PHUKET: The allowing of domestic tourists to return to Phuket starting this Wednesday (Sept 8) may well be looked back on as a turning point in the island's policy in coping with COVID-19 infections across the island.
From Wednesday, domestic travellers will be allowed into Phuket, as long as they have been vaccinated and have tested negative for the virus within 72 hours before arriving. They must also show proof of hotel or accommodation reservation paid in advance and they must be tested for COVID-19 on Day 5 of their stay if they are staying more than seven days.
Also of note, and often forgotten in the excitement of such announcements, is that all visitors entering Phuket must register their travel details through the gophuget.comwebsite ‒ and must present the QR code issued to them to the Communicable Disease Control Officer at the checkpoint before entering Phuket.
The policy shift comes, probably as no surprise, as pressure in Bangkok has mounted in past weeks, and came at the same time that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha finally publicly admitted that we need to "learn to live safely with COVID-19".
They have been bleating that for the past year, repeating that everyone must learn to live with the "New Normal", yet so far have not been able to practice that themselves. At every turn, a rise in local infections has been met with a knee-jerk reaction. The "New Normal" so far has been to tell people to not panic, then panic and shut down everything.
That might all be about to change. Officials know there will be more infections on the island after Wednesday regardless of the conditions for being allowed to enter province. The infections we have now are from the current, tighter, restrictions in place. The Delta virus was brought to the island by the same groups of people allowed now, before the easing comes into effect on Wednesday.
The whole point of COVID-prevention measures rolled out anywhere in the world was to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed, leading to unnecessary deaths. That still makes sense. However, the policies we have seen enforced has shifted the focus to a vain attempt to prevent any infections. That is impossible.
Much of this has come from orders from Bangkok, where officials have to contend with large populations living in relatively smaller areas. The alcohol ban in restaurants is from Bangkok, and the "COVID Care Centers" in Phuket were launched as Bangkok officials discovered their "Community Isolation" policy. Not that Phuket officials will openly point the finger at their Bangkok bosses for such policies. In Thailand, holding superiors responsible for their decisions is not appropriate behaviour.
What Phuket officials are not doing that would make great strides in achieving their goal in "building confidence" among tourists and the public is clear reporting of the figures people need to know to understand the true risk of infection on the island.
Since Aug 1, Phuket officials have reported more than 4,200 new confirmed cases of infection of COVID-19 on the island. Yet throughout the past month the total number of 'Red' cases (people suffering severe signs of infection) has never climbed above 34. Of course those 34 need the best medical care we can provide, but that number is no cause for the island to be on high alert.
Likewise, for the past week the number of 'Yellow' cases has not budged from 316, after falling from a peak of 327 on Aug 28. Again, these patients need medical treatment and supervision in case their health deteriorates, but they are not critical. Pre-COVID-19 these patients would have been normal patients suffering heavy chest infections. Not good, but not unusual.
Not helping in understanding how well positioned Phuket is to cope with any rise in serious infections is the confusing number of hospital beds being reported. A jump of more than 400 "hospital beds" – akin to an entire new hospital popping up overnight – being added to the total number of beds available for COVID patients without any explanation does nothing to inspire any confidence.
Adding to the confusion is "Community Isolation" being roped in to the hospital beds occupied totals without reporting how many of those staying at the COVID Care Centres have not even been confirmed as positive for COVID-19.
Worse, Phuket so far has had 20 deaths officially attributed to COVID-19 since Apr 3. Eight of those deaths have been in the past month. The current policy of not disclosing the circumstances of those deaths does nothing to inspire any confidence, as people as individuals have no idea if they are at the same risk. People tend to fear what they do not know.
This Wednesday may well mark the beginning of a true "New Normal" for Phuket, yet one thing that cannot be ignored is that officials now seem to be admitting that their hand is being forced by the financial hardship brought on the COVID-19 prevention policies, that the policies are now doing more harm than good. The irony is that the easing of the restrictions to enter Phuket may well be the result of the pressure being felt in Bangkok. Go figure.
The week ahead in Thailand and Pattaya news: More restrictions to be possibly eased, Prime Minister survives vote but may draw more protests, and more…
Hello, out there Pattaya News readers!
The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at the top developing stories and things to follow over the next week. We are focusing on what is happening for the first week of September, ending September 11th, 2021.
