Jonathan Fairfield

Thailand is preparing to accommodate an increasing number of “digital nomads” with eyes on Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as work and vacation destinations. Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the three cities were ranked by Germany-based vacation search engine company Holidu on its list of the best ‘workation’ cities in 2021. One of the groups included in the survey comprised workers who travel to different locations, using mobile devices to perform their jobs remotely at coffee shops or public libraries. A recent survey by the Adventure Travel Trade Association found Thailand to be among the most popular destinations for these digital nomads. Respondents cited blazing internet speeds, affordable living costs, and scenic tourist attractions are some of the factors that attracted them to the Kingdom, especially with so many others now working remotely due to the global pandemic. The spokesperson said the government is working to accommodate the increasing numbers of digital nomads by approving a Special Tourist Visa (STV) that allows foreigners to stay for 90 days. The visa can be extended twice, meaning tourists can stay up to 270 days at a time. The government hopes that STVs will help revitalize the tourism industry under effective COVID-19 control and prevention measures. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has commended relevant agencies and the Thai people for making Thailand one of the best destinations for travelers. He also assured that the government would be ready to listen to all constructive feedback in order to draft policies that benefit everyone. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pattaya city is continuing to solve street dog problems, at least according to prominent city officials like one of the deputy mayors. The current plan is essentially for street dogs to be brought to a temporary shelter before being released back to where they live in local communities after training, vaccination, and sterilization. Pattaya City Mayor Manot Nongyai told The Pattaya News in an update, “We have been doing the current project of returning dogs back to their homes (the street, beach, etc. where they were found) after sterilization for three years now. This project was hugely successful before and had been reducing the population of dogs over time in a safe and humane manner while allowing the dogs to live in their natural environments as long as they were not aggressive or caused problems.” “However, now we admit that we have had some problems after the Covid -19 pandemic. Many dogs were abandoned on the street by people who lost their jobs and returned to their home provinces or even countries. These dogs were not sterilized and many became pregnant, leading to more street dogs being born. Over the past roughly twenty months of the pandemic we now have a whole new generation of young dogs that are living on the streets of Pattaya and have grown up entirely in this environment and the population of dogs has increased in some areas. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/11/pattaya-city-officials-say-they-continue-to-work-to-solve-problems-with-overpopulation-of-street-dogs-in-the-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has announced the launch of a new online 90 day reporting system. The new system, which went live on Dec 2, is available under the Online Services section of the Immigration Bureau’s website, and by selecting TM47, which is the official name of the form used for 90 day reporting. To use the new online 90 day reporting system, foreigners must register here: https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/#/register/add Registration information must be submitted in English. Once verified, a password will be sent to the registered email address (it took around 2 hours for us to receive the password - check your spam folder!) Online 90 day reports can be used up to 15 days in advance of the date the 90 day report is due. Immigration says confirmation of the 90 day report should be returned within 3 days of it being submitted. Foreigners can also use the same system to login and check the status of their application. It should also be noted that the online 90 day reporting system can not be used if a foreigner is completing their first 90 day report, nor can it be used to complete the first 90 day report after receiving a new passport. In both instances, the foreigner needs to submit the 90 day report in person at their local immigration office. After that, they will be able to use the 90 day online system. To coincide with the launch of the new online 90 day reporting system, the Immigration Bureau has also launched a new online appointment booking system, which allows foreigners to book an appointment at their local immigration office. Once selected, the appointment button gives users an option to select the region of the country where their nearest immigration office is located. At the time of writing, Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) was not listed in the online appointment system. It should also be noted the appointment system may not work if using a VPN. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

