Thailand changes entry rules after new COVID-19 cases spark second wave fear

By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat

 

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's government tightened regulations for the entry of foreigners on Tuesday, after two new imported coronavirus cases with possible exposure to the public raised concern about a second wave of infections.

 

Thailand has been 50 days without confirmed local transmission of the coronavirus, but two cases among foreigners this week has led to the self-isolation of more than 400 people and fears on social media of a new contagion.

 

Those isolated may have been exposed to a 43-year-old crewman of an Egyptian military plane in eastern Rayong province and a 9-year-old girl and family member of a Sudanese diplomat in Bangkok.

 

Both were exempt from the mandatory 14-day state-supervised quarantine required for returnees.

 

The government acknowledged that regulations for diplomats and air crewmen, who were among a few categories of foreigners allowed to enter since March with self-isolation requirements, have been too lax.

 

"This should not happened, I am really sorry that it did and I want to apologise to the public," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

 

Concern spread among Thais online that a second wave of infections and a new lockdown could follow in a country fast returning to normalcy after restrictions were eased.

 

Two schools were closed in Bangkok on Tuesday and at least 10 shut in Rayong province, where the Egyptian had arrived last Wednesday and spent time at a mall before leaving on Saturday.

 

Shopping areas and streets were quiet in Rayong and according to media, about 90% of hotel bookings canceled.

 

All diplomats and family members, who were previously allowed to self-isolate in their residences, must now be quarantined under government supervision.

 

Short-term visit by businessmen and state guests who were allowed to enter as of July 1 have been suspended. Coronavirus tests given to those who may have been exposed to the two cases.

 

Thailand's coronavirus tally since January is 3,227 infections and 58 deaths.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-07-14

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Both were exempt from the mandatory 14-day state-supervised quarantine required for returnees.

Thai must stay home, loose the job, close the business, but the government/army allow government/army foreigners not quarantine. 

Why?

 

Deleted Idiots. 

Good decision.

10 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

All diplomats and family members, who were previously allowed to self-isolate in their residences, must now be quarantined under government supervision.

 

Short-term visit by businessmen and state guests who were allowed to enter as of July 1 have been suspended

Good move.

Continue to not be all about the money.

Protect Thailand and its people/residents first.

I hope this paranoia doesn’t spread such that those repatriating are prevented from entering. 

 

 

 

 

21 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

"This should not happened, I am really sorry that it did and I want to apologise to the public," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

At least he admitted his mistake. Everyone should be subject to quarantine regardless of who they are ow what job they happen to be doing.

 

The virus doesn't discriminate, neither should the government, they should quarantine either all of them or none of them.

 

 

30 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

"This should not happened, I am really sorry that it did and I want to apologise to the public," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

is this correct, did Prayut said that??? whowww big surprise, he does has some (small) balls

If one single case freaks the entire country out, what does that tell you of their test & trace capacity? By now, thanks to the long time in lockdowns, it should be a very well oiled and practiced machine.

 

Yes, that's sarcasm.

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I hope this paranoia doesn’t spread such that those repatriating are prevented from entering. 

 

 

 

 

Already has. All international flights suspended until further notice. 

6 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

Already has. All international flights suspended until further notice. 

From Egypt only.

23 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

If one single case freaks the entire country out, what does that tell you of their test & trace capacity? By now, thanks to the long time in lockdowns, it should be a very well oiled and practiced machine.

 

Yes, that's sarcasm.

I think for once in their life they are listening to public opinion to be honest.

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's government tightened regulations for the entry of foreigners on Tuesday, after two new imported coronavirus cases with possible exposure to the public raised concern about a second wave of infections.

Then the third wave, and the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh waves.

8 minutes ago, CALSinCM said:

Then the third wave, and the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh waves.

Maibpenrai!

 

This should not happened, I am really sorry that it did and I want to apologise to the public," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha

And gives me extended time to take even more extreme power measures no doubt at the ministry of filthy farang control ???? 

Think this through Thailand. If you stop aircrew from entering Thailand unless they go into quarantine, at a stroke, you will kill all international air traffic into the country. The vast majority of airlines, having arrived into Thailand, need to rest their flight crew for at least 24 to 36 hours  and then fly out. If they can't do this, they can't fly here, because the airlines will not 'double crew' just to save Thailand's ass.     

8 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

The vast majority of airlines, having arrived into Thailand, need to rest their flight crew for at least 24 to 36 hours  and then fly out. If they can't do this, they can't fly here, because the airlines will not 'double crew' just to save Thailand's ass.     

They don't have to be quarantined for 14 days.

They only need to be required under a very strict enforcement (if not already implemented) to stay in their quarantined rooms for the duration of their rest.

11 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

Think this through Thailand. If you stop aircrew from entering Thailand unless they go into quarantine, at a stroke, you will kill all international air traffic into the country. The vast majority of airlines, having arrived into Thailand, need to rest their flight crew for at least 24 to 36 hours  and then fly out. If they can't do this, they can't fly here, because the airlines will not 'double crew' just to save Thailand's ass.     

 

Dunno... I'm guessing, they CAN do this.... just that the quick turnaround flight crews would be restricted to hotel quarantine facilities, and not be able to go traipsing around town.

