40 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

...

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/03/26/anti-vaccine-mother-covid-19-misinformation-orig.cnn-business

Why this former anti-vaxx influencer is getting the Covid vaccine

Heather Simpson had a following online due to her anti-vaccine beliefs. Now, she worries the anti-vaccine misinformation she promoted hurt other children. She explains her change of heart to CNN Business' Donie O'Sullivan.

Thanks! 

This moving testimony totally convinced me. 

Where can I line up for my jab?

Attention: sarcasm alert!

11 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

I think that is a different question entirely.

If I understand you, you are referring to compulsory vaccination.

I have not advocated that and I was not discussing that.

That would be a topic in medical ethics and perhaps a question of individual rights.

I was expressing my "informed opinion" on questions of immunology, to clarify "amateur immunology" as I am not an immunologist.

The quote I posted was not in response to your message.

Your stance in this is appreciated, and I am actually in agreement with you.

But it would be hard to deny that the overriding current narrative is to 'vaccinate everybody' as a way out of this mess... and then it is only a small step to advocate mandatory mass-vaccination.  The - faulty - argument being that otherwise herd-immunity will not be reached.

3 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

It is beyond debate. The vaccine is the only way out of this mess.

Your opinion, not mine...

Allow me to quote dr Zoe Harcombe PhD, who nailed it eloquently:

John wants Jane locked away from human contact for a year+, so he feels safer.
John wants Jane to be masked & distanced indefinitely, so he feels safer.
John wants Jane to have a medical intervention, so he feels safer.
Jane wants nothing from John; but she's the selfish one?!

13 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

...

The most effective way to strengthen your immune system with respect to COVID is a vaccine.

That is beyond debate.

Thanks for the link to this 'common sense' article.

The conclusion in the last paragraph which you wrote, is your opinion.

I don't agree with that, but as it is 'beyond debate' I will not challenge it.

16 minutes ago, cyril sneer said:

 

Bingo!

Was interested in the Three Iron Rules the Phuket Vice Governor mentioned to prevent the virus from spreading.  So I looked it up in the article.

= = = = =

“Maintain social distancing, wash your hands often, wear masks,” Vice Governor Piyapong said.

"Please, brothers and sisters, take intensive care of yourselves. When leaving the house, always wear a mask. When entering the community, keep some distance [from other people]. And always wash your hands with alcohol,” he added.

“Such measures are iron rules that everyone has to follow in strict accordance because the Phuket Health Medical team is working hard to fight COVID-19,” Vice Governor Piyapong said.

“At this time I would like my brothers and sisters to spend as much time at home as possible. If there is no important business, please do not go anywhere,” V/Gov Piyapong added.

4 minutes ago, Tagged said:

Except some of us understand the massage, and also have friends who work in the front line, and know more about the virus than most of us. Thats the difference. However, the Spanish flue took 5 years, and stayed more than a decade with us causing serious problems for people, and normaly it takes 10 years to develop a safe vaccine. 

 

And the we in our time still struggle with people who do not believe covid 19 is a problem, that is a problem. So no, nothing simular to the monkey and the lather at all. 

 

We will have to live with the covid 19 many years to come with or without vaccine, no matter what you believe or think. 

I am not denying covid.  I am just questioning the 'common narrative' which does not allow differing views on how to address the issues and promotes mass-vaccination as the ONLY solution.  

23 minutes ago, Bruno123 said:

Though do bear in mind that YMMV. If a provider can only offer 4 Mbps in your particular location, a 10 Mbps SIM pack will still only offer 4 Mbps. So test what a network can offer before purchasing a long term SIM pack.

 

Expect to pay 1890 baht for the Truemove H equivalent and 2200 for the AIS equivalent. 

For info > I made use of the 2nd link you posted

> https://www.lazada.co.th/products/10mbps-dtac-12-i1929192284-s6099702345.html

and when I ordered the SIM 2-3 weeks ago it was still 1.290 THB (now 1.390 THB), but still a very good deal.

Also it looks like both links you posted refer to identical products (with identical price).  However the 2nd link (see higher) is via LazzMall, and it is always preferable to order there as you then have the guarantee that the product is 100% authentic.  Also you have 15 days return, while on non LazzMall it is 7 days to sender.

