Phuket Ready for Foreign Tourism in July Despite Thai Covid Wave

[ChipButty]

Border Force boss warning it could take passengers 15 TIMES longer to get through customs because of Covid checks and the price of flights has doubled, as far as the UK is concerned Thailand is on the amber list and could go on to the Red list

[madmen]

3 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Border Force boss warning it could take passengers 15 TIMES longer to get through customs because of Covid checks and the price of flights has doubled, as far as the UK is concerned Thailand is on the amber list and could go on to the Red list

So if I took an hour Before it could now take 15 hours? Totall BS

 

[Deli]

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Yes Phuket can open for tourists.. today already in the news that the new cases have dropped to only 5. But the question is will there be tourists willing to come already?? Some countries discourage travel  and other maybe have a mandatory quarantine if they come back and besides that mostly a holiday to a far destination needs some preparation and because it is still not sure if Phuket will be open I am wondering if the tourist take the risk of booking  a trip that will be cancelled. Everything in THailand is not sure .. and it can change day by day or even hour by hour

 

July to October will be weatherwise low season at the South - West Coast anyhow, it was always quiet at that time of the year ( apart from the Chinese ). So it would give some time to see how it works with a very small amount of people. Key factor is the time from October and beyond, when time comes to make some money and to handle hopefully larger crowds. Let's make it happy and people shouldn't poo in their diapers already now.

Edited May 8, 2021 by Deli

[Pattaya Spotter]

36 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Big problem now is getting the staff back here and getting them vaccinated 

That will be a BIG headache for many of the businesses that want to re-open.

[Rhacsyn]

24 minutes ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

That will be a BIG headache for many of the businesses that want to re-open.

 

A few small businesses did stay open until the latest crack down. The staff are living in Phuket and a number of them have been vaccinated. I believe the idea is to target a small number of tourists to serve as a kick start and yes, a trial. Sufficient staff remain in Phuket for that

[Rhacsyn]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Whoops, I see a fly in the ointment, as the saying goes.

 

The article mentions that "slow vaccinations" are a problem and of course we keep getting the different messages from various officials (I do believe the TAT is missing a W from its abbreviation) so it seems a bit of a lottery that the 70% figure will be met by July 1.

 

Aside of that, is the fact that in Patong for example, long touted as a major playground for tourists, the state of the town is in abject disarray, with shops previously catering for tourists, falling down and many others in dire need of repairs.

 

Then of course there is the fear factor and I believe that will drive would-be tourists to Thailand, to seek holidays in the likes of Spain and Greece, for example, and with a much shorter aeroplane journey.

 

Much work needs to be done here to be able to get back on a level footing, and I really don't believe that will happen for another year or two, sad to say.
 

Patong will fall i to further disarray without outside financial help. A few vaccinated tourists could potentially help ????. Who knows what is best.....

[Pattaya Spotter]

55 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Border Force boss warning it could take passengers 15 TIMES longer to get through customs because of Covid checks and the price of flights has doubled, as far as the UK is concerned Thailand is on the amber list and could go on to the Red list

Customs was always a two-second walk through if using the Green Lane...so do t see much of an issue. Maybe be means immigration? 

[karlos35]

2 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

Google "Seychelles Covid surge."

 

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by karlos35

[xylophone]

Latest news.............and one to dampen enthusiasm for an early tourist influx!!! But does this just mean for Thais or tourists from other countries.

 

No rapid tests for Phuket arrivals from May 15, quarantine instead

PHUKET: Rapid antigen tests will no longer be used to determine whether or not people may enter Phuket from May 15, Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong has confirmed.

 

BUT...“From now to May 14, we will still conduct the rapid antigen test, but from May 15, all arrivals from any areas without a COVID-free certificate or vaccination certificate must face 14 days quarantine,” he said plainly.

 

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by xylophone

[xylophone]

And just rec'd this from a friend, but not sure if this is true......anyone know what's what??

 

All foreigners, even vaccinated, have to do 14 day quarantine now

[madmen]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Latest news.............and one to dampen enthusiasm for an early tourist influx!!! But does this just mean for Thais or tourists from other countries.

 

No rapid tests for Phuket arrivals from May 15, quarantine instead

PHUKET: Rapid antigen tests will no longer be used to determine whether or not people may enter Phuket from May 15, Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong has confirmed.

