SURVEY: Do you agree with the gov’t plan for the return of expats?

[baansgr]

51 minutes ago, NightSky said:

The hotel isolation and associated mandatory costs have 'SCAM' written all over it..

 

If the wife and I were outside Thailand and we returned now, we have our own home to go to self isolate if required. Why would we want to pay 100k for the privilege.

And how will you get to your home...certainly at some point you will have contact with people getting there...isolating incoming travellers is the only way to avoid spreading the disease. That's worldwide not just Thailand...I know someone that is returning to the UK, will take a bus from the airport to the train station, then spend 5 hours on the train mingling with people...probably having immediate contact with hundreds of people. Self isolation just dosn't work, not to even mention trusting people

[expat_4_life]

I wish they would open it up for anyone with a re-entry permit, make it simple.

After all, if you have a re-entry permit, you're on extension of stay and likely

call Thailand home.

[Prince77]

4 hours ago, TrevorC said:

There should be an option to self isolate for those who have accommodation.

Fully agree, although personally I would not stay at home for two weeks to be honest, which might be the reason why they have those strict rules.

[richard_smith237]

21 minutes ago, ryane66 said:

My Thai wife , her son and l have been stuck out of Thailand now for 3 1/2 months. Plenty of time to think and plan for the future. We are in no hurry to return and when we do it will be to sell everything and leave permanently. Country run by a regime of dinosaurs. Our money will be spent where we are appreciated and valued. The regime has very effectively turned many Thais against non Asian foreigners. 

I feel you. 

This issue has trigged a desire for me to move my family to a country which values the family unit.

I have never expected to be privileged in Thailand or valued for the money I have spent there etc which is infinitesimally minute compared to the bigger picture, even if tens of thousands of expats leave because of this issue, there will be no noticeable dent in the Thai economy as a consequence. 

 

The issue for me is Thailand has failed to value peoples rights to return to their home. Some will argue that we are only guests, fair enough, we are, but we are guests who own cars, condo’s, have Wives and Children.

 

This issue has highlighted how Thailand can shut down at any point in the future and we cannot return home. A precedent has been set whereby families are separated. Thailand even shut out its own nationals over ‘fit to fly’ rules which were initiated quite quickly - hundreds of returning Thai’s were prevented from taking their return flights. 

 

I want to be able to travel to work (over seas) safe in the knowledge that I will be able to return home to my family even if there has been a second wave of Covid-19, or an outbreak of Flu, or another CoronaVirus.... or even if there is social unrest and the government decides to shut everything down.

 

Civilised nations have recognised human rights. Had my family been living in the UK and the situation been reversed, my Wife would not have been rejected entry into the UK. 

 

Now, some will use Thailand's low numbers as a measure of the success of this lockdown policy, however, I don’t believe this to be true. Thailand has just been very lucky that the weather (high UV) has had a significant impact in limiting the spread of the Virus, additionally, Thailand has a government which appears to have a vested interest in keeping the reported numbers low (when someone dies of Pneumonia, if they are not tested for Covid-19, then its not counted as a Covid-19 death, where as other countries, if someone dies from stage 4 cancer and also has Covid-19, its counted as a Covid-19 death). The US for example is employing more and more testing, so naturally it will report more Covid-19 cases, whereas Thailand which is not testing nationwide will not be recognising any new cases as they are only testing those people who are unwell. 

 

Thus, the lock down of Thailand is no longer about protecting the population, but to provide 'confirmation bias’ that the Politicians (Generals) have been making the right decisions - “Look at us, we saved you all from Covid-19”.... and “sorry we killed the economy, but it was for your own good” (and we don’t care because we are rich anyway and a loss of income doesn’t hurt us).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Skeptic7]

Those with Marriage or Retirement extensions should be in a high priority category...much higher than simply 'anyone who wants to visit'. There are financial requirements and other responsibilities for those types of year-long extensions. Many of us, whether married or not, live there and have lives and families and responsibilities there. It seems rather easy. No clue why this should be so difficult to figure out. Of course have a mandatory quarantine and testing, all at the entrants expense, but for goodness sake...LET US COME HOME. 

[Damual Travesty]

Focusing only on me, because I am all that matters to me - I am currently in Thailand. I will need to leave around the beginning of the year. I will go to the USA for routine medical check up to include colonoscopy and any associated follow-up. I am concerned about being able to smoothly return, and I am concerned about this added insurance policy of $ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND US DOLLARS <deleted>! - So as I currently Do have insurance , but not that amount I am concerned about having to take on additional ?Travellers insurance? I assume?

