Donga

Joke of a survey, typical United Nations finger on the pulse.
 

The Finns are always drunk, which might explain their happiness, but nothing can explain the Brits in the top 20, or maybe I'm just reacting to the TV brigade.

Take away the $s per capita criteria, which is not a great indicator, and Thais would be top 10 for sure.

If we're sticking to beer as per the article, a big bottle costs 60 baht at any 7 Eleven or it did last year.

That's close enough to $US2 which is almost half what they're saying. And that's for a big bottle!

Damn statistics!

I've got no problem with $US2 and joys of living in Thailand, when I get back ????

 

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This was an utterly ridiculous and intensely cowardly decision. Out of millions of people, a random number would develop these conditions. There is no science behind the panic. Only fear and ignorance. I would take this vaccine right now.

The vastly incompetent authorities here just don't get it. They are NOT prioritizing the vaccine. And the economy is devastated. But a large part of the problem stems from having multi-millionaire leaders. Tone deaf to the needs of the nation would be an understatement.

Unfortunately, at this rate, tourism will take many years to rebound, leaving millions out of work. 

A little conservative perhaps, but Thailand is not alone in this "utterly ridiculous and intensely cowardly decision... vastly incompetent authorities".  Not the decision I'd make, but never mind as expect it'll blow over shortly.

Most of the "safe" world is still shut down, so let's not over react. I'm as devastated as anyone with the global fear, driven by media and policies from many absurd health experts to the detriment of the most vulnerable. Thailand is not alone in this either, and it is frustrating.

As Prayuth suggested in calling the press to "stop the drama", perhaps we could take that hint as well. 

11 minutes ago, fangless said:

How are governments etc going to "prove" you have been fully vaccinated?

 

Time to get the colour laser printer/barcode/QR code reader and laminator ready.  Especially now that all the copy shops (ID Cards etc) in KSR and elsewhere in Thailand have closed.

Looks like this will replace the old yellow vaccination booklet - IATA travel pass app:

"IATA also aims to provide governments with the confidence to reopen borders without imposing quarantines on incoming travelers."

https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/iata-travel-pass-for-travelers/?fbclid=IwAR2u-a6UAIcfAKllKrWdlEv9wppIhmDe2R16IBM5yIAmRzwOia56dPtHdpo

Trying to understand the logic of 7 days quarantine if vaccinated and only 3 days longer if not. I'm waiting for my shots in March/April and was hoping to take the bus from the airport to my place in Hua Hin.

Oh well, next step is which visa - Retirement, STV or Tourist as wish to stay at least six months. I resent medical insurance impost, given I get free travel insurance so thinking about Tourist visa, get married and convert ????

Does anyone know if you can you do a visa run these days to Laos ????

5 hours ago, Youlike said:

And more and more people are refusing the vaccine, even the CEO from Pfizer refused to take it himself.

Pfizer CEO did not refuse the vaccine, he didn't want to jump the queue as is relatively young. Search it out...

And he's just had his first shot... https://www.axios.com/pfizer-ceo-coronavirus-vaccine-e7599596-a658-41ed-82fd-5389347c3f2b.html
 

Makes sense and will happen globally one way or the other, just like the old yellow vaccination booklet I used to carry last century. No big deal - let's get the world moving again, starting next month or May latest ????

I'm hoping tourism starts to recover in May.

Global daily Covid cases have plummeted since the beginning of the year, and the vaccine cavalry is coming around the bend. Expect media will change their tune somewhat during March and itchy, travel deprived folk to make bookings during April for May.

The Professor of Medicine at John Hopkins University has boldly predicted Covid be essentially under control in the US by end of April. He has his detractors - so many experts don't want to lose their role too soon haha. Anyway, we'll see how Prof Makary's forecast holds up. The global graphs though are very promising ???? 

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/wsj-herd-immunity-by-april-fact-check-covid-herd-immunity-wall-street-journal-herd-immunity-article-johns-hopkins-fact-check-from-experts-verify/65-1d9f7209-c8be-4c6d-a11e-f5a1a5be7941
 

9 hours ago, Moonlover said:

Poverty is rarely, if ever the cause of a reduced TFR. In fact the opposite is the case. Economic growth tends to reduce TFR. Well known examples of that within this region are Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

 

Thailand is following a trend set by many before it of increased urbanization drawing the population in seeking a better economic life. That trend runs in parallel with increased mechanization back home on the farm, making rural life economically less attractive. Lots of kids get in the way of that process.

Indeed. This is good news. Countries with higher standards of living have lower birth rates. There are a few reasons - better education, more contraception, females being more active in the workforce, improved lifestyles and less need to have children to look after them in old age. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/birth-rate-by-country

The latest forecast, which is lower than previous UN predictions, on which climate change models are based, sees the global population peaking around 2064 and declining thereafter. This would be positive for the environment and the fight against climate change, at least relative to UN expectations. Fewer people mean lower carbon emissions and less demand for food and water. https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/07/17/a-new-forecast-says-the-worlds-population-will-peak-at-97bn-in-2064

Don't worry, be happy ????
 

