Carrbhoy

9 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

 I hope they have the second vaccine shot for me on the 27th of this month TiT

This for me is the key Risk for critical failure. The 2nd doses will need to ramp up to match the 1st Dose numbers in 4/5 weeks time (Is 2nd Dose 16 weeks?). They either have the supplies in storage or expect supplies to be in place to match the 1st Dose weekly figures. Big big Risk.

Having to beg from Peter (Bhutan) to pay Paul at this early stage is a huge Red flag for me. Time will tell of course.

Lets say they do have supply in storage / expected supplies to match requirements (big IF), there will be a significantly reduced 1st Dose weekly figures delivered during this next 16 week cycle. So crunching the numbers, the fortunate 20+% of people who have received their 1st Dose / awaiting 2nd Dose & the 12% or so (in a few weeks) who have been fully vaccinated will be happy but nervous about supplies.

The other c. 70% of the population will soon realise that they are several months away from even getting a 1st Dose (unless extremely fortunate) as whatever supply which is available switches to cover the 2nd Doses. This reality will hit in 6 weeks or so when the 1st Dose numbers drop like a stone. What then? Interesting times.....

14 hours ago, drtreelove said:

I was released from Bangkok ASQ on July 23rd.  My Thai step-daughter and husband, Samut Prakan residents (license plates) picked me up at the hotel and drove me to Chiang Mai. There were two or three standard illegal immigrant checkpoints along the way but we were waved through. At the primary Chiang Mai Covid checkpoint on the 11 SuperHwy, we had to stop and show paperwork.  (It appeared that we could have exited at the 121 ring road or other and avoided it, but we chose to do the right thing and comply).

 

My daughter who is quite savvy on all things medical and technical had pre-registered our trip online and had everything together for the three of us. We were checked and ordered to proceed to Arcade bus station where there was a Covid screening/testing facility set up. Due to my US vaccination and ASQ documents, I didn't even have to get out of the car.  She and husband had current negative Covid test results and were cleared after filling out forms. 

 

The day after arriving at home in Sansai, the pooyai baan and wife, who are quite friendly with my wife, came around to document my paperwork and request that I stay at home for two weeks. There was no formal order or further follow up. 

 

That was almost a month ago, but I hope that helps, Don

Very helpful Don - thanks for sharing.

Going from your response and others on the thread, there is a lack on consistency. I think unfortunately the official stance should be home isolation following ASQ in Bangkok which is disappointing.

I'll continue to monitor the situation. I think at this stage, I will be organising a Bangkok private car / driver and hope for the best! Plenty can and will change between now and early November so fingers crossed for a more positive official outcome. I'll ensure the final outcome re my BKK to CM trip is pre-registered online.

8 hours ago, me4175 said:

 

I just arrived in CM by train from Bangkok. Registered in CM-CHANA prior to departure.

Upon arrival everyone was asked to register in CM-CHANA and was funneled to a desk for identity checks. Most people were told to undergo a COVID swab test and wait 20 minutes for the result.

When it was my turn, the official asked for my mobile number, checked a list, found the number, put a pink sticker on me and told me that I can leave. I was very confused why I wasn't subjected to the test. I have no clue why, but I was somehow already in the system. But I was never tested before. I'm officially registered in BKK, but I provided an address of a private residence (no hotel) in CM.

Thanks for sharing this info. Had you just completed ASQ in Bangkok or just an internal trip to CM for business / leisure?

I will ensure I'm registered in CM-CHANA prior to ASQ check-out as required.

4 hours ago, NancyL said:

I was released from ASQ in Bangkok this past Thursday, August 12.  I hired a driver and private car, recommended by the hotel, with Bangkok plates.  We encountered two roadblocks, one of which wasn't staffed.  At the second one, in Saraphi, the driver was of much more interest than me.  he explained that I has been in the U.S. for vaccination (technically true; I'd gone to Guam) and had just completed ASQ in Bangkok.  I had a ream of documents available with proof of vaccination, home address, PCR tests; but no interest from the officer.

 

Instead, the officer made the driver, who claimed he had received two doses of Sinopharm, download a QR code onto his phone and promise he'd turn around right after dropping me off at home and leave CM province.  

