I took a domestic flight and got detained, so that you don’t have to

 by MATT HUNT

 

Photo: Arrivals hall at Chiang Mai International Airport / Credit: Matt Hunt, Thisrupt

 

In late April, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that some domestic flights would start to operate again, albeit with restrictions. The following is my experience flying on a domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on 5 May 2020. 

 

The trip started in an overall good mood, which did not last. 

 

Pre-boarding

 

I heard a rumor late last week that anyone departing for a domestic flight should arrive three hours early. This is to ensure enough time for going through the proper screening protocols. 

 

Normally, I’d aim to be at the airport about an hour before departure for a domestic flight. However, I understand that all of these regulations are new and will surely need some time to be ironed out as people start taking to the skies again. 

 

To be safe, I arrived at DMK (Don Muang International Airport) at 6am for my 9am flight to Chiang Mai. 

 

Full story: https://thisrupt.co/current-affairs/i-took-a-domestic-flight-so-that-you-dont-have-to/

 

-- DISRUPT 2020 05-07

It's a safety protocol to ensure zero or minimal transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

 

 

 

 

 

This story has already been posted.

Always have a local bar girls number in your phone.

For a small fee they would be happy to collect you from the airport.

"They insisted that if I didn’t know someone who can assume responsibility for my whereabouts, that I would be placed in a “Local Quarantine” for 14 days"

 

 

"if a person doesn’t have accommodation, there’ll be a 14-day quarantine. 

However, I came to Chiang Mai with accommodation already arranged that was not with a local person. They insisted that if I could have the owner of the hotel come to pick me up, that they would let me go. They also told me that if I could have my Thai wife come and retrieve me, that would be acceptable."

 

Anyone fancy flying?

 

Edit: this is quote from the Link, see the ". Not my personal experience.

 

 

So what did you do?

10 minutes ago, OnTheGround said:

"They insisted that if I didn’t know someone who can assume responsibility for my whereabouts, that I would be placed in a “Local Quarantine” for 14 days"

 

 

"if a person doesn’t have accommodation, there’ll be a 14-day quarantine. 

However, I came to Chiang Mai with accommodation already arranged that was not with a local person. They insisted that if I could have the owner of the hotel come to pick me up, that they would let me go. They also told me that if I could have my Thai wife come and retrieve me, that would be acceptable."

 

Anyone fancy flying?

 

10 minutes ago, OnTheGround said:

"They insisted that if I didn’t know someone who can assume responsibility for my whereabouts, that I would be placed in a “Local Quarantine” for 14 days"

 

I.M.O. both reasonable requests under present circumstances.

"if a person doesn’t have accommodation, there’ll be a 14-day quarantine. 

However, I came to Chiang Mai with accommodation already arranged that was not with a local person. They insisted that if I could have the owner of the hotel come to pick me up, that they would let me go. They also told me that if I could have my Thai wife come and retrieve me, that would be acceptable."

 

Anyone fancy flying?

 

As journalist you should have known that leaving the province of your residency that you have to undergo a 14 day quarantine in the province you arrive. You were anyway lucky to find someone to guarantee for you, otherwise you would have landed in a state quarantaine facility......   

In my area visitors from another province intending to stay for an extended period must report to the local Covid 19 testing station. A test is done and the local Moo boss must escort them to their approved lodgings and do periodic checks. 14 days quarantine.

39 minutes ago, steven100 said:

so your point is ....   ?

You didn't bother to click on the link and read the last 2 paragraphs about what happened on arrival, I would guess...

4 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

You didn't bother to click on the link and read the last 2 paragraphs about what happened on arrival, I would guess...

I did read it albeit a waste of time. It is widely known and publicized that travel to other provinces requires quarantine for 14 days.  Why do some folks have to make a big deal out of a simple request, procedure and requirement by the authorities. This is common sense and will help to stop transmission & infection rate increases.  I just don't get what the OP is trying to say ....  is it an attempt to make the authorities look bad because he was inconvenienced in some way  ?

So are the flights the OP is taking essential? If not then should have stayed at home.

We used to have a teacher at school with the surname of "Hunt" - kids used to call him "Silic".

1 minute ago, Phuketshrew said:

So are the flights the OP is taking essential? If not then should have stayed at home.

We used to have a teacher at school with the surname of "Hunt" - kids used to call him "Silic".

No the journalist thought he would go out on a little 3 day holiday to Chiang mai........stupid idea really.

5 minutes ago, steven100 said:

I did read it albeit a waste of time. It is widely known and publicized that travel to other provinces requires quarantine for 14 days.  Why do some folks have to make a big deal out of a simple request, procedure and requirement by the authorities. This is common sense and will help to stop transmission & infection rate increases.  I just don't get what the OP is trying to say ....  is it an attempt to make the authorities look bad because he was inconvenienced in some way  ?

