drbeach

5 minutes ago, david555 said:

For those with doubt about their particular status , I think best thing to do is hop in at your local Immigration office in a week time for checking your possibility's, as then  at least all is clear for them to .

 

Anyway until  September time is there to prepare in case bad situation , don't wait until last minute because that first part in the announcement look grim ….

Sep 26 is the deadline now. No ifs or buts about it. Doesn't matter if you've extended before or not. The main disadvantage of having already used an extension before is you may be at the mercy of immigration who may or may not allow you to extend for another reason or extend on the basis of medical or force majeure reasons beyond Sep 26.

Just now, marvin1950 said:

So now 90 day reporting is not deferred to September 26?

Now you have to do it by August 31 if you did not report by July 31?

 

Is that correct?

Deferred until August 31 if not already done.

27 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Last I heard, neither the U.S. nor the U.K. embassies supposedly are issuing any more request for visa extension letters?  Still correct?

 

This might change closer to the deadline.

My understanding of this is, and it hasn't changed since the first stories of this amnesty extension emerged about a week ago now, is that TR and other temporary visa holders will need to submit proof they can't depart by Sep 26. At this point, with more than 2 months to go until that deadline it is TOO early to make such an assessment.

As such, I can't imagine such letters being necessary until sometime in September, when the flight situation becomes clearer. Consequently, I see no issue with UK and US embassies not issuing letters now, because they're not needed. They MAY be needed come September, at which time they may decide to reverse their stance.

9 minutes ago, transam said:

Fine, thank you, but there is no way it can tell me how strong my immune system is, does yours, I mean, a print out or something   .......????

Everyone's immune system is unique just as they are unique individuals that require tailored solutions for their own health problems. There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" approach to healthcare (even though that's what has been happening over the years) and similarly, no virus or germ is equally dangerous to every single person.

That's one of the major fallacies in the world today. We have to totally rethink old theories, like the germ theory because in practice, that's not how disease spreads. It's a great way of creating fear and advocating compliance in the population though.

17 minutes ago, PETERHOF said:

Does anyone know if it is still possible to renew a 5 years driving license after the birthday expiration date in order to get 6 years of validity instead of 5 years in Banglamung DLT ? Thank you...

Yes. However, I didn't bother waiting for my birthday to pass because I knew the offices were about to close for an indefinite time so I'm glad I got mine with a little over 5 years validity rather than nearly 6 when I did.

On 7/23/2020 at 2:40 PM, mighty said:

What difference does it make? if that is it how it works now that is it. 

Because it seems rather xenophobic and pointless? It would be like having a separate white and black line in the USA.

Personally I don't care as I'm good for another 5 years. I got my renewal done on the last day before they closed the offices.

17 minutes ago, robblok said:

Right.. just look at the measures they have in place now.. far stronger then other countries. So yes i see it happening. 

And btw here is some evidence that the measures they have imposed (which are only enforced in malls and stores, but enforcement is starting to wane) has no particular bearing on the likelihood of a future mandatory vaccine mandate.

Let's call it the tale of 3 countries. The three countries I'm comparing are Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Out of these, Thailand was the first to impose mask requirements in many public places, mostly around late March or early April (different provinces did different things). Singapore follows suit several weeks after Thailand, but with even more stringent enforcement. Malaysia will only now (August 1) make masks mandatory. Their justification for not doing so earlier was due to being concerned about the poor not being able to afford them.

Vaccines: Singapore has had a mandatory vaccine law for school children in place since 1965. Diphtheria and measles are required for school children and due to lack of corruption, there is essentially no way out. Not sure if homeschooling is legal in that country; in fact, my guess is it's probably not allowed. 

Malaysia: Last year Malaysia was mulling making vaccines mandatory too, but a decision was delayed until this year. The parliament decided to put off a decision due to the impact of covid back in March. Malaysia stated if vaccines became mandatory, it would likely be the same two shots currently compulsory in Singapore.

Thailand: no mandatory vaccine laws on the books - at public schools there is coercion to receive shots but my understanding is they give letters to parents who are then able to decide whether their children receive shots or not. Most parents, lacking the knowledge to make a decision and assuming that teachers and school administrators have their children's best interests at heart allow it. All the kids get vaccinated in a line like a herd of cattle, no checking of names or what, which would be too tedious and time consuming.