As we publish dozens of stories a week, this allows our readers to get a quick glimpse of the most important stories taking place in Thailand and Pattaya and to monitor and follow for the week ahead, as chosen by our editorial team.
Let's get right into it:
1. The Thai Prime Minister has survived his censure debate and a no-confidence vote, what is the next step?
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan O'Cha survived a vote of no-confidence (the third censure debate in his term) in which opposition parties officially tried to get him removed from office in Parliament. However, like the prior censure debates, the result was the same-Prayut won the confidence vote by a comfortable margin and he, and his government, remain in power.
This time had not been as guaranteed as others as the vote was primarily driven by what protesters and the opposition see as a mismanaged program around Covid-19 in Thailand, including vaccine rollout and allocation.
However, ultimately, Prayut and five other major ministers targeted, including Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, won the majority vote, despite plenty of rumors and speculation about behind closed doors dealings, none of it proven fact.
Protesters, and opposition parties, are likely to be extremely displeased with the results. As protesters have already spent the past few weeks with daily, sometimes violent (on both sides) protests, this recent development is nearly certain to drive more protests. What will the next move be? Stay tuned, we are likely to see next week.
2. More Covid-19 restrictions to be eased around September 14th?
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in Bangkok officially eased many Covid-19 restrictions as of September 1st, with a promise to review them again around September 14th. This is likely to happen as early as next weekend.
Despite Covid-19 cases remaining high nationally, Thailand has seemed to truly push the vaccination program (at least during the week) into overdrive, hitting a new record of 925,000 doses yesterday, September 3rd. This drive, along with some lowering of cases and easing of hospital pressure, is a major reason the CCSA aims to ease restrictions, especially in 29 "dark red" zones, which includes Bangkok and Chonburi.
What is likely to be eased? It is tough to say, and the crowd favorite of "entertainment" such as bars, nightclubs, and music venues is nearly certain not to be on the agenda. However, it is possible the very unpopular overnight curfew from 9:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. is reduced or even lifted, as well as gyms allowed to open. Additionally, it is highly possible the color-coded zones are adjusted as many "dark red" zones have seen a major improvement in both Covid-19 cases and vaccination programs.
Chonburi is, however, unlikely to see any reduction in color-coding, as both Covid-19 cases remain high and vaccination levels fairly low. Stay tuned.
3. No "Vaccine Passports" to enter restaurants, other "high-risk" establishments required for now…but could that change soon?
For right now, the CCSA has stated they will not enforce a proposed "pilot" program requiring proof of being vaccinated to enter restaurants and other "high-risk" venues as a customer. Additionally, all staff is not being required-yet-to be vaccinated to work.
However, there have already been reports made to TPN about some local businesses choosing to enforce their customers to be vaccinated (which is their choice, legally.).
Could this become mandated soon? The CCSA continues to warn it is a possibility and is likely to give further statements on this soon, possibly next week. The main reason it appears it has NOT been mandated so far is that supply of vaccines is still not at the level that everyone who wants one can easily get one. However, as Thailand continues to vaccinate over 800,000 people a day during the week and begins to focus on areas outside of Bangkok this could change. Additionally, ex-pats have had increasingly better success getting vaccines (at least in Bangkok and over 60.).
We will likely have an editorial expanding on this in the near future, but it appears to be nearly certain this may become a policy sooner than later, and those who don't, can't, or won't get vaccinated may find themselves left out of basic pleasures like restaurants, massages, and certainly (when they are allowed to open) bars and nightlife.
Chonburi reports 955 new Covid-19 cases with 20 deaths
Chonburi, Thailand –
Highlights:
955 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
1,248 people recovered and were released from medical care
20 new deaths
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 955 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 20 new deaths, September 4th.
This makes a total of 65,964 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 14,244 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 426 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. The details on yesterday's 20 new deaths were not given, which is standard for the health department.
Additionally, 1,248 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 51,249 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 229, Si Racha 228, Banglamung (Pattaya) 136, Panat Nikhom 43, Sattahip 107, Ban Bueang 75, Pan Thong 48, ฺBor Thong 11, Ko Chan 16, Nong Yai 5, Koh Sichang 2, and 55 new cases transferred from other provinces for medical care.
