Opening to foreign tourists: "More convenience over visas" promised as NSC meet Foreign Ministry today

 

 

The secretary of Thailand's National Security Council Gen Natthaphon Nakphanich said Sunday that the NSC would be discussing with the Foreign Ministry today regarding the way forward for allowing foreign tourists to enter Thailand.

 

Though details were scant in an INN report the subject of visas was clearly at the top of the agenda.

 

Gen Natthaphon promised more convenience to potential foreign travellers over visas though he stressed the need for consideration for the safety and well-being of the public.

 

He remarked that new year "countdown" events could go ahead with the now familiar DMH protocols in place - distancing, masks and hand washing. 

 

He also promised NSC contact with health authorities in the new year regarding possible changes to testing protocols. 

 

Soure: INN

 

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7 minutes ago, webfact said:

Though details were scant 

Chinese and millionaires are welcome. 

 

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

Gen Natthaphon promised more convenience to potential foreign travellers over visas though he stressed the need for consideration for the safety and well-being of the public.

In other words no change to quarantine rules and visitors from "high-risk" countries.

A locally RTE-issued TR60 seems simple enough?

 

It's the virus-y stuff that's a challenge.

 

 

 

 

Simple .. no one, in the foreseeable future , will get off a plane walk out the door and get in a taxi ..

Dscussion should be all about how to accept people who have received the vaccine ... Valid documentation requirements, prior to departure and on arrival. and;

for those who wish to leave Thailand if vaccinated in Thailand will they have no restrictions when they return ??

So if you wish to celebrate New Years at a roof top Bar like CRU you need to get into the country 15 days prior and hope to hell you do not catch Covid while in Quarantine or your New Years will be spent in your wonderful 5 star ASQ with no view of the fireworks and relegated to looking at the TV.  These guys have no clue, as people, in the past, would jet around the globe just for an evening out in a fantastic location for New Years, wake up the next day and jet back off. Those are the trips high end people take, and yes they spend big money, but it will not help out the locals who need it the most.  

still waiting for Big Joke's promise to ease restrictions following their "overstay" purge

 

so won't be holding my breath on this dude's words either.

 

 

I can wait.   When I can walk across the border with little inconvenience, I will go back.   Not looking to jump threw many hoops. 

4 hours ago, Rmac442 said:

Simple .. no one, in the foreseeable future , will get off a plane walk out the door and get in a taxi ..

As opposed to most countries where the doors will be thrown open and governments have offered absolute clarity on all matters that will effect residents and visitors “ in the foreseeable future??”

One year, five and ten year visas. Exit every six months for one day. Wake up Thailand. 

... but still force us to report every 90 days like we are all criminals here

The west is starting to get their act together re: vaccinations and most could be done by April if not sooner. If Thailand wants to be in line for mass tourism, May will be a bit late to state their own vaccination program. The UK start general vaccinations Tuesday 8th, a lot can be done before Christmas.

The efectiveness of the vaccines is still a little bit vague.  They may not obviate the need for quarantines.

48 minutes ago, Surasak said:

The west is starting to get their act together re: vaccinations and most could be done by April if not sooner. If Thailand wants to be in line for mass tourism, May will be a bit late to state their own vaccination program. The UK start general vaccinations Tuesday 8th, a lot can be done before Christmas.

 

 

Don't forget that those are not mass vaccinations , before the masses will be vaccinated will be around the end of next year so it's likely A LOT can be done before Christmas . Yeah maybe Christmas next year , but i geuss that's not what you meant . 

7 hours ago, RotBenz8888 said:

Chinese and millionaires are welcome. 

Not just in Thailand!

2 hours ago, MasterBaker said:

.. but still force us to report every 90 days like we are all criminals here

The Chinese version involved reporting to the local police within 24hrs of arriving at any address you stay at. The 24 hrs part hasn't been strictly enforced in the past, but (judging from much stricter enforcement of minor visa overstays) it could be...

