theequalizer

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

If vaccination stopped you catching or transmitting COVID then I'd agree with you.

But it doesn't, so there's no point in hitting on the unvaccinated.

 

When you enter your workplace does anyone ask you if you have had tuberculosis or hepatitis A? Both of which are highly transmissible.

3 minutes ago, robsamui said:

A minor point - the coronavirus isn't a 'germ' or a bacterium. It's a virus.

Correct, but the warm moist environment inside the face mask is most likely to create a haven for bacteria of which there are far more than viruses. Google "Bacteria that will kill you." The list should make every healthy person throw away their face mask.

Now if only China would begin to tell the truth. Unfortunately, I don't expect that to happen anytime soon. They hid the numbers during the SARS outbreak. They are very predictable.

7 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

Thais have proven to be among the most submissive people on earth. I doubt even killing half of them would elicit any reaction. Maibpenrai.

That's the same thing foreigners said about the people of the Philippines. But when things became unbearable... they came together and deposed a dictator. The people, police, military and religious leaders worked together to put an end to a cruel and wicked regime.

Would he be happy with the deaths of thousands, possibly millions, of Thai citizens?

If that ever happened... there would be an overthrow of the current government by the citizenry. It would be a costly and bloody battle that would take decades from which to recover.

To prevent the deaths of many people, and a civil war, all Chinese passport holders must be prohibited from entering the country.

3 hours ago, Georgie65 said:

Stop all incoming flights from Communist China immediately!!!!!!!!

That will have minimal effect on stopping the spread of this virus, because people will just book their flights to an airport in a pro China country (like Duterteland) and then book an ongoing flight to the country of their choice.

The only ban that will be effective is to ban anyone with a Chinese passport.

When the government says everything is 100% under control... it's then time to run.

I will be a first time visitor come April.

While planning my itinerary I have created a destination sheet of paper with the location printed in English and Thai plus the phrase "Meter Only Please." I plan to show it to the driver when they stop.

It worked well in Vietnam when I did the same.

Hopefully it will help in Thailand.

On 12/11/2019 at 12:02 AM, NCC1701A said:

have a pen to write with on the plane for immigration forms.

allow one hour once you are off the plane for immigration and customs.

actually you will be using what is called "the city line" at the airport.

but i would suggest you take a taxi. should be less than 300 baht to go a long distance.

i would try to get a tourist SIM card for your phone at the airport so you can use google maps.

i would know where my hotel is on google maps so the taxi will know and they don't take you in the wrong direction.

many hotels in thailand have very similar names. taxi drivers don't speak English.

riding the Skytrain BTS and underground MRT can be fun once you get to your hotel and get rid of your bags. 

It is also very crowded and sometimes no where to sit. look for the elevators if you can't do the stairs.

as best you can plan tour trips with a hotel. never with someone approaching you on the street for anything. 

google thailand tourist scams and familiarize yourself with them.  

don't underestimate the heat. you will need to rest and drink water a lot.

never give your passport to anyone for any reason (like a deposit). just the hotel to check you in. if a policeman asks you for it ok.

download Grab app and set it up. use it for taxis once you are away from the airport. 

Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad Hospital for major emergencies.

make sure you have your email setup with security account recovery info because you will be locked out the first time you log in from Thailand. same banks. 

withdraw Baht from ATMs in 400, 900, 1400, 1900 amounts so you have small bills. many shops cant change 1000 baht bills.

vital to bring earplugs. enough for the whole trip. thailand hotels can be incredibly noisy. Thailand in general is very noisy. restaurants. everywhere. 

 

 

 

Vietnam has been the only country that a hotel asked us to leave our passports. The clerk told us that the military/police come by everyday checking the passports for members of rebel groups and dissidents. (Those who do not favor Communism) Knowing this in advance, we just left our old passports and carried the current ones with us. 

We live in a S.E. Asian country so we are always on guard for scams. 

