Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

[webfact]

Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

By The Nation

 

 

Phuket International Airport is ready to welcome foreigners arriving with the Special Tourist Visa (STV).

 

Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob went to the airport on Saturday to follow up on preparations to receive tourists and businessmen issued the STV. He also supervised the screening checkpoint and the examination process in Phuket Airport.

 

Saksayam had told Airports of Thailand (AOT) and relevant agencies to assess the readiness and potential enhancement plans of Phuket International Airport and five other airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, and Hat Yai, to accommodate STV visa holders, according to government policy.

 

At Phuket Airport, all systems are ready, especially the sample collection and Covid-19 testing.

 

When the first group of tourists arrives and the screening system works well, it is expected to lead to an increase in the rate of easing virus control measures. Phuket province and related agencies are required to make adequate arrangements in case of an increase of tourists, including the management of the airport premises, quarantine areas, tools and equipment.

 

The Phuket provincial office, the Harbour Department and the relevant departments have requested the government to consider ways to promote water tourism like yachting and cruise ships in Phuket to stimulate the local economy.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30397167

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-11-02

 

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

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[RichardColeman]

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

Both chairs were found to be OK

[Mops59]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

By The Nation

 

 

Phuket International Airport is ready to welcome foreigners arriving with the Special Tourist Visa (STV).

 

Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob went to the airport on Saturday to follow up on preparations to receive tourists and businessmen issued the STV. He also supervised the screening checkpoint and the examination process in Phuket Airport.

 

Saksayam had told Airports of Thailand (AOT) and relevant agencies to assess the readiness and potential enhancement plans of Phuket International Airport and five other airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, and Hat Yai, to accommodate STV visa holders, according to government policy.

 

At Phuket Airport, all systems are ready, especially the sample collection and Covid-19 testing.

 

When the first group of tourists arrives and the screening system works well, it is expected to lead to an increase in the rate of easing virus control measures. Phuket province and related agencies are required to make adequate arrangements in case of an increase of tourists, including the management of the airport premises, quarantine areas, tools and equipment.

 

The Phuket provincial office, the Harbour Department and the relevant departments have requested the government to consider ways to promote water tourism like yachting and cruise ships in Phuket to stimulate the local economy.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30397167

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-11-02

 

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

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

And when can retirement non immigrant O visa holders issued by a consulate come to Thailand? Most of them are condo owners and travel every winter for 3-6 months to their second home. They bring in money.

[sammieuk1]

Like noah's ark the animals will be let in 2 by 2 ????

[bluesofa]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

Sounds familiar. Tomorrow will it be:

STV scheme postponed indefinitely

or

TAT admit no one has applied for an STV visa.

 

Nostradamus was here tomorrow.

[Natai Beach]

The Thais have done a great job with this corona disaster. Very proactive, not reactive. From the local Pooyai Baans, to the Gamnans, to the province governors, to the small local hospitals and the general population all doing their bit.

 

Unfortunately they have to keep adjusting their response as quite a few countries have weak inept governments, with politicians playing politics and populations full of Karens that won’t cooperate with even simple rules to end this which has resulted in this being a never ending disaster.
UK, France and Germany back under lockdown, the US recording nearly 100,000 new infections daily. Idiotic.
 

Infections and deaths worldwide are steadily rising, not improving. When this is finally over I reckon Thailand will see a quicker recovery than most places because they have proved themselves to be competent in handling it. And they deserve it.

[Dialemco]

55 minutes ago, Natai Beach said:

The Thais have done a great job with this corona disaster. Very proactive, not reactive. From the local Pooyai Baans, to the Gamnans, to the province governors, to the small local hospitals and the general population all doing their bit.

 

Unfortunately they have to keep adjusting their response as quite a few countries have weak inept governments, with politicians playing politics and populations full of Karens that won’t cooperate with even simple rules to end this which has resulted in this being a never ending disaster.
UK, France and Germany back under lockdown, the US recording nearly 100,000 new infections daily. Idiotic.
 

Infections and deaths worldwide are steadily rising, not improving. When this is finally over I reckon Thailand will see a quicker recovery than most places because they have proved themselves to be competent in handling it. And they deserve it.