 

I've read multiple sources that indicate I don't need to do home quarantine in CM now since I just completed ASQ, got in a car and my first stop was a toilet break outside a red zone and I had no contact with anyone during that stop or any subsequent stop.  We didn't eat or drink anything during the quick eight hour trip in order to keep wearing our masks.

Thanks for sharing  - much appreciated. This was my understanding (and hope) too. Other replies are suggesting that 14 day isolation is required. I don't understand why, if ASQ / tests completed on arrival in Bangkok and plan on doing exactly what you did - check-out from ASQ / straight into private car & drivver / emergency stops only & no contact etc.

Do you have the private car / driver details? Be great if you could DM details and the costs. Hope that is ok.

3 hours ago, cardinalblue said:

Late august you can fly away and return to CM…

I hope flights will be an option early Nov and will of course track the situation closely.

Just trying to establish what the current rules / guidelines are for leaving ASQ Bangkok and travelling to CM. Hoping to avoid the need for doing quarantine twice - even self isolation in CM after ASQ 15 days doesn’t appeal.

5 hours ago, canthai55 said:

It is now August. Who knows what will happen in/by November

True. If I was leaving ASQ in Bangkok tomorrow wanting to travel to CM, what are the current rules / guidelines? Appreciate things can and will change but at least this gives me a feel for things.

5 hours ago, lordblackader said:

The main checkpoint is on the Superhighway at the Middle Ring Road overpass. 
 

Note, while arguably not well enforced, you're supposed to go into quarantine if you're not vaccinated. 

Thanks for sharing this.

I will be travelling from BKK to CM early Nov21 after completing the compulsory 15 day ASQ on arrival from UK. My plan is to arrange for a car / driver from Bangkok to pick me up from ASQ immediately following check-out and drive me to CM. I've been vaccinated in UK.

Do I need to do 14 day quarantine in CM on arrival (same day after ASQ)? I had assumed the ASQ in Bangkok and supporting documentation along with my vaccine 'passport' would be sufficient. At worst, I thought I would need to complete a further PCR or 'swab test'.

Based on the above replies, would it be better to arrange for a car / driver from CM to come to BKK to collect?

This is on the assumption that internal flights will still not be available in a few months.

Any assistance / direction on this would be appreciated.

18 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Here's one good indicator: 24 of the 54 new COVID deaths reported for Bangkok province on Monday occurred at home instead of in hospitals.

 

That pretty much tells you what's going on.

 

Interesting - thanks for sharing. Big jump in the figures and, sadly, Deaths today. These are only going to go one way in the short / mid term.

34 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

I'd feel better about that, were it not for the fact that the number of critical condition COVID patients nationwide set a new record high again on Monday, with 5,218 critical cases and the third consecutive day above 5,000.

 

Looking at the trends across Critical / ICU / Deaths, sadly, you can clearly see that ICU has maxed out & Ave Daily Deaths have increased significantly (7 Day Ave of 100 on 24th to 169 9th Aug). If the ICU capacity was greater, the numbers in Critical / ICU would be higher and Ave Daily Deaths would not have increased by c. 70% in just over 2 weeks. ICU capacity is only created through new Deaths and then quickly filled up again.

How many non Covid ICU Deaths are there because of this lack of capacity? This will be having an impact on Excess Deaths.

On 8/3/2021 at 12:30 PM, Upnotover said:

The Embassy website has an announcement that they are doing "deep cleaning" 2-4 August.  Whilst the announcement says postal services are still ongoing it may perhaps have some connection with your issues.

 

"Royal Thai Embassy, London Public Announcement Temporary Suspension of Services During the Embassy’s Deep Cleaning from 2-4 August 2021"

Got delivered today Upnotover! Great news.

7 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The Embassy website has an announcement that they are doing "deep cleaning" 2-4 August.  Whilst the announcement says postal services are still ongoing it may perhaps have some connection with your issues.

 

"Royal Thai Embassy, London Public Announcement Temporary Suspension of Services During the Embassy’s Deep Cleaning from 2-4 August 2021"

Thank you - much appreciated. That explains it. Hopefully get delivered / signed for on Thursday latest once the deep clean is completed.