I prepare Google maps of the places I want to visit and Google maps provides the location written in the language of the country. So I always have that with me to give to Grab or taxi drivers or in case we are walking and get lost.

Thank you so much for taking the time to list all of your suggestions.

I will review all. 

On 12/10/2019 at 11:27 PM, khunPer said:

In that case I would suggest that you book accommodation in advance and take a metered taxi, available from the ground level, from Suvarnabhumi to your hotel, rather than train and walk with luggage.

 

The taxi fare is per meter-showing plus an airport surcharge (used to be 50 baht, might have increased a bit) plus road tax for using leveled motorways. The queue line at ground level will give you a ticket and direct you to a waiting cab.

 

As other have mentioned the Thai new year "Song Kran" is from April 13th to April 15th, in some areas of Bankok folk might play with water.

 

Normally a must see in Bangkok would be Grand Palace – the tempel of the Emerald Buddha, and the royal palace – but that require some walking.

 

Next to Grand Palace is the Wat Pho temple with the reclining Buddha, but longer than walking distance for you from Grand Palace v.v., so take a cab.

 

A river-side dinner – or even a dinner cruise – might also be of your interest. You might be able to find a river-side hotel with that option. Depending of your budget the Riverside Terrace buffet at Oriental is an outstanding experience.

 

It could also be the dinner buffet on top of the city in for example Baiyoke Sky Hotel, which could also be an option for accommodation. I have often used it; their web-page use to have some affordable (relative, of course) early booking bargains. It's next to the airport-link train, and they also have a pick-up service from the airport. The area is the clothing market, and it's a short cab-ride or sky-train (via airport link, change at next station) from major shopping malls like Central World and Siam Paragon.

????

Wow! Super! A wealth of information. Thank you so very much. 

And we also have a "Water Festival" here in our S.E. Asian nation so I get it about "Song Kran".

On 12/10/2019 at 6:39 PM, emptypockets said:

Nonsense. Only the most delusionally paranoid think like that.

LOL. I am not delusional or paranoid, but I am also not a fool. Most "under" developed countries in S.E. Asia have strict rules about what a foreigner can and cannot own. Here in our country I could only own 40% of any real estate or business. That is why everything is in my wife's name. Moreover, if I anger someone they can file a compliant with immigration and I could be placed on their "Blacklist" which would result in the cancellation of my visa and prohibit reentry into the country. And it happens all the time.

On 12/10/2019 at 7:36 PM, AgMech Cowboy said:

Dear theequalizer, it is a hot time of the year, but as, natway09, has stated the Thai's are wonderful people. I'm in my late 60's and have been here 20+ years.  I've never taken the airport MRT and cannot give you any advice on that or hotels along that the line.  There are always going to be crooks in the tourist industry in counties that rely on them so much, so just use your common sense if you encounter 'deals'.  When I first came here, I had no idea where to stay and no one met me, so I booked a room from one of the airport hotel kiosk and then hired a 'limo' from AOT to get there.  It was all a set price so I didn't have to worry about getting a 'bum' taxi.  The limos are 3-4 times the price of a Thai taxi, but about the same cost as a taxi in the USA.  Do not take a car from someone who 'approaches' you in the arrivals hall.  There are other limo companies besides AOT and you can book them on line.  I'd google "Phaya Thai Airport Rail Link Station" to look at hotels near the rail link station and gauge the price to your budget if you decide to take the train.

 

BTW, the Atlanta Hotel is a not close to the Airport rail link or any tourist attractions and is a long walk to the Sukhumvit skytrain; although, it may be a great hotel.

 

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Excellent! I really appreciate the info. I live in and travel throughout S.E. Asia on a regular basis so we have learned about most of taxi scams and our country is probably one of the worst.  Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia's MRT and bus systems were excellent. Yes, crowded at times with the traditional pushing and shoving, but we can endure their different cultural concept of personal space.

On 12/10/2019 at 5:20 PM, Enoon said:

As you have described yourselves as an "older couple" I feel bound to say that you really have chosen a time of year that is probably the most incompatible with your requirement for minimised discomfort.

