How many of us are stuck outside Thailand due to virus? ?

[sirineou]

We came back to Florida last spring, and were planing to come back to our Thai home this April after I settle my retirement from work  business. Then this virus situation hit, and we postpone our plans until we knew  how this thing was playing out. Now we are stuck in the US. At least me and the wife are together, and we are in our own home. Unfortunately not all of us are as lucky. 

 I have a friend in this forum,

I know surprise surprise, I have friends. who would think so after my posts. but I have a friend, long time member of this forum, nice guy, (I wont mention his name because I am not sure if he wants to share his personal) Who is stuck in Canada where he was visiting family, his wife, kids and home and farm is in Thailand and the kids are missing their dad, I am sure the wife is missing him also and the farm might be getting neglected. I feel bad for him. 

  How many of you who have family , homes, and responsibilities in Thailand are trapped in the west?  Shouldn't the Thai government make allowances for those of as who have families and homes in Thailand? Thank god I have someone taking care of my home and car, if I did not my property would be going to weed.  

 

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, sirineou said:

How many of you who have family , homes, and responsibilities in Thailand are trapped in the west?

I'm trapped in Thailand, you're better off where you are it isn't much fun here.

No alcohol sales for the next 3 months by the looks of it.

[MikeyIdea]

I went on a skiing holiday to Sweden mid March with my daughter and got stuck, can't get back. Not a good place to be stuck in, Thailand is much safer

Edited April 30, 2020 by MikeyIdea

[473geo]

For me the virus is a double edged sword, my spring visit is postponed much to the disappointment my family and myself. I do miss them all, and my time at home. However this is not unusual as I work in the UK and we are used to long periods apart. I would intend to re-arrange for say November but if this is a hardship then soon to be in Thailand full time may even push my visit back again. It is the end result that counts the main thing is we all get through this.

 

All good at home, kids are off school so my wife gets a bit of help on the farm, she is a real grafter, always busy doing something, both the kids and the stock are in good shape, we could do with some rain to enable the plough of the rice land but it will no doubt appear. 

 

As usual the village gossips noting my prolonged absence are spouting the usual nonsense, luckily my wife is strong and easily rises above it.

 

The other side of the virus is my work situation in the Uk, currently on furlough, unsure of my employment prospects, there maybe opportunity to benefit if my company decides my services are no longer required ???? a windfall that would see my arrival in Thailand a little earlier. However if my employers cash flow is a little slow this maybe an option they choose to avoid

 

So yes all good and plenty to think about

[RichardColeman]

Stuck in the UK in a bed and breakfast (my house being rented out until 2022), had to return to uk for hossy appointment and check property and then hit travel ban. Miss the wife and babe all the time - don't expect to get back before another 4-6 months at the earliest with the lockdowns - actually think I will not get back to renew my retirement extension due in January. 

 

On the plus side - I CAN BUT AS MUCH BEER AS I LIKE.

 

 

[liddelljohn]

im in UK  but have my dad 90 , mates and several big bikes to rebuild and cheap good wine to dink   ,, missing thai food and my sexy lady

[sirineou]

32 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I'm trapped in Thailand, you're better off where you are it isn't much fun here.

No alcohol sales for the next 3 months by the looks of it.

If you weren't drunk all the time  you would have thought to stock up on a couple of cases of beer , that should have Kept you busy for a day or two LOL

26 minutes ago, MikeyIdea said:

I went on a skiing holiday to Sweden mid March with my daughter and got stuck, can't get back. Not a good place to be stuck in, Thailand is much safer

That must be tough, You would think the Thai authorities would have contingencies for situations such as this, I am sure you would not mind ,a few days of quarantine in Thailand.  If you do make it back please bring some beer for BritManToo , I am afraid if this goes any longer fe will start sucking on rotten apples just to get a buzz. ????

 

[MikeandDow]

Stuck in Kyrgyzstan in the mountains there is a lockdown here can not get out to go back home not seen thai missus for 4 months now live in uttaradit you would think that being married to a thai would allow u into Thailand  in the western world u would be allowed   just cannot understand the Thai government dont believe it's the ordinary Thais but the bloody hiso

[OnTheGround]

From another local news site April 30:

Thai Government spokesperson says they are aware of foreigners with valid visas trying to return to Thailand, looking at situation.

 

[englishoak]

Just wait until people see the new flight ticket prices, let alone the limited availability and document requirements coming down the pipeline... Friend is quite high up in BA Air Cargo, apparently whats being discussed at passenger division re new regulations in regards to social distancing and health concerns leading to costs is in his words eye watering. They are looking at a capacity passenger reduction of 30% as a minimum and possibly 50% on some models. Consequentially  prices would have to rise considerably in order to remain profitable, prices would need to double or treble for some longhaul destinations...  its looking like for the foreseeable future at least flying for the masses is going to become very limited and expensive indeed. What might ease things  is Thailand has a been a popular destination so more flights in and out could help reduce prices but red tape and an unwelcoming attitude towards tourists by the Thai gov could have a negative impact and reduce flights instead. 