Some children don't attend school on vaccination day, or they hide in the toilets. It's best for parents who don't consent to having their children vaccinated, to keep their children at home on such days. Irrespective, it's not a legal requirement in Thailand. Not yet anyway.

While I can't predict the future, I still maintain that despite everything, Thailand is unlikely to make vaccines mandatory across the board. And for the record, the lockdowns were far more draconian in the Philippines, several other Asian countries and most Latin American countries than Thailand. Aside from in Phuket for a short period, most Thais and foreigners alike were free to go about their business outside of the then curfew hours.

8 minutes ago, robblok said:

Right.. just look at the measures they have in place now.. far stronger then other countries. So yes i see it happening. 

It's all about creating fear in the population. You don't understand Thailand well if you believe that. The country is not very effective at top to bottom control, unlike Vietnam and I don't believe there is any legislation in place in this country, that would make it possible to impose mass vaccinations.

Call me a "conspiracy theorist" if you want, but there are several factors particular to Thailand that make mandatory vaccination less of a likelihood in Thailand than several other nearby countries. And even if they did impose a mandatory requirement, you could always pay off a doctor to sign a vaccination certificate. Corruption is not going away in this country anytime soon.

Some countries like the USA which is widely considered a "free country" have far more stringent laws on the books - including mandatory vaccines for school children since the 1960s. Thailand didn't even have a vaccination program until 1977. In the early 80s, non-medical exemptions to vaccinations became available in the USA to exempt one's children from shots.

Unfortunately, in more recent years several states have eliminated these exemptions to the point that in California, it's almost impossible to exempt a child from vaccine requirements. ALL doses of EVERY vaccine is required to put your child through school there. Missing even one dose of one shot is considered being "unvaccinated". The only opt out is homeschooling...but this confirms my point - in America you have work arounds to the system, despite being strict if you want to take part in it.

That's how I see things happening in Thailand too IF a vaccine mandate were to be implemented, it wouldn't be across the board since that's difficult to enforce, but in order to participate in various aspects of society. Homeschooling is an option in Thailand so again, that's an opt-out for those not wanting to have their children vaccinated. On the other hand, keeping your children home from school on vaccination day is another way of doing it. Thailand is still very low tech and doesn't have the kind of record keeping western countries have.

4 minutes ago, robblok said:

Nothing to do with communism, just not selfish like the anti vaxers. 

Nope, you are using emotions to justify your stance. Your thinking is very much in line with Collectivism or Communism, whatever you want to call it.

On 7/22/2020 at 9:20 AM, Bangkok Barry said:

The thing about wearing a mask or not is a culture thing. It is common for Asians to wear one, especially in China because of the appalling pollution and in Japan out of politeness and consideration for others. But it is a completely alien concept for those in Europe/USA/Australia, and it takes a massive mind-shift to adapt to wearing one. Some, especially in the USA, are stupid and stubborn enough to believe that it is in violation of their human rights. And we've seen the results of that.

You were on the right track but I have to take exception to your last sentence. Yes, imposing something by force IS a violation of human rights and liberties I'm afraid. The American Constitution and Bill of Rights is quite explicit about that.

You also forgot to mention that in collectivist cultures people are discouraged from asking questions or engaging in critical enquiry. The opposite to most western cultures.

And there are good reasons to not want to wear a mask...such as if you have health conditions where breathing is difficult for you. Or for young children. Anyone who's suffering from dementia or autism isn't going to be able to wear a mask. Asthma patients. And then you have studies that indicate prolonged mask wearing may do more harm than good and make you more susceptible to contracting germs that, in a weakened immune system can cause illness.

It's not as black and white as most simple minded people think it is. The fact is, this whole mask debate has been greatly politicized in the same way as the vaccine debate has been. While I believe the facts regarding vaccines lean more towards the anti than the pro side, the facts should rule the day.

Same with masks - which, I believe, if used sparingly for their intended purposes are OK. But they should NEVER be imposed by force.

Fortunately, it is logical to conclude that mask mandates are only temporary. I think Thais, like the rest of the world implicitly knows that we're not going to be wearing masks indefinitely. Perhaps 3 more months, according to several articles I've read in the mainstream media.

On 7/22/2020 at 8:32 AM, robblok said:

Im disgusted with your attitude. I can accept you not wanting a vaccination but your not willing to give up anything for it. You just want your free ride. Im willing to take a small risk for everyone while you are not but want all the benefits. Utterly selfish. So yes I do hope they ban people like you from entrance and stuff like that. Then you can have your freedom but pay for it like i pay for the greater good by taking a small risk.