Unfortunately this viras is forecast to be around for next 5 years so best not rush to admit any foreign tourist with or without quarantine

[nobodysfriend]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

When the first group of tourists arrives and the screening system works well, it is expected to lead to an increase in the rate of easing virus control measures. Phuket province and related agencies are required to make adequate arrangements in case of an increase of tourists, including the management of the airport premises, quarantine areas, tools and equipment.

 

The Phuket provincial office, the Harbour Department and the relevant departments have requested the government to consider ways to promote water tourism like yachting and cruise ships in Phuket to stimulate the local economy.

 

They seem to be really desperate to get tourists back in the country by now ... what a complete U-turn .

 

But short time tourists will not like to take a flight anymore , too risky , and , if they have to quarantine and most entertainment venues closed , it becomes much less attractive to holiday in Thailand ...

Cruise ships welcome again ...? That's risky , too .

 

They should not forget , if there is only one mayor Covid outbreak in Thailand because of letting potentially infected people in , they can definitely say good bye to tourists at all .

Only some long time stayers will still come ... better to make their stay attractive , because they spend money here ...

Edited November 2, 2020 by nobodysfriend

[farq]

1 hour ago, bluesofa said:

Sounds familiar. Tomorrow will it be:

STV scheme postponed indefinitely

or

TAT admit no one has applied for an STV visa.

 

Nostradamus was here tomorrow.

Most likely the latter of the two!

 

[gunderhill]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

ways to promote water tourism

Like waterboarding?

[joecoolfrog]

1 hour ago, Natai Beach said:

The Thais have done a great job with this corona disaster. Very proactive, not reactive. From the local Pooyai Baans, to the Gamnans, to the province governors, to the small local hospitals and the general population all doing their bit.

 

Unfortunately they have to keep adjusting their response as quite a few countries have weak inept governments, with politicians playing politics and populations full of Karens that won’t cooperate with even simple rules to end this which has resulted in this being a never ending disaster.
UK, France and Germany back under lockdown, the US recording nearly 100,000 new infections daily. Idiotic.
 

Infections and deaths worldwide are steadily rising, not improving. When this is finally over I reckon Thailand will see a quicker recovery than most places because they have proved themselves to be competent in handling it. And they deserve it.

Rarely have I read such deluded nonsense. Hiding from a problem and refusing to confront the allied problems is nothing to shout about and Thailand will be in a very weak position when the pandemic is over.

What other nation ( bar tin pot republics) would make a song and dance about a regional airport bunging in a couple of soap dispensers , truly pathetic !

[Guderian]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

preparations to receive tourists and businessmen issued the STV.

 

We're getting close to them admitting the truth. First it was tourists with no mention of businessmen. Now at least they're openly saying that there are businessmen on the flights. How long until they tell us the truth?

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

preparations to receive businessmen issued the STV.

[BTB1977]

Best to develop other forms of employment for out of work thais. Get some more manufacturing jobs going. Set up some kind of business plan to attract the opening of new businesses in manufacturing.  Sure the lazy bar girl who makes money on her back won't go for a honest days work. Or the ones who receive a monthly payment to be some sexpat girlfriend or wife would never make it with a real job. But the hard working thais would benefit.  

[Psimbo]

Usual negative comments by people who have no interest in visiting Phuket and are completely unaffected by the story. Gov't does nothing-bad. Gov't tries to do something-bad.

 

Just another day for the Thaigeezers.

[Ludo55]

1 hour ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

They seem to be really desperate to get tourists back in the country by now ... what a complete U-turn .

 

But short time tourists will not like to take a flight anymore , too risky , and , if they have to quarantine and most entertainment venues closed , it becomes much less attractive to holiday in Thailand ...

Cruise ships welcome again ...? That's risky , too .

 

They should not forget , if there is only one mayor Covid outbreak in Thailand because of letting potentially infected people in , they can definitely say good bye to tourists at all .

Only some long time stayers will still come ... better to make their stay attractive , because they spend money here ...

Did you know that every non Thai going to Thailand needs to be tested before boarding a plane, unlike Thai Citizens who are exempt. So who would be taking Covid-19 to Thailand, Foreigners or Thais????????

