UK Government: Latest travel advice for Thailand If you’re planning travel to Thailand, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section. November 19, 2021. Bangkok Jack

UK Government: Latest travel advice for Thailand

If you're planning travel to Thailand, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

November 19, 2021

The country of Thailand is highlighted in this map. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO's guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

The Thai authorities have introduced a number of new disease control measures at national and local levels. The situation is likely to continue to change with measures being introduced or lifted at any time. You should follow the advice of the Thai authorities. See Coronavirus.

A nationwide rollout of vaccines for all residents of Thailand, including foreigners, is now in progress. In many areas there are limited supplies of vaccines and registration and vaccination programmes have been temporarily suspended.

In the areas most affected by COVID-19 there is increasing pressure on medical services. You may find it difficult to access COVID-19 testing and medical care.

Activists may continue to hold rallies across Thailand in the coming weeks. In Bangkok, potential rally locations include the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Ratchaphrasong Shopping District, Skywalk near the MBK building and Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, Din Daeng intersection, Phloen Chit Road, Asok intersection, Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace, Victory Monument and university campuses.

Marching routes and rally points can change at short notice and without warning. Rallies may disrupt traffic and public transport, commercial activity and there may be a heightened security presence.

At recent protests, some groups have thrown objects such as stones, bricks, water bottles, sticks, fireworks, and small homemade explosive devices. Police have used water cannon, tear gas, and rubber bullets. There have been incidents of shootings with live ammunition at recent protests.

Avoid any protests or political gatherings and be wary of making public political statements. Lèse-majesté (criticism of the monarchy in any form) is a crime which can be broadly interpreted and can carry a long jail sentence. See Political situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand. On 2 August 2019, a number of small explosions occurred in Bangkok. On 10 March 2019 a number of small explosions occurred in Satun City and in Patthalung Province in the south of Thailand.

The authorities have on a number of occasions warned of the possibility of attacks to coincide with symbolic dates or holidays. Take care, particularly in public places, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media reports. See Terrorism

Urban areas across Thailand, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, can experience poor air quality and high PM 2.5 counts, occasionally entering the unhealthy and hazardous levels. See Air quality

Make sure you research local laws and customs before you travel. Laws and penalties can be different from the UK. Conviction for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can lead to the death penalty. See Local laws and ustoms

There are a high number of road traffic accidents in Thailand especially involving motorcycles. See Road travel

The rainy season in much of Thailand is from May to October. See Rainy season

UK health authorities have classified Thailand as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand's website and call centre (1672 – press '9' for English) are able to provide some general advice to tourists in English. If you need to contact local emergency services, call 1155 (tourist police) or 1669 (emergency medical services).

If you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.

If you're living in Thailand or planning to stay for a longer period, check the Living in Thailand guide in addition to this travel advice.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

For security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Pattani
• Yala
• Narathiwat
• Southern Songkhla province. This does not include areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and areas north-west of and including the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Pedang Besar.

Consular assistance is available throughout Thailand, except for the provinces noted above. See Terrorism

A survey by the Department of Health has found that 56.8 percent of Thais oppose the government’s ease of measures to allow restaurants in 17 “blue zone” provinces to serve alcoholic drinks to customers. NNT





 A survey by the Department of Health has found that 56.8 percent of Thais oppose the government's ease of measures to allow restaurants in 17 "blue zone" provinces to serve alcoholic drinks to customers. 

The Anamai Poll, commissioned by the Department of Health, was conducted on 2,823 people from November 1 to 14, following the latest round of Covid relaxation aimed at promoting tourism and helping businesses survive during the pandemic. 

86.6 percent of those who disagree reasoned that alcohol consumption could contribute to the new round of outbreak, while 56.3 percent viewed that COVID-19 preventive measures imposed in restaurants cannot contain the transmission. And 53.8 percent said they have no confidence that the venues will strictly adhere to disease control measures.

In addition, 70.7 percent of respondents said the business owners should have government-certified safety standards, such as the Thai Stop Covid Plus, Covid Free Setting, and SHA.

Alcoholic drinks are allowed only in the four provinces' blue zones and tourist-oriented areas including Bangkok.

