincoats could be required in the splash zones, but the idea is still being discussed.

The "water play" zones are likely to be set up in areas with major events with PM Prayut Chan-o-cha noting that people will need to abide by social distancing rules during the festival.

Itthiphol said the government is paying more attention to the number of people at event venues, and will find a balance between helping the economy and the prevention of new clusters of Covid-19 which could spread the disease in communities.

Late last year, the Thai Cabinet added 8 holidays to the 2021 calendar, including an extra day for Songkran. The move was part of an effort to promote domestic tourism and stimulate the economy which was battered by the pandemic.

A government spokesperson confirmed the additional holidays with the Associated Press. The Cabinet set 4 national holidays and 4 regional holidays detailed below:

• Friday, February 12 for the Chinese New Year
• Monday, April 12, adding a day to Songkran holiday from April 13-15
• Tuesday, July 27 for substitution day for Buddhist Lent
• Friday, September 24 to celebrate Mahidol Day which is in remembrance of Prince of Songkhla, Mahidol Adulyadej

Regional holidays

• Friday, March 26 for Wai Phra That (Northern Thailand)
• Monday, May 10 for Bun Bang Fai, known as the Rocket Festival (Northeastern Thailand)
• Wednesday, October 6 for Sart Thai, a festival held on the 10th lunar month (Southern Thailand)
• Thursday, October 21 for the End of Buddhist Lent (Central Thailand) – The Phuket News