 

I would go further and say probably also a city that is normally fairly incompatible with that requirement.

 

I would not be happy to leave most of the "older" people I know to manage the place on their own.

 

However,

 

If I were in your circumstances I would suggest this hotel for myself:

 

https://www.theatlantahotelbangkok.com/

 

I would also strongly consider asking them to arrange for you a guide/driver, who will take you to the sort of places you want to visit, as comfortably as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

I was more concerned about lengthy walks. Yes, we are older, but not ancient. LOL. And we are acclimatized as we live on an island in the South China Sea. It was so hot here yesterday that a cockroach knocked on our door and asked if he could come in and sit in front of the fan. (Smile)

Thanks for tip about the hotel...I will check it out.

Any suggestions as to where we can find a driver? And I thought Thailand has Grab.

On 12/10/2019 at 4:18 PM, Sergeant said:

Do not get caught up with wanting to living in Thailand. Immigration is so corrupt if you buy a home or car, Immigration can make you leave Thailand at a moments notice Not caring if you still own money or time to sell items and most of all must always be on guard of paying a bribe to immigration.

See the country and enjoy yourself with the good people of Thailand.

Thanks Sergeant.

We reside on one of the top 5 islands in the world and we wouldn't trade it's beauty for any other place.

Like many "under" developed countries we also have corrupt officials and agencies. My wife works for city government and my neighbor is both an attorney and the City Secretary so I have been able to steer clear of the scams and bad business decisions.

On 12/10/2019 at 4:38 PM, jonnodon said:

What days in April, Songkran is in April and it’s not pleasant.

April 27 - 30.

On 12/3/2019 at 1:50 PM, josephbloggs said:

Liquids are allowed in your checked baggage so that's why it went through.  They are not allowed in your carry on.

Liquids are allowed in carry on providing you comply with the guidelines..

Measures for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)

LAGs is the procedure for screening passengers and airline staff traveling in every flight departing from every airport under AOT, including staff and persons who are granted the rights to pass the restricted area behind the security check point in every AOT airport. This measure is not applied to liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) or other materials and substances with similar characteristics which are medicines and milk or infant nutritions. Medicines, milk, and infant nutritions in appropriate quantity are permitted to be taken on board.

Procedures
1. In case that LAGs are personal belongings

1.1 LAGs must be contained in a container of size not over 100 ml. (Containers over 100 ml. are not permitted to be taken on board, even if it contains less than 100 ml. of LAGs).

1.2 All containers of LAGs according to 1.1 shall be placed together in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag and shall have overall capacity not exceeding 1,000 ml. (or equivalent in other measurement units). The bag must be sealed and each passenger can take one plastic bag on board.

1.3 Each passenger shall separate the plastic bag according to 1.2 from other personal items that will be taken on board, including jackets and computer devices, and shall let the officer check it at the security checkpoint.

2. In case that LAGs are duty free products

2.1 Passengers Departure/Departing passengers, transit passengers, or transfer passengers who have bags containing LAGs bought from duty free shops at the airport or on the plane can take them on board if those bags are sealed and there is no evidence that they are torn or opened after purchase.

2.2 There must be evidence stating the date of the purchase, which shall be the travel date. The specified items must correspond to LAGs contains in the bag.

1. Before entering the security checkpoint

After passing the check-in procedure and the passport control procedure (if available), passengers will go through the security screening procedure before boarding. In the first step, please prepare your boarding pass to be checked by the officer.

2. At the security checkpoint

2.1 When you enter the x-ray lane, there will be trays for containing bags/belongings. Please put every bag/belonging into the tray(s) in order to pass through the x-ray machine. For passengers having laptops, jackets, and zip-lock bags containing liquid, please separate those items from other belongings and put them into the tray(s). As for valuable belongings, please keep them in your bags/belongings which are closed before being put into the tray(s) to pass through the x-ray machine.