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Minister checks Phuket airport readiness to receive foreigners under STV scheme

A few long term tourists with a winter abode over here escaping the winter back home, don't expect thousands to come flocking.

[Ludo55]

4 hours ago, Mops59 said:

And when can retirement non immigrant O visa holders issued by a consulate come to Thailand? Most of them are condo owners and travel every winter for 3-6 months to their second home. They bring in money.

If you look on the Royal Thai Embassy website in America, Australia and others, you will see that you can apply for an O-A Visa right now, and in Australia also a Tourist Visa

[Ludo55]

2 hours ago, Natai Beach said:

The Thais have done a great job with this corona disaster. Very proactive, not reactive. From the local Pooyai Baans, to the Gamnans, to the province governors, to the small local hospitals and the general population all doing their bit.

 

Unfortunately they have to keep adjusting their response as quite a few countries have weak inept governments, with politicians playing politics and populations full of Karens that won’t cooperate with even simple rules to end this which has resulted in this being a never ending disaster.
UK, France and Germany back under lockdown, the US recording nearly 100,000 new infections daily. Idiotic.
 

Infections and deaths worldwide are steadily rising, not improving. When this is finally over I reckon Thailand will see a quicker recovery than most places because they have proved themselves to be competent in handling it. And they deserve it.

Do you know that people who die outside of Hospitals in Thailand don't have autopsies. The nominated person talks to the family about the symptoms and puts that on the paperwork. How do you know how many have died of respiratory problems related to Covid-19 if there is no autopsies and a small percentage of tests being done?

[visacrack]

What Peter Hitchens says in this article is not only true for Britain 

[Barry343]

It would be insane to cut the quarantine period from 14 days down to 10 as a British male teacher arrived on October 18 and was confirmed positive on October 30 which is 12 days after being negative.

[NorthernRyland]

How did Thailand avoid COVID when they were actively accepting Chinese flights during the peak of the initial outbreak? The virus must have already been here but for some reason it didn't spread like it did in the US which is far more distal to China than Thailand is.

 

Do we have excess deaths for Thailand? If not then here's a possible scenario that COULD have happened.

 

If the United States death rates were carried over to the Thai population then only ~43750=200000/(320000000/70000000) people would have died.

 

Would Thailand even know if 43k people, spread over the entire country had  died? Nearly 50% would have been over 80, a demographic people kind of expect to be dying anyways.

 

Maybe nothing really did happen but then Thailand needs to consider what they're going to do in the future since the virus is not going away anytime soon and the Thai people have no natural immune resistance.  

 

I think they need to accept the 40-50k deaths of primarily elderly people and learn to protect THAT demographic from infection.

[NorthernRyland]

54 minutes ago, Ludo55 said:

Do you know that people who die outside of Hospitals in Thailand don't have autopsies. The nominated person talks to the family about the symptoms and puts that on the paperwork. How do you know how many have died of respiratory problems related to Covid-19 if there is no autopsies and a small percentage of tests being done?

My point exactly. Thailand simply doesn't have a system in place to track these things. Has anyone actually seen Thai hospitals? Chaotic, overcrowded, the one near me barely has any doctors in it, just nurses. If older people were dying of COVID symptoms how would they even know?

[Bim Smith]

I'm beginning to doubt this scheme even exists and is more false PR.

The first 100 from China weren't even tourists and they already have an exit strategy when a minister announced not long ago that one infection and they will close the scheme down. 

 

It's just to satisfy a Thai audience that they look to be doing something but in reality they have no intention of fully opening the borders. One look at the criteria to get an STV alone should be enough evidence. 

It's the great reset. 

[nobodysfriend]

1 hour ago, Ludo55 said:

Did you know that every non Thai going to Thailand needs to be tested before boarding a plane, unlike Thai Citizens who are exempt. So who would be taking Covid-19 to Thailand, Foreigners or Thais????????

 

Enough news about foreigners with Covid in quarantine ... Or do you not read the news ?