The details on the cases are as follows:
Cluster, Hansol Technics (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. in Ban Bueang, 7 cases
Cluster, Cobra International Co.Ltd. in Pan Thong, 10 cases
Cluster, (Valeo CDA (Thailand) in Pan Thong, 4 cases
Cluster, New Market Chonburi in Mueang Chonburi, 6 cases
Cluster Autoliv (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. in Mueang Chonburi, 4 cases
Cluster, Acushnet Footjoy (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Si Racha, 5 cases
Cluster, SMAT (Thailand) Co.,Ltd., in Si Racha, 4 cases
A risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 21 cases
1 medical staff
Provided a history back from an at-risk area in other provinces, Chachoengsao – 2 cases, Bangkok – 1 case and Rayong – 1 case
66 cases from enterprises in Rayong province
Close contacts of confirmed patients – 297 in families, 114 in workplaces, 28 close people/friends, and 6 joined an illegal party
Close contact of confirmed patients (under investigation), 121 cases
227 cases are under investigation in general as to the cause of the disease.
A total of 1,148 close contact searches were received today, and 303 proactive search reports are pending.
There are currently clusters of outbreaks in 61 establishments and five markets, 10 construction worker camps, and four communities.
Muang Pattaya municipality is rolling out its new tourism campaign 'Pattaya Move On' in a bid to lure tourists back to the well-known resort town which has turned into something akin to a ghost town after almost two years of Covid-19.
Outside this campaign, the local administration is also investing in giving Pattaya a new look with one example being some 160 million baht set aside to be spent on improving a beach walkway.
However, the municipality's attempt to move Pattaya into the future no longer looks promising, judging by news coverage of the flood that hit the seaside town last week.
News videos showed how, within a few hours, floodwaters had submerged cars and flooded streets.
Floodwaters also broke levee banks and swept sand from North Pattaya to South Pattaya beaches, exposing sand bags that the municipality had used to solve prevent erosion.
Water has been an enemy of Pattaya on more than one occasion over the past decade, largely because it only takes an hour's worth of torrential rain to create a flood situation. (continues)
In response, the municipality has invested large chunks of its budget in an effort to cope with the problem — canal dredging, water pumps and even an underground pipe to channel water from the town's centre into the sea. Yet such flood-prevention measures have proven ineffective so far.
The main factor that has created flooding in low-lying Pattaya is unchecked town development that has disregarded natural flood management.
In the past, the area had a lot of watershed spaces such as natural ponds and low-lying open areas that would absorb flood water, which would then be utilised by farmers and communities.
Like many prosperous, yet flood-vulnerable cities, such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Hat Yai, natural flood drainage systems in Pattaya have been built over and soil that typically absorbs water has been replaced by concrete.
Flooding is not the only water problem for Pattaya or the nation's other crowded urban areas. During the dry season, Pattaya needs to make use of water siphoned from reservoirs in Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces to feed both residents and tourists. (continues)
Currently, Pattaya has moved into an unsustainable future, which in the end will undermine its tourism potential, something the government and local municipality have acknowledged.
In 2017, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning came up with a 12-billion-baht scheme to develop water infrastructure. The centrepiece of the project is a 1.7km underground tunnel to siphon water from the inner town directly out into the sea.
Yet the plan has moved at a glacial pace. So far, several hundred million baht has been approved but some experts question whether such pro-engineering infrastructure projects are enough to deal with the problem. So far, many of these expensive projects in Pattaya have proven to be ineffective.
It's about time for the municipality and the central government to come up with a more sustainable development plan for Pattaya. Instead of allotting more land for real estate and businesses, policy makers need to come up with better land use policies — ones that are sustainable.
Without sustainable plans that can deal with flooding, Pattaya will not move on; instead it'll find itself further adrift. – Bangkok Post
PM vows to spend rest of year rebuilding the Thai economy and the country
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Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has refuted the Opposition's claim that his government should be held accountable for all the COVID-19 deaths, as a result of its failures in managing the pandemic, but has vowed to navigate the country through the crises and to rebuild the economy during the last four months of this year.
In his final statement, before the end of the four-day censure debate Friday, the prime minister told parliament that it is unfair to be accused of "trading in the deaths" of people.
He told the opposition to acknowledge the vast number of people recovering from the contagion, claiming that the recoveries are accounting for 85% of those infected, thanks to everyone's cooperation in the joint efforts to contain the disease.