Your ability to spin everything to try to make you sound better sounds to me like you would make a good Communist. "For the greater good" right?

Just now, robblok said:

Yes I am ok with everyone taking it if they want to come to Thailand. By not having enough people take it its worthless. Free ride people should then not be allowed into Thailand. Whatever others decide in other countries is their choice (or that of the government). 

 

I am Thankful that they have a strong government in Thailand and that there is a high likelihood that they will make it mandatory. 

 

Those that won't take it risk others let them pay for their selfish attitude. 

No, there is not a high likelihood they will make it mandatory. That is conjecture and I see little chance of it happening that way.

On 7/22/2020 at 8:07 AM, Yinn said:

Hmm, I think everyone (thai) will get vaccine. Better than loose business, job.

 

I agree people lazy to wear mask now a bit. Still necessary supermarket, plaza. 

Because we win covid already.

 

No case now 50+ day already. If have, everybody be serious again, sure.

Nonsense. Many Thais are much smarter than you, have some critical thinking skills left and will refuse.

Read a report in the paper a few weeks ago about the head of a Pak Chong horse association who expressed concerns about mass vaccination of horses against Hendra disease. He said mass vaccinations could be making the problem worse and he doesn't want it to be imposed by force.

He's right of course and I know for a fact many Thai people will decline. Including my own wife.

And besides, no government other than the most tyrannical ones like North Korea or China would try to impose a 100% vaccination uptake. Developing countries like Thailand don't even have the resources to do that anyway. Forest dwellers living in some remote national park in Tak province for instance are certainly not going to get it nor does the government have the power to force them to. Especially to continue living in a forest. For so-called "herd immunity", which in itself is a flawed concept when it comes to vaccinations, the uptake necessary is considered to be between 80-95%, never 100%.

You can also rest assured the wealthy and the elite won't be taking any shots. They are always exempt from such laws. And being Thailand, even in the unlikely event a shot were mandated, people will just bribe officials or pay off doctors to produce vaccination certificates. Which is what I would do if I were ever faced with such a predicament.

On 7/22/2020 at 9:14 AM, JonnyF said:

Yinn, if all Thai people get the vaccine then all Thai people will be safe.

 

So you don't need to worry about foreigners thousands of miles away choosing not to have a vaccine since it will be them who suffer, not Thai people (since 100% Thai people will be vaccinated so you cannot catch it from them). You can even ban them from Thailand if you like, up to you. But it is not up to you whether they have it or not. And criticizing them and calling them names for choosing not to have it makes you look a bit immature.

 

Personally I would definitely get the vaccine, but it should be (and would be) my choice. If others choose not to and suffer the effects then that is their choice. It's called Freedom of choice, we're quite keen on it in the West and you should respect our culture as you expect us to respect yours.

I personally don't think all Thais will get the shot unless forced to. Thais only follow the laws when enforcement and punishment is draconian. If road rules were enforced, Thais would follow them. Yinn is clearly very tyrannical in her thinking, but she doesn't speak on behalf of all Thai people. Despite the massive fear mongering that the government has imposed on it's citizens, not all Thais are drinking the kool aid. Also, while many Thais may be OK with wearing masks (which nearly everyone assumes is only a temporary measure), it doesn't necessarily mean they'd be OK with receiving a coerced vaccine shot.

To be honest, despite everything that's been going on in Thailand, I don't see the country imposing a vaccine mandate either on it's citizens or anyone else. At most, it might follow WHO guidelines and possibly impose a vaccine requirement as a condition of entry to the country, but not to people already within the country.

Some employers might coerce their staff to get it, it may be essentially required for medical staff (btw I suspect some vaccines are already mandatory for this group of people but not sure) and there may be a mass rollout at public schools but other than that, I don't see it happening. I think this pandemic will be over long before a vaccine will become available.

There will likely be more pressure to impose mandatory vaccine requirements in other nations, especially those with totalitarian governments able to impose top-down control effectively, such as Vietnam. Now one country where vaccines are obligatory for all citizens is China. The law was passed Dec 1, 2019, meaning that when a covid vaccine does come around, it is safe to assume that it will be essentially forced upon all Chinese citizens including adults (not necessarily foreigners though).

https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/china-vaccine-law-passed/

9 minutes ago, jackdd said:

Afaik you can't enter Thailand by land (this is only an option for migrant workers and is currently still in the making), your only option is to enter by air.

