TorquayFan

D123 - "This is the prime reason to get everyone immunized" - yes of course, but it isn't going to happen. Mandatory vaccination just won't stick - watch Austria. Yes it's important to minimise the amount of infection in EVERY way possible to restrict mutations - border control, masks, vaccines, social distance etc. etc. We need better vaccines - one certain step is to address the nucleosid which mutates very slowly if at all, in contrast to the spike . . . .

Brian - thanks that's a very small blip but of course, a big blip starts somewhere. A small UK Biotech, Scancell in Nottingham and Oxford, have a Ph1 trial under way in RSA. Scancell specialise in cancer vaccines but from their Immunobody platform they have developed 'Covidity', a DNA vaccine which addresses the nucleosid and the spike, allowing it in theory to attack a much wider range of variants. In fact CEPI in April published an article on the search for a 'Universal Vaccine' and Scancell was the only project mentioned. Here's some links to see more . . . . https://www.scancell.co.uk/Data/Sites/1/media/docspres/agm-presentation-2021.pdf and

RJRS - IMO if this variant evades existing vaccine protection, the booster won' t help - but important to take the booster anyway. ALL - here's a great report about the new variant including comment about the way that viruses sometimes exhaust themselves in due course . . . . . BTW the UK has already banned flights from RSA and 5 other Nations :- ""New COVID variant ‘may sidestep vaccine protection’ Phil Taylor November 25, 2021 A new variant of COVID-19 identified in Botswana with dozens of mutations is being watched closely, amid fears it could be resistant to the effect of currently-used vaccines. The B.1.1.529 variant has more mutations affecting the spike protein targeted by vaccines than any other strain identified to date, although it’s not yet clear if it is more or less transmissible. There have only been a few confirmed cases so far, including three in Botswana, six in South Africa where surveillance is more robust, and one in Hong Kong in an individual who travelled from South Africa before being tested. The mutations in the spike protein has been described as “really awful” by Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College’s department of infectious disease, in a tweet. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/new-covid-variant-may-sidestep-vaccine-protection/?

A question - someone returning from say, Denmark, in late December, with an 'O' visa, (marriage), expiring in November 2022 - will he be required to have Covid insurance $50K for the whole period to Nov 2022 ? Thanks Guys.

Nikita and Tony - well done you BUT, what if your rt-PCR test on arrival had proven positive ? Would they have carted you off to Hospital with your girlfriend too ? That's an unnecessary risk to take IMHO.

Local Chemist in Wiltshire quoted GBP 95 and the service was 24 hours (it happened) but it's hard for them to guarantee. I think it got couriered to Wolves and results were confirmed by email. 'Twas a 'Fit to fly' and a 'Test Report' (basically the same, and the pt in pt-PCR was there. Here's the link - you could look for their nearest 'base' <[email protected]> BTW one lovely aspect was that I could do the test myself while they watched. Good Luck M8

I used 'Tune Protect' who were excellent, reasonable price and very quick - I'm 74 but that was not a problem despite pre-existing medical conditions.

The start point for the 72 hour measure for check in for flying to Thailand is the scheduled time of departure - e.g. test Monday at say 10.30 am or later for a flight 10.20 am on Thursday . . . . .

I flew Finnair on Nov 4th and for certain, airlines at LHR had been instructed that the PCR test must be noted on the certificate as rt-PCR. That is indeed any PCR but it must say rt-PCR at LHR on that day at least. ATB

I'm sorry but Sinovac is the worst possible option and Sinopharm the second worst. Not a conspiracy of any kind but scientific fact. Pfizer/AZ/Moderna/JJ are the ones. That is, until the 'Universal Covid vaccine' comes through - covering all Covid virus' and addressed to the nucleosid of the protein which mutates rarely and gives long lasting T-cell immunity similar to the infection itself. Plus needleless injection from 'Pharmajet' - FDA approved in the USA. Currently on trial in the RSA - (adapted from a cancer vaccine platform for advanced melanoma). Trial results eagerly awaited I might add. All this anti-vax stuff is billhooks. Worth asking the nurse for 'aspiration' before injection - that would massively reduce side effects. AIMVHO ATB

Yes I just rang my ASQ Nov 5th, (Ravindra Beach, Jomtien - highly recommended), and reported my 'negative' today. They said thanks and recorded it. IF I had reported a 'positive', I guess they would refer it to the Health Dept who would then follow up and maybe drag you off to the local Covid unit - not a pleasant prospect. Some might be seriously tempted to lie low and isolate with that in prospect ! (BTW it's a lateral flow / rapid antigen test . . . . not an rt-PCR )

Thanks Partington - you know your stuff on this topic. So all PCR tests for Covid are rt-PCR - Thailand's instruction to Airlines that the superfluous but accurate full technical description must be used, is not really very helpful to the average traveler. BFN

OK Partington. Sorry I was trying to deal with the terminology - I didn't check that link. But surely PCR tests were available at LHR and other airports. In my run-up I'd got the clear impression they were but maybe in a 'day before' context or there being a long pre-flight wait for the processing of results. So - all PCR tests are rt-PCR tests. The papers have to say that.