He, nevertheless, thanked opposition MPs for the criticisms made during the debate and promised to consider their recommendations.
He vowed to work with all stakeholders and to do his best to move Thailand forward into a better future, adding that the government will, for the rest of the year, try to continue stimulating the struggling economy with populist packages such as the 50:50 co-payment scheme and the state welfare cards.
The prime minister also took the opportunity to announce the government's six-point strategy, aimed at driving the country forward, economically, environmentally and socially.
He said the government will continue to invest in infrastructure development projects, such as road building, airport and rail projects and development of the eastern economic corridor project.
The government will push for 30% electric vehicle use by the year 2030, 50% alternative energy production and increased forestation.
Development of future industries, development and support of SMEs and reforms of state agencies are also on the government's drawing board for implementation, he said.
In his closing statement, opposition chief whip Suthin Klangsaeng insisted that the government had failed miserably in the fight against the COVID pandemic and that the accusation that the government was "trading in death" was not an overstatement.
"Everyone is afraid of death. Therefore, anyone who causes the death of other people through their mismanagement should be regarded as complete failure," said Suthin.
He also said he was not surprised when the prime minister claimed that the COVID infection rate in Thailand is lower than in the UK, because Britain screened about 700,000 people a day, compared to only 40,000 people a day in Thailand, or just 6% of the number.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to secure the most votes of support among the cabinet ministers targeted for censure as lawmakers cast their votes of confidence on Saturday with sources claiming he has seen off threats to his authority from within the ruling party.
Gen Prayut on Friday cleared the air with Deputy Prime Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon and received an apology from Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow following reports alleging a move to unseat him in the no-confidence vote on Saturday, according to officials within the party.
The debate was carried out against a backdrop of factions within the PPRP pushing for cabinet seats in exchange for their votes of support for the premier.
Sources said that the move to topple Gen Prayut was engineered last week by heavyweights in the ruling PPRP, including Capt Thamanat, the party secretary-general, and a number of renegade government MPs.
The plan to cast no-confidence votes against Gen Prayut is alleged to have been prompted by Gen Prawit's dissatisfaction over the appointments of some high-ranking officials.
However, Gen Prayut told reporters on Friday morning that the bond between himself and his two military brethren -- Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong Paojinda, the interior minister, was unbreakable.
One highly placed PPRP source told the Bangkok Post on Friday that Gen Prawit called a meeting of MPs in which he stressed that they should arrange to vote in equal numbers for each of the cabinet ministers targeted for censure.
"If possible, each minister must receive an equal number of votes. Better still, the prime minister must come top with the most votes," the source quoted Gen Prawit as saying.
After the meeting, Gen Prawit, Gen Prayut and Gen Anupong travelled to the Five Provinces Bordering Forests Preservation Foundation on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, where they met with a group of about 20 MPs led by Capt Thamanat and chief government whip Wirach Rattanasate, the source said.
The MPs, from the North and the Northeast, complained to the PM that they had been ignored by the PM and the interior minister, the source said.
Capt Thamanat explained to Gen Prayut that he had no intention to unseat the PM as reported by the media, but believed MPs felt that they receive little attention from cabinet ministers, particularly the interior minister, the source said.
Then, Capt Thamanat paid respects to and apologised to the prime minister for causing misunderstandings in the presence of all the 20 MPs, the source said.
Gen Prayut told Capt Thamanat that "it's good that that was not true", while Gen Anupong then pledged to improve ties with the MPs, the source said.
Speaking earlier on Friday, Gen Prayut said: ''It is up the MPs to decide how to vote. It is a matter of trust and confidence.''
Asked if the plot to oust him had now been put to bed, the prime replied: "It depends on who did it, whether they really did so, and who they were linked with."
"I speak to Gen Prawit every day. Therefore, no problem," Gen Prayut said.
"I want to tell the media and everyone that no one can destroy me. Isn't it the media who described us as the three Ps [Gen Prawit or Pom, Gen Anupong or Pok, and Gen Prayut]?.
"Three of us have stuck together through thick and thin. We were in close proximity on the battlefields. They were also my commanders when I first served in the army. I still respect them," Gen Prayut said.
"Our bond can never be broken no matter how hard anyone may try. We are like brothers," he said, adding that people had often attempted to pit the trio against each other.