In my location (completely in the sticks), speed-test shows I get 10Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.  To test try > https://speedtest.adslthailand.com/

14 minutes ago, lkv said:

...

So the problem is, we are unlikely to hit that 70-80% needed.

 

You will see that many countries reach maybe 30-40%, without any coercive schemes, but past that, people will not be bothered.

30-40% is not good enough, unfortunately. This virus has created massive economic losses for the last 12 months, we cannot keep going on like this for another 5-10 years, because of "human rights".

...

You are correct in stating > So the problem is, we are unlikely to hit that 70-80% needed.

Repost of an earlier post of mine in another thread.

Indeed, the notion that herd immunity could be achieved with mass-vaccination looks like a pipe-dream according to this March 2021 article in Nature.

      > https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00728-2

Even with vaccination efforts in full force, the theoretical threshold for vanquishing COVID-19 looks to be out of reach.

And the author spells out five reasons why COVID herd immunity is probably impossible:

• It's unclear whether vaccines prevent transmission
• Vaccine roll-out is uneven
• New variants change the herd-immunity equation
• Immunity might not last forever
• Vaccines might change human behavior

Five reasons why COVID herd immunity is probably impossible _ Nature - March 2021.pdf

1 hour ago, Tagged said:

...

The Monkey Ladder

 

A group of scientists placed five monkeys in a cage, and in the middle, a ladder with bananas on top. Every time a monkey went up the ladder, the scientists soaked the rest of the monkeys with cold water. 

After a certain amount of this, each time a monkey would to start up the ladder, the others would pull it down and beat it up; this too went on for a while, but eventually no monkey would dare try climbing the ladder, no matter how great the temptation.

 

The scientists then decided to replace one of the monkeys. The first thing this new monkey did, of course, was start to climb the ladder. Immediately, the others pulled him down and beat him up.

After several beatings, the new monkey learned never to go up the ladder, even though there was no evident reason not to, aside from the beatings.

The second monkey was substituted and the same occurred. The first monkey participated in the beating of the second monkey. A third monkey was changed and the same was repeated. The fourth monkey was changed, resulting in the same, before the fifth was finally replaced as well.

What was left was a group of five monkeys that — without ever having received a cold shower — continued to beat up any monkey who attempted to climb the ladder.

If it was possible to ask the monkeys why they beat up on all those who attempted to climb the ladder, their most likely answer would be “I don’t know. It’s just how things are done around here.”

Great story, reminds me of the Covid ladder that we are not supposed to question...

11 minutes ago, villageidiotY2K said:

Wow thx for info my friends... 

Is my understanding correct, this yearly package and additional for free calls to other providers at around 1400 baht total per year is way better than usual monthly contract types? 

 

Currently I pay 320baht per month, 200min calls and 16gb of net per month with true. 

Small overview of differences:

• Cost > True would be 12 times 320 TBH or 3.840 THB for full year vs dTac only 1.290 TBH
• Data > True 16 GB per month vs dTac UNLIMITED data
• DL/UL speed > True = unknown (probably 4 Mbps) vs dTac 10 Mbps both download/upload
• Free calls > True = 200 min of calls vs dTac FREE calls on the dTac network (and for 50 THB a month extra - free calls on all networks)

So in all categories that dTac 10 Mbps unlimited data SIM is a far better deal than what you currently got.

> Do read your PM for info on where/how to get that dTac SIM-card.

6 minutes ago, lagarto said:

here is a valuable information to follow as well as the forms you need to filled up;  good luck brother stay safe.

The info you provided on Who needs to be registered? is outdated.

Attached below the introduction to the Guideline document I compiled on TM-30.

The full document goes into detail on HOW to register on the IO TM-30 website and file TM-30 notifications on-line.  Sent me a PM if you like to receive full document.

= = = = =

According to Thai law, the house-master, owner or possessor of the place where you are staying (which can be yourself, your wife/girlfriend, landlord or manager of Hotel/Guesthouse) needs to notify the local IO within 24 hours when a foreigner arrives at the premises.