I had Covid in June in Chantaburi - my pre-flight PCR was positive !! Literally collected from home and taken to the Public Hospital, I was given 'favipiravir', a Japanese antiviral, (8 pills am and pm on day 1). I quickly transferred to BKKH for the 14 days in Hospital and they prescribed the same. Happily I got through with only a few bad moments despite other medical issues. Just MO but If these treatments are approved by FDA and the like, it's worth going with it. Favipiravir has been available FREE in Govt. Hospitals from early on in the pandemic - let's hope Molnupiravir can help too. Meantime, the search for a 'Universal' covid vaccine, continues . . . . . ?

I boarded Finnair on Nov 4th and at check-in, they searched for the 'rt' prefix. The sweat started to gather on my brow. Sure enough, it was there. I'm not technical but I think it's just terminology ? i.e. the correct designation for any PCR test. I'd guess the tests given at LHR would comply. i was told that the Airlines had been instructed by the Thai 'authorities' that it was requirement to board.

Dandy - hope you got through OK M8. Let us know . . .

Maybe so M8 ! Yesterday it looked that many thought it was worth all the effort ?? Apparently, Ravindra Beach Hotel alone had 20 ASQ's last night.

Happy to report a successful return to Thailand - thoughts on my 'experience' . . . Up at 4 am Thursday for a 5 am taxi to LHR - allowing time in hand for the M4, I checked in at 6.40 am for a 10.20 flight - excessive but a pint of Amstel was rewarding (and a little time in hand may sometimes be useful on the M4 !). The Finnair check-in included a protracted search for 'rt' before the 'PCR' description on the test reports but it was found and underlined. The Airlines have the instruction that the 'rt' prefix is essential - had me sweating briefly. I noticed everyone seemed to have a full set on paper of the CoE documents etc. We boarded from an absurdly small LHR lounge in T3 for the leg to Helsinki - the A320 was tightly packed and that was worrying Covid wise. Precious little leg room and just a coffee and no food - next time I'd take a 'Meal deal' on board. The bundle of papers was examined again at Helsinki to board the BKK leg. What a difference the A350 is - lots of leg room and luggage space with a relaxing and cavernous feel to the cabin. The T6 and T8 were handed out on the plane - but the T8 can be downloaded and completed beforehand which is easier as it's A4. Having to enter with a return ticket was on some notices but my coming in on the 2nd leg of the ticket was not queried. My CoE said 'no less than 7 days quarantine' but my hotel booking for one night was not queried either. After walking a few sections from the plane, normal avenues were cordoned off, being led to rows and rows of 2 blue chairs to wait and as you wait there's a pre-check of the papers in the bundle before it's your turn to face the final desk for another check before going to baggage claim. For me it took no more than 10-15 minutes from plane to taxi - this miracle may be hard to repeat when PAX numbers increase - ( it seemed they were dealing with 1 plane at this time). Through Customs to the ASQ desks where I waited a few minutes for my ASQ taxi to turn up - escorted to the taxi - all amazingly efficient. At the Hotel we were routed around the back - the luggage was taken to my room while I had the PCR test - staffed by BKKH - I was the only arrival at that time. Results 9 am tomorrow. No hassle and all smooth. (Ravindra Beach Jomtien). The Morchana App was on my phone but no mention of it was made at any stage UNTIL I got the to the ASQ. There the Guy punched some keys, handed it back and ticked the box. Easy For 'comfort' I did 2 LF test's on myself - happily negative. The whole arrival process was impressive. Good to finish the post with a whinge . . . the CoE and maybe later the 'Pass' seem to carry minimal authority as at every stage, all the papers in the bundle have to be examined again and again - it doesn't make sense - surely once the 'Pass' is presented, that should be enough. Maybe all these extra checks will be abolished in the 'Pass' process.

Soi Eddie - born in London but spent many years in Newton Abbot (in Wilts atm) - I still follow TUFC - and the mighty Swatcats in Thailand - Nakhon Ratchasima FC ! ATB Re the 1 day / 7 day wording - a 1 day booking for ASQ was accepted to obtain the CoE so I'd guess that's it - we'll see later ! Both links show the same wording - no revision.

Salerno - I had the same problem as Eddie with 7 days AQ being quoted - I agree with you - it's been missed on the update. ONE day's ASQ it is, hopefully ! Thanks. Eddie - FWIW I'm sure it'll be OK. Good luck.

Thanks - will do.

Good luck Rick

Glegolo - really ? Good name . . . . I'm told (here), go to Apps on your phone and download Mor Chana.

Thanks Guys. Me (and the team) will download Mor Chana while I'm UK side. ATB

Adelphi . . . cheers. The iPhone is my first smart phone and I'm a slow learner ! My UK helper will load it before I fly to save me embarrassment at BKK LOL. Will arrive with my 'TrueMove' sim in place. Tonray/Ubon thanks too.