Gen Prayut did concede that he may have kept too much of a distance between himself and PPRP MPs, which could have led to misunderstandings.
He said he had been busy tackling problems facing the country but had often talked to the PPRP leader who relayed their opinions.
"From now on, I have to find more time [to meet party MPs]. Let me rearrange my schedule first," the prime minister said.
Asked whether he was still worried about Capt Thamanat, Gen Prayut said he did not have any issues with him. "I brought him in to work. How could I have anything against him?" the prime minister said.
Mr Wirach on Friday said he was sure "The prime minister will come top" in Saturday's vote of confidence.
The four-day no-confidence debate targeted the PM and five cabinet ministers, namely Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and public health minister; Saksayam Chidchob, transport minister; Chalermchai Sri-on, agriculture and cooperatives minister; Suchart Chomklin, labour minister; and Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, digital economy and society minister.
Fact Check: Is Pattaya, Bangkok, and other places in Thailand fully opening to vaccinated foreign tourists in October?
You might have seen some big headlines recently on various websites and media, even Thai government press releases or those from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The headlines usually go something like this:
Thailand opening to foreign tourists with quarantine in October!
This, of course, has led to lots of sharing and discussion on social media. All of this follows a statement made by the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan O'Cha in June stating that he planned to reopen the country within 120 days, although this statement was misinterpreted by many as it wasn't a countdown or a guarantee that everything would be open and every country would be allowed.
So, we here at TPN media have decided to do a fact check on this topic as we have noticed a ton of confusion by the public. Here are the facts, as gathered by our editorial team. Keep in mind, the situation constantly changes and is fluid in Thailand and could change in hours sometimes but all of this is current as of the time of publication. We would still advise keeping a close eye on the news as, again, decisions and proposals change incredibly fast in Thailand.
Q: Is Thailand fully open to foreign vaccinated tourists sometime in October?
A. The short answer is no. We will get further into this below.
Q: But, the prime Minister promised 120 days to the country reopening!
A. Yes and no. His statement was never intended as a firm countdown to "opening" how many readers and tourists see it, which would be flying in, waving a passport and proof of vaccination, and off to go wherever you want and doing what you want. That is going to be sometime off, unfortunately, based on current proposals and plans from the Thai government who is still being overly cautious. What his statement was is that the country would open provinces and locations that were able to reach the goal of 70% of the local population (based on house registration and permanent residence) to foreign vaccinated tourists. However, each province would have different ways that they wished to handle this, and most (with the exception, for now, of Phuket and Hua Hin) have chosen a "bubble and seal" method to let in tourists, also sometimes called "safe and sealed." If you use this as a measure to the statements made by the Prime Minister, the program is moving forward in October.
Q. What is the bubble and seal/safe and sealed method?
Here is what we described bubble and sealed as in that aforementioned article:
Essentially, this means a tourist would have to stay at a resort that meets SHA (Safety and Health Administration) standards in the Pattaya area for at least seven days. They could utilize the resort's premises and facilities but could not leave the overall area. They would also have to go through several hoops at home to get here, including a Covid-19 test, proof of vaccination, and a certificate of approval from their nearest Thai embassy or consulate, as well as mandatory insurance.
After two Covid-19 tests in the first seven days at the resort, the tourist would then be allowed to go on tours around the Pattaya area to approved locations. Early spots named were Nong Nooch Gardens, Buddha Hill, islands, water activities like diving, Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the Floating Market, Rubber Land, Underwater World, and other attractions that would be easy for one to socially distance with little risk of spread of Covid-19. None of these tours would be "mandatory" and one could simply stay at the resort if they wished.
After a final Covid-19 test, one would be allowed to travel where they wished after fourteen days, under the proposal. Although some people would certainly opt into the program, especially those who reside permanently in the country or snowbirds, many would prefer no quarantine at all or being able to visit the locations and destinations of their choice, such as Pattaya's famous nightlife or bars, which have no guarantee of even being able to open in October and have currently been shuttered since April 10th of this year.
Keep in mind, this is just the Pattaya proposal, and other province proposals will be completely different. Pattaya is also considering a "Sandbox" for Koh Larn, but again, it is a very early preliminary pre-proposal.