[rupert the bear]

theres so many holes in this one-thais incoming arnt required to test ,foreigners are.nuts why?no ones tested here,the rates similar to uganda,why?the economy is heavily reliant on tourism,thats obvious even to fools.the nonsense spouted by officialdom is worthy of mental deficients,business and joe public has received almost nothing from govt and the binning of the 3 new subs was only just done to avoid blood on the streets .the level of corruption/ indifference to suffering is stunning and tells u what the haves think of the have nots,if it wasnt for phones and social media theyd have done what they did in the past. shot them and told em to know their place and get back in the wood pile.we have demos against a corrupt state policy and covid at the same time,theres a connection.quite obviously.borders in asia can open,the regions escaped the contagion for some reason.japan and here took very few precautions when it started in fact here they were obsessed with allowing the mainlanders in till beijing put a stop to it,that beggars another series of questions  but that is another conversation.allow visitors in,ok  there must be checks,but thais must have a virus free check before flying /entering,foreigners too,there must be tests on entry too and one after a week,the ins and hotel scams must stop though,over to the embassies ,i suggest recipricosity.move it out and get on with it.put people back in work to some degree and move the condo mkt and rentals,huge nos employed in sales and construction.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Both chairs were found to be OK

50 taxis were waiting outside like sharks circling.

[dallen52]

2 hours ago, Ludo55 said:

Did you know that every non Thai going to Thailand needs to be tested before boarding a plane, unlike Thai Citizens who are exempt. So who would be taking Covid-19 to Thailand, Foreigners or Thais????????

And they are also provided with quarantine at the bargain price of $0.

Unlike expats and others who have invested in Thailand and waiting patiently for the chance to get back. 

Hardly seems fair, does it?

[dallen52]

2 hours ago, Ludo55 said:

If you look on the Royal Thai Embassy website in America, Australia and others, you will see that you can apply for an O-A Visa right now, and in Australia also a Tourist Visa

Not forgetting the STV.

Also available, plus Elite visa, and O-X.

[Traubert]

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

How did Thailand avoid COVID when they were actively accepting Chinese flights during the peak of the initial outbreak? The virus must have already been here but for some reason it didn't spread like it did in the US which is far more distal to China than Thailand is.

 

Do we have excess deaths for Thailand? If not then here's a possible scenario that COULD have happened.

 

If the United States death rates were carried over to the Thai population then only ~43750=200000/(320000000/70000000) people would have died.

 

Would Thailand even know if 43k people, spread over the entire country had  died? Nearly 50% would have been over 80, a demographic people kind of expect to be dying anyways.

 

Maybe nothing really did happen but then Thailand needs to consider what they're going to do in the future since the virus is not going away anytime soon and the Thai people have no natural immune resistance.  

 

I think they need to accept the 40-50k deaths of primarily elderly people and learn to protect THAT demographic from infection.

There is no such thing as 'natural immune resistance.'

[billd766]

1 hour ago, rupert the bear said:

theres so many holes in this one-thais incoming arnt required to test ,foreigners are.nuts why?no ones tested here,the rates similar to uganda,why?the economy is heavily reliant on tourism,thats obvious even to fools.the nonsense spouted by officialdom is worthy of mental deficients,business and joe public has received almost nothing from govt and the binning of the 3 new subs was only just done to avoid blood on the streets .the level of corruption/ indifference to suffering is stunning and tells u what the haves think of the have nots,if it wasnt for phones and social media theyd have done what they did in the past. shot them and told em to know their place and get back in the wood pile.we have demos against a corrupt state policy and covid at the same time,theres a connection.quite obviously.borders in asia can open,the regions escaped the contagion for some reason.japan and here took very few precautions when it started in fact here they were obsessed with allowing the mainlanders in till beijing put a stop to it,that beggars another series of questions  but that is another conversation.allow visitors in,ok  there must be checks,but thais must have a virus free check before flying /entering,foreigners too,there must be tests on entry too and one after a week,the ins and hotel scams must stop though,over to the embassies ,i suggest recipricosity.move it out and get on with it.put people back in work to some degree and move the condo mkt and rentals,huge nos employed in sales and construction.

According to this link to the Thaiger Bangkok alone has  100,000 vacant completed condominiums in and around Bangkok.Sopon Pornchokchai, the president of Agency for Real Estate Affairs, said.

 

https://thethaiger.com/thai-life/property/bangkok-has-a-surplus-of-100000-new-condos-as-chinese-buyers-stay-home