 

In the States I am concerned that the backlog at the VA hospital due covid-19 may also be an issue (Any US VETS out there may have comment on this), but anyhow the world kind of sucks right now don't it!

 

So yeah I am watching things. Still a few months off but time flies when you are getting old.

[Paiman]

1 hour ago, Don Mega said:

care to elaborate on why you think Iam full of <deleted> ?

Or are you just a snidey <deleted> that needs a forum holiday.

When I read what you write.

 

It's just the logic result. Like 2 + 2 = 4. No other outcome possible.

[Seeall]

4 hours ago, TrevorC said:

There should be an option to self isolate for those who have accommodation.

 huh..... why cant rent a room same...

[Mikeasq60]

3 hours ago, Jumbo1968 said:

Spain has dropped the 14 day quarantine period and France, Germany, Greece and Italy are in talks with U.K. Officials, Thailand can’t keep the 14 Day Quarantine forever or the $100k insurance, conduct a poll where Tourist go where people are living on the streets and depending on food handouts, I think you will find that the answer is yes allow the Tourist back. The government don’t care about these workers and are only thinking of their health not the well beings of the people employed in the Tourist Industry.

 

 

I don't understand why Thailand isn't really touching on the subject of those outside of Thailand trying to get back into Thailand to be with their Thai spouses. How can Thailand be so cold. Going to start calling us embassy bangkok,  and Thai Immigrantion on a daily basis so they know my name and what the issue is. Does anybody think China is influencing Thailand on any decisions inside of Thailand?  I do because China is financing many projects in the country 

[DaRoadrunner]

21 minutes ago, Mikeasq60 said:

 

I don't understand why Thailand isn't really touching on the subject of those outside of Thailand trying to get back into Thailand to be with their Thai spouses. How can Thailand be so cold. Going to start calling us embassy bangkok,  and Thai Immigrantion on a daily basis so they know my name and what the issue is. Does anybody think China is influencing Thailand on any decisions inside of Thailand?  I do because China is financing many projects in the country 

It would not surprise me if they let the Chinese in before us Filthy Farang.

 

All these restrictions and requirements for entry fly in the face of a recent statement that they intend to re-open Khaosarn Rd in August. Well thought out plan it is as usual.... Just how are the backpackers going to enter the country?

 

Obviously the current regs will have to go or no one will want to come here.

 

Had enough of living in a country run by morons. There are other places to go.

Edited June 21, 2020 by DaRoadrunner

[Peterphuket]

5 hours ago, Bender Rodriguez said:

58 people died, is there a site with statistics about their age, gender, chronic diseases they had before entering the hospital ?

You want statistics about 58 people??

Impossible if you want to value it.

[sanuk711]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Now, some will use Thailand's low numbers as a measure of the success of this lockdown policy, however, I don’t believe this to be true. Thailand has just been very lucky that the weather (high UV) has had a significant impact in limiting the spread of the Virus, additionally,

Yer Just ask Brazil.....January and February, with an average high-temperature of 30.2°C...they wouldn't be affected with your reasoning would they...

I am sure  Indonesia would also agree temperature on Sat 1 degree higher than BKK 32--numbers 3 days ago----42,762 cases, 2,339 dead, Bali is now officially a basket case......don't  know why the UV didn't kill it all off.

 

And now that Thailand has done nothing to keep the numbers down to just 58 --"it was just a stroke of luck" so we can move on to the next theory---Oh yer, they (the dark forces) are really out to ruin the economy....

 

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

we killed the economy, but it was for your own good” (and we don’t care because we are rich anyway and a loss of income doesn’t hurt us).

Gosh where is my tin foil hat--- I often compare Thailand with the UK because its approx same size same population.........everything going well there? Or are the dark forces behind that complete mess. Maybe you like to name a country not affected by this pandemic.

 

And of course the last theory, lots more people died but it was all kept  a secret.... by putting it down as something else............ LOL

Like no one notices when 1,000s of people start coughing up & falling over in the Moo barns ---your not getting mixed up with the dark forces of other countries are you....

 

UK Ministers have been accused of playing down the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic

after it emerged that more than 1,000 people died every day in the UK for 22 consecutive days

Nearly 1,500 deaths in one day: – in stark contrast with daily tolls announced by the government.

 

No countries are coming out of this good, but if a sophisticated and advanced country like Britain has 20 times more deaths  IN A single DAY  then the whole of Thailand had for the complete pandemic.  No matter how you cut this--they must have done something right here---- and doing this maybe have had some over kill, maybe have hurt a lot of families/love ones kept them apart broken relationships, sent people bankrupt---(same as nearly everywhere else). Sure we are sorry for them==like we are sorry for the  family's of 2,500 the dead 1 hours flight away from here, or the near 50,000 dead in my home country.