If they can process thousands of foreign migrant workers at a land border then surely 1 farang is not going to be an issue.

On 7/22/2020 at 11:23 AM, rabas said:

Not wanting to turn this into a Thai-bashing ---- too late for that when you started on helmets.

 

Maybe it's the company you keep? Where I live I see lots of people every day in many scenarios,  Masks, alcohol, thermometers, and sign in sheets everywhere. Only smiles and courtesy, even from checkers. Just yesterday a kind lady waiting for a lift let me take the lift before her just to avoid riding together. Wonderful people.

 

Why would a Thai refuse a vaccine?

 

Maybe because they've done a risk benefit analysis and decided the risks are not worth it, especially when no double blind placebo or long term studies have been made?

And BTW he's right - most Thais are getting back to normal and gradually no longer wearing masks unless they are forced to, and what's wrong with that? Lao and Cambodians never wore them to begin with and word out of Vietnam is they've largely dropped mask requirements since May, despite other countries like Malaysia now making them compulsory.

19 hours ago, american2 said:

If the restrictions re lowered for Retiree' I might consider moving...To an arrea not frequented by tourists from China. (or their gangs)

Not likely to happen anytime soon.

The article seems to indicate IF they loosen these measures, the burden will be transferred to sponsoring companies. I suspect it will be a while before all measures are dropped.

And just like what happened when borders all closed within days of each other - whenever Cambodia fully opens up, expect Thailand to follow suit shortly thereafter. Or it could even be the other way round.

In short - don't expect any major changes for some time. Several months at least.

AND BTW Chinese gangs/tourists rule Sihanoukville, are moving into Kampot, Koh Kong and Phnom Penh, so in many ways Cambodia should be less attractive to you than Thailand other than the visa requirements.

A pretty dumb woman to be pulling this stunt at a time like this.

She could have brought these illegals in anytime BEFORE the crisis and border closures began and perhaps gotten away with it after paying a bribe. Perhaps. But these are unprecedented times.

While I've been able to make unofficial entries into Myanmar in the past without issue (the 30km road through Myanmar territory that acts as a shortcut when traveling between Umphang and Tak for instance), crossing into Waley over the footbridge manned by Thai soldiers and also forays to the casinos in Myawaddy by using the cross-border boat service, there is NO WAY I'd attempt anything like that as long as the current state of emergency and disease control measures remain in place.

There is also a chance some of these "natural border crossings" will be closed permanently and everyone made to go through official channels even after covid restrictions are eased, citing national security (the Waley footbridge might remain open, since it's guarded by Thai soldiers and doesn't seem to present much of an issue).

Aside from the convenient 30km shortcut road I described, which the Thai and Myanmar governments might in future recognize formally as a means to facilitate faster transportation between the aforementioned areas, I have already resigned myself to the fact that moving forward, such unofficial entries into neighboring countries are likely to become a thing of the past in the future. No big deal though - assuming borders reopen and drop all the current restrictions, it will be easy enough to cross using official channels as usual.

5 hours ago, ChakaKhan said:

I recall coming back from Mae Sai- Burma border run for a visa jump, coming back to Cm as I would do it in one day and it was a long day--11 hrs.....

 

Anyhoo they did the usual police checkpoints coming back before CR, and I always wondered why they never asked me or that I should be a spy or drug runner as I always got the pass on the bus shakedowns.....So I always sat in the back and I remember a burmese guy palmed some baht off to a lady cop....then we got to the next stop and they pulled him off, as if the lady called it in to the next checkpoint and kept the baht...

 

Sucked to be that guy that day......and my last visa run they finally asked for my passport...so much for that..

Because it's the Burmese who are suspicious and likely to enter the country illegally for work, or be drug runners not farang. We come from rich countries. Sometimes Thais do have more common sense than us westerners, who due to political correctness pretend that an 80 year old white woman is as much of a terrorist threat than a 26-year old Arab male just because we're too scared to offend.

In Thailand - no such issues. Be glad that they aren't targeting us more. It's already bad enough with all the "no foreigners" allowed in places in recent times (like golf courses and before that, national parks and buses). And the dual pricing.