Jonathan Fairfield

Positive signs for Hua Hin: AirAsia flights and film crew in town in October REUTERS file photo The government measures to promote the reopening of Hua Hin and Cha-Am were starting to bear fruit, according to local businessman Udorn Olsson. https://aseannow.com/topic/1232955-positive-signs-for-hua-hin-airasia-flights-and-film-crew-in-town-in-october/

Majority of parents in Pattaya want their children to receive Covid -19 vaccine, says recent Pattaya City poll By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – A majority of parents in Pattaya want their children to receive Covid -19 vaccines before school opens this November, according to a recent poll by Pattaya City officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1232959-majority-of-parents-in-pattaya-want-their-children-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine-says-recent-pattaya-city-poll/

The three major factors the Thai government is using to determine provinces ready to open to foreign vaccinated tourists By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – In June, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha had previously declared his statement to reopen the country within the next 120 days. That date is expected to be due within mid-October, however, it is likely to be postponed for at least another two weeks, following the suggestions of a sub-panel meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1232964-the-three-major-factors-the-thai-government-is-using-to-determine-provinces-ready-to-open-to-foreign-vaccinated-tourists/

Other than price, what are the differences between 91 and E20, in terms of performance and getting the most miles?

Foreigners in Thailand have until Nov 26 to apply for ‘COVID extensions’ File Photo Foreigners staying in Thailand on so-called 60 day ‘COVID extensions’ can now apply to extend their stay beyond November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1232452-foreigners-in-thailand-have-until-nov-26-to-apply-for-‘covid-extensions’/

File Photo Foreigners staying in Thailand on so-called 60 day ‘COVID extensions’ can now apply to extend their stay beyond November. On Monday (Sept 20) Immigration released an order to confirm the extension of the grace period given to foreigners stuck in Thailand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the deadline for COVID extensions had been September 27, 2021. However, the new order confirms the grace period has been extended to November 26, 2021. This means that were someone to apply for a 60 extension towards the end of November, they would be granted permission to remain in Thailand into next year. The grace period for COVID extensions was launched last year to help foreigners stuck in Thailand and unable to return to their home country. While the vast majority of tourists have since returned home, there are still people who have remained in Thailand since the start of the pandemic. With many countries continuing to close borders or require anyone entering to show proof of vaccinations, the situation regarding international travel remains problematic for some. Therefore, the Thai government has announced another extension of the grace period. A COVID-19 extension costs 1,900 baht. Special thanks to Tod Daniels for the tip. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-21 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

People get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand April 28, 2021. REUTERS/Jorge Silva Fifty percent of the total population of Thailand will have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of October, according to targets set by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). According to DDC chief Opas Karnkawinpong, Thailand will be able to administer one million vaccines per day by the end of September and by the end of October the aim is to have given at least one vaccine dose to 50 percent of the population. Dr Opas said an event will be held by public health officials on September 24 which will mark the milestone of vaccinating one million people in a single day. This will also include public health officials and volunteers being given a third booster dose. As of Friday, Thailand had administered around 43.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Approximately 20.4 percent of the total population of Thailand are fully vaccinated, according to the CCSA data. On Saturday, Dr Opas also said that people in Thailand have now started to live with COVID-19 and continue to follow the guidelines on mask wearing and social distancing issued by the Ministry of Public Health. Meanwhile, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also said he is confident that the country will meet its target of inoculating 50 million people by the end of this year. Currently, Thailand is administering an average of around 700,000 vaccines doses per day. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

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

A young woman, who reportedly bragged about being granted the privilege of receiving a third booster vaccine jab in Muang district of the coastal province of Samut Sakhon, is facing charges of giving false statement to authorities. The woman, identified by the police in Samut Sakhon only as Ms. Ann, posted a message on her Facebook page, thankingthe police for granting her a third booster shot at the Samut Sakhon Technology College in Mahachai sub-district recently. The post reportedly provoked a negative reaction among netizens, raising questions over police discrimination and unfair distribution of vaccines. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/woman-who-claimed-to-have-had-third-vaccine-jab-faces-charges-of-giving-false-statements/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-09-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

AirAsia is set to resume operating flights between Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Udon Thani from October. At a meeting held at Hua Hin Municipality offices on Friday (Sept 10) between the working group responsible for overseeing the plan to reopen Hua Hin to both foreign and domestic tourists from October 1, it was revealed that AirAsia has confirmed plans to resume its domestic flights from Hua Hin Airport. Thai AirAsia launched Chiang Mai (CNX) – Hua Hin and Udon Thani (UTH) – Hua Hin flights in August 2020, with the services having been suspended due to the travel restrictions put in place during the pandemic. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/airasia-to-resume-hua-hin-chiang-mai-udon-thani-flights-in-october/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2021-09-11 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Image: Reuters file photo More than 41,000 expats in Thailand have registered for a COVID-19 vaccine using the Expatvac registration platform. According to stats released on Thursday (Aug 5) by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Tanee Sangrat, a total of 41,616 expats in Thailand have registered for the vaccine using the Expatvac website. Of those who have registered, 32,563 are aged under 60, while 9,053 are over 60. Those suffering from underlying health conditions totalled 3,038, while 172 pregnant expats also registered. Mr Tanee said that over a third of those registering were located in Greater Bangkok. Earlier, Mr Tanee said that he expects people to start receiving vaccine appointment dates from August 10 and 11. Priority will be given to the over 60s, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions. It is understood 150,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which was recently donated to Thailand by the United States government will be used to vaccinate expats in Thailand. Expats in Thailand who have not yet registered to receive a vaccine are urged to do so here: https://expatvac.consular.go.th/ -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A new vaccine registration website for foreigners in Thailand will open on August 1, it has been announced. According to a post on the Thai government's official Facebook page, the new registration website, which is available at: https://expatvac.consular.go.th/ will live go live on Sunday morning. "A new platform for COVID-19 vaccine registration for foreign residents of all age groups in all provinces in Thailand will be available on 1 August 2021 at 11.00 a.m" "Foreign nationals aged 60 - 74 who have already registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website will have their records moved to this new vaccination site soon", the post reads. No information on who will able to register for the vaccines, or if certain groups will be prioritised, was available at the time of posting. The schedule of when vaccines will be administered and which vaccine doses will be used was also not known. The news comes as the Prime Minister on Friday confirmed that some of the Pfizer vaccines recently donated by the United States will be given to foreigners in Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-01 - 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

