ASQ survival tactics

[BradFinch]

I've been doing a lot of ASQ planning recently, so I figured I ought to assist the community by posting some of my thoughts. Surviving ASQ is, first and foremost, a matter of meeting one's needs. Luxuries are nice, but are of no use if the former are unmet. What most of us would regard as mere annoyances can literally become a matter of survival when locked inside a room -- especially, as in this case, if one has no chance to inspect the property before signing a contract. Let's start with the basics. Feel free to add your thoughts.

 

AIR

 

* The room should be free of toxic vapors from paint, mold, pesticides, plastic, particle board (formaldehyde), floor and furniture varnishes, lubricants, etc. (Carpeting is not allowed according to ASQ rules, so at least you don't need to worry about adhesive odors.) Ideally, it should be free of antiseptic odors as well, although a temporary spike during cleaning day will have to be tolerated under the circumstances.

 

* Many hotels and condos use "L pipe" drains in the bathroom floor, as opposed to proper "J pipes". That means that sewage odors can fill the entire room if the windows are kept closed (or can't open). While L pipes would normally be a deal killer in a quarantine situation, hope is not lost! Just bring some rubber or plastic drain covering discs so you can block the odors. If you forget, then improvise by covering them with trash cans or whatever. Just make sure to open them if there's water that needs to be drained from the floor!

 

* A balcony helps in the sense that it provides an ongoing source of outdoor air, provided that the pollution level is low enough when one wishes to go outside. That said, it's not necessarily worth the money if the indoor air is good enough.

 

* It would be a good idea to buy the largest air conditioner HEPA filter (those big rectangular ones reinforced with metal mesh) that you can find. 3M and Honeywell make them, for instance. Make sure to buy the highest rated type which removes smoke. Fold it up and put it in your luggage. That way, you have a giant piece of filter material to tape over the air conditioner intake if it turns out that the room air is moldy or smokey. Make sure to bring some wide painter's tape (the blue stuff) so you can affix it over the intake if you need to. (This could be difficult or impossible with split type ACs, which have their curved intakes on top,  so inquire before you sign.)

 

* If the hallway is leaching vapors, smells of garbage, or is just full of smokey air, you can cram a towel into the bottom gap and stop most of it from entering your room.

 

* In addition to your COVID mask supply, bring a fullon pesticide mask in case of an airpocalypse in the hotel. (I once stayed at a place where guys in hazmat suits suddenly showed up in the lobby and mosquito fogged all the hallways without warning the guests. Fortunately, it's not on the ASQ list!)

 

WATER

* You're going to be drinking out of plastic water bottles throughout your stay. You should inquire as to what brand they provide, in light of which brands you know and trust. Most, but not all, are produced by reverse osmosis, which results in safe water but removes virtually all the minerals, so you should bring whatever electrolytes you'll need; don't assume that you can just replenish them from the food.

 

* How much water will your hotel provide, and how often? What will it cost you if you need more?

 

* You have no idea what quality (or even color) of water is going to emerge from your shower or what contaminants might have leaked into it on the way from the water plant. This can also vary considerably, for example, during a cleaning of the roof water tank with bleach etc. You can buy an inline water filter with carbon and ion exchange beads for $30 on Amazon (e.g. Baulia SF800 or Aquasana shower filter). Pack it in your checked bag because it might cause security issues with your carryon. When you arrive, install it between the showerhead and its supply line. Don't forget to take it with you when you leave.

 

FOOD

* Does your hotel offer pickups from 7/11, Family Mart, etc.? Can your friends drop off any food for you? Does this matter to you?

 

* Quantity certainly does matter. Most people seem to want lots of food, but quarantine involves a relatively low caloric requirement, so it makes some sense to turn the experience into an exercise in protracted caloric restriction for better health. (This will also make you quite tired, which is good because you'll sleep through more of it instead of going stir-crazy.) To each his own. Just make sure the hotel provides the type and quantity that you require.

 

* These days, some airlines are giving deals on baggage fees because their aircraft are lightly loaded, so you might take advantage of that in order to bring a couple weeks of food along with you. That way, you're safe even if the hotel food turns out to be unappetizing, unsanitary, or toxic. Think in terms of canned, freeze-dried, or pouched items.

 

* Bring whatever vitamins and supplements you need, just as you would your prescription drugs; don't assume that your food will supply you with all of them.

 

* A massive olive oil supply can provide calories and help to thwart the negative cardiovascular effects of a sedentary lifestyle and a diet of processed food. Bring some in your checked luggage, but just remember to cushion it against inevitable impacts (and don't bring it in glass bottles). Bag it in plastic just in case it leaks.

 

* This is one of the few cases in which it really might make sense to buy expensive "green powder" made from dried raw fruits and veggies. Mix it into your meal so you don't miss out on your phytochemicals.

 

* Bring a large quantity of turmeric powder. It will reduce your odds of contracting colon cancer from eating dodgy food loaded fried in seed oils. (This wouldn't be a bad habit to keep indefintely, for that matter.)

 

SLEEP

 

* Bring comfortable earplugs in case of noise pollution issues.

