Provincial Rules for COVID Confusion

[Saraburi121]

Had a lot of money invested in a trip to Ko Chang for a New Years vacation starting just after Christmas, tried to cancel but no dice.  Drove down non-stop to the ferry and on to Ko Chang, keep it safe as possible.  We decided to do a 14 day quarantine on our own upon return, Trat had a few cases and no restrictions in Saraburi coming from Trat on that date according to everything we had read.  It was the right thing to do in my opinion to self quarantine. Drove direct back to Saraburi on January 3rd only stopping for fuel and a 7-11 snack. What a trip, opened a 3rd lane going south on Rt 2 on your side coming at you at night sometimes had a few cones out. Traffic coming south was full bore.  What is confusing is the local information upon return:  

 

- while returning wife saw a facebook post from the village health volunteer that said anyone that left Saraburi had to report to puyabaan where they had been, she did.

-village health volunteer visited us and said we needed to quarantine 14 days, confirmed by the district doctor she said. Got a call from the district medical office next day said no we don't. 

-told the village health volunteer I need to go to immigration for a visit, ok an exception.  

-village health volunteer had her adult daughter come from Bangkok and stay with her and supposed to do a 14 day quarantine by published Saraburi regulations well before she came. Funny how the village health volunteer didn't quarantine herself and continued to come every other day to take our temperature and visit others in the village. Wife wouldn't let her near the house and took our temps and gave her results. 

-kids go to a private school in the adjacent province, Nakhon Rathasima which have rules that you couldn't enter from a "highly controlled area" without papers and a 14 day quarantine. All Saraburi schools are closed. Kids go to separate schools owned by the same entity. Son had to do the 14 day quarantine but got a call after 10 days he could come back, daughter only 7 days got a call.  Asked school about the cross provincial rules school said since we live in the northern part of the province there is no restriction. 

-called the district medical "doctor" and he said we are good and kids can go to school but we should stay at the house. Asked about the cross provincial travel of kids going to school he said don't worry. 

 

I am not making this up or exaggerating and this half the story. Communication or sending solid policy/guidance is not a strong point here, really I see a rule come out and think "just wait it will change"  or will be no-one to enforce it. Good on the village health volunteer she was performing a duty probably with no training and to her capability to understand and going to buy her a box of candy for her efforts.  No skin off my butt just another day in Thailand, that is all you can say. 

[cooked]

I too was 'condemned' to 14 days quarantine after visiting Bangkok a few days ago. 5 hours nonstop  drive there, 2 hours at the embassy and 5 hours back. The village health volunteer is our neighbour and we don't want to get her into trouble but you give me the idea of contacting the local health authorities, which I will. 

We got so much conflicting and constantly changing 'information' before we went that instead of cancelling the appointment or asking local authorities we just WENT. Saw a checkpoint on the other side of the road stopping all vehicles, huge tailback, but didn't go through any ourselves. And of course, very little traffic, I swore less than usual.

[soi3eddie]

 

IMO: Best never to mention anything as to where you've been or come from. Just do the right thing yourselves and keep safe. Once you broadcast to the local villagers you might as well put an "unclean" sign on your property and your backs.

 

I returned from UK and transited via Seoul airport on 11th March 2020 as they were having a Covid flare up (plane was packed with Phi Noi - little ghosts - fleeing South Korea). The comments from my building manager about Covid were unnecessary.

 

Edited January 17, 2021 by soi3eddie

[Saraburi121]

7 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

IMO: Best never to mention anything as to where you've been or come from. Just do the right thing yourselves and keep safe. Once you broadcast to the local villagers you might as well put an "unclean" sign on your property and your backs.

 

I returned from UK and transited via Seoul airport on 11th March 2020 as they were having a Covid flare up (plane was packed with Phi Noi - little ghosts - fleeing South Korea). The comments from my building manager about Covid were unnecessary.

 

I live in a very small village so there are no secrets here lol.  Funny though the local govt official had a huge New Years party with people from all over attending, pictures were all over Facebook. I try to do what is right but from now on I will determine what is right not the local  officials.  

[soi3eddie]

2 hours ago, Saraburi121 said:

I live in a very small village so there are no secrets here lol.  Funny though the local govt official had a huge New Years party with people from all over attending, pictures were all over Facebook. I try to do what is right but from now on I will determine what is right not the local  officials.  

 

I should have considered that. In my ex's village just about everyone was a relative and knew each other's business. I guess in your case it would be hard to avoid the villagers nowing your movements. Just like in the UK, officials have to be seen to be doing "something". No matter what it is.  

 

[HashBrownHarry]

I will drive from Phetchabun to BKK and back same day this week, not concerned at all, i will not inform anyone of my movements although i live pretty remote and i'm sure no one cares about my movements.