BANGKOK (NNT) - With Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine expected to be available at private hospitals next month, some people who have received other vaccines are now planning to get a Moderna jab as their booster. The Department of Disease Control has however warned, that they should talk to their doctor first, as the combination of this mRNA vaccine with other types has not been widely performed. The Department of Diseases Control’s Deputy Director General Dr Sophon Iamsirithavorn, has recommended people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 seek advice from a doctor first, if they are thinking of getting a Moderna Spikevax booster shot. Many people have already pre-ordered the mRNA vaccine from private hospitals, which have placed orders for Moderna’s vaccine via the Government Pharmaceutical Organization in the alternative vaccine campaign, where recipients pay for their jabs. Dr Sophon said people who have yet to receive any COVID-19 vaccine can immediately get their Moderna jabs in normal circumstances, however those who have already received jabs of vaccine from other manufacturers, should talk to their doctor first. He said vaccines should not be given in excessive quantities, adding that there is insufficient data to support the efficacy of getting a Moderna jab after two doses of inactivate vaccine, a scenario that many Thai people who have already received Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines would face. There is however data supporting the notion that one dose of Pfizer’s Comirnaty vaccine, also an mRNA vaccine similar to Moderna, can elicit a good immune response and protection among those who have received two shots of an inactivated virus vaccine before. Dr Sophon also recommended that people who have received two shots of AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines not get a booster at this time. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-09-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Planning to Move to Laos – Five Reasons to Become an Expat in Laos Expats move abroad for many reasons. Some sign up for a new job, some move looking for a more affordable place, while others desire a relaxed and enjoyable retirement. The small Asian country of Laos ticks almost all the boxes when it comes to being a popular expat destination. Lets talk about some reasons to become an Expat in Laos. The beautiful and peaceful landlocked country of Laos was an overseas colony of the French until the 1950s. During the 1950s, a conflict broke out between the royal forces and the communist resistance, which went on for about 20 years. In the long struggle, the communist forces prevailed, leading to the establishment of a communist government that has continued to govern the country since. Over the years, Laos has become a part of several global organizations, including the World Trade Organization, which accepted the country’s membership in 2014. One of the few aspects that Laos still lags in is its not-so-efficient healthcare system. Those who wish to seek any major or complex medical care and treatment often cross the Mekong River to go to hospitals in Nong Khai or Bangkok in Thailand. However, that’s just one of the major things that expats have to forego after become an Expat in Laos. They may choose to overlook it because of the many amazing and distinct things about this beautiful country. The fact that Laos is one of the best countries for retirees and has a minimal crime rate, only makes it an even more preferable nation to settle in permanently. Continue reading: https://goexpat.com/5-reasons-to-become-an-expat-laos/ -- GoExpat.com

Single Entry 30 days and 3-months visa to Cambodia 1. 3-months visa Source: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ 2. 30-day tourist visa There is also a 30-day tourist visa available to travelers in advance or on arrival for most nationalities for a cost of $30 if you get it directly at the airport. The tourist visa is single entry only, and can be renewed once for an additional 30 days for a fee of between $30 and $50. The validity of the visa refers to the time you have to enter Cambodia. The visa is valid for 30 days from the actual date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival, and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements. You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa. There is a fine of $10 per day for overstaying the validity term of your visa. There is no limit to this fine. Those who overstay more than 30 days will need to leave Cambodia in addition to paying the fine. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia/entry-requirements

No visa required for a stay not exceeding 59 days. Travelers must hold a valid ticket for return journey to the country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines. No visa required for a stay not exceeding 21 days. For more information on visa please read before you travel: https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular-services-2/visa/dont-know-if-you-need-a-visa-to-travel-check-here