Information Source: https://www.airportthai.co.th/en/security-information/

On 10/29/2019 at 2:24 AM, asiacurious said:

I've repeatedly found OpenStreetMaps to be more accurate the Google's maps. 

So you download the maps and store them in your cell phone?
Can you use the map application offline to show your location and direction of travel like Google maps?

Kind regards

Greetings!

Thank you for the forum and its members who are willing to offer their advice and knowledge.

My wife and I are scheduled to visit Thailand next April. We arrive at 9:45AM on a Monday and depart at 5:40 on a Thursday (3 day stay).

I am considering using the MRT from/to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and lodging in a hotel close to the MRT line.

As we are only going to be there for a limited amount of time, I was hoping that someone could give us suggestions for things to do in and around Bangkok.

We are an older couple, and considering the temperatures at that time of year, I would be looking for info about things that don't require a great deal of walking. Maybe some nice parks, spiritual and/or historical places, public markets with handicrafts, interesting local restaurants and a nice mall. I am a budget traveler and I am always on the lookout for a bargain.

Please allow me to thank you in advance for your help.

And the current administration of the Philippines recently said that the people should eventually begin to trust the Chinese. Why should they trust China? Communist China is the world's leading producer of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine hydrochloride which they sell to drug lords operating in other countries. We are talking about a Communist country that executed or starved to death 40+ million of their own people. Even this very day they have at least 1 million people detained in internment camps. They spend little money on research and development, because they hack into military and corporate computers to steal technology. China has set up hundreds of illegal online gaming centers in the Philippines that are operated by illegals and they pay no taxes. China has been land grabbing for centuries and they are continuing to do so in the South China Sea.  

Note to J Town's signature: Yes I am opposed to President Obama's and Vice President Biden's demanding that a desperate foreign nation get involved in the politics of another nation.

On my first visit to the Philippines in 1987, I saw and heard public service announcements about the negative effects of littering. Even my own Filipino family would walk to a nearby bridge that spanned a small creek and toss their trash over the railing. During periods of high tide, the trash would get pulled downstream and into Manila Bay.

Now some 32 years later, Filipinos are still throwing their trash into streams, lakes and the ocean.

I have come to the conclusion that the teaching model has not been effective in changing bad habits.

For most of us, plastic pollution is personal. We all have stories about our favorite beach, park, or even city streets being littered with forgotten pieces of other people’s lives. While single-use plastic products might only serve us for twelve minutes, they will outlive our great-grandchildren, and they’re doing great harm to the environment in the process.

One garbage truckload of plastic enters our ocean every minute, impacting marine life and altering ecosystems. Animals often mistake the plastic for food, and starve to death with their bellies full of waste lacking in nutrition. Recent studies have shown that corals are eating plastic, and even coming into contact with plastic waste can cause them to develop diseases.

Then there’s the problem of microplastics. As plastic in the ocean is exposed to UV radiation from the sun, wind, and wave action, it breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. These fragments travel through the water column, acting as magnets for toxic chemicals that have been dumped into the ocean. Microplastics are small enough to be consumed by plankton and in turn accumulate up the food chain into the seafood that ends up on our plates.

A quarter of the fish found in markets, as well as all salt and beer tested, have plastic contamination. Nearly 83% of drinking water worldwide has been found to contain plastic fibers. Plastic is even in the air we breathe because people violate the open-burning laws and burn their trash which contains plastics.

We know how plastic impacts human health. Certain chemicals in plastic have been identified as an endocrine-disrupt, essentially interfering with the body’s ability to communicate with itself, causing developmental defects in infants and children as well as cancer in adults.

Ultimately, this is not just an environmental issue, but also a public health issue.

The only solution is to permanently ban the use of all plastic food and bottle containers.

I grew up in a time when all food condiments and beverages were all packaged in glass containers. And the best things about glass is that it can be crushed, recycled and added to concrete.

Plastic is killing our food supply!