I can stop listening to the massage background music.......

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

I don't recall any reports similar to yours.

Reassuring and slightly confusing at the same time. Thanks.

Any thoughts on the Letter of invitation request? I assumed it was being asked for incorrectly for a Tourist Visa (Single Entry) but the system doesn't allow you to proceed to submit application until you have uploaded a PDF document for that Section. I basicually uploaded a doc with the Question cut & paste and the reply N/A. I'll see what they come back with.

4 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Did you send it to this address shown their contact page. https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/81604-address-numbers-email-addresses?menu=5d6636ce15e39c3bd0007337

"Royal Thai Embassy, 29-30 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5JB"

Thanks. I'm using the correct Postal Address - I added Visa Section which shouldn't be an issue. Not sure why Royal Mail are saying address was inaccessible over multiple tries (Friday / Monday & this morning. Also used the correct email so I'll see what they come back with.

The contact number is correct but hopefully the Ext numbers you have provided will help me avoid the queues. I'll give it another go after 2PM today.

Have you seen any similar issues being raised on the forum?

Hi all - has anyone from the UK obtained a Tourist Visa recently? I've submitted my application on https;?//thaievisa.go.th/Home & sent my Passport with supporting documents to the Royal Thai Embassy, 29-30 Queen's Gate, LONDON SW7 5JB.

Issues:

1) Passport and supporting documents sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery - using the online tracking, the last couple of days the message has been '....address was inaccessible.' They will try again tomorrow.

Tried calling the Thai Embassy on 0207 589 2944. Yesterday I was on hold for 1h40mins & gave up. Called again this morning - been on hold for 1h15mins so far. Was 25th in the queue when the call started.

Trying to confirm I have used the correct postal address - the thaievisa site tells you next steps are send Passport / Supporting documents to London but doesn't confirm the exact address.

Also trying to understand why the address was inaccessible and whether they are receiving any Royal mail post etc.

Thankfully I've allowed plenty of time before my flight to get this sorted but the process has been far from straightforward.

I've emailed both [email protected] & [email protected] to try and sort out these issues - visa@thai embassy sent an auto response saying 3-5 working days to reply. I'll see what they come back with.

2) E-visa site - Supporting Documents - my application is for a Tourist Visa (Single Entry) for 60 days - one of the supporting documents requested was a Letter of Invitation. I replied saying N/A. Why is a Letter of Invitation being requested? Anyone else experieinced this & if so, how did you respond?

If anyone can assist with better contact names / numbers, email addresses or replies to queries I've raised, that would be much appreciated. Painful.

Plan B is Visa Exempt but the additional 15 days has been factored into my return flights / condo & timeline for changing visas so it's essential I obtain the TR.

CB

3 hours ago, alant said:

Was at Red Lion, tend to use more for "pub" including F1, MotoGP & Premier League footy plus some great music videos, OMG has some stunningly good food and certain dished are a must for me. Added a few snaps from OMG, bangers and mash and Haddock & chip together with the pool table and the Red Lion roast beef.

If you are interested I do a blog & vlog including walks, cycle, motorbike and reviews I can send you link if you wish or add to mailing, just pm me.

Pool, I don't partake but there is an active pool set and a Friday night league up here.

DM sent - thanks for the additional info.

1 hour ago, searcher22 said:

Yes, that is my understanding, I saw one quote for 5500 baht from BKK to CM with driver.

1 hour ago, searcher22 said:

Yes, that is my understanding, I saw one quote for 5500 baht from BKK to CM with driver.

Great - I’ll take a look nearer the time.

4 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

There is no progress except in overflowing hospitals, a growth of infections and deaths and insufficient vaccines. Nobody in their right mind should consider coming here. It's a bio hazard zone with no functioning medical, economic or social program to deal with the pandemic. The deep red zones are characterised by tough unforgiving police tactics. 

Do a per 100k population comparison with cities around the world and get some context re the current new infections / deaths. It wouldn’t make it into the top 150 for Europe.

Do you wait until everywhere is fully vaccinated before travelling? I’ve chosen not to - there are Risks in doing so but I’m prepared to take my chances.