Loy Kratong Day today



A report by the BBC's Thai team suggested that Thailand's tourism would not recover without the return of Chinese tourists. ASEAN NEWS

Reuters file photo for reference only

 

A report by the BBC's Thai team suggested that Thailand's tourism would not recover without the return of Chinese tourists. 

 

With the Chinese government still banning most foreign travel very few visitors to Thailand have come from the Asian giant.

 

The BBC were commenting on a report from the HSBC bank and their analyst in Hong Kong, Yun Lew. 

 

In a report entitled "Thailand Tourism: Bangkok Beckons" published Thursday the analyst called Thailand's reopening plans "ambitious".

 

But the November reopening to 63 nations without quarantine, despite being a good first step,  had led to no substantial change in the tourism landscape in Thailand. 

 

The bank noted that pre-pandemic Thailand's 40 million a year foreign tourist figure was made up of perhaps 30% Chinese nationals. 

 

They assessed that foreign tourism provided a huge chunk of GDP and the Chinese contribution was equally substantial.

 

They felt that Thailand's short term tourism recovery would not succeed as there were no Chinese coming. 

 

Only when the Chinese were permitted to travel again might the Thai tourism sector see realistic growth.  

Pattaya Beach 1965

 

Bangkok Post highlights 19/11



🔴 #COVID19 on Friday: ⬇️ 6,855 new cases ⬇️ 51 deaths. Richard Barrow



COVID-19 cases/provinces November 18th



Opinion: Thailand, stop blaming alcohol as a source of every problem. The reason? To stop the tide of Covid-19 from spreading further. Thai Enquirer

Opinion: Thailand, stop blaming alcohol as a source of every problem

November 18, 2021

Thailand recently announced that nightlife establishments will stay closed until Jan 15, walking back previous statements made by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha when he said that they would be allowed to open by Dec 1.

The reason? To stop the tide of Covid-19 from spreading further.

The nightlife businesses in Thailand have now been closed for over 300 days in total and counting and with almost-to-nothing support from the government.

Many bars have bid farewell and closed, many nightlife professionals—bartenders, musicians, and beyond—have not found ways to make ends meet and continue to struggle.

From as young as I can remember (I'm 28), growing up as a Thai in Thailand, I've kept hearing this slogan used very widely. It goes "Jhon, Khried, Kin Lao" (จน เครียด กินเหล้า). Poor, stressed, drink [alcohol], is the direct translation.

That slogan, from an advertisement by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, was broadcast on television regularly. It was to raise awareness to Thai people that alcohol drinking, if unchecked, could end up ruining your life and keep you in a cycle of alcohol and stress.

The video starts off with the main character saying, "Poor, stressed, drink [alcohol]!" Then, he says again, "Poor, stressed…" But this second time, instead of "drink [alcohol]", he goes, "quit drinking [alcohol]!"

What follows, after he quit drinking, is a transition to prosperity. At one point the commentary even says "ชาติเจริญ" or "Nation prospers".

The ad shows that if poor people who are stressed would just quit drinking, the nation would prosper.

This slogan is deeply planted into our brains, and we could cite it by heart. It paints a picture that drinking alcohol in this country is only for the poor and stressed bunch. It is considered a sinful thing to do. A lot of times when I come across a Thai guy on Tinder, his Tinder bio often states so proudly that he doesn't drink (and oftentimes, also comes with "doesn't smoke").

To not drink alcohol in Thailand, apparently, is considered one of the highest achievements in life to some people.

So while other business sectors have been allowed to open back up, Thailand still continues to punish the alcohol industry. Last week, Prayut warned—more likely threatened—that the entertainment industry "shouldn't be so selfish", and to be careful of the [COVID] clusters that could happen because of their selfishness.

Look at Bangkok right now, are there actually any places that are considered "safe" from COVID? You could get it from eating at a restaurant without drinking alcohol. You could get it by using the bus. You could get it by going into your office. So why do we still keep blaming the nightlife industry? How exactly are they more exposed to COVID? Or is it simply just because, in the government's eyes, drinkers are bad and reckless people?

Do you know how much tax an alcohol importer has to pay when they do shipping? Want to take a guess? On average 200-300%. And on top of many government departments, do you know who else also benefits from this tax? The Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

Yup, and they go ahead and use this money to make ads like, let's quit drinking, drinking is bad for you and the nation.

And don't even get me started on the Alcohol Control Act where the new draft wants to fine you for 500,000 baht for posting a photo of alcohol online.