 

But actually, while the Reuters article above talks about the Egyptian guy's case, the changes in entry policy that the article lists don't appear to pertain to air crews at all, and only to diplomats and their families, businessmen and state guests. The Egyptian guy may have been classed as the later, but regular airline crews have their own category for entry. And that isn't mentioned in the OP article.

 

1 minute ago, unheard said:

They don't have to be quarantined for 14 days.

They only need to be required under a very strict enforcement (if not already implemented) to stay in their quarantined rooms for the duration of their rest.

Really, that is not what the report says, nor what the PM appears to be considering. They <deleted> off the airlines at their peril.  Many are considering cutting flights to and through BKK due to the foot dragging and intransigence of the Thai government, including my ex employers.  

3 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

Many are considering cutting flights to and through BKK

I don't see anything in the article that would make airlines to reconsider their schedules.

Just now, unheard said:

I don't see anything in the article that would make airlines to reconsider their schedules.

My wife has just been reading a report on a Thai website that says aircrew may become subject to additional restrictions, if implemented by the PM, who is considering such a move.  Lets hope he sees sense. . 

6 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

My wife has just been reading a report on a Thai website that says aircrew may become subject to additional restrictions, if implemented by the PM, who is considering such a move.  Lets hope he sees sense. . 

Even in the pre-virus times some airlines were voicing their concerns regarding their crews neglecting and not abiding by the resting schedules.

I don't see a problem if it's now strictly enforced.

They should be resting instead of shopping non-stop.

Edited July 14, 20205 yr by unheard

bottom line is people cannot be trusted, shut the door before it blows up in your face..

1 hour ago, sungod said:

I think for once in their life they are listening to public opinion to be honest.

The problem is the the public opinion has been formed during the last months and the "TH is so great, we have 0 cases since XX days" praising. And now you see how they freak out with 2 new cases! While is totally unacceptable that those two cases were able to enter the country without quarantine, the "0 case"praising" is the wrong approach. It will take time for them to understand, that a constant 0 in cases is impossible! The country can`t be closed forever and quarantine for everyone who enter TH can`t continue forever. They have to adapt to live with the virus while focusing on security measures. 

Even if there`s a vaccine in 2021, no way countries in Europe will make this vaccination mandatory for everyone.

Edited July 14, 20205 yr by SpanishExpat

The reaction to this doesn't bode well for any future hope of opening up. 

 

Things looking very bleak. 

 

Sad times. 

 

 

A post containing a link to a news article from a source that does not permit this forum to allow such has been removed, along with a reply.

26) The Bangkok Post and Phuketwan do not allow quotes from their news articles or other material to appear on Thaivisa.com. Neither do they allow links to their publications. Posts from members containing quotes from or links to Bangkok Post or Phuketwan publications will be deleted from the forum.

Does this mean no more trips to Happiness?

 

May be they have to accept the fact, that they can not hold on to their Sunny Boy images and satisfy all factions.

 

This situations requires some balls and not peanuts, Brain and not Ego. Wish the Charlatans would disappear like the Egyptian.

 

 

 

 

Prayuth forget to tell that the plane carried Thai's from the Middle East with also 14 Thai infections.

 

As for foreigners even if they open the borders the Europeans will not come and South America, the US and as well the Mideast are in a mess which leaves only ASEAN countries and East Asia which have seen spikes.

 

Keeping the border closed might be the best option but my guess Prayuth soon will announce foreigners with Thai wifes or children are not permitted to come back.

 

3 hours ago, DrTuner said:

Maibpenrai!

 

That photo is a perfect example of 'when the F word is ok'.

So long Thailand.

Keep.closing down when others are opening up from.andesperate need to save economies and take the risk to the nation. As the world cannot stay closed anymore.

I hope those expats in thailand have high walls and the cash is safely buried. Because if this continues, trouble will be brewing. 1/3 of tourist companies have already folded and are no more. Stay closed another month and more will go under, leaving a circular downward spiral of disposable income to spend, making more businesses feel the pinch. What was originally a tourist business problem will eventually spread to other industry sectors the longer the scared government keeps this up.

Thailand isnt as rich and can support these extended lock downs like.other nations in the west (who have also opened and are taking the risk to save the economy through local shutdowns).

4 hours ago, Raphus said:

So long Thailand.

Keep.closing down when others are opening up from.andesperate need to save economies and take the risk to the nation. As the world cannot stay closed anymore.

I hope those expats in thailand have high walls and the cash is safely buried. Because if this continues, trouble will be brewing. 1/3 of tourist companies have already folded and are no more. Stay closed another month and more will go under, leaving a circular downward spiral of disposable income to spend, making more businesses feel the pinch. What was originally a tourist business problem will eventually spread to other industry sectors the longer the scared government keeps this up.

Thailand isnt as rich and can support these extended lock downs like.other nations in the west (who have also opened and are taking the risk to save the economy through local shutdowns).

Calm down, the only thing that's changed is diplomats have to quarantine in approved places, not at their residences.

 

Oh, and they banned Egyptian airmen from going shopping too....

 

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Coronavirus tests given to those who may have been exposed to the two cases.

The exact malls and schools were finally discovered by social media posters. "Rayong" and "Asoke" didn't narrow it down much. 

The government knows the infected's whereabouts. I wonder how many have been notified via the supposed COVID tracker system ... After all, this was the stated purpose! ????????????????