 

BUT...“From now to May 14, we will still conduct the rapid antigen test, but from May 15, all arrivals from any areas without a COVID-free certificate or vaccination certificate must face 14 days quarantine,” he said plainly.

 

 

I would think that's in preparation for July 1st 

Makes sense to seal the border however, obviously it will be lifted July 1st for international tourists. 

[LivinginKata]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

And just rec'd this from a friend, but not sure if this is true......anyone know what's what??

 

All foreigners, even vaccinated, have to do 14 day quarantine now

 

It's just all confusion. <deleted> up brewery comes to mind. But I think they going back to self quarantine. So really no control. 

Edited May 8, 2021 by LivinginKata
surprised my mild word edited. Oh wait .... I might had been one to add that word to the list :)

[billythehat]

3 hours ago, xylophone said:

Whoops, I see a fly in the ointment, as the saying goes.

 

The article mentions that "slow vaccinations" are a problem and of course we keep getting the different messages from various officials (I do believe the TAT is missing a W from its abbreviation) so it seems a bit of a lottery that the 70% figure will be met by July 1.

 

Aside of that, is the fact that in Patong for example, long touted as a major playground for tourists, the state of the town is in abject disarray, with shops previously catering for tourists, falling down and many others in dire need of repairs.

 

Then of course there is the fear factor and I believe that will drive would-be tourists to Thailand, to seek holidays in the likes of Spain and Greece, for example, and with a much shorter aeroplane journey.

 

Much work needs to be done here to be able to get back on a level footing, and I really don't believe that will happen for another year or two, sad to say.
 

“Then of course there is the fear factor and I believe that will drive would-be tourists to Thailand, to seek holidays in the likes of Spain and Greece, for example, and with a much shorter aeroplane journey.”

 

My good Sir, with reference to the current travel situation in the UK to other European countries, please see the info below. My humble apologies for the disgraceful formatting but I couldn’t be ar**d to debug the source format (corona-virus-updates.)

Which European countries are closed to UK travellers?

 

• Austria: Travellers from the UK are not allowed to enter Austria. 
• Azores: You can only travel to the Azores if you are a resident and returning home or for essential reasons. 
• Belgium: British nationals who do not reside in Belgium or another EU/ Schengen country will only be able to travel for essential reasons. 
• Czech Republic: You can only enter the Czech Republic for essential reasons. 
• Denmark: Those who have a worthy purpose of travelling can travel to Denmark from the UK. 
• Finland: Only residents and nationals of Finland are allowed to enter Finland. 
• Germany: UK travellers can only enter Germany if they are residents or for essential humanitarian needs.
• Hungary: Hungary has closed its borders to most foreign nationals including those from the UK. You may be able to enter for essential reasons. 
• Iceland: Travel to and from the UK is not permitted unless it is for an essential reason or you are a resident of Iceland. Iceland is one of 12 countries on the UK's green list for travel. 
• Latvia:  You will only be able to enter Latvia for essential reasons.
• Liechtenstein: Travellers from the UK are not permitted to enter Liechtenstein unless they are a Liechtenstein or Swiss citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or hold a 'laisser passer'. 
• Luxembourg: Travellers from the UK are banned from entering Luxembourg for non-essential reasons. 
• Netherlands: UK nationals can only enter the Netherlands if they are residents or for essential reasons. 
• Norway: UK nationals are not allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions. 
• Portugal: You can only travel to mainland Portugal if you are a resident, an EU national or if its for essential reasons. Portugal is one of 12 countries on the UK's green list for travel. 
• Russia: Flights from the UK to Russia are suspended until at least 1 June. 
• Switzerland: Those in the UK cannot travel to Switzerland unless they are a Swiss or Liechtenstein citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or holds a 'laisser passer'. 
• Slovakia: UK travellers are not permitted to enter Slovakia unless it's for essential reasons. 
• Spain: Travel to Spain from the UK is restricted to EU and Schengen state citizens and to those travelling for essential reasons. 
• The Canary Islands: Travel to the Canary Islands from the UK is restricted until 30 March. 
• Sweden: There is a travel ban in place  which means those from the UK cannot enter Sweden unless they are exempt. 