 

But Please enough with the conspiracy's 

 

 

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The issue for me is Thailand has failed to value peoples rights to return to their home. Some will argue that we are only guests, fair enough, we are, but we are guests who own cars, condo’s, have Wives and Children.

I get so sick of this rubbish. You have temporary permission of stay. What the F does cars and condos have to do with it. What is you're current permission of stay and re-entry permit state.

I live in bkk 7+ year with same partner. Defacto. 

I would have zip chance to bring her to AU right now even if married. That's why I have  extension based on retirement.

[Pattaya46]

3 hours ago, Mikeasq60 said:

I don't understand why Thailand isn't really touching on the subject of those outside of Thailand trying to get back into Thailand to be with their Thai spouses. How can Thailand be so cold. //

Nothing difficult to understand though. There are still thousands of Thai citizens stuck abroad and waiting to be repatriated in Thailand! They just are on the priority list and you are not. And nothing strange; you will find the same "priority to our citizens" politic in many (most?) countries.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The issue for me is Thailand has failed to value peoples rights to return to their home. Some will argue that we are only guests, fair enough, we are, but we are guests who own cars, condo’s, have Wives and Children.

I get so sick of this rubbish. You have temporary permission of stay. What the F does cars and condos have to do with it. What is you're current permission of stay and re-entry permit state.

I live in bkk 7+ year with same partner. Defacto. 

 

I have permanent permission of stay (life long Thai Elite Visa), but thats beside the point which was Thailand has prevented entry to people who call Thailand home.

 

People who own cars, condos, have families in Thailand, Children at School in Thailand can show that Thailand is their home - There is no reason to prevent these people entry. This is the whole point. 

 

My Wife has a 10 year visa to the UK, she can come to the UK at any time. But, the 2 week quarantine upon return to Bangkok (before schools re-start) is no place for a 6 year old to be, so my Wife and Son will not be travelling to the UK. 

 

I think the continued ban on flights is unnecessary, the quarantine is unnecessary - there are other perfectly workable solutions such as testing on arrival and ’track and trace’.

 

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

I would have zip chance to bring her to AU right now even if married. That's why I have  extension based on retirement.

 

If your Wife (Thai I assume) were living with you, she would have a Visa (either residency or Partner / Partner and Child Visa) - you have presented a false argument, if outside of Aus at lockdown she would be permitted entry into Australia on an available flight. The Australian government is not keeping families separated and not enforcing a state lockdown upon returnees, instead going for the ’self isolation’ option which people can do in their own homes. 

 

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/covid-19-australia-covid-19-migration-faqs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, sanuk711 said:

Yer Just ask Brazil.....January and February, with an average high-temperature of 30.2°C...they wouldn't be affected with your reasoning would they...

I am sure  Indonesia would also agree temperature on Sat 1 degree higher than BKK 32--numbers 3 days ago----42,762 cases, 2,339 dead, Bali is now officially a basket case......don't  know why the UV didn't kill it all off.

 

And now that Thailand has done nothing to keep the numbers down to just 58 --"it was just a stroke of luck" so we can move on to the next theory---Oh yer, they (the dark forces) are really out to ruin the economy....

 

Gosh where is my tin foil hat--- I often compare Thailand with the UK because its approx same size same population.........everything going well there? Or are the dark forces behind that complete mess. Maybe you like to name a country not affected by this pandemic.

 

And of course the last theory, lots more people died but it was all kept  a secret.... by putting it down as something else............ LOL

Like no one notices when 1,000s of people start coughing up & falling over in the Moo barns ---your not getting mixed up with the dark forces of other countries are you....

 

UK Ministers have been accused of playing down the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic

after it emerged that more than 1,000 people died every day in the UK for 22 consecutive days

Nearly 1,500 deaths in one day: – in stark contrast with daily tolls announced by the government.

 

No countries are coming out of this good, but if a sophisticated and advanced country like Britain has 20 times more deaths  IN A single DAY  then the whole of Thailand had for the complete pandemic.  No matter how you cut this--they must have done something right here---- and doing this maybe have had some over kill, maybe have hurt a lot of families/love ones kept them apart broken relationships, sent people bankrupt---(same as nearly everywhere else). Sure we are sorry for them==like we are sorry for the  family's of 2,500 the dead 1 hours flight away from here, or the near 50,000 dead in my home country.

 

But Please enough with the conspiracy's 

 

 

Fair points with the comparison between Brazil and Indonesia, however, my point was specific to High UV index (Sunlight) rather than ambient temperature (the virus survives in the body at 37 deg C). 