Whats the difference between high risk and low risk countries? Im pretty sure the PCR test will be from the same manufacturer and both tiers of entry will do the same ‘prison time’ within the same potential ASQ.

All sounds kin scant alright ????

8 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Gen Natthaphon Nakphanich

So, what kind of General are you? Artillery? Infantry? Recon?

No?

Ah, Tourist General...

As with everything else, no detail, no plan and just more empty words. I remember a few months ago when someone seeking attention said that it’s time to treat the foreigners living here more fairly. “We have to stop overcharging them”. National parks and other venues must charge everyone the same. We’re still waiting for that one.

1 hour ago, onebir said:

The Chinese version involved reporting to the local police within 24hrs of arriving at any address you stay at. The 24 hrs part hasn't been strictly enforced in the past, but (judging from much stricter enforcement of minor visa overstays) it could be...

That’s China, irrelevant here.

1 hour ago, DogNo1 said:

The efectiveness of the vaccines is still a little bit vague.  They may not obviate the need for quarantines.

Correct.  At present there is no medical evidence whatsoever to support the view that by taking the vaccine, it will totally stop you getting infected and subsequently transmitting the virus on.  This has been made clear by both Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca.

As long as quarantine remains as it is, the "convenience" of the visa application process hardly matters - you either have the time and the money to be able to afford 14 days in quarantine or you don't. And even most of those who do might still not consider it worth the trouble!

 

4 hours ago, MasterBaker said:

... but still force us to report every 90 days like we are all criminals here

 

About 100 years ago slavery was abolished in Thailand so there is a regret of this loss of power and therefore we are making them enjoy.....

 

If they are serious about this. Then might I suggest that they start talking to the various consulates and get a sense what would work in reality, instead of coming up with ideas that will make no difference.

9 hours ago, Rmac442 said:

Simple .. no one, in the foreseeable future , will get off a plane walk out the door and get in a taxi ..

Dscussion should be all about how to accept people who have received the vaccine ... Valid documentation requirements, prior to departure and on arrival. and;

for those who wish to leave Thailand if vaccinated in Thailand will they have no restrictions when they return ??

Pls don't make it to difficult for them. They have no clue of what is going on this country and they don't care. They just appear as busy meanwhile the money disappears !!!!

9 hours ago, Rmac442 said:

Simple .. no one, in the foreseeable future , will get off a plane walk out the door and get in a taxi ..

Dscussion should be all about how to accept people who have received the vaccine ... Valid documentation requirements, prior to departure and on arrival. and;

for those who wish to leave Thailand if vaccinated in Thailand will they have no restrictions when they return ??

Approved vaccines once administered will be registered with you country's health provider. Makes no difference if your in Thailand lol.

4 hours ago, Surasak said:

The west is starting to get their act together re: vaccinations and most could be done by April if not sooner. If Thailand wants to be in line for mass tourism, May will be a bit late to state their own vaccination program. The UK start general vaccinations Tuesday 8th, a lot can be done before Christmas.

 

 

How far does UK get with their 800.000 doses = 400.000 ppl?

One of the 1st will be an Austrian doc wirking at St Thomas Hosp.

A long way till the guy in the street gets the 2 shots. Plus Brexit will be in the way. No longer so easy to just fly across to Brussels by RAF.

If Thailand really wanted tourists they would have made it a priority to get 70% if its inhabitants vaccinated as quickly as possible.   Who is going to travel to an unvacinated country.  We have seen how just a few freelancers can wreck havic in Thailand.    Imagine 3-4 of these instances popping up every week and Thailand will be in trouble.   

Surely, just remove the red tape... bin the COE, compulsory Thai-company only COVID insurance (but still require an insurance premium that covers COVID) and any further bureaucratic checking.

 

Just issue the visa as before, demand a COVID test 72 hours prior (as long as you're on a plane with people who are forced through the same requirement) and impose quarantine on those who can not prove effective vaccination.