 

* Likewise, bring a sleep mask to protect from light intrusion.

 

* Practice sleeping with both of the above before you leave, checking for acceptable comfort and thermal properties. There's nothing worse than being locked in a room and unable to sleep.

 

EXERCISE

 

* ASQs have widely varying policies on this in terms of when it's first allowed, how often it's allowed, for how long, and where it's allowed to occur. Make sure that your needs are met before sealing the deal. How's the outdoor air quality likely to be? Will the gym smell like rubber or plastic? Do you care?

 

CONNECTIVITY

 

* For most of us who have been locked out of Thailand, our old mobile numbers have long ago expired. Unfortunately, you also can't assume that you'll be able to buy a new SIM on arrival, either, due to the pandemic. Therefore, if you end up stuck in a room with little or no connectivity, you may come to regret it. Do your research.

 

* Do you care what TV or movie offerings they have?

 

VIEW

 

* Do you need a window or balcony with a view? What assurance do you have that the view from your room will match the one in your head? This may sound like a trivial consideration, but after 2 weeks in quarantine, it might start to matter.

 

[Salerno]

<deleted> me dead ... it's a couple of weeks, 5 (?) days before allowed out for a bit, not heading into a bunker to sit out a nuclear holocaust 555

[onebir]

(Ex?) Boy scout?

[ubonjoe]

Not directly visa or extension related. Moved to here.

[Salerno]

Just now, onebir said:

(Ex?) Boy scout?

 

I was thinking more like one of those "preppers" I saw on some crappy TV show a while back.

[BradFinch]

I've never actually considered myself a prepper. But I've stayed in some horrible accommodations with all manner of pollution being squirted into the premises at random times.

 

Caveat emptor.

[Crossy]

A mate just completed his ASQ at Movenpick BDMS Wellness.

 

https://www.movenpick.com/en/asia/thailand/bangkok/bdms-wellness-resort-bangkok/overview/

 

No complaints whatever, seems you do get what you pay for.

[onebir]

1 hour ago, BradFinch said:

But I've stayed in some horrible accommodations with all manner of pollution being squirted into the premises at random times.

Actually I had trouble with a freshly-painted hotel room in China before they (supposedly!) switched to low-VOC paints. Luckily it was summer so I had the windows open a lot...

[canuckamuck]

I did my two weeks in an ASQ, I can't remember having a single thought similar to the OP. I was cozy and the food was great, I gained a few pounds. Got lot's of work done on my laptop.

[simon43]

[quote]

A mate just completed his ASQ at Movenpick BDMS Wellness.

[/quote]

 

Is that the sort of ASQ hotel where you have to wear a gimp suit and the maid tries to flog the virus out of you? ????

 

[sammieuk1]

My survival tactics are don't go near the wretched country full stop ????

[BradFinch]

@onebir High-VOC paints are still very much a problem in many countries, as is the excessive use of pesticides in guestrooms. I was once forced to choose between nauseating pesticide odors and the PM10 raging outside. (I chose the third option, which was to check out after only minutes in the room -- not an option in ASQ.) As @Crossy pointed out, we should expect to get what we pay for, generally speaking. However, it's important to remember that the ASQ certification is all about sanitation, as opposed to the satisfaction of life's basic needs. With rare exception, real estate developers seem to be using the same old "toxic stench" finishing materials, so we shouldn't expect much different statistics from the hotels, ASQ or not. The point is simply that ASQ is a hard commitment, so research is paramount.

[G Rex]

OMG. You think WAY too much!   I am on day 14 at Movenpick - & yes it is boring - but is quite tolerable. Food is good, room ok, the bed is the most comfortable I have encountered in Thailand.

No issues with odours, water etc - & frankly I never really thought about such matters before arrival.    If you want to enter the country - you have to do the time - simple as that.

[G Rex]

The worst thing about 14 day ASQ , is that it is really 16 days & 15 nights!! ????

 

[BradFinch]

@G Rex "Only the paranoid survive." -- Andy Grove, former CEO, Intel Corporation.

 

But thanks for yet another positive review of Movenpick, and the first one I've read that confirms no stench or funny water. Encouraging!

[SCOTT FITZGERSLD]

seriously? you planned all this before ASQ? and than you

go out of the hotel and gets run over by a bus.

[Crossy]

9 hours ago, simon43 said:

[quote]

A mate just completed his ASQ at Movenpick BDMS Wellness.

[/quote]

 

Is that the sort of ASQ hotel where you have to wear a gimp suit and the maid tries to flog the virus out of you? ????

 

I admit I had to type that VERY carefully

[ChakaKhan]

Lets Begin the ASQ challenge....Season 1...who will be the sole survivor and win the Golden Mama Cup?!

[NoshowJones]

15 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

My survival tactics are don't go near the wretched country full stop ????

Great advice if you don't have family there.

[Bangkok Barry]

OP, you're American aren't you? I can't imagine any other nationality being so concerned/paranoid about all the things you listed. Not a criticism, just an observation.