Which European countries are open to UK visitors? 

• Albania: Flights between Albania and the UK have resumed and UK travellers do not need to isolate on arrival in Albania.
• Andorra: UK travellers will need a negative PCR or TMA test no older than 48 hours before arrival in Andorra. You will also need to have a TMA + Rapid Antigen Test once you have arrived. You will need to self-isolate until you get the results back. You will need to take more TMA tests on the 5, 10 and 15 days after your arrival dates. Rapid antigen tests need to be taken on day two, four, six, ten, 12 and 14 of your stay in Andorra. 
• Armenia: Foreign nationals are now allowed to enter Armenia but will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. If you do not have a test and have no symptoms, you can get a test on arrival and then isolate until you get the result. 
• Azerbaijan: Travel to Azerbaijan is extremely limited. You will need to speak to your travel agent or call Azerbaijan Airlines for more travel information. You will need proof of a test no older than 48 hours before your flight. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days or you can take a test after six days and if it is negative, come out of isolation. 
• Belarus: All arrivals from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they show symptoms. You will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. Be aware that all land borders are temporarily suspended.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: British nationals can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina if they have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result that is not older than 48 hours. 
• Bulgaria: UK travellers can enter Bulgaria if they have a vaccine certificate to prove they have had the second dose of the vaccine at least 14 weeks before travelling. Those who have not been vaccinated can enter Bulgaria with proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, proof of a rapid antigen test no older than 47 hours, or a positive PCR/ rapid antigen test showing you have recovered from Covid-19 between 15 and 180 days before arrival in Bulgaria.
• Croatia: UK travellers who have proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours or have a vaccination certificate showing they had a second dose more than 14 days before travel can enter Croatia for tourism. Until there is a means to certify people who are vaccinated, all travellers should have a test with them. You will also need proof of accommodation if travelling for tourism.
• Cyprus: UK travellers will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or can show proof of having two Covid-19 vaccinations. It is advised that until there are specified ways to certify vaccinations, you should come prepared with a negative test. 
• Estonia: Travellers from the UK will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours before departure. You will need to self-isolate for 10 days unless you have tested positive for Covid-19 within the last six months or have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the last six months.
• France: You will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours to enter France and will need to isolate for seven days on arrival. On day seven you will need to take a second Covid test.
• Georgia: UK travellers who have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccination will be allowed to enter Georgia with no restrictions. Those who have not been vaccinated can enter the country by showing proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. 
• Greece: You need to complete this form 24 hours before you arrive in Greece. You need proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours to avoid isolation on arrival. 
• Ireland: You will need to complete a passenger locater form. Anyone entering Ireland from Great Britain needs proof of a negative RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days. 
• Italy: UK travellers can enter Italy provided you have proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours. You will need to self-isolate for five days, taking a test on the fifth day. You also need to call the Covid-19 helpline to inform them of your visit 48 hours before arrival. 
• Lithuania: Those from the UK will need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in Lithuania. You will also need a negative test no older than 72 hours before your arrival. Regardless of your test result, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. There is a chance of getting out of isolation early if you take another test and test negative after seven days. Everyone travelling to Lithuania will need to fill out a registration form before travelling.
• Madeira: UK travellers are permitted to enter Madeira for any reason. You will need to fill in a questionnaire 12-48 hours before departure, need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours and undergo a health screening at the airport. 
• Malta: UK travellers can now travel to Malta provided they have proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. 
• Moldova: Those travelling from the UK to Moldova will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or proof of a positive serology test on IgG antibodies no older than 30 hours. It is recommended that bring a paper version of your test result. If you have proof that you have had both doses of the vaccine, you will not need a negative test to enter. 
• Montenegro: UK travellers will need a negative test no older than 72 hours to travel to Montenegro or proof that you had the second dose of the vaccine over a week before travelling. 
• Poland: UK travellers are allowed to enter Poland. You will need a negative test no older than 48 hours or proof that you have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to avoid quarantine on arrival. You will also be allowed to enter without isolation if you can prove you have self-isolated or been hospitalised in the last six months due to testing positive for Covid-19. 
• Romania: Travellers from the UK can enter Romania with no restrictions. You will not need a test and you will not need to self-isolate. 
• San Marino: To enter San Marino, you will need to go through Italy, so follow the entry rules for UK travellers entering Italy. 
• Serbia: All visitors to Serbia must arrive with a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before arrival.
• Slovenia: The UK has been taken off Slovenia's red list meaning you no longer need to quarantine on arrival if arriving from the UK. However, you are still only allowed to enter for essential reasons.
• Turkey: UK travellers will need a negative test no older than 72 hours to be allowed to enter Turkey. You also need to complete this form 72 hours before travelling. 