4 hours ago, Srikcir said:

95 billion baht for high speed rail service through Hua Hin from Bangkok to be commissioned in 2022.

64 billion baht for new highway from Nakhon Pathom (around Bangkok) to open 2022(?).

Why the airport expansion? I'd like to see the economic analysis and associated travel projections showing that all three projects are independently justified. 

I imagine they would be planning for flights from places other than Bangkok - like Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing etc and hopefully Sydney one day ????

1 hour ago, FarFlungFalang said:

 

That's a good post there Donga and I say that with no sarcasm.

I'm not surprised that you're not sure what I believe as I do write here with much sarcasm but I also take the P quite often so I will lay it on the table for so to speak.I absolutely agree with you about Australia's response to this pandemic and agree with Sheryl that it's absolutely insane and seems more to do with stripping away freedoms than addressing the pandemic or showing the world how proficient it is.I also agree with you about how Thailand is handling the pandemic and most of my criticisms are directed at the shonky (illegal?) government and the media (not only Thailand's media either,I've always been critical of the media in general).

As for masks how many thousands of medical staff have contracted covid whilst wearing them?If you believe they do anything I'm fine with that but personally I'm very skeptical.

As I've said many times here I'm sure I've had covid here in Thailand though don't ask my to prove it as it was way back in Feb/March last year and no chance of getting a test.Which is why I say it's just a common cold virus which means it's a virus that is part of the family of viruses that cause the common cold even though it's effects might be rather uncommon.

I'm quite suspicious of what's happening that we don't know about with the enormous amounts of money involved with the vaccines and their rollout.

I don't take much of what I read in the media at face value as some people seem to and this lack of credence I give to information released by the media or the lack of information like testing numbers may make it look like I have doubts about Thailands way of dealing with the pandemic.

I ask a lot of questions and am willing to engage in the discussion and put forth my arguments and will answer any questions one might ask so I hope this helps to see where I'm coming from.If you need further clarification feel free to ask and I will try to elucidate.As Dr Turner would say "sarcasm is the best form of defence".Basically I don't trust the media.I also tend not to trust a so called government that ranks 104th for transparency and corruption.  

Without wishing to form a mutual admiration society, we likely do have more in common than at first blush haha.

I'm very skeptical of a lot of media these days, they are either left or right wing biased, so I spend more time on the internet seeking reliable sources when I'm trying to get my arms around an issue. I find Thai PBS one of the better outlets, certainly less righteous and opinionated than Australia's ABC. 

Face masks, other than social distancing (how far do you go, lockup?) are doubtless the most effective measure for casual interaction. Been shown anecdotally around the world and through reasonable studies. Medicos in the front line is not casual interaction as they are working amongst it, far more viral load floating about so yep need more protection. Can only imagine how many European folk at the beginning in elderly homes might have seen another year or two if they, their visitors and the staff had been wearing face masks. Fact that most western experts didn't hop on board with face masks until May is damning evidence as to how so many scientific experts can get it so wrong. Reminds me of another topic dear to my heart.

Thailand has governance issues, as do most developing countries (having lived in four) and I'm not a fan of the status quo at all. They need reform and hope it happens soon, without too much turmoil. Otherwise, am very comfortable with Thai society, their culture, tolerance and can do spirit. A lot of things work in education, medicine and infrastructure so it is fortunate to have the expertise in these areas, regardless of the politics and corruption.

I like to stick up for the country where I've found a delightful partner and have chosen to spend much of my dotage ????
 

Thailand is again demonstrating how to manage Covid without going overboard with restrictions. While Boris has just announced hotel quarantine for people from risky countries, good grief.

Telling contrast and there are other factors that explain why Thailand is internationally recognised as one of the best performers in dealing with Covid. 

7 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Sounds like all of Thailand except Samut Sakhon has been alleviated of any Covid cases.  Thailand 1 - Covid 0.  Awesome that in 1 month Covid has been defeated again.

More like Thailand 3 Covid 0 if you consider the initial outbreak in Bangkok along with the others in the provinces when Bangkok shut down, then the ladies returning from Myanmar and now the Samut Sakhon outbreak.

Why is it so hard for patronising TV folk to give Thailand credit for their Covid performance, recognised by the WHO, John Hopkins University and today, the Lowy Institute after an exhaustive review...
 

43 minutes ago, Cake Monster said:

Screening of 10,000 people per day is nowhere near enough.

IMO the Virus is already out of control in Samut Sakhon, and the Government should now be thinking of damage limitation rather than trying to contain the Virus.

The whole province should be in total lockdown, and should have been  at least 1 week ago.

Many Countries with far superior Health Services have tried to control this thing, and have had very little success, so why does the Government think they are better than all these other Countries

After 12 months, it is not just luck which has Thailand in the top league of Covid control.

Government and society in general have applied community discipline with sensible distancing, safe masks and strict quarantines (compared to Europeans and Americans). Thailand's contact tracing with the benefit of their million health volunteers was very effective with the provincial outbreaks after people returned from Bangkok to their villages. Then there's the advantage of the hot and humid climate, which is now recognised. Compare these attributes to most countries. 