 

Hotel  rooms, usually, are used year-round by hundreds of different people who, somehow, manage to survive without going through all the preparations that you list.

[condobrit001]

Dont forget to pack a couple of bottles of your favorite spirit, as you will not be able to get any at the ASQ facility.

[dcms]

Are bags searched on arrival? If not, I would suggest filling one with as much alcohol as possible.

[BradFinch]

Quote

OP, you're American aren't you? I can't imagine any other nationality being so concerned/paranoid about all the things you listed. Not a criticism, just an observation.

 

Hotel  rooms, usually, are used year-round by hundreds of different people who, somehow, manage to survive without going through all the preparations that you list.

 

My nationality isn't particularly relevant, but I do understand that most people think my suggestions are ridiculous. I think that's because they're not appreciating the real constraints of the problem and the very long tails of the distribution of possible outcomes. In a normal context, my advice would be of benefit to anyone seeking to safeguard their health over the long term, but this is not a normal context. This isn't about keeping your cholesterol in line or lowering your cancer risks over the years. It's about avoiding acute and profound health threats due to toxic air, water, and food -- and without much exercise. In the hit documentary "Supersize Me", fast food and a sedentary lifestyle brought Morgan Spurlock to the brink of a heart attack within weeks. And he was rather young and healthy. You can also google for reports of injury or death from excessive pesticide use in hotel rooms. It's rare, but personally I wouldn't want to feel like vomiting from pesticide exposure while my liver gets hammered. Been there, done that.

 

My point isn't that these issues are likely to arise in any particular ASQ. But who knows? All we have to go on is others' reports, which answer some but not all of these questions for a subset of the hotels, based on one person's experience with one particular room. And then, we've seen the lawsuits crop up for those who leave negative reviews, so the whole guest feedback system has been somewhat compromised. It's certainly useful data, but it pays to be cautious when you're locked in.

 

My advice is just intended as cheap insurance. Take it or leave it.

 

[onebir]

8 minutes ago, BradFinch said:

In the hit documentary "Supersize Me", fast food and a sedentary lifestyle brought Morgan Spurlock to the brink of a heart attack within weeks.

I think the ASQ hotels do have gyms? But who knows whether they manage to keep them Covid free. So another precaution would be to acclimatize oneself to some kind of exercise routine that can be done with no/portable equipment and limited space. (Quite a few of the Scott Sonnon/Tacfit programs fit the bill.)

[Chongalulu]

It would be good to have some more feedback of ratings of various ASQ hotels members have experienced. Unless I’ve missed it I’ve seen little so far. Is this maybe something TV could consider instigating.

For those mocking the op they might want to remember being locked into  a room without escape for 15 nights is something provably none have experienced 

[BradFinch]

16 hours ago, onebir said:

think the ASQ hotels do have gyms? But who knows whether they manage to keep them Covid free. So another precaution would be to acclimatize oneself to some kind of exercise routine that can be done with no/portable equipment and limited space. (Quite a few of the Scott Sonnon/Tacfit programs fit the bill.)

A valid point. If I recall, that French woman in Samui who ended up positive was staying in a hotel where they found the virus on gym equipment. I'm not sure I'd want to have a vigorous workout in a room that reeked of rubber, for that matter. Maybe bring a workout mat or ask your intended ASQ about it.

9 hours ago, nchuckle said:

It would be good to have some more feedback of ratings of various ASQ hotels members have experienced. Unless I’ve missed it I’ve seen little so far. Is this maybe something TV could consider instigating.

I have indeed seen an ASQ review thread around here. Sorry can't seem to dig it up at the moment. Anyone?

 

I stayed in this one place in Singapore some years back where they gassed the hallways with this vile smokey stuff to kill the bugs. I found out when I opened the door to my bedroom and noticed that it had saturated the entire rest of the condo. Luckily, I was prepared for such idiocy, so I whipped on my pesticide mask and darted outside. Just imagine if "outside" hadn't been an option, as the smoke was rapidly flowing into the bedroom...

[treetops]

On 11/8/2020 at 12:07 PM, BradFinch said:

However, it's important to remember that the ASQ certification is all about sanitation, as opposed to the satisfaction of life's basic needs.

Do you have an English language translation of these?  Another forum member asked recently but I was only able to point him in the direction of the Thai version.

[BradFinch]

2 hours ago, treetops said:

Do you have an English language translation of these?

Sorry, I don't. I also don't think it matters what the requirements are, so much as how they're implemented. Based on the ASQ reviews I've read thus far, it seems clear that sanitation is rigorously enforced. (Hopefully some of that will stick even after the pandemic.) But otherwise, there seems to be a wide variety of support for quality of life while in isolation.

[treetops]

1 hour ago, BradFinch said:

Sorry, I don't. I also don't think it matters what the requirements are, so much as how they're implemented. Based on the ASQ reviews I've read thus far, it seems clear that sanitation is rigorously enforced. (Hopefully some of that will stick even after the pandemic.) But otherwise, there seems to be a wide variety of support for quality of life while in isolation.

 

I thought not, because from what I could interpret there was nothing much about sanitation as you claimed.