 

[xylophone]

2 minutes ago, billythehat said:

“Then of course there is the fear factor and I believe that will drive would-be tourists to Thailand, to seek holidays in the likes of Spain and Greece, for example, and with a much shorter aeroplane journey.”

 

My good Sir, with reference to the current travel situation in the UK to other European countries, please see the info below. My humble apologies for the disgraceful formatting but I couldn’t be ar**d to debug the source format (corona-virus-updates.)

Which European countries are closed to UK travellers?

 

• Austria: Travellers from the UK are not allowed to enter Austria. 
• Azores: You can only travel to the Azores if you are a resident and returning home or for essential reasons. 
• Belgium: British nationals who do not reside in Belgium or another EU/ Schengen country will only be able to travel for essential reasons. 
• Czech Republic: You can only enter the Czech Republic for essential reasons. 
• Denmark: Those who have a worthy purpose of travelling can travel to Denmark from the UK. 
• Finland: Only residents and nationals of Finland are allowed to enter Finland. 
• Germany: UK travellers can only enter Germany if they are residents or for essential humanitarian needs.
• Hungary: Hungary has closed its borders to most foreign nationals including those from the UK. You may be able to enter for essential reasons. 
• Iceland: Travel to and from the UK is not permitted unless it is for an essential reason or you are a resident of Iceland. Iceland is one of 12 countries on the UK's green list for travel. 
• Latvia:  You will only be able to enter Latvia for essential reasons.
• Liechtenstein: Travellers from the UK are not permitted to enter Liechtenstein unless they are a Liechtenstein or Swiss citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or hold a 'laisser passer'. 
• Luxembourg: Travellers from the UK are banned from entering Luxembourg for non-essential reasons. 
• Netherlands: UK nationals can only enter the Netherlands if they are residents or for essential reasons. 
• Norway: UK nationals are not allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions. 
• Portugal: You can only travel to mainland Portugal if you are a resident, an EU national or if its for essential reasons. Portugal is one of 12 countries on the UK's green list for travel. 
• Russia: Flights from the UK to Russia are suspended until at least 1 June. 
• Switzerland: Those in the UK cannot travel to Switzerland unless they are a Swiss or Liechtenstein citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or holds a 'laisser passer'. 
• Slovakia: UK travellers are not permitted to enter Slovakia unless it's for essential reasons. 
• Spain: Travel to Spain from the UK is restricted to EU and Schengen state citizens and to those travelling for essential reasons. 
• The Canary Islands: Travel to the Canary Islands from the UK is restricted until 30 March. 
• Sweden: There is a travel ban in place  which means those from the UK cannot enter Sweden unless they are exempt. 

Which European countries are open to UK visitors? 