The property can be a hotel, guesthouse, rental condo, friend's house, own place, etc.

Since 30 June 2020 that notification needs to be done only ONCE for the main place where you as foreigner are staying, as the filed TM30 will stay valid as long as the foreigner's permission to stay is kept alive (including its extension or when using a Re-Entry Permit).  See attachment #4 – TM30 reporting regulation dd 30-06-2020

So, filing of a new TM30 is only needed when the permission to stay or the extension of it, expired and the foreigner re-enters Thailand on a new Visa (or Visa Exempt).

Note: Obviously if relocating in Thailand, a new TM30 would have to be filed to the IO of the place to which you are relocating.

When YOU as a foreigner registers you do it either

- as owner;

- on behalf of the owner, or

- as tenant.

There are various options now.

·       If you - as a foreigner - own the condo where you are staying, you need to file a TM30 as owner of the property that you arrived with 24 hours of arrival.

·       If your wife/girlfriend is the owner of the place where you are staying, she needs to file a TM30 of you arriving there within 24 hours of your arrival.  But using the IO TM30 website you can register and do the filing 'on her behalf'.

·       If you are renting a house, apartment or condo, the landlord who is the owner of the place that you are staying, can file a TM30 of you arriving there.  But as that is both inconvenient for him and yourself, you can also register on the IO TM30 website ‘on his behalf’.

·       If you are renting a house, apartment or condo, you can also register on the IO TM30 website as 'tenant', allowing you to file the required TM30s yourself instead of having the landlord do this (or you doing it on his behalf).

·       If your wife/girlfriend owns the place where you are staying, and you have a thai ID card for foreigners as well as the yellow house-book (Tabien Baan) you can register yourself as ‘possessor’ of the premises where you are staying.

Note: TM30 compliance is ONLY checked when you visit your local IO for a service that requires your address data (e.g. an extension of stay, residence permit, etc.).  So, when you have guests staying at your place that will not visit the Immigration Office to apply for an extension of stay, there is no actual need to file a TM30 of them staying at your place.

Attached below you will find a comprehensive step-by-step instruction on how to register and file your TM30s on-line.

Here is the link to the website > https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn24online/menu.jsp

And here is the link to actually register: https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn24online/FilterNoLogonServlet?nodeId=24&programId=FNHOTELREG

41 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

Is that Dhipaya policy a travel-insurance policy that meets the covid-19 coverage requirement? 

SafetyWing is, and thus provides coverage for ANY accident/illness you might encounter while in Thailand (which includes the 100.000 US $ covid-19 coverage). 

TIP insure provides covid-19 ONLY insurance.

It would be strange when wanting to subscribe to the SafetyWing travel-insurance policy that you are diverted to Dhipaya if that policy is not providing travel-insurance but only covers coivd-19.

> It would be helpful when you PM me a copy of the policy you received, as I looked on the Dhipaya website but it is in Thai only.   

@Travis179

Hi,

Thanks for PM-ing me a copy of the policy you subscribed to. 

As I suspected it is a 100.000 US $ covid-19 ONLY insurance policy, and you wrote

> I ended-up purchasing a policy from Dhipaya Insurance, with the link you kindly provided (cheapest one). For 90 days coverage, it was only 3,840, roughly $128

But when you are over 39 years of age (as you confirmed), this is for sure the cheapest CoE compliant covid-19 insurance you can find.

But I find it very, very strange that when filling in your data on the SafetyWing travel-insurance site, that you would be redirected to Dhipaya...

I actually think that you had several web-pages open and ended up subscribing to this one. 

As I wrote higher, absolutely cheapest deal I ever came across (3.840 THB for 90 days coverage), and absolutely worthwhile when you already have foreign/international insurance that would cover you in case of accident/illness but does not cover covid-19.

But if you do not have any foreign/international insurance, I would have recommended going for the SafetyWing or AXA Sawasdee travel-insurance package, as those insurance packages do not only cover covid-19 but provide coverage of ANY accident/illness you might encounter while in Thailand.