Q. Is this plan, like the Pattaya one above, final and set in stone and guaranteed?
A. Absolutely not. It is a proposal, as are plans that have been made by Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and numerous other areas. Each province's proposal is different and has been approved by communicable disease committees, mayors, governors, Tourism Authority of Thailand officials, etc. However, they await approval from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Thai Cabinet, who at the end of the day is responsible for all decision-making in regards to tourism programs. They are due to discuss these proposals sometime later this month at scheduled meetings in Bangkok and give changes or further approval. None of these plans are yet official, which is why there is so little information online about them…with the exception of the already approved and in place plans for Phuket and Samui as stated above.
Q. Why is Thailand doing all these different plans? Why not one single plan to welcome back vaccinated tourists?
A. Good question. The short answer is they are not ready yet with just over 10% of the population fully vaccinated, although heavy work is being done now with an average of 800,000 vaccinations being done a day now on weekdays. Most of the vaccinated population, however, is still in the Bangkok/tourist areas and many provinces, especially rural ones, have barely begun. Until this moves further along, likely by the end of the year, a single program to allow in vaccinated foreign tourists for the whole country will not come along as they have significant concerns of people traveling to less vaccinated areas, especially with elderly and vulnerable populations like in the Northeast that has not been heavily vaccinated.
Q. When will Thailand truly open to vaccinated foreign tourists, IE. fly in, show a passport and proof of vaccination, and be able to go where they wish with ZERO quarantine, island quarantine, resort quarantine, restrictions on travel areas, etc?
Q. Will bars, entertainment, nightlife, gogos, clubs, concerts, drinking at restaurants, tourist attractions, etc. all be allowed to open in October in these places "opening" like Pattaya and Bangkok?
A. That is a decision for the CCSA to make. Currently, bars and entertainment remain closed nationwide (although levels of enforcement vary, especially on islands, but are enforced fairly stringently in Pattaya and Bangkok.) They have been closed since April 10th of this year. The CCSA sets color-coded zones in Thailand based on what they see as the current risk level in a province. This is NOT only based on cases but also on vaccination levels, hospital capacity, current hospitalization levels, ICU levels, etc. So far, the CCSA has taken a very conservative and cautious stance on these types of venues. Phuket is heavily vaccinated and yet these venues are also still closed (legally, again, we aren't talking about unenforced/illegally).
Q. Will I have to wear a mask?
A. For now, this answer appears to be yes. Yes, that includes outside and technically on the beach or driving with more than one person. Yes, even vaccinated. Enforcement, as always, may vary based on area.
Q. Can unvaccinated tourists still visit?
A. Yes. However, they must go through, as of now, a fourteen-day quarantine, mostly in Bangkok and Pattaya, at a quarantine hotel and various other paperwork and hoops. There is some early discussion about lowering the number of days of quarantine but nothing final right now. This is, right now, a strict "in-room" only quarantine with no freedom of movement.
Q. Do I still need a certificate of entry to visit?
A. As of right now, yes, and this is a major roadblock for many people as it requires paperwork, visiting/contacting embassies, consulates, etc. This will stay in place as long as the Emergency Decree to stop Covid-19 is in place for Thailand. The good news is there is a solid discussion for this to be lifted and replaced with communicable disease laws in the somewhat near future, but without any solid guaranteed date. Once this is dropped, it will make arriving much easier, although people will still need to meet other requirements.
Q. Do I still need insurance, a test before I arrive, etc?
A. Yes, although these measures are also constantly being looked at and changed.
Q. Do I still have to take multiple Covid-19 tests at my expense during my sandbox/safe and sealed/etc. program?
A. Yes. For now. This could also change and there are discussions around this as well. Data from the Phuket Sandbox shows that foreign vaccinated tourists are incredibly low-risk in terms of carrying and spreading the virus.
Q. If I test positive for Covid-19 do I have to go to a hospital/field hospital/isolation/hospitel/etc at my expense.?
A. Yes. This is another roadblock for travelers knowing they would have to take multiple Covid-19 tests under current plans and that if they are positive they would have to isolate, possibly at a hospital, at their own (or insurance) expense. At 0.32 percent of Phuket sandbox tourists visiting testing positive the chance is incredibly low for vaccinated foreign tourists to do so after already testing and preparing in their own country to come, but it is possible.
Q. If someone near me on the plane tests positive, do I also have to isolate/go to a hospital/hospitel/etc. even if I am negative?