 

Thailand locked down relatively late given the onset of its outbreak. I recall the posts discussing the numbers of Chinese still travelling to Thailand, even during the Wuhan lockdown. Yet, Thailand must have still locked down early enough - a key factor in the fight against Covid-19, keeping the numbers below a critical mass. That said, weather (sunlight - the UV index) has surely played a significant roll, a far greater roll than is given credit for I believe. 

 

Indonesia’s ‘dry’ season starts in April, monsoon season from November to April - thus less direct sunlight, lower UV index.

Thailand had direct sunlight throughout the Covid-19 crisis, as have neighbouring countries which also have low Covid-19 numbers. 

Brazils rainy season is October to March, again, a lower UV index. 

 

I believe (and I could be mistaken of course) that ‘direct sunlight’ specifically a UV index has played an important roll in mitigating the impact of the Virus. 

 

Singapore is just one big underground shopping mall, the climate has had less impact on those figures. 

 

 

 

 

 

[NightSky]

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Current news today. Big sport in AU is aussie rules football. An Irish player for one of the team's recently returned from o/s.

Required set rules to follow. Did not conform. Went visiting friends etc. Now has tested positive. That was from transmission in AU. Continued training with team mates. 

Self isolation is a joke. 

I wouldn't have a problem self isolating at home.

 

Edited June 21, 2020 by NightSky

[richard_smith237]

7 minutes ago, NightSky said:

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Current news today. Big sport in AU is aussie rules football. An Irish player for one of the team's recently returned from o/s.

Required set rules to follow. Did not conform. Went visiting friends etc. Now has tested positive. That was from transmission in AU. Continued training with team mates. 

Self isolation is a joke. 

I wouldn't have a problem self isolating at home.

Upon my return to the UK (in April) I rented a small property and did self isolate for two weeks, this was before it was a requirement, it seemed the right thing to do. Thus, I have absolutely no issues self isolating at home. 

 

Self Isolation is not a joke. Failure to enforce the rules is a joke. If people break self isolation regulations there should be harsh and firm penalties.

 

Some will break the regulations, there will be anecdotes and stories of people who are careless. However, we have to remember that people are travelling (to Thailand) after taking a Covid-19 test, thus, while there is risk of asymptomatic Covid-19 carriers entering Thailand, the risk is very slim - thus, 14 days self isolation at home is sufficient IMO. 

 

14 days self isolation at home will allow Thai’s to be repatriated more quickly and foreigners to get back to their homes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChristianBlessing]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

"I believe (and I could be mistaken of course) that ‘direct sunlight’ specifically a UV index has played an important roll in mitigating the impact of the Virus. 

 

Singapore is just one big underground shopping mall, the climate has had less impact on those figures."

I live in the state of Arizona, in the US southwest. The average UV index here is roughly equivalent to that of much of Thailand (11+) yet the prevalence of infections and deaths is orders of magnitude higher than that of Thailand. 

 

I would offer that perhaps Thailand, along with its neighbors throughout Asia, has seen a much lower rate of infection and deaths because the genetic nature of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the region differs significantly from the variation afflicting Europe and North/South America. There has been significant research into the mutations the virus seems to have undergone as it traveled from its origins to Europe and eventually the Americas. While far from conclusive it appears that Thailand, by locking down and barring international arrivals when it did, may have avoided contact with a more lethal form of the virus.

[DrJack54]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

14 days self isolation at home will allow Thai’s to be repatriated more quickly and foreigners to get back to their homes. 

Do you dream this stuff up by yourself or get help. I recall a post (true) a chap asking if he can have Thai wife meet him swampy and drive to their home in Udon and stay in isolation for 14 days.

I guess 7/11 were going to deliver their food. Self isolation does not work.

[DrJack54]

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Yet, Thailand must have still locked down early enough - a key factor in the fight against Covid-19, keeping the numbers below a critical mass.

Rubbish. Countries such as Vietnam, NZ, AU stopped foreign nationals 18, 19 and 20 march. Many other countries similar.

Thailand March 26. 

In fact China banned group flights from China to Thailand earlier than 26.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

14 days self isolation at home will allow Thai’s to be repatriated more quickly and foreigners to get back to their homes. 

Do you dream this stuff up by yourself or get help. I recall a post (true) a chap asking if he can have Thai wife meet him swampy and drive to their home in Udon and stay in isolation for 14 days.

I guess 7/11 were going to deliver their food. Self isolation does not work.

Whats wrong with that? - If my Wife and Son were to come to the UK, I would meet them at the airport and we’d all isolate together - a perfectly reasonable solution. 