Also as mentioned before when under 40 years of age the 3-month SafetyWing travel-insurance only costs 128,70 US $ (same as what you paid now for covid-19 insurance ONLY), but when in the age bracket of 51-60 it would cost approx 325 US $, and in that case the 7.400 THB for 3-month coverage provided by AXA Sawasdee would be a better deal.

@villageidiotY2K and @Windynoi

> I did sent you a PM with info on where/how to buy the 10 Mbps unlimited data SIM from dTac, including free calls to the dTac network (which can be extended to all providers for 50 THB per month).  That SIM-card costs only 1290 THB for full year coverage, so a very good deal.

Note: The AIS 10Mbps unlimited data SIM includes free calls to all providers.

37 minutes ago, Travis179 said:

I clicked the SafetyWing link. After entering all my info, it redirected me to Dhipaya. Date of birth was part of the requested data, and I'm well over 40. I received an email confirmation of the purchase, and a copy of the policy. This link was embedded in the email. Hope that helps.

https://www.tipinsure.com/

Is that Dhipaya policy a travel-insurance policy that meets the covid-19 coverage requirement? 

SafetyWing is, and thus provides coverage for ANY accident/illness you might encounter while in Thailand (which includes the 100.000 US $ covid-19 coverage). 

TIP insure provides covid-19 ONLY insurance.

It would be strange when wanting to subscribe to the SafetyWing travel-insurance policy that you are diverted to Dhipaya if that policy is not providing travel-insurance but only covers coivd-19.

> It would be helpful when you PM me a copy of the policy you received, as I looked on the Dhipaya website but it is in Thai only.   

11 hours ago, lkv said:

The Nature article you quoted was published in May 2020. At that time, everyone thought it would all be over by summer/autumn 2020.

 

Unfortunately, we reached the conclusion that, to eradicate a virus as widespread as Sars-Cov-2, vaccines are the only solution.

 

In lieu of these vaccines being made mandatory, other mechanisms have to be put in place to "convince" people to vaccinate.

 

Because otherwise, they won't. Today, we are flush with Astra Zeneca in my country, anybody can get it today by walk in, and everybody wants Pfizer and prefers to wait a couple of weeks.

 

Come May-June, there will be more Pfizer available than people willing to get any vaccine.

 

And without the large majority of people getting one, we will never get out of this mess.

 

Hence, human rights aside, you will see these green certificates applied not only for international travel, but for large scale events also, such as concerts, festivals, football matches, clubs potentially, probably in universities as well in autumn.

 

People will be given the option to either do a rapid antigen test (valid a few days of course), prove they had covid with an antibody test (valid 3 months or so plus medical certificate etc), or be vaccinated, to be "green". This way, there is no discrimination, and public health is protected.

 

This is the direction things are moving to, at least here in Europe.

You wrote quite correctly that > other mechanisms have to be put in place to "convince" people to vaccinate.

And indeed vaccine passports are one of the main mechanisms to do so.

As Martin Kulldorff and Jay Bathacharrya wrote in their April 7 article published in the Wall Street Journal > The vaccine passport should be understood not as an easing of restrictions but as a coercive scheme to encourage vaccination.
They further wrote in that article <

https://www.wsj.com/articles/vaccine-passports-prolong-lockdowns-11617726629

> The idea that everybody needs to be vaccinated is as scientifically baseless as the idea that nobody does.

And they are not anti-vaxxers, far from that, but lone scientific voices of reason in a world that has gone mad.

Of course vaccine passports will be pushed by Big Pharma, because creating the need for a 'still valid' stamp in that passport, is a guarantee for repeat big business.  

And make no mistake, once those passports are introduced they will be used to deny/allow attending social events and required or peer-pressured by some employers.

A couple of thoughts/questions to put this in perspective:

- A vaccine passport is not an 'immunization' passport - so a test that proves that you have anti-bodies (e.g. from earlier infection) is not a 'vaccine', thus forcing everybody that was earlier infected and did overcome the infection the natural way via their immune system to take the jab;

- People that for medical reasons cannot take the vaccine, will be ostrachized - this is already happening in Israel where vaccine passports are made mandatory to attend social events;

- Healthy people with non-challenged immune-systems - typically the young - are reduced to 'walking bio-hazards' unless they opt for continual (life-long?) vaccination with a passport to prove it.