Blaming alcohol as a source for every problem that occurs in Thailand is just plain lazy.

It doesn't solve any real problems while the authorities can take some credit and look good doing it, simply because it's so deep-rooted in Thai culture that alcohol is a very, very bad thing.

So yes, let's just blame alcohol for every problem here. It will certainly shift the spotlight from the real reason Covid-19 has spread like wildfire this year. 

It’s expats, not tourists that are visiting Thailand: Business leader. A key figure in Thailand's tourism industry pulled absolutely no punches when commenting on the country's supposed "reopening". ASEAN NOW

File photo for reference only

 

A key figure in Thailand's tourism industry pulled absolutely no punches when commenting on the country's supposed "reopening".

 

Thanet Supharothatrangsi, chairman of the Chonburi Tourism Business Association, echoed what people online have been saying for weeks if not months.

 

In an interview with business media he said there are virtually no tourists coming into Thailand despite the rhetoric of the government after their much vaunted reopening claims. 

 

The only arrivals are not true tourists at all. Just business people, property owners or those with families.

 

The tourism industry is hardly benefitting at all. He blames all the obstacles put in the way of potential tourists, says Thailand shot itself in the foot when it had the opportunity to do better and now is even lagging behind neighbor Cambodia.

 

He slammed the petty and baffling alcohol and nightlife restrictions saying tourists couldn't even celebrate New Year with a drink.

 

Thanet's comments come as leading ministers wax lyrical about 50,000 visitors since November 1st and millions more to follow praising their wonderful Thailand Pass scheme as a simple panacea to reignite the tourism industry. 

 

Thanet says it's all smoke and mirrors. 

 

"The reality," he said," is that tourism recovery is slight in the extreme. In Chonburi we are seeing 200-300 tourists a day. 

 

"Not even 10,000 have arrived - normally pre-pandemic it would be a million.

 

"Thailand has shot itself in the foot despite being the first country in SE Asia to open its borders to international tourists".

 

Opening up should have meant really opening up, not this half baked reopening, he said.

 

An RT-PCR test from their home country within 72 hours would have been sufficient not being tested again on arrival, he said. 

 

They should have been allowed to come in and go anywhere immediately without restrictions, he noted.

 

Instead ridiculous obstacles have been put in their way with all the Thailand Pass documentation and tests on arrival and one day quarantine to wait for results. 

 

He said that Cambodia opened up after Thailand but they had no silly obstacles so people were going there instead. 

 

"Real tourists are not bothering to come to Thailand", he continued in a controlled and measured set of statements completely mirroring what netizens have been saying.

 

"You can see by the hotel bookings. They are just staying one night in a hotel to wait for their test result  then they are going elsewhere. 

 

"They are not tourists, they are business people, home and condo owners or people with families in Thailand".

 

Apart from a few souls "tourists are simply not coming to Thailand" said the business leader.

 

He called for the hoops and hurdles facing potential tourists to be removed but especially the on- arrival RT-PCR test.

 

He said the country's tourism businesses were ready for visitors and it was time for the authorities to get real, stop making the big claims and get people visiting Thailand again. 

 

They were ready since the start of the Phuket Sandbox months ago but since then there have been delays after delays as the authorities chopped and changed their minds confusing everyone. 

 

He also attacked the decision not to reopen nightclubs, pubs and bars and the issue of not allowing alcohol to be served or having drinking restricted. 

 

"Tourists won't even be able to have a drink to celebrate the New Year," he continued. "They have been told they can't do that until at least January 15th". 

 

He cited the Pattaya Music festival with all its restrictions and banning of alcohol as yet another pathetic example of the obstacles in place.

 

"People can't have a drink and can't even get up out of their seats to dance to the music," he said pointing out that such restrictions only applied inside the restricted area.

 

Outside this people were buying alcohol and enjoying the sounds.

 

"What sort of control is that?" he fumed clearly exasperated by his country's measures. 

 

As further evidence of his claims he pointed to a leading German tour company that would normally be sending 3,000-4,000 tourists a month. 

 

He said they were sending just 20 a day and not to Pattaya - they were nearly all going to Phuket, he lamented. 