Entry to Vietnam (June 20th 2021) Vietnam has suspended visa waivers, issuing of visas and the entry into Vietnam for all foreign nationals. There are a very small number of exceptions for diplomats on official business and certain high-skilled workers. These will be processed on a case by case basis. Such applications are required to be led by Vietnamese employers who must work directly through individual provincial government offices. The requirements and process may differ from province to province. The costs of quarantine, both in government centres and designated hotels, must be paid by those arriving or their employers. Land borders Borders with China, Cambodia and Laos are currently closed except for the import and export of goods and returning Vietnamese nationals. Transiting Vietnam Currently transit in Vietnam is not allowed. Data collection Those arriving in Vietnam are required to provide information about recent travel. Testing on departure There is no requirement for testing on departure though anyone who has tested positive previously may be asked to show their negative test results and release certificates. Visas If you want to stay in Vietnam, you should only do so legally and with the right visa and permission to stay. Immigration offices are open and working normally. Vietnamese visit visas are issued to foreign nationals for a limited duration and on the basis that visitors must leave on or before the date of expiry. Those who come to Vietnam to work are required to apply for a work visa / permit. You should check the visa validity and conditions carefully. Overstaying your Vietnamese visit visa or working illegally is a serious matter and you may be delayed from travel until a fine is paid, deported and may be prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future. The Embassy and Consulate General will not be able to assist with individual visit visa extensions should you wish to stay in Vietnam, nor sponsor individual applications or sign NA5 forms (which has the same effect) as this involves legal and financial obligations. For those with a valid work visa or resident cards, you can extend these at immigration offices with the assistance and support of your family or employer. Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months on the date you enter Vietnam. A number of British nationals have been refused entry and exit due to their passport being damaged. Make sure your passport is in good condition before arriving in Vietnam. Being refused entry can result in significant cost and a long stay at the airport. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Vietnamese Immigration Department has received assurances from the British Government that any passport held by a British national with an expiry date of 1 January 2020 onwards, or with less than 6 months validity, would be valid until 31 December 2021, when submitted for the purpose of renewing a visa or residence permit. This continues to be valid for all passports held by British nationals. However, because you can renew your passport online, and the visa application centres in Vietnam have now reopened, we still recommend that you renew your passport if required. Quarantine requirements Quarantine is mandatory for anyone who may have come in to contact with coronavirus inside Vietnam and for most coming to Vietnam Vietnamese government quarantine centres are basic. Most do not meet Public Health England standards. There are provisions for people who are exceptionally allowed to enter the country for work to be allowed to undertake quarantine in a hotel approved by the Ministry of Health. This is not guaranteed, is time consuming and must be arranged by your employer in Vietnam before you enter Vietnam. The Vietnamese government has confirmed that anyone entering Vietnam from 1 September 2020 must pay for quarantine costs both in government centres and in designated hotels. You will also be responsible for paying for any coronavirus hospital treatment costs. Vietnam’s quarantine requirements are mandated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. The British Embassy and Consulate General are unable to intervene in having these requirements waived, shortened or changed or assist in the reservation of, or transfer to, hotels used for quarantine. Violations carry strict penalties. Quarantine lasts a minimum of 21 days and will be longer if you test positive at any point. If you test positive, you will be treated in a Vietnamese hospital. Following discharge you will be expected to undertake a period of self-isolation for 7 days during which you should not leave your home and should follow the instructions issued by the local authorities. You should expect to be tested at least 5 times prior to release, and will be required to produce at least 3 consecutive negative tests during quarantine and a further two consecutive negative tests during self-isolation. Once you have completed quarantine and self-isolation you should receive a document specifying this. You should keep this, as you may need to present it customs/airport officials when you leave Vietnam. Vietnam uses community testing as a means to provide assurance that COVID-19 is not being transmitted undetected. Should you be asked to undertake testing, you should comply. Failure to comply can be an offence with significant punishments. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements

Image: Reuters file photo Updated June 26 2021 Travel Restrictions Tourism: Available to for some. Testing: Negative COVID-19 test is required for all countries. Quarantine Required: For some nationalities Quarantine Details: Quarantine varies between 7 and 10 days depending on nationality. Masks: Masks are required in public spaces COVID Restrictions in Malaysia Lockdown: Some Events: Prohibited Transport: Operating but with restrictions Shopping: Open Eating out: Restaurants are take-out only Malaysia Entry Requirements Category of Passengers Allowed to enter Malaysia: - Malaysian - Foreigners with permanent resident status - Diplomat and dependents of foreign mission in Malaysia - Expatriates and their dependents, including foreign maids to expatriates who are holding a valid long-term pass and/or has obtained pass approval application to enter Malaysia. The application made through MYEntry system in ESD: https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/ The category of the pass are as follows: a) Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) and their dependent/s b) Employment Pass (Category EP I, II and III) c) Professional Visit Pass (PVP) d) Dependent Pass to expatriate for all categories e) Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) to expatriate for all categories f) Foreign Maid to expatriate for all categories g) Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Pass Holders h) Student Pass Holders i) Medical Tourism – Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) j) Other Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) (Resident Pass / Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS) / Professional Visit Pass (PVP/PLIK) / Dependent Pass to the LTVP Holders k) Oil and Gas workers and Seafarers The following passengers are not allowed entry to Malaysia: - Passengers/nationals of Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, German, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. - Passengers from the aforementioned nations, however, can transit in KLIA within 24 hours. - Transit passengers bound for China. Effective May 08, 2021, foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal (including earlier advisory for India) travelling to or transiting in Malaysia are not allowed until further notice. This entry restriction applies to: - All category of Long-Term Visit Pass holders (including student pass). - Business travelers; and - Social Visit Pass (the ban has been imposed earlier since 7 September 2020). - The following categories of passengers with entry approval obtained through My travel Pass (MTP) may be allowed from to enter Malaysia but subject to a 14-day quarantine. *Permanent Residents and Holders of Long Terms Social Visit Pass *Holders of Diplomatic Passport and Officials including their family members. - Entry and exit approval that have been obtained earlier (7 May and earlier), either through MyTravelPass, MyEntry or any other mechanism are VOID and no longer valid. *Note: Following the above entry restriction, the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka will temporarily suspend all Visa related services until further notice. - For enquiries, please email: [email protected] Latest Travel Advisory 1. Passengers are not allowed to enter. This does not apply to: - nationals of Malaysia; - passengers with a diplomatic passport; - passengers with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main ; - students with a written approval from immigration applied at https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/ ; - merchant seamen with an official letter from the company certified by Malaysian immigration and joining the ship no later than 24 hours from arrival. 2. Passengers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka are not allowed to enter and transit. This does not apply to: - nationals of Malaysia; - permanent residents of Malaysia with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main ; - spouses of nationals of Malaysia with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main . 3. Passengers must install 'MySejahtera app' in their phone and complete the health declaration at least one day before departure. 4. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken at most 3 days before departure from the first embarkation point. 5. Passengers are subject to a COVID-19 RT-PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. 6. Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days or 21 days at the first point of entry at their own expense. 7. Airline crew must have their names listed on the General Declaration. 8. Airline crew are subject to quarantine until their next flight and must install 'MySejahtera app' in their phone. 9. Transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight is not allowed. - This does not apply to nationals of Malaysia traveling to Sarawak. 10. Passengers traveling to Sarawak must complete an "enterSarawak" form and an "eHealth Declaration Form" before departure at https://sarawakdisastermc.com/. Sources garda.com my.usembassy.gov kln.gov.my philippineairlines.com