There is no such thing as the 'new' normal which is Newspeak for the dystopian future we are slowly coerced into.  With expressions like 'social distancing' (an asocial practice) and Stay Safe as the new greeting for the pathological afraid-of-their-own-shadow.

Vaccine Passports Prolong Lockdowns - WSJ _ April 2021.pdf

1 hour ago, Travis179 said:

I ended-up purchasing a policy from Dhipaya Insurance, with the link you kindly provided (cheapest one). For 90 days coverage, it was only 3,840, roughly $128. Very pleased with the premium. They're closed at the moment, as soon as they email a certificate, I will start the COE application. Thanks again for sharing that info! ???? 

Can you post here or PM me the link to that Dhipaya covid-19 insurance policy.

Or are you referring to the SafetyWing travel-insurance package which indeed only costs 128,70 US $ for 3 months coverage (when under 40 years of age).

50 minutes ago, placnx said:

Scott Gottlieb, who headed the US FDA under Trump, had this to say about vaccine passports:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-case-for-vaccine-passports-11618174364

"Some have panned [vaccine passports] as a way of denying Americans access to restaurants or other businesses. It’s more likely to allow Americans to visit places they otherwise can’t, such as nursing homes or hospitals that aren’t allowing family members.

 

Another way of thinking about vaccine passports is as a fast lane. Those who present proof of a vaccine might be able to skip requirements for a temperature check, health questionnaire or negative Covid test. Some people stop at toll booths and pay; others buy an E-ZPass and zoom through. The “passport” wouldn’t impose an intrusive new layer; it would eliminate other requirements."

The Case for Vaccine 'Passports' 12apr21.pdf 674.86 kB · 0 downloads

I don't know what Gottlieb was smoking when he wrote this, but trying to sell 'vaccine passports' as freedom-enhancers is ... < fill in the dots >

9 minutes ago, robbioff said:

Thanks Joe. Is quarantine still required as a tourist? Hello guys. How much is a 50 year old looking at for 45days of covid insurance? Any recommendations? (cheapest)

Quarantaine still required as a tourist, and depending on vaccination status and country of origin it would be 15, 10 or 7 days.

A worthwhile insurance for a 50 year old entering Visa Exempt (thus requiring a 45 day covid-19 coverage insurance) would probably be

> SafetyWing travel-insurance <https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/pricing > with a fee of 163.35 US $ for a 45-day period of coverage in the age bracket 50-59 years of age.

That travel-insurance does not only meet the 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment coverage but will also provide you with decent coverage for ANY accident/illness you might incur while in Thailand.

Another and surely cheapest option >

When entering Thailand on an Emirates-flight the 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance is provided FREE of charge and is included in the flight-ticket price.   You can't get much cheaper than that.  However, as the coverage is only 30 days for a one-way flight, you would need to book a return-flight with return date AFTER the permission to stay date (45 days) you would receive on entry, as in that case Emirates covers your full trip with that free 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance.  When booking a flexible ticket you could of course use that return-leg at a date of your convenience.

6 hours ago, homeseeker said:

I am sure Joe will be able to answer your questions soon.

Incidentally do you need also to fill in  theform TM 27 for change of address?

At most Imm offices that TM-27 has been replaced by the TM-30, which needs to be provided in person at your local Imm Office to notify them of you having relocated at the new 'official address for immigration purposes'.

Hi,

I copy/pasted your queries and inserted some responses.  For sake of clarity I rendered your questions in italic

Now I live in BKK and will  soon change my address (as a tenant) so I need to know: 

1. What forms and documents needed to make a TM 30 application?

> I did PM you a guideline document on TM-30, which answers several of your questions

2.  I assume I can get authority from my new landlord  for myself to take the forms etc to immigration without the Landlord coming along? Any special form needed?

> At most Imm Offices (also at CW) you would need to personally visit your local Imm Office to notify them of you having relocated in their province and file a TM-30 for relocation purposes

3 .Which office do I make the application? CW or elsewhere?

Not sure whether you would need to do it at CW or MTT.

