Phuketshrew

Many thought that it was some cock-and-bull story but it seems the big cock-up actually worked ???? ????

The drive through service at Phuket immigration is quick and easy. Although I usually take copies of passport/visa etc. they only seem to need the completed TM47. 

5 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

I assume they are trying to stop prostitution because it might launch Covid into the local population.

More likely the other way round if tourists are fully vaccinated with a reputable vaccine.

Thailand has somehow managed to retain its amber level status after the reviews in the UK yesterday - but that could change. 

I am not advocating replacing tourism completely, just to try and become less reliant tourism by trying to diversify into other areas not dependent on the tourist dollar.

I was here through the tsunami and Phuket bounced back fairly quickly. It seems that recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will take much longer.

I don't think that eduction and training and opening Phuket up to make it more attractive to entrepreneurs, digital nomads and remote workers in a "grand scheme of mine". Just a way of decreasing the dependence on tourism and shifting some of the eggs into other baskets. 

6 hours ago, Thailand said:

The most senior official in the province more likely would be saying "I stake my deputies job on this being a success" !

Well he has got three to choose from so one less isn't going to make a lot of difference.

He previously stated that 5 direct flights would be arriving on July 1st. With 1,500 total passengers those 5 flights are going to be rammed full. The maximum capacity of a Thai Airways 777 is 348.

Could he be right and people are actually falling over themselves to holiday in Phuket?

Or is he just taking 5 flights X 300 without actually knowing how full they will be?

23 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Anutin said the 20 million Pfizer vaccines that were ordered will not arrive until Q4. He said Pfizer first told him Q3 but then changed to Q4 when signed and there is nothing Thailand can do about it because we do not produce them.

But Thailand is producing the vaccine. Isn't there something you can do about that Anutin?

Easy. Restrict testing to 10 per day = 70 per week, which is < 90 

42 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

He said, however, that he has sought permission, from the Ethical Committee, to conduct the research on just 90 volunteers.

Thailand has an ethical committee?  ????????????

3 hours ago, anchadian said:

Dr. Apisamai said the sub-committee is concerned about public understanding of the tourism program's COVID-19 safety measures, which may still worry many people as to what action will be taken in the event of new infections.

Yes it must be very worrying that dirty, fully vaccinated ai Farang will spread covid-19 throughout the local community that is only 30% vaccinated with one of the least effective vaccines.