anthos

This was in the travel news yesterday.
The cite TAT but no link to official info.
Is it true? What are these countries?
What do they mean by "now that the borders have opened"?
I have many questions..

https://www.traveldailymedia.com/thailand-relaxes-visa-requirements-for-europe-and-scandinavia/

Quote

 

Thailand further relaxes visa requirements for Europe and Scandinavia

 

In an effort to attract more international tourists now that the borders have opened, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that they have relaxed the criteria for issuing the new tourist visas by allowing tourists from ‘medium risk’ countries.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand executive director for tourism products, Thapanee Kitaphaibool, foreigners may enter Thailand with the 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended to a 90-day stay.

The requirements for this type of visa are the following:

Bank statement providing proof of income in the last six months equivalent to THB 500,000 (USD 17,000)

Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least USD 100,000 in coverage for the entire duration of your stay

Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ)

Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to the flight

 

 

Meanwhile, Thailand also launched the new Special Tourist Visa, which is a visa for a 90-day stay that can be renewed twice; meaning that tourists may stay in the country for up to nine months. Initially, TAT aims to offer this type of visa to low-risk countries, but since most of the target countries in Europe and Scandinavia are categorised under ‘medium risk,’ Thai consulates have relaxed offering this visa to applicants from the aforementioned countries.

The requirements for Special Tourist Visa ar:

Proof of income and bank account balance in the last six months equivalent to THB 500,000 (USD 17,000)

Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least USD 100,000 in coverage for the entire duration of your stay

Proof of alternative state quarantine reservation (ASQ) for the 14-day mandatory quarantine

Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR swab test taken within 72 hours prior to the flight

All travellers to Thailand must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. If a tourist test positive, he or she will be admitted to a hospital; if a tourist test negative, he or she will head to an alternative state quarantine facility for their required 14-day quarantine.

As of November 5, the ministry issued certificates of entry to 1,465 foreigners with most people approved to enter on retirement visas, Special Tourist Visa and privileged entry visas. It is best to check with our local Thai Embassy before making any travel arrangements.

 

Thai boxing in a mask is a lot of fun! Can’t wait for it.

Meanwhile Turkey is open to foreign tourists as if nothing happened. They know they wouldn’t survive an empty high season.

Maldives are also welcoming tourists now.

Italy, Greece, Spain allow EU customers. UK allow even non EU travelers.

Can also go to Egypt, Tanzania.

We shall have to live with the virus for quite a while now.

Cant efficiently isolate a whole country anyway, need to adapt somehow.
Thailand had plenty of time to prepare - build an efficient testing and tracking systems, build new hospitals, develop all necessary protocols etc. Nothing has been done unfortunately.

Now facing a difficult choice - to lose the whole tourism industry or lose a supposedly virus free status.

Also sounds quite weird that everyone is talking about Phuket only as if Samui and other destinations don’t exist. 

Everyone hated Russians before the Chinese took over the market. Now Russians are most welcomed. ????

48 minutes ago, Skallywag said:

Genetic science should be tasked in finding the genes responsible sociopathic/ inhumane people. 

Then those genes would be removed from our gene pool by prohibiting  those who carry them to procreate.  

Not by prohibiting to procreate but rather editing the DNA

Here's an interesting link by the way, allows to check for genetic variants responsible for various drugs reactions
https://www.geneticlifehacks.com/opioid-receptor-genetic-variants/

8 minutes ago, Elreeco said:

BS

I personally haven't used it for years. But never heard of or witnessed violent behavior on mdma, never felt like acting like this myself when I was younger and did it occasionally.
You may have a different experience and opinion, which is ok. 
 

22 minutes ago, Just Weird said:

 

Wow, they must be allowed because they're rather safe...really?  I'll take a guess at the ones that you use.

Yep, I've tried most drugs when I was in my 20-s and can clearly evaluate myself which ones are likely to cause trouble. Hence both the lists.
That's what I'm telling my kids when they grow up - I'm not going to tolerate the drugs from the first list in my house and have no problem with the second one.

32 minutes ago, Henrik Andersen said:

Mdma is not dangerous?? 

sorry what do you smoke?? 

You can't be serious 

Every drugs and alcohol is dangerous 

I don't think mdma provokes dangerous or violent behavior.
People on mdma are not aggressive and unlikely to cause harm to others.

Russian press reports that around 100 000  bitcoins were found on this guy's accounts.

https://www.rbc.ru/society/09/02/2018/5a7d41c79a79471e96ee2fc0

1 hour ago, bushdoctor said:

Anyone that needs advice on how to meet his girlfriends family is at a huge disadvantage already.

6 hours ago, louse1953 said:

Can't your "friend"write for himself.

He can't be bothered to post here really and feels good about the trip anyway.

It was meant to be a fun topic rather than an eye opening warming of extortion.

I plan to email the link to him today so he can have fun reading it on the way there.

3 hours ago, alantheembalmer said:

He has something in common with Dad already; as he is a West Ham fan, he obviously doesn't appreciate football either.

Ouch, this one is going hurt him 

1 hour ago, mcfish said:

All he has to do is drop to his knees and kiss papa's toes individualy. This is a time honoured and the least expensive tradition

Do they not  lick between them any more?

3 minutes ago, Johnniey said:

Why the need to impress her parents?

To get more passionate sex from the daughter I guess. Strategic thinking.

Even if they despise him in the end, she'll appreciate the effort.

2 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

BTW, in the OP,  maybe it's a Brit saying, but what the heck does he has "2-3 pairs of shorts" mean?

English is not my native tongue but I think that's how he described his wardrobe earlier today (maybe just shorts without "pairs") when I asked if he's packed his tuxedo.

Well hmm, sounds like a desparate situation.... will pray for a miracle - a lovely respectful family ))

Will be interesting to compare his report with all the forecasts, I'll definitely post it in a few days after they return home.

4 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

I always heard bringing a bottle of JW was a good door knocker in Isaan.

 

BTW, is the friend prepared to answer when asked:

a - how much money is he planning to provide in sin sod

b - how soon is he going to pay to build a house for the GF (and the rest of her family in time), and how much is he prepared to spend on it.

 

In my past experience in Isaan, these kinds of family first meetings usually turn to one or both of those subjects pretty early in the conversation.

 

I'll tell him to be get ready.

At the moment it looks like he's expecting their farm to be a thrivng agricultural enterprise. 

Seems they appreciate each other's good temper for now.

He's quite looking forward to visiting their estate. Should be alright.

I'm not worrying at all, was just thinking to get some funny advice from those who has gone through this without becoming an extortion victim.

However appreciate all the gloomy outlook, and people sharing painful experiences. My heart is with you.

1 minute ago, getreal said:

Does she have a job? Tatooes? Smoke? Drink? Kids?

None of the above. Which looks promising in my opinion.
 

12 minutes ago, petermik said:

Does your "friend" know who is the father to his GF,s kiddie

he's been asked this a few times and he still insists it's him

anyway I trust he's qualified to impregnate )

1 minute ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I'd also only rent a small one bedroom place so no room if they want to visit, and make it far, far away.

this has been done already well in advance )

2 minutes ago, acid thunder said:

 

Yes, how his banana impregnated their daughter would be a good laugh.

brilliant idea, sounds like the highlight of the party )

3 minutes ago, onthesoi said:

Take some bananas for mum & dad...

yeah, dried bananas even better

if he won't be able to escape on the way, are there any particular topics to avoid during a dinner conversation?

any good talking points?  

a funny Thai joke that they'll understand? about growing bananas perhaps