Thailand's performance has been recognised by the WHO and John Hopkins University and I've every confidence they'll get this outbreak under control by the end of February. Let's see shall we.

10 hours ago, bermondburi said:

Exactly. I'm based in Saudi most of the time. Take a PCR test before travelling. On arrival I have 8 hours to get to my home. At home I register my location on the government app. Selfisolate at home for 48 hours until I take a free test at a drive in government testing facility. Get a message on my phone the next day with the results. If it's negative I'm good to go anywhere. Infection rates have been stable for months now at around 100-200 cases a day since they opened the country up. It's only people living in the coconut shell that is thailand who believe the 14 day thing is the only way to go. It's not. There are other ways that work too. We just have to learn to live with this virus. 

A lot to like about the Saudi way, surprised they're one of the creative countries.

I'd be concerned about open slather. Prefer a tailored approach, on a green, amber, red basis.

Green countries would be some Asian countries, certainly Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea as well as Australia and NZ, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. Let people from these countries in the Saudi way. Face masks still mandatory. People from these countries have about 1 in 100,000 chance of carrying the virus and the few that arrive here would at least be tested and isolated to identify a high % of any that arrive.

Amber would include China, Japan and a host of other countries where they've got things fairly well under control. Guess I would include Saudi in this group. Apply Green controls, plus self isolate for another week in the resort of their choice or their home if they are returning to Thailand.

Red hot countries like - UK, US, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico etc - keep existing controls in place. 

Time to get smarter with all this. Thailand has good contact tracing systems and can control an outbreak. Got to try resurrect the tourist industry and learn to live with Covid as will probably never be totally eradicated. Silly to have 14 days quarantine for people coming from countries where Covid is already under control. 
 

12 hours ago, dr_lucas said:

Yeah, you're also able to get covid faster in Thailand nowadays than if you still lived in Australia. 

Very much doubt that. I'm in Australia for a new grandchild, but will feel just as safe in Thailand when I get back soon. Just stay away from fish markets. Here it's pubs and RSL clubs. You'll find Thailand behind OZ in Covid cases and deaths, and please don't give me the fudged figures silliness... https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

The irony is, with a few exceptions, that the majority of "poor" countries to date are relatively unscathed by Covid.

A rash of Latino countries have been hit hard, but very few in the poorest continent of Africa are suffering. Berkino Faso for example has 5 deaths per million, compared to the European average of around 900. Brazil is now rolling out AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines, while the Indians will have a number to choose from.

WHO Director-General is not doing his organisation any favours, especially when you consider where the funding comes from and that by and large, those are the countries that are doing it tough. 

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

21 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I don't think you can enter Thailand or Australia without quarantine.Actually you can enter Thailand without quarantining but it's not legal to do so!

Yes, as an Aussie waiting to be vaccinated before I get back to Thailand, am acutely aware of travel to and from both countries. Am referring to Europe where they have a green list of countries, of which Thailand is one of five, see my link.

Trying to get people to understand that despite occasional hiccups, world authorities acknowledge Thailand's relative success, including the WHO and John Hopkins University who both monitor global performance in managing Covid.

2 hours ago, smedly said:

 

It is the only way to gauge how deep #### you're in and what measures need to be taken to get out of it or when you can relax measures - unless Thailand is testing then it is only guess work - and a temp check is useless and a waste of time

 

If you don't care then up to you, maybe when you get it you'll be asking the question - why didn't they tell me it was this widespread 

If you have effective contact tracing as Thailand does, testing is not as critical compared to the vast majority of European and American countries where they've lost control and must test to try rein in their infection numbers.

Many on this forum have been saying there was all this Covid in Thailand not being reported. Then the ladies returned from Myanmar, followed by the outbreak in Samut Sakhom, which were both covered in detail and managed through the processes acknowledged by the WHO and John Hopkins Uni as being top notch.

So instead of banging away about lack of testing and drawing spurious conclusions, suggest people focus on why Thailand has done so much better than vast majority of countries. Hint: community discipline, especially with face masks, effective contact tracing, tight quarantine processes, the health volunteers, who more than compensate for lack of testing and the climate advantage come to mind. Compare these attributes with most countries. 

Don't understand why so many people don't get it. Covid is very well managed in Thailand, as recognised by international bodies, including Europe where Thailand is one of only five countries where people can enter without quarantine (others being Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Rwanda). See table in this link.. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2021/01/17/january-eu-travel-restrictions-by-country-quarantine-and-tests-as-covid-19-third-wave-surges/?sh=5e86ca9e2ff3

Do wish media would "cancel" the word marijuana haha. Marijuana has a sinister past (to slur Mexico's "locoweed") and we should simply refer to the original name of cannabis or hemp for industry.

Who would have thought so many US states would have decriminalised cannabis for recreational use ten years ago? I've seen some worrying behaviours with it, but not nearly as bad as many people think. Sugar, fats cause more problems, and alcohol is off the scale.

Wonder which Asian country will be first to let it run completely?