A. This is more difficult to answer and depends a lot on multiple factors, according to Thai authorities. But it is still a risk, albeit a very, very small one, and did happen to some folks in the Phuket Sandbox.
Q. Do the current plans require tracking my movements?
A. Short answer is yes. The long answer is it depends on the province and location proposal, but you will need to have one of the Thai platforms installed on your phone at least for the first period of your visit.
Q. This is all so frustrating. What do you think of all of this?
That concludes this Fact Check. We understand the answers given here are likely not those people wanted to hear, however, it is a positive step forward that many more areas are opening and is another step (although smaller than many wish) towards greater openings and what the average person would consider a "full" reopening with minimum hassle, paperwork, restrictions, and rules. Keep in mind a significant amount of the country is still not vaccinated so they are attempting to only open the areas that are, while keeping in mind that the country is also still recording thousands of Covid-19 cases a day, with popular destinations like Bangkok and Chonburi still being sources of high infection. Take care of yourselves and we hope to see you soon!
Thais told to SHOWER LESS as water crisis deepens
#Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha urged people to turn off taps and shower less to cope with a drought afflicting northern and central #Thailand.
Last week, Bangkok's water authority said the capital's tap water was becoming saline as seawater pushed up the depleted Chao Phraya river, a source of much of central Thailand's water.
The cabinet agreed to spend 3 billion baht ($100 million) on boreholes and pipes to extract ground water to relieve a drought that is expected to worsen in the next few months, a government spokeswoman told reporters.
Thailand's dry season starts in November and usually lasts through April, although next year authorities say it could go on through June.
A drought has been declared in 14 provinces in the central, northern and northeastern farming regions.
"Please all help save water. Turn off all the taps. Use less water," Prayuth said. "Reduce tooth-brushing and shower time by one minute."
With reservoir levels low, the government has also asked farmers in some provinces near the Chao Phraya River basin not to grow off-season rice. – Reuters
Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Yutthasak Suphasorn revealed the results of a survey and ground down into the numbers after the first sixty days of the Phuket Sandbox were accomplished.
In that time 25,866 visitors came to the southern Thai island (this is now 26,400 in the first 62 days as reported elsewhere on ASEAN NOW).
Top ten foreign visitors in the 60 days were as follows:
1. US 3,438
2. UK 3,389
3. Israel 2,729
4. Germany 2,072
5. France 2,050
6. UAE 838
7. Swiss 559
8. Netherlands 536
9. Australia 452
10. China 417
In addition Thai visitors under the Sandbox scheme numbered 3,335.
Top destinations in order after visiting Phuket were Bangkok, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khirikhan and Krabi.
80% of visitors were 'working age' aged 25-56.
58% went back to their country of origin after Phuket.
40% went elsewhere in Thailand.
69% said their reason for coming was tourism.
36% said it was to visit family and friends.
69% said they heard about the Sandbox on social media.
80% said they were very satisfied and felt welcomed by people in Phuket.
85% were satisfied by SHA+ hotels.
Top 5 reasons for satisfaction were:
1. Transport to and from the airport
2. Booking of airport transport
3. Booking of SHA+ hotels
4. Procedures at the airport
5. Testing procedures on arrival.
A TAT survey was carried out between July 11th and August 30th under the heading of "Satisfaction" but for reasons unexplained in the BBN article only 111 people responded.
A health worker administers a Covid-19 vaccine to a woman at Pattaya City School on Thursday, as Pattaya City municipality speeds up vaccination of local residents. (Photo: Prpattaya Facebook page)
Twelve more Covid-19 deaths and 822 new infections were reported in Chon Buri on Friday, with most of the new cases in Si Racha, Muang and Bang Lamung districts.
The new infections brought the provincial total to 65,009. Of these, 50,046 have already recovered. Over the previous 24 hours, 1,351 patients were discharged from hospitals. A total of 14,557 Covid patients were still in hospitals.
The 12 deaths brought the total to 406, the provincial public health office said in an update posted on its Facebook page on Friday.
Of the new cases, 62 were linked to nine clusters – Khow Chang Eah Tapioca and Sago Industry Co in Bang Lamung district (10), Italian-Thai Plc in Bang Lamung district (5), The Master Furniture Co in Bang Lamung district ( 4), Italian-Thai Plc in Si Racha district (10), Acushnet Footjoy (Thailand) Co in Si Racha district (9), Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co in Si Racha district (6), Meyer Industries Co in Si Racha district (7), Qualimer Co in Nong Yai district (7) and Kyukuyo Inudstrial (Thaialnd) Co in Phan Thong district.