 

People might want to take into account the likelihood of jetting about cheaply has very possibly come to an end for at least a few years. 

[473geo]

9 minutes ago, englishoak said:

Just wait until people see the new flight ticket prices, let alone the limited availability and document requirements coming down the pipeline... Friend is quite high up in BA Air Cargo, apparently whats being discussed at passenger division re new regulations in regards to social distancing and health concerns leading to costs is in his words eye watering. They are looking at a capacity passenger reduction of 30% as a minimum and possibly 50% on some models. Consequentially  prices would have to rise considerably in order to remain profitable, prices would need to double or treble for some longhaul destinations...  its looking like for the foreseeable future at least flying for the masses is going to become very limited and expensive indeed. What might ease things  is Thailand has a been a popular destination so more flights in and out could help reduce prices but red tape and an unwelcoming attitude towards tourists by the Thai gov could have a negative impact and reduce flights instead. 

 

People might want to take into account the likelihood of jetting about cheaply has very possibly come to an end for at least a few years. 

Thanks for the cheer up. A 50% increase is not too extreme, under the circumstances, problem most likely to complicate will be the 'business' travellers suddenly deciding economy is now ok after all!! ????

[Canuck1966]

15 hours ago, MikeyIdea said:

I went on a skiing holiday to Sweden mid March with my daughter and got stuck, can't get back. Not a good place to be stuck in, Thailand is much safer

There is absolutely nothing safe about Thailand

What you are seeing from the outside is an illusion 

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, 473geo said:

Thanks for the cheer up. A 50% increase is not too extreme, under the circumstances, problem most likely to complicate will be the 'business' travellers suddenly deciding economy is now ok after all!! ????

I just want to get there. 

Hopefully things will get back to normal within a year or two,  Perhaps we might learn a lesson or two and things might become better

[Canuck1966]

No booze and having to wear a mask in 40 degree temps is pretty terrible for most people

Every time you have to leave the house it's a chore 

Temp checks everywhere, mask everywhere, hand sanitizer every time you enter somewhere

 

Luckily I've got a fully stocked bar (with enough booze to host several parties for Oliver Reed and George Best) pool etc and there are a 10 other people who are locked down with me 

Apart from the odd shopping soiree things are pretty good

[Berti]

If this continues I will miss the birth of our baby. Sad and depressing.

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, Berti said:

If this continues I will miss the birth of our baby. Sad and depressing.

Welcome to the Forum!!

WoW!! “So many happy and wonder-filled times ahead for you, I hope you don't miss the birth, and as a dad I understand your frustration of not being able to be there for your lady and the miracle of birth. 

Let's hope this situation resolves before then, but if not,  at least through the miracle of technology and skype you can be there as best as you can, and look forward of a lifetime of happiness with your baby and wife. 

Best wishes for you your lady and your baby.   

[RotBenz8888]

Stuck in Sweden, have 2 young kids in Bangkok, we're talking hours everyday on Line. Hope they let us with non o visas enter soon, if they put me in 14d quaranten then so be it. Have to get back to my family.

[RotBenz8888]

8 hours ago, OnTheGround said:

From another local news site April 30:

Thai Government spokesperson says they are aware of foreigners with valid visas trying to return to Thailand, looking at situation.

 

Would you mind posting a link or perhaps a hint where i can find it?

[Berti]

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

Welcome to the Forum!!

WoW!! “So many happy and wonder-filled times ahead for you, I hope you don't miss the birth, and as a dad I understand your frustration of not being able to be there for your lady and the miracle of birth. 

Let's hope this situation resolves before then, but if not,  at least through the miracle of technology and skype you can be there as best as you can, and look forward of a lifetime of happiness with your baby and wife. 

Best wishes for you your lady and your baby.   

 

Thank you for your encouraging words! I think that was what I needed, feel a little bit better now ????

 

It's not my first child but it's good to be remembered about the good times ahead. Thanks!

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, Berti said:

 

Thank you for your encouraging words! I think that was what I needed, feel a little bit better now ????

 

It's not my first child but it's good to be remembered about the good times ahead. Thanks!

I am glad I could help

You sound like a intelligent,  reasonable, and considerate person , as your concern for your lady and new childe indicates, I an sure you will make a great addition to this forum, I look forward to your future participation.

Regardless of different personalities, by virtue of the fact that got up, and traveled around the world to make a family and to search for something new and different we share the common trait of taking charge of our lives, and controlling as best as we can your destinies.

 This virus situation , of being locked up , not being able to do the things we think are best for us and our loved ones, this helplessness, goes against the grain of our personality. I share your frustration and I am sure most of us in this forum feel the same. 

Hung in there, and try to , as you said "think of the good times ahead", a few months and you will be walking with your lady, family and new baby in the cool festive air at  night market in your Thai home town.

 

PS: get an avatar, us old guys have enough trouble remembering our own names, never mind others, but we can alway remember a picture. 