4. I cannot see that a TM 30 report is part of the on line queue booking system: is that correct or not? If it is possible to make book an appointment on line,which office do I go to submit the forms?

If not on the CW or MTT on line queue booking system, you would have to go without appointment and find out once there

5. Can I post in the application(similar to 90 day) and if so what is the address for that?

You need to notify your location Imm Office in person that you relocated to an address in their province.  It needs to be done in person, as the Imm Office would otherwise not know whether you are staying at that address temporarily (and therefore owner having to notify Imm Office that a foreigner is staying at his premises) or whether you have indeed relocated to that address and that it would now become your 'official address for immigration purposes'.

6. Anything else i should know about submitting the TM 30?

Without a TM-30 filed, you are not able to get you 90-day reports approved (as these are nothing more than a confirmation that your 'official address for immigration purposes' has not changed)

( note i realize its the Landlord who should submit TM 30 etc ., but better i do it to make sure its done and so my 90 day postal reporting will run smoothly)

Your landlord needs to notify the local Imm Office that a foreigner is staying at his premisses.  But you need to visit your local Imm Office to notify the local Imm Office that you have permanently relocated to hat new address.

Obviously if you do the TM-30 for relocation purposes in person at your local Imm Office with all required document (see Guideline document I PM-ed you) your landlord does not need to do it separately.

2 hours ago, placnx said:

I forgot to mention that the authors (Kulldorff, Bhattacharya) are using the currently popular subject of vaccine passports, which animates the libertarian crowd, to revive their anti-shutdown campaign from last September. WSJ is happy to oblige.

No need to politicize everything > vaccine passports are simply a BAD idea.

See also link to article in Nature, eloquently making that case

> https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01451-0

and attached PDF-version of that article.

Ten reasons why immunity passports are a bad idea - Nature, May 2020.pdf

3 hours ago, Travis179 said:

This one sounds excellent as well, will review later tonight (I'm in the US). I started the online COE application earlier today. But didn't realize I needed to submit proof of insurance that early in the process. I thought that wasn't required until after the COE was approved. Thanks for that info, Peter! Much appreciated. 

Another option >

When entering Thailand on an Emirates-flight the 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance is provided FREE and is included in the flight-ticket price.   You can't get much cheaper than that.  However, as the coverage is only 30 days for a one-way flight, you would need to book a return-flight with return date AFTER the permission to stay date you would receive on entry, as in that case Emirates covers your full trip with that free 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance.  When booking a flexible ticket you could of course use that return-leg at a date of your convenience.

13 minutes ago, sandyf said:

The OP is a bit unclear, 400K or 40K/month?

If this were to be your first ever 12 month extension based on income then you are right in thinking only a couple of months transfers but it could be 2 or 3 so best to check with immigration. You would also need a letter and bank statement from the Thai bank showing the transfers which is fairly  straightforward.

Personally I doubt immigration would accept the payslips, they do not like unfamiliar documents. It would be better if you can obtain the remittance advice for the transfers, with those it is irrelevant what code appears on the bank statement.

As suggested an initial 60 day extension would give you  more time. Good luck.

Good post.

But a caveat on > If this were to be your first ever 12 month extension based on income then you are right in thinking only a couple of months transfers but it could be 2 or 3 so best to check with immigration.

> There have been several reports of first-time applicants wanting to make use of the Monthly Income transfer method, where the Imm OFficer handling their application insisted on 12 of such transfers.  Surely that would be the case if you are already staying on a 1-year extension, but even for a FIRST TIME application there have been reports from Imm Officers requiring that (even when applicant was still in his home-country in the early months and only recently entered Thailand).

So in case OP wants to make use of that method, he should indeed enquire at his local Imm Office about the local requirements for his application.

When entering Thailand on an Emirates-flight the 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance is provided FREE and is included in the flight-ticket price.   You can't get much cheaper than that.  However, as the coverage is only 30 days for a one-way flight, you would need to book a return-flight with return date AFTER the permission to stay date you would receive on entry, as in that case Emirates covers your full trip with that free 100.000 US $ covid-19 treatment insurance.  When booking a flexible ticket you could of course use that return-leg at a date of your convenience.