Seventeen patients had at-risk occupations. Three medical workers were infected. Forty-two cases were from workplaces in Rayong.
Another 227 caught the virus from family members, 129 from colleagues, 26 from people close to them and 18 had been to parties.
Another 127 people came into contact with confirmed cases and were still under disease investigation. The remaining 171 cases were being investigated, the provincial public health office said.
Si Racha logged the highest number of new cases at 227, followed by Muang district (198), Bang Lamung district (152), and Ban Bung (82). The remaining cases were in other areas with Koh Sichang reporting zero infections.
The number of new infections dropped from Thursday's figure by 59. Chon Buri reported 879 cases on Wednesday and 881 cases on Thursday.
Chon Buri has reported 80 clusters — workplaces (61), construction workers' camps (10), markets (5) and communities (4).
Details on proposed Pattaya "reopening" plan in October, other areas also proposed by Tourism Authority
National –
Four more areas, namely Chiang Khan, Koh Kood, Koh Chang, and Koh Samet, are approved in principle to be added to the list of pilot areas under Thailand's reopening plan within 120 days, according to the approval of the ministers at an online conference yesterday, September 1st.
Additionally, more details of the proposed and approved in principle Pattaya Bubble and Seal plan were revealed prior to a final proposal to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Thai Cabinet later this month (See below).
Dr. Satit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of Public Health, hosted the conference with the steering committee to develop Thailand into an international health center (Medical Hub Policy), joined by Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Thares Krasanairawiwong, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Health.
The meeting has approved, in principle, five proposals including the guidelines, measures, and additional areas to join the countries reopening within 120 days according to government policy.
Chiang Khan of Loei province, Koh Kood and Koh Chang of Trat province, and Koh Samet of Rayong province will join Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Pattaya in the reopening plan in October under the "Bubble and Sealed" tourism method (see below). The areas will be introduced to the cabinet committee afterward.
The ministers also support the domestic production of 4 types of vaccines as a production hub in Thailand and will propose the idea to the Cabinet committee for financial support and the FDA's license registration. The Covid-19 vaccines are ChulaCov19, Baiya Vaccine, Covid-19 HXP – GPO Vac, and a Nasal Covid-19 Spray by Biotech.
Following the Medical Hub Policy, the meeting encourages the development of the Wellness Hub of Thailand as well as Thai massage and Thai spas to reach international standards.
Health tourism routes in nine provinces will also be introduced to the Cabinet committee to become what they hope will be the world's herbal center with the use of cannabis and herbal products. The provinces are Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri (Aphai Phubet), and Buriram (Non Malai model).
TPN Media notes Pattaya is still on the agenda for "reopening" in October and is planned to get final approval later this month.
However, what the government considers "reopening" and what the average tourist considers will likely be vastly different ideas.
The program is, at this time and subject to change, based on a "bubble and seal" standard operating platform, similar to Koh Samui currently. Essentially, this means a tourist would have to stay at a resort that meets SHA (Safety and Health Administration) standards in the Pattaya area for at least seven days. They could utilize the resort's premises and facilities but could not leave the overall area. They would also have to go through several hoops at home to get here, including a Covid-19 test, proof of vaccination, and a certificate of approval from their nearest Thai embassy or consulate, as well as mandatory insurance.
After two Covid-19 tests in the first seven days at the resort, the tourist would then be allowed to go on tours around the Pattaya area to approved locations.Early spots named were Nong Nooch Gardens, Buddha Hill, islands, water activities like diving, Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the Floating Market, Rubber Land, Underwater World, and other attractions that would be easy for one to socially distance with little risk of spread of Covid-19. None of these tours would be "mandatory" and one could simply stay at the resort if they wished.
After a final Covid-19 test, one would be allowed to travel where they wished after fourteen days, under the proposal. Although some people would certainly opt into the program, especially those who reside permanently in the country or snowbirds, many would prefer no quarantine at all or being able to visit the locations and destinations of their choice, such as Pattaya's famous nightlife or bars, which have no guarantee of even being able to open in October and have currently been shuttered since April 10th of this year.
