geisha

Snooky , I’m quite sure you have to declare this. They might want to open them at customs.

I’ll always remember in Phuket ages ago, the table next to me ordered. Bottle of wine . The waitress came, put the bottle and an old fashioned opener on the table and left ! Laugh, the poor couple just looked lost , so I got up and opened the bottle for them. Not much has changed since then, except Bangkok and the higher class restaurants who often have fabulously modern walls of wine cellars. The one in Platinum Mall ( I think) is marvelous!  And the Starbucks is a show piece too, couldn’t believe my eyes .

I had friends who arrived in their yacht to Phuket. There were 7 crew. They asked where the best restaurants were and I gave them a few addresses. They went, and took their own wine with them and paid the corkage. Much safer they said, nothing to do with money. Not every restaurant has a wine cellar, and I’ve heard that they are often stored before delivery in the heat , and transport conditions are crucial wine. 

Don’t think it’s a good idea either, except maybe for real expats, easy to prove, with a maximum size restriction. Look what’s happened in Cambodia, the Chinese invasion has ruined Siem Reap, Sihanouk ville and is well on the way in Phnom Penh. They’re like weeds.

A bit vague, allowed to do what, rent a car ? Go to Hua Hin ?  Stay in a hotel ?

Never used,  but a friend does and always has fantastic deals , like in Venice, Rome, Canada etc.

i think it’s best to choose the “ super hosts” as they have an impeccable track record with Airbnb.

Ive thought about it as have seen some fantastic places in Bali and Polynesia, but I’m worried about cancelations. I imagine myself turning up at Bora Bora, to find I’ve been cancelled , often due to an urgency. So I’ll stick to hotels for long haul trips. 

23 hours ago, radjag said:

I arrived via Singapore on SQ last Monday. The flight was quite full, maybe 40 or 50%. The document checking and Immigration process was very smooth. Commendable in fact.

 

The C19 swabbing facility at the terminal exit was very professional. Got my negative result at the hotel that evening and was then able to go out and about.

 

The airport transfer was very good. I am at the Resotel in Kamala. Modest, but newly decorated and very comfortable. Only THB800 per night. Excellent. 

 

Overall extremely happy with the Sandbox.

Hi, am very interested in taking Singapore airlines Paris phuket via Singapore , Is this ok as I heard only direct flights to Phuket ? Where did you fly from please  ? Thanks for any info.

3 hours ago, Jeffr2 said:

I couldn't stand being locked in a hotel room for 2 weeks. Even one with a private balcony or patio. Not to mention the terrible food that I've read about.

 

With the sandbox, you can walk around, go to the beach, eat where you like, see other people, etc. The rates I've seen are quite good. Excellent deals right now.

 

I believe you can now transit via Singapore? And flights are now operating from there to Bangkok and other places in Thailand.

 

As for insurance, I'm getting mixed messages on what's required. Seems different consulates are requiring different policies.

Hi, how does Singapore airlines work with the transit ? They fly from France to Phuket  transit Singapore so that’s good for me . But is it a  valid  option within Sandbox rules? Help please.

Owners often complain about the cost of maintenance. A safe building is one that’s checked and maintained regularly. My apartment block  in France was built in 1976 and looks like new. Ok, it costs, but is a solid investment. Prices never go down, only up, as theres more room compared to new build,  easy to sell.

Look at diplomatie.gouv.fr  Coronavirus Advice for Foreign. Nationals in France. It’s the English version .

Hi, I’m in France, just checking, vaccins reconnus par la France, Pfizer,moderne,AZ, Janssens, , covisshield , from consulfrance.org

i suggest calling the French embassy, or get family to call from France for you. Are you sure you need to be vaccinated ?
You also need to take with you some sort of proof you are a French resident, EDF bill, Ameli attestation , last tax return if you have them. for the arrival at airport. And proof that you’ve applied for the residency. When you applied, you got a document, and you’ve also got your rdv . Print them out. 

customs can be difficult and many Brits have had problems avoiding a stamp ( tourist) in your passport which you DO NOT need.
For whatever reason you can’t arrive at your appointment, let them know by post , email , to change the rdv. Glad to help if need be. 

Same problem with the flights with Thais returning from overseas.They are allowed in with hardly any checking. Those repatriation flights were full of infected workers. Same as the working ladies returning from Burma, and likely other countries. 

Thanakorn and cronies better take a walk outside and see what their country really looks like to an outsider.  The place is falling apart !!!!!

In France RT PCR  tests have been free, and will be until 15 October.   Then they will be free if prescribed by doctor, or cost from 29€ to 49€ depending nationality/residence. 

I love it. Often went to eat , and cocktails and fireworks evenings on the rooftop. Christmas, New year it’s my place. Easy to get to .Soon as I can, I’ll be back in Icon shopping, eating and enjoying myself. The architecture is fabulous and so is the setting. Certainly a plus for the other side of the river.

BBC announced today that the government will change the rules for entry to UK , probably announced next week, in effect October. They will most probably keep a red list though.

6 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

If Thailand reverts to Amber, Brits will still have to self quarantine , rather than staying in a quarantine  hotel

No, if you are British from an Amber list country ( me) you have to pre order and pay a second day test which you will do at home, and then put in a Royal Mail red sticker mail box. List of boxes online at Royal mail.com

second day, means the second day after arrival in UK. When ordering your test online, they send you a certificate which you need to enter UK.  They send the test to the address you put on the forms, it’s all explained on gouv. You do not have to quarantine at all.

On 9/11/2021 at 9:59 AM, LivinginKata said:

Kata and Karon very few shops open. See tumble weed blowing down the road every day I go walk on Kata Beach.

Livinginkata, sorry for hijacking the post. Hi , if situation improves ,  I’m hoping to come back to Phuket through the Sandbox before Christmas .Reason being I spent 4/5 months a year there for many years, and I have very good friends there. I would come on a 60 day visa which I can then extend. Having been there in the 80s , I know what a quiet Kata beach is like, before the invasion. I still think it’s a choice, though have heard that Rawai is much busier, what are your views please? PS, still come to Thailand but not Phuket. 

Hi, I am thinking of coming to Phuket around Christmas time, or bit before. I lived 5 months a year there for 20 years, but it’s changed a lot I know. I would like to know if I can come in with a 60 days visa ( from France) and extend , on the Sandbox program , as I’d like to spend about 3 months  ? I know all the requirements COE, SHA etc.

Secondly,  I used to stay in Kata beach, where all my friends are.  Are there good shopping possibilities here these days ?I used to have to go to Phuket town and Central , or Chalong. I don’t drive in Thailand, tho I suppose I could rent  a car.

Also, I’ve been hearing that Rawai has really changed for the good. Shopping, lots of good restaurants, but the beach or lack of it ?  I would rent a nice condo with pool but I do like a nice beach too to walk , relax, swim . 
 Any info  appreciated . 

Ps, this is all assuming the situation is ok . 

Absolute rubbish rules. I doubt any other countries have this.You can even have your preferred tipple in Dubai.  Advertising published by Thai hotels abroad, saying, only soft drinks to be sold,in restaurants and hotels. So who the hell is going to come to Thailand if they can’t even get a drink with their meal ?

6 hours ago, Nanaplaza666 said:

Flu ??? Have you missed the part where all those virologists and friends said flu doesn't exist anymore and has magically disapeared . Everything is covid . 

Flu has “ disappeared” as you say because we’re all wearing masks and have been in lockdown after lockdown for the second year ! Flu jab soon out here in Eu/ UK and they’ve said it’s very important we all get the jab. .They are working on a way to incorporate into the COVID vaccin , but not sure where it’s at yet. Flu still exists.