BY ANDREW NELSON Flavorful. Soulful. Beautiful. Head to Louangphabang to taste the best of Southeast Asia. Sometimes a portal isn’t a door. It’s a bowl of soup. Raise a spoonful of tom kha kai, a traditional Laotian coconut chicken soup, to your lips, and a tantalizing perfume of lemongrass, lime, and galangal wafts upward. Its scent is sublime and earthy, hot and sour. The fragrant plume comes with a peppery kick. The sensation is vivid, somehow poignant, and utterly transporting. The memory brings a smile as I stand in a line of passengers at Louangphabang airport, in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. I’ve traveled 9,000 miles to Southeast Asia inspired by Van Nolintha, a charismatic 32-year-old Laotian-American restaurateur in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose inventive renditions of his childhood dishes from his native land have earned the acclaim of diners and food critics alike. Now I’ve come for a taste of the real thing. Upon leaving the airport, my first views of Laos are the Phou Thao and Phou Nang mountain ranges, which surround the ancient royal city of Louangphabang like an embrace. The slopes are lush with trees that comb and catch the low-lying clouds. As I enter the city, a cluster of motorbikes overtakes my taxi, trailing fumes and impatience. A teenage girl, sitting sidesaddle in a Laotian silk tube skirt called a sinh, flashes past. Her face is inches from her smartphone. She’s texting furiously, oblivious to her young driver and the pushy traffic puddling up behind us, which includes four Toyota vans packed with Chinese tourists. Their wide-brimmed sun hats curl against the steamy windows. Continue reading: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-to-eat-and-where-in-luang-prabang -- National Geographic

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

Singapore Visa A Singapore visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission for the holder of a valid Singapore visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore. The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry. For more information: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/New-Delhi/Consular-Services/Visa-Information

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 Last updated 30 June 2021 Travel Restrictions Tourism: Some allowed. Testing: Negative PCR tests required for citizens from all countries. Quarantine Required: Yes Quarantine Details: Quarantine for 14 days required for all countries. Masks: Masks are required in public spaces Indonesia Entry requirements All foreigners are barred from entering Indonesia with very limited exceptions, including the holders of the following valid documents: Work visa Diplomatic visa Visit visa Limited stay visa Work stay permit Diplomatic stay permit Limited stay permit Permanent stay permit All foreigners and Indonesian nationals are required to obtain a negative PCR test result at most 72 hours before arrival. A five-day quarantine is required upon arrival at a designated hotel before undergoing another PCR test. Should they test negative, they will be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days before any social activity. Should they test positive, they will be referred to a hospital for treatment. Foreigners are required to pay for all accommodation, testing, and treatment costs, while the costs for most returning Indonesians will be covered by the government. Indonesian government has decided to not issue visas to any foreigners who have been in India in the past 14 days to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Indonesians entering from India will be allowed to enter the country but will have to follow stricter protocols and quarantine rules. COVID Restrictions in Brunei Lockdown: Some Events: Some are permitted Transport: Operating but with restrictions Shopping: Open Eating out: Restaurants and bars are open but with restrictions Latest Travel Advisory 1. Passengers are not allowed to enter. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Indonesia; - passengers with a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a temporary residence visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a diplomatic or service visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a diplomatic or service stay permit. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with an e-visit visa with a visa number ending with LN. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers traveling under the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days. 2. Passengers are not allowed to transit. 3. Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English. 4. Airline crew must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 7 days before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English. 5. Passengers are subject to COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for 5 or 14 days. 6. A completed "electronic health awareness card (e-HAC)" must be presented upon arrival. The card can be obtained before departure at https://inahac.kemkes.go.id/ 7. Airline crew with a crew ID card are visa exempt if they are listed in the General Declaration and wearing uniform. 8. Deadhead crew will be given an entry stamp. They must: - have a valid crew ID card or crew member certificate; - provide written notification to Immigration Officer proving they will be on duty on the return flight. The notification must be received by Immigration Officer minimum 24 hours from arrival. 9. Suspension of all visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities. Sources gov.uk cathaypacific.com id.usembassy.gov garda.com

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/

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.