Vaccination update November 18th

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 205 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with no new deaths, November 18th. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 205 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and no new deaths

Thursday, 18 November 2021, 9:42

Highlights:

• 205 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 245 people recovered and were released from medical care

• No new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 205 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with no new deaths, November 18th.

This makes a total of 105,420 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 2,240 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 744 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 245 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 102,436 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

Only three cases out of 2,240 were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia.

In total, 1,778,487 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 76.20 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 282,771 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 76.44 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 58, Si Racha 32, Banglamung (Pattaya) 33, Panat Nikhom 10, Sattahip 4, Ban Bueang 3, Phan Thong 10, Bor Thong 3, Ko Chan 1, Soldiers in Sattahip 17, and 31 people transferred from other provinces for medical care

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 27 cases
2. Cluster soldiers in Sattahip, 16 cases
3. Cluster, Superb Furniture company in Si Racha, 8 cases
4. Cluster, Denzo group company in Phan Thong, 4 cases
5. Risky occupations meeting many people, 2 cases
6. 2 medical personal
7. Back from risky areas in Rayong, 1 case
8. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 67 cases, in workplaces – 32 cases, close friends – 2 cases, and joined parties – 4 cases
9. Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 3 cases
10. 37 cases, in general, are under investigation as to how they contracted Covid-19

Thai cabinet approves new 2022 tourism campaign. “We will focus on the Middle East and Indian markets in the coming year.” Bangkok Jack / Bangkok Post

Thai cabinet approves new 2022 tourism campaign

November 18, 2021

The cabinet has approved a new tourist promotion campaign, "Visit Thailand Year 2022", and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has formed a committee to oversee pandemic-related obstacles for the sector.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said the cabinet on Tuesday approved the ministry's proposed campaign in line with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's target of reviving the tourism industry.

"The Tourism Authority of Thailand will oversee the campaign to draw foreign visitors to travel in Thailand using a budget drawn from both the government and private sector. The campaign will focus on Chiang Mai, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya," Mr Pipat said.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the goal of the campaign is a hotel occupancy rate of 50% in targeted provinces.

"Promotional packages will be offered in collaboration with hotels and airlines. The TAT has  ordered its overseas and domestic offices to revise their working plan for 2022 to meet the target of the campaign," Mr Yuthasak said.

"We will focus on the Middle East and Indian markets in the coming year."

He said the CCSA also approved on Nov 12 the establishment of a new Centre for Tourism and Sports Situation Administration, chaired by Chote Trachu, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, to focus on easing difficulties encountered when traveling during the pandemic.

Mr Yuthasak said the centre will help visitors with Covid-19 prevention procedures in order to travel to each province.

He said visitors to blue zone provinces must present a vaccine passport before entering, despite having already had to present it at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Mr Yuthasak said that with all the measures in place, the tourism sector is expected to rebound and meet a targeted recovery of 50% of 2019 revenue levels, or 1.5 trillion baht, by next year.

It is expected to reach 80% of that same level, or 2.4 trillion baht, in 2023. – Bangkok Post

Thailand’s biggest music festival is CANCELLED. Bangkok Jack

Thailand's biggest music festival is CANCELLED

The largest music festival in Thailand has been canceled for a second consecutive year and it is unclear if it will ever return.

November 18, 2021

Photo: Big Mountain Music Festival / Facebook

Big Mountain Music Festival organizers announced via its socials that the two-day festival in central Thailand won't take place in December, what would have been its 12th edition.

"We canceled the Big Mountain Festival 12. Thank you for your support for the past 11 years. We hope to see you again," it reads.

No reason was given, but Thailand remains in the grip of a serious outbreak of COVID-19.

It was not immediately clear whether the festival would be permanently canceled, but its head organizer didn't sound optimistic.

"We've tried our best. Hope to see you again," wrote Yuthana "Ted" Boonorm, the 54-year-old concert promoter behind the event.

The first Big Mountain Festival took place in 2010 and ran annually amid the mountains of Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district, filling multiple stages large and small with popular and up-and-coming Thai musical acts.

It was also canceled last year due to rising COVID-19 infections in the province. – Coconuts Bangkok 

Thailand’s ‘first night in hotel’ rule stays. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has put the brakes on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s proposal to use antigen test kits (ATKs) on foreign arrivals under the Test & Go scheme. Bangkok Jack / The Nation

Thailand's 'first night in hotel' rule stays

November 17, 2021

STOCK PHOTO: Flickr/dronepicr

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has put the brakes on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s proposal to use antigen test kits (ATKs) on foreign arrivals under the Test & Go scheme.