 

In Thailand, there are plenty of food delivery services, even at the peak when they were busy it was possible to order online and set a collection time - there was no need to exit your car, the shopping would be placed directly into your boot (trunk).

 

My In Laws have been receiving food deliveries at home in Bangkok for the past 2 months (since lock down), now things opened up a little, they either visit my Wife and eat at our house or my Wife visits them with food. 

 

There are workable solutions, and yes, every 7-11 is delivering, so is pretty much every other food outlet. 

 

The bread a butter of many (if not all) the restaurants has been food delivery. 

 

 

Self Isolation does work. It requires ‘most’ to adhere to the regulations and thus requires stiff penalties for breaking the regulations. Track and Trace, Geofencing etc all possibilities and far better possibilities than the costly quarantine.

 

Some will break the regulations and provide your anecdotes, most however, will follow the rules, especially if there are severe penalties.

 

 

 

 

[vinny41]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I have permanent permission of stay (life long Thai Elite Visa), but thats beside the point which was Thailand has prevented entry to people who call Thailand home.

 

People who own cars, condos, have families in Thailand, Children at School in Thailand can show that Thailand is their home - There is no reason to prevent these people entry. This is the whole point. 

 

My Wife has a 10 year visa to the UK, she can come to the UK at any time. But, the 2 week quarantine upon return to Bangkok (before schools re-start) is no place for a 6 year old to be, so my Wife and Son will not be travelling to the UK. 

 

I think the continued ban on flights is unnecessary, the quarantine is unnecessary - there are other perfectly workable solutions such as testing on arrival and ’track and trace’.

 

 

If your Wife (Thai I assume) were living with you, she would have a Visa (either residency or Partner / Partner and Child Visa) - you have presented a false argument, if outside of Aus at lockdown she would be permitted entry into Australia on an available flight. The Australian government is not keeping families separated and not enforcing a state lockdown upon returnees, instead going for the ’self isolation’ option which people can do in their own homes. 

 

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/covid-19-australia-covid-19-migration-faqs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1. Who are exempt from the overseas arrival ban and can still enter Australia?

All overseas arrivals will be placed in hotel isolation for 14 days at the place of their arrival. For example, a Queensland resident arriving in Australia at the Melbourne Airport will be placed in isolation in a hotel in Melbourne upon their arrival.

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/covid-19-australia-covid-19-migration-faqs

 

Self Isolation in Australia is not an option according to this web site

[Don Mega]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I have permanent permission of stay (life long Thai Elite Visa), but thats beside the point which was Thailand has prevented entry to people who call Thailand home.

 

I thought that long term tourist visa had 5 yearly renewals ?

[scorecard]

18 hours ago, Surasak said:

I can't believe this is the government looking for approval. Or is it?

No, it's a survey posed by a member of the Thai Visa moderator team, no connection to the Thai government. Nothing more nothing less.

Edited June 22, 2020 by scorecard

[Jimbo53]

15 hours ago, pineapple01 said:

Good 4idea.save em using agents and whingin about Nong Nooch.

And what about the Expats who dont use Agents,and use the 800k in the bank as required,and their primary residence is in Thailand in foreign ownership properties,that have lived in Thailand for years,but stranded in other countries like Australia,when they went on holiday,even with insurance that covers Covid-19,and are not allowed back in.

Absolute BS. TIT..

[GalaxyMan]

16 hours ago, possum1931 said:

When I wanted to come and stay in Thailand about 14 years ago and was told I would need 400.000 or 800,000 Bt in my bank account, although I could easily afford it, I would not have stayed, and just went somewhere else.

And you would have been cutting off your nose to spite your face, especially in light of the fact that you say you 'could easily afford it'. Small price to pay to live here, assuming affordability. ????

[Farmerkev]

Why required to stay in quarantine? Once you've received a negative result for covid19 whilst in quaratine and then again with another test whats the reason for continuing with the quarantine?Surely after these tests if negative you should be allowed to get out

[pineapple01]

Wifes Friend went to Switzerland where her Daughters at School. Had a Holiday about 5 weeks ago with her . Depends the persons nature i suppose. Asked her about it. "isolation in BKK was tedious" was all she found to say.Not one to play Drama Queen. 

[NoshowJones]

14 minutes ago, GalaxyMan said:

And you would have been cutting off your nose to spite your face, especially in light of the fact that you say you 'could easily afford it'. Small price to pay to live here, assuming affordability. ????

Wrong, no Thai or any other foreigner has to have any money in a bank account in my home country. Any foreigner living in Thailand is contributing to the countrys economy, in many cases taking families out of poverty, there is need to hammer them with draconian rules.