Trip Hop

Do you mind me asking what hotel you used in Pattaya? Cheers

Logo on the one that I'm looking at is actually SHA Plus+, so not sure if this translates to the SHA++ you state? Just checked the list referred to in that link you supplied and it's on there, so no problem. It's just rather disturbing that instead of checking out how good the hotel reviews are, I'm spending more time checking out escape routes in case they try to scam me? ????

I've been checking them out on Agoda myself this morning as it looks like I'm going to have to book a 1 night package, unless something changes rapidly? The ones that clearly state that the required PCR test, transport etc, all start at about £100. However, there are some starting at about £58 that whilst they clearly state that they are SHA+ and display the logo, make no reference to the requisites? I presume these are typical of the ones being described and whilst I would possibly expect it from a hotel link from some dodgy independent website, I would have expected a bit more from Agoda?

It depends on the manufacturer? There is one British made LFT out there that has an overall sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 99%, whilst in the infectious range of CT<27, it’s almost 100% accurate? The problem with PCR is that it is generally run with a CT of 40, which means it will pick up infection long after you are infectious and possibly even weeks after you have recovered?

Let’s be honest here, does anyone seriously think that he’s going to pay the $700 per course for your average Somchai when initially he wasn’t willing to pay $15 or less per shot for a decent vaccine? He’ll buy some for himself and his cronies to keep them happy and that will be it!

At about $700 a course compared to a $10-15 vaccine, it’s not easy to guess which will be the preferred option though?

Believe it or not but there’s not the abundance of flight choices out there that you would expect, mostly due to all the airlines running reduced schedules. They’re not really that cheap either? Be careful with your flight times too as you want to try to avoid landing too late in the day or you you’ll end up paying for a 2nd night in AQ which won’t make your flight that cheap after all? I can recommend Skyscanner.

Oh about 8% up against the euro over the last 10 months? Our inflation rate is about a quarter less as well?

The UK has consistently averaged around 700,000 tests per day for the last 6 months. Admittedly some of these may be pro-active screening tests for healthcare workers et al, so let's say 500,000 is general testing. This is still 10x the amount that Thailand is currently doing and you don't have to be Heinz Wolff to understand the simple laws of statistics in that if Thailand was to increase its testing 10x, it would most probably find near 8-10x the amount of positive cases? The UK, US, EU or any other similar countries aren't stupid and cannot be fooled on this one due to their experience of the extensive testing that they have carried out. They are simply not going to risk their economy, the health of their people and possible civil unrest due to further lockdowns, on the word of any official from any country that they feel is not doing enough to control and monitor the pandemic. The sooner Thailand learns this and acts accordingly, the sooner they will be off that red list.

It’s costly IMHO but I’d say far from extortionate when you take into account that a Travelodge/Premier Inn will normally cost you close to £100/night in most UK cities or close to any UK airport. Add in 3 meals/day (where breakfast alone is about £15 in the above) and all the extra hygiene procedures/testing etc plus transfers and it soon adds up? I have to pay these rates when I have to travel with work so what makes you think that people who have traveled for leisure should be subsidised? It’s inconvenient but quite simple, don’t travel to a country that’s either already on the red list or has a good chance of making it to the red list unless you’re willing to pay these costs?