Stay safe.

4 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

CM was dead and desperate before COVID-19. A city effectively under martial law and police military occupation. One of the most oppressive/ oppressed cities in Thailand. 

I’ve been to CM a couple of times - last time for a couple of months just as Covid was starting to officially spread into Italy. Flew back mid Jan 20. Had a fantastic trip.

Each to their own - thanks for your input.

4 hours ago, searcher22 said:

Good to hear about the e-bike stores.

 

My final destination being Chiang Mai, I too will opt for the Bangkok ASQ. As you stated, it is safer. It also gives me three options once my ASQ is completed:

1: Hire a driver car to CM

2: Rent a car

3: Have someone from CM come down to BKK and pick me up.

 

Phuket is too far away for that.

 

 

I would be looking at 1 Hire a driver car to CM if flight or train wasn’t an option. Hopefully there are decent options early Nov so a few months away.

As long as you travel immediately from ASQ check-out and get to CM on the same day you would avoid the need for any ASQ (or equivalent) or self isolation. Is this your understanding? Also, any idea of the costs for a driver car BKK to CM?

I just think the way things are going with the sandbox schemes that the chances of catching Covid with the increased prevalence in the community are too high. Like you, I would prefer to take the 2 week hit and hole up to avoid the Risk.

3 hours ago, alant said:

Hi

Not a lot open and currently that seems to mean gyms are closed. Yes some places like the Red Lion and OMG are open selling food and showing live sports, tonight for example F1.

Until further notice alcohol wit the food is not allowed the rules say, etc.

Malls and cafes open, my exercise walking and cycling, still some good places even with many national parks closed.

Happy to give some ideas and where we go or links just pm me

Hi Alant - thanks for the info. And offer of assistance. Everything going to plan, I will make it to CM early Nov. Hopefully things have improved by then but I’ll definitely take you up on your offer nearer the time.

Just watching the F1 qualifying - hope you are down in OMG enjoying some food / live sport at the moment. I see from their Google pics that they have a pool table - what are the rules re games of pool?

1 hour ago, Harry Om said:

Updated info here https://www.facebook.com/covid.int.cm

 

 

 

 

Thank you. Mmm.......makes any chat re sandbox for CM in October to be unrealistic.

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

7% maybe less, by October 15% tops.

Thanks for confirming. Are there daily progress updates? If so, can you share the Source and I will track.

14 hours ago, searcher22 said:

I am also planning to buy/rent an e-scooter or power-assisted bicycle when I arrive in Chiang Mai (hoping for a sandbox in September). I hope I can get one.

Won't be a problem. I've been looking into it and there are numerous e-bike stores in CM. Check out E-Rides Electric Bike Store.

Re sandbox, I hope they expand too but the tightening up of Phuket may delay roll-out. From what I've seen, I thought CM was lined up for 1st Oct. Not sure what progress the province has made towards the required 70% vaccines etc. Are you aware of any sites which provide the province level vaccine data?

I've opted for the Bangkok ASQ as the safer option. If the sandbox goes ahead in CM, I will change my flights and go down that route. If Phuket sandbox doesn't have the restrictions including onward travel, I may opt for that. A lot can and will change between now and my scheduled departure date in 12 weeks. Just got to accept that there will be challenges whatever route you go down.

7 minutes ago, DrPhibes said:

Please see definition for "Whirling Dervish"

Thanks for the additional info. 

1 hour ago, Harry Om said:

I arrived in Thailand In January, did ASQ in Bangkok then came straight to CM, spent a month or so here, then a couple of months on Koh Phangan, a month or so In Bangkok, then headed back here just before all the entry requirements got difficult.

 

In terms of getting to CM if you're not coming until Nov then I wouldn't bother too much with travel details within Thailand before October. Everything is really fluid and changes every three days. The only thing I could guarantee is whatever the rules are now, they will be different then.

Appreciate the advice. I'm slowly getting mentally prepared for a rollercoaster ride & if some steps in the journey / prep run smoothly, take it as a bonus.

I'm on Step 5 - get my Tourist visa - WIP. Worry about Step 6+ later........