Agree, think the OP was treated fairly and given the option. Members should be happy with that caution being applied.Just wondering what applied to Thai folk returning?

The seat plan proves it's all BS. Empty seat in center of row, but just as close to person in front.

 

3 people in photo with eye shield and hostie has goggles. Everyone else without eye protection might as well not bother with the mask.

24 minutes ago, steven100 said:

Why do some folks have to make a big deal out of a simple request, procedure and requirement by the authorities.

Easiest is to not admit you arrive from elsewhere.

That's what all the Thais do.

17 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Agree, think the OP was treated fairly and given the option. Members should be happy with that caution being applied.Just wondering what applied to Thai folk returning?

If he was treated fairly ........... 

1) The airline wouldn't be allowed to sell a 3 day return ticket to a destination that required a 14 day quarantine.

2) Thais would have been required to follow the same restrictions.

 

This is just more racist xenophobia from the Thai authorities.

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

If he was treated fairly ........... 

The airline wouldn't be allowed to sell a 3 day return ticket to a destination that required a 14 day quarantine.

14 days is not mandated if you meet the criteria. As to your reply the ways Thai,s do it, aircraft came from elsewhere?

Just now, Olmate said:

14 days is not mandated if you meet the criteria. As to your reply the ways Thai,s do it, aircraft came from elsewhere?

I'm guessing English isn't your 1st language.

8:50am is too early to be really drunk.

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

I'm guessing English isn't your 1st language.

8:50am is too early to be really drunk.

Can,t answer so thro slurs, suggest you stick to your favourite topic

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

I did read it albeit a waste of time. It is widely known and publicized that travel to other provinces requires quarantine for 14 days.  Why do some folks have to make a big deal out of a simple request, procedure and requirement by the authorities. This is common sense and will help to stop transmission & infection rate increases.  I just don't get what the OP is trying to say ....  is it an attempt to make the authorities look bad because he was inconvenienced in some way  ?

Hey Steve I didn't know of the above, suffice to say being in Isaan, am thinking to take the family on a weeks holiday by car down south to Ko Lanta, stopping at Hua Hin (mid-point) for a couple of days, same at Ao Nang to break up the total driving journey of around 20 hours to Ko Lanta.

 

Surely this wouldn't apply to us ?

 

I mean can we travel out of our province to go on holiday or should I forget it ? 

Thanks for the report

 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Always have a local bar girls number in your phone.

For a small fee they would be happy to collect you from the airport.

I assume your phone has multiple choices.

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

 It is widely known and publicized that travel to other provinces requires quarantine for 14 days.

But not all provinces!!! That is the point! Each of the 76 Provinces in Thailand have their own set of rules and guidelines! It would seem that the ridiculous Thai Government has divested itself of all responsibility and allowed the tin pot Governors in each province to make it up as they go along!  As far as I can see, there is no central database where people can go to check out the rules of each governor.  Someone in Government needs to take control!!!

26 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Hey Steve I didn't know of the above, suffice to say being in Isaan, am thinking to take the family on a weeks holiday by car down south to Ko Lanta, stopping at Hua Hin (mid-point) for a couple of days, same at Ao Nang to break up the total driving journey of around 20 hours to Ko Lanta.

 

Surely this wouldn't apply to us ?

 

I mean can we travel out of our province to go on holiday or should I forget it ? 

should be fine ... just had a long weekend of travelers moving around. The OP's story is about flying into Chiang Mai. No big deal imo.

I thought it was a good, well written article, written by a journalist, to show what it is like flying domestically.

 

 

 

 

 

For those who take time to follow the link in OP and pay attention to the last paragraphs, he was treated very fair and given many options. Ended with a fellow traveler signed a guarantee for him.

 

This serve as a reminder that this is not the time to travel, unless one are prepared for scrutiny and quarantine. Under the current situation, I don't see any wrong in this.

 

1 hour ago, Phuketshrew said:

So are the flights the OP is taking essential? If not then should have stayed at home.

We used to have a teacher at school with the surname of "Hunt" - kids used to call him "Silic".

We had a teach named Cant need I say what us pupils called him.

3 minutes ago, graemeaylward said:

But not all provinces!!! That is the point! Each of the 76 Provinces in Thailand have their own set of rules and guidelines! It would seem that the ridiculous Thai Government has divested itself of all responsibility and allowed the tin pot Governors in each province to make it up as they go along!  As far as I can see, there is no central database where people can go to check out the rules of each governor.  Someone in Government needs to take control!!!

This story was about flying into Chiang Mai airport .... not about driving from one province to another. Some restrictions have been lifted since Sunday. We just had a long weekend of folks traveling up country as you would have seen.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

I'm guessing English isn't your 1st language.

8:50am is too early to be really drunk.

Gee how surprising another grammar nazi.Do you spell cheek also.? Because my spelling and grammar is atrocious.Thanks in advance.