TAT governor Yutthasak Suphasorn said the decision to continue conducting RT-PCR tests on double jabbed tourists was confirmed at the CCSA meeting on Friday.

The aim is to ensure safety, he said, adding that the CCSA is set to look into the issue again.

He said TAT proposed the use of ATKs for the convenience of tourists and to reduce their expenses because an RT-PCR test takes at least six hours to provide a result, which means all tourists have to check into a hotel for at least one night.

"Shifting to ATKs will also help the management of tourists as the number of arrivals in December is expected to increase," he said.

He also said that TAT will call on the CCSA to allow restaurants in hotels to serve alcohol to guests beyond the 9pm deadline.

"It is up to CCSA whether it will approve this proposal or not," he added. – The Nation

🔴 #COVID19 on Thursday: ⬆️ 6,901 new cases ⬆️ 2,106 probable cases (ATK) ⬇️ 55 deaths. Richard Barrow



Vaccination update November 17th



CCSA deceived Pattaya bar industry once again. It was never certain Pattaya’s bars would reopen Dec. 1, but plenty of owners and employees made a bet they would. Frustration was palpable after the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced that the earliest bars, clubs, karaoke joints and other nightlife venues could reopen legally would be Jan. 16. Pattaya Mail

CCSA deceived Pattaya bar industry once again

Pattaya MailNovember 17, 2021

Like so many others, Surajai "DJ Ple" Attanart, an executive with Pattaya's popular Thai-oriented nightclub, Differ, said many of his employees have been left in the lurch by the CCSA's inconsistent announcements.

It was never certain Pattaya's bars would reopen Dec. 1, but plenty of owners and employees made a bet they would.

Frustration was palpable after the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced that the earliest bars, clubs, karaoke joints and other nightlife venues could reopen legally would be Jan. 16.



Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had said earlier on national television that the resumption of alcohol sales and reopening of entertainment venues would be "considered" for Dec. 1. Many people foolishly took that as a confirmed date.

Surajai "DJ Ple" Attanart, an executive with Pattaya's Differ pub, a popular Thai-oriented nightclub, said many of his employees had quit their pandemic jobs or gave up stalls at markets where they were selling goods to return to Pattaya for December. They've been left in the lurch by the CCSA's announcement.

While Surajai said Differ is ready to reopen, the Jan. 16 date isn't hard-and-fast either. The CCSA could very likely postpone again if the easily frightened committee members aren't pleased with the current Covid-19 numbers.

RICHARD BARROW - 30 countries with PKI. 👍👍👍👍

If you are fully vaccinated and are applying for the Thailand Pass, you stand a better chance of getting an instant approval for your vaccination certificate if you come from one of these 30 countries who share a PKI key

 

Prayuth: Not opening bars and pubs is necessary - threatens action against violators, praises self. Nightclubs look set to stay shut in Thailand until at least mid-January, notes ASEAN NOW.

Picture: Sanook

 

Sanook reported that Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday that it was necessary to delay the reopening of pubs and bars from his original December plan.

 

Nightclubs look set to stay shut in Thailand until at least mid-January, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

The PM said that there were not enough protocols in place to allow such venues to reopen next month.

 

He said  Ministry of Health advice on what to do next would inform subsequent decisions.

 

Then with a militaristic flourish he warned pubs, bars and nightclubs breaking the law that they would be found out and prosecuted.

 

Softening the rhetoric slightly he said that everyone should get out and enjoy themselves at Loy Krathong on Friday though it was everyone's responsibility to follow the rules.

 

Then he went into standard positivity and self-praise mode. 

 

After his timely reopening more and more hotels were being booked, he claimed.

 

He said he had personally intervened to make sure that tourists' experiences at the airport were speeded up with more electronic means to save their valuable time.

 

He claimed that tourists were thrilled with these measures instigated by him.

 

ASEAN NOW notes that more tourists might be thrilled with Prayuth if they were able to get a drink after 9pm or even go to a bar.

 

Online forums are full of people saying that while such draconian measures exist they will not come to Thailand and perhaps seek elsewhere for their holidays.