This page was updated on 29 June 2021 Travel Restrictions Tourism: Some tourists are allowed to enter Testing: Negative PCR test results is required for all countries. Quarantine Required: Yes Quarantine Details: Quarantine for 14 days required for all countries. Masks: Masks are required in public spaces Laos Entry Requirements International flights are suspended, and borders are closed to foreign travelers. Foreign nationals who are granted permission to enter must apply for a visa. Arrivals will undergo mandatory health screenings and 14 days of quarantine at their own expense. Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure, and complete a health declaration form. COVID Restrictions in Laos Lockdown: Partial Events: Some are permitted Transport: Operating but with restrictions Shopping: Open Bars and restaurants: Open but with restrictions Latest Travel Advisory Published 17.05.2021 1. Flights to Lao People's Dem. Rep. are suspended. - This does not apply to humanitarian, medevac and repatriation flights. 2. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. 3. Passengers must have a reservation confirmation for 14 days at a designated hotel and transportation arrangements. 4. Passengers are subject to COVID-19 RT-PCR test upon arrival at their own expense; and - subject to medical screening upon arrival; and - subject to quarantine for 14 days. They must sign the 'Travel Consent' letter before boarding. 5. A completed health declaration form must be presented upon arrival. 6. Airline crew are subject to medical screening and quarantine until their next flight. 7. Only visas with a written authorization from Task Force Committee of Ministry of Foreign Affairs are considered valid. Sources gov.uk gov.uk worldnomads.com covidtravelupdates

Image: Reuters A top doctor in charge of medical personnel in the Thai countryside has laid into the government of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and the civil service over the vaccine rollout fiasco. Dr Suphat Hasuwankit chief of the Rural Doctor Society said that Thailand's vaccination program was one of the slowest in the world. Thailand was at the back of the queue for vaccine, said the doctor pulling no punches in a scathing attack. He said the government make nothing but hollow excuses. They point to the fact that the number of Covid-19 cases has been low compared to other countries. They say this is because of mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing but when it comes to providing jabs they are next to useless. There is virtually no vaccine available for the general population, he told Daily News, citing regulatory and financial mismanagement. He said that the government are hiding behind the truth. Other countries that do not have the potential or capability to produce vaccine are still getting doses for their people. But not Thailand. He said that Thailand is just "bragging" about having the Siam Bioscience company and "being able to be self-sufficient" in vaccination capability. The reality is that just small amounts of Sinovac from China and some AstraZeneca were available and now Pfizer and Sputnik vaccines were muddying the waters of the mess. Thailand's government has consistently claimed that the rollout is on track and have stated that it will begin in earnest for the general population in June when vaccine will be produced locally. But Dr Suphat pointed out that this was like putting all your eggs in one basket with no assurance that the drugs would be efficacious and meet standards. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-04-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

The Official Rubber Tree Thread All discussion related to rubber tree farming and growing here! This thread continues on from the previous long running rubber trees topic here: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/467163-rubber-trees/

The official Tottenham Hotspur thread 2019 All Tottenham Hotspur related discussion here. This thread continues from the old Spurs topic here: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/79534-tottenham-thread/

All Bangkok Mass Transit discussion here! This thread continues on from the previous long running topic here:

How to get a driving licence in Thailand In association with the British Embassy Bangkok and Thaivisa: Following the announcement that the Department of Land Transport has partnered with British Embassy Bangkok to improve driving licence procedures for foreign nationals, a new video details how Brits and other expats can obtain a driving license in Thailand.