Edited May 1, 2020 by sirineou
typo

[Berti]

6 hours ago, sirineou said:

I am glad I could help

You sound like a intelligent,  reasonable, and considerate person , as your concern for your lady and new childe indicates, I an sure you will make a great addition to this forum, I look forward to your future participation.

Regardless of different personalities, by virtue of the fact that got up, and traveled around the world to make a family and to search for something new and different we share the common trait of taking charge of our lives, and controlling as best as we can your destinies.

 This virus situation , of being locked up , not being able to do the things we think are best for us and our loved ones, this helplessness, goes against the grain of our personality. I share your frustration and I am sure most of us in this forum feel the same. 

Hung in there, and try to , as you said "think of the good times ahead", a few months and you will be walking with your lady, family and new baby in the cool festive air at  night market in your Thai home town.

 

PS: get an avatar, us old guys have enough trouble remembering our own names, never mind others, but we can alway remember a picture. 

I hope you can remember my new avatar ????

 

To all the people out there who are separated from their families and loved ones in these difficult times: The night is darkest just before sunrise.

[Salerno]

8 hours ago, RotBenz8888 said:

Would you mind posting a link or perhaps a hint where i can find it?

https://thepattayanews.com/2020/04/29/thai-government-spokesperson-says-they-are-aware-of-foreigners-with-valid-visas-trying-to-return-to-thailand-looking-at-situation/

[samsensam]

10 hours ago, RotBenz8888 said:

Stuck in Sweden, have 2 young kids in Bangkok, we're talking hours everyday on Line. Hope they let us with non o visas enter soon, if they put me in 14d quaranten then so be it. Have to get back to my family.

 

surely it's not a case of being put into 14 day quarantine, in order to protect your family and loved ones you would quarantine yourself for 14 days, wouldn't you?!

 

[cornishcarlos]

19 hours ago, OnTheGround said:

From another local news site April 30:

Thai Government spokesperson says they are aware of foreigners with valid visas trying to return to Thailand, looking at situation.

 

 

That's ok if you had a valid visa before all this kicked off.. I'm in Singapore and my Non Imm O multi expired in February. Plan was to come back in on a visa exempt and do a trip to Laos for a new visa. That is not likely to be an option in the near future. 

I just hope they do see some sense and let spouses back in asap, quarantine for sure but let us in....

[AKJeff]

I am stuck in Bali.  Things were pretty good here but are starting to tighten up a bit.  I can't walk along the beach path anymore, they closed it.  But food of all kinds is still available.  And so is alcohol but I don't drink alone so I have two beers sitting in my refrigerator for weeks now.  (Good dark beer BTW). Biggest issue is not being in Thailand with friends or America with family, just here alone. 

 

Just as a side note.  I have lived in eight states and none of the people in those state I talk with would agree with most of the news you read about America.  Hospital are empty, I know two ER nurses, everything is available, though there were some shortages during the panic buying of the early day. The majority people I know are still going to work daily or working from home.  School is out so people are watching each other's children and playing in the back yard.  

 

I digress, I have a non-o and property in Thailand and hope they will open it up in June or July but my biggest concern is since I am in Indonesia and a US passport holder that will make it longer for me, both being hot spots.  But I hope they do look at long stay people differently sooner rather than later.

[ross163103]

On 4/30/2020 at 7:43 AM, sirineou said:

How many of you who have family , homes, and responsibilities in Thailand are trapped in the west?  Shouldn't the Thai government make allowances for those of as who have families and homes in Thailand?

I've lived in Thailand full time for 27 years, but work overseas on time on/time off basis. Now stuck outside and can't get back in with extension of stay expiring in June. I agree fully that the Thai govt should recognize the difference between a two week tourist and someone who has established a life in Thailand, is a stable individual, and contributes to the Thai economy in many different ways. 

[TTSIssues]

As someone who has been tee total for over 10 years, I find it most peculiar all the people on this forum who can’t survive for a few weeks with no alcohol - trust me, after a while you won’t miss it and your body will thank you for it for the rest of your life. 

[1FinickyOne]

Well, life might not be too much different anywhere these days... but yes, I have friends locked down in Maui who would like to be here and a freind who left here to be in Maui... [not same person] 

 

I have a nice country home here so it is not bad and lots of family with me, and though you can go out, there really isn't any place to go... I guess every place is North Dakota these days, other than the climate. 

[stag4]

Stuck in Perth Australia until the flights resume, at least the weather has been good so far and shopping centres, bottle shops are open????

[Raywa]

21 hours ago, Berti said:

If this continues I will miss the birth of our baby. Sad and depressing.

It is not as easy just being in the safest place at the moment with plenty of booze and everybody telling you how lucky you are.. I feel for you as all I want to do is be with my loved ones also. I came back to Australia for just 4 weeks and ended up with a detached retina and could not fly for 3 weeks. They closed border 3 days before I could fly back. I would do and pay anything to get back.