• Albania: Flights between Albania and the UK have resumed and UK travellers do not need to isolate on arrival in Albania.
• Andorra: UK travellers will need a negative PCR or TMA test no older than 48 hours before arrival in Andorra. You will also need to have a TMA + Rapid Antigen Test once you have arrived. You will need to self-isolate until you get the results back. You will need to take more TMA tests on the 5, 10 and 15 days after your arrival dates. Rapid antigen tests need to be taken on day two, four, six, ten, 12 and 14 of your stay in Andorra. 
• Armenia: Foreign nationals are now allowed to enter Armenia but will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. If you do not have a test and have no symptoms, you can get a test on arrival and then isolate until you get the result. 
• Azerbaijan: Travel to Azerbaijan is extremely limited. You will need to speak to your travel agent or call Azerbaijan Airlines for more travel information. You will need proof of a test no older than 48 hours before your flight. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days or you can take a test after six days and if it is negative, come out of isolation. 
• Belarus: All arrivals from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they show symptoms. You will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. Be aware that all land borders are temporarily suspended.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: British nationals can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina if they have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result that is not older than 48 hours. 
• Bulgaria: UK travellers can enter Bulgaria if they have a vaccine certificate to prove they have had the second dose of the vaccine at least 14 weeks before travelling. Those who have not been vaccinated can enter Bulgaria with proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, proof of a rapid antigen test no older than 47 hours, or a positive PCR/ rapid antigen test showing you have recovered from Covid-19 between 15 and 180 days before arrival in Bulgaria.
• Croatia: UK travellers who have proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours or have a vaccination certificate showing they had a second dose more than 14 days before travel can enter Croatia for tourism. Until there is a means to certify people who are vaccinated, all travellers should have a test with them. You will also need proof of accommodation if travelling for tourism.
• Cyprus: UK travellers will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or can show proof of having two Covid-19 vaccinations. It is advised that until there are specified ways to certify vaccinations, you should come prepared with a negative test. 
• Estonia: Travellers from the UK will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours before departure. You will need to self-isolate for 10 days unless you have tested positive for Covid-19 within the last six months or have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the last six months.
• France: You will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours to enter France and will need to isolate for seven days on arrival. On day seven you will need to take a second Covid test.
• Georgia: UK travellers who have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccination will be allowed to enter Georgia with no restrictions. Those who have not been vaccinated can enter the country by showing proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. 
• Greece: You need to complete this form 24 hours before you arrive in Greece. You need proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours to avoid isolation on arrival. 
• Ireland: You will need to complete a passenger locater form. Anyone entering Ireland from Great Britain needs proof of a negative RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days. 
• Italy: UK travellers can enter Italy provided you have proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours. You will need to self-isolate for five days, taking a test on the fifth day. You also need to call the Covid-19 helpline to inform them of your visit 48 hours before arrival. 
• Lithuania: Those from the UK will need to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in Lithuania. You will also need a negative test no older than 72 hours before your arrival. Regardless of your test result, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. There is a chance of getting out of isolation early if you take another test and test negative after seven days. Everyone travelling to Lithuania will need to fill out a registration form before travelling.
• Madeira: UK travellers are permitted to enter Madeira for any reason. You will need to fill in a questionnaire 12-48 hours before departure, need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours and undergo a health screening at the airport. 
• Malta: UK travellers can now travel to Malta provided they have proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. 
• Moldova: Those travelling from the UK to Moldova will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or proof of a positive serology test on IgG antibodies no older than 30 hours. It is recommended that bring a paper version of your test result. If you have proof that you have had both doses of the vaccine, you will not need a negative test to enter. 
• Montenegro: UK travellers will need a negative test no older than 72 hours to travel to Montenegro or proof that you had the second dose of the vaccine over a week before travelling. 
• Poland: UK travellers are allowed to enter Poland. You will need a negative test no older than 48 hours or proof that you have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to avoid quarantine on arrival. You will also be allowed to enter without isolation if you can prove you have self-isolated or been hospitalised in the last six months due to testing positive for Covid-19. 
• Romania: Travellers from the UK can enter Romania with no restrictions. You will not need a test and you will not need to self-isolate. 
• San Marino: To enter San Marino, you will need to go through Italy, so follow the entry rules for UK travellers entering Italy. 
• Serbia: All visitors to Serbia must arrive with a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before arrival.
• Slovenia: The UK has been taken off Slovenia's red list meaning you no longer need to quarantine on arrival if arriving from the UK. However, you are still only allowed to enter for essential reasons.
• Turkey: UK travellers will need a negative test no older than 72 hours to be allowed to enter Turkey. You also need to complete this form 72 hours before travelling. 

 

Thank you for the latest information BTH, however it still does leave a few options a bit closer to UK/EU for holidaymakers and if it were me having to choose, were I in that position, then it would be Greece, Malta, Madeira, Italy, or Cyprus or perhaps the South of France.

 

Still a lot of hassle to go through with regards to tests and forms et cetera, so I'll just give up on any idea of travel and stock up on more red wine – – sensible option IMO.

[nkg]

4 hours ago, madmitch said:

Yes, but the UK also has just issued a list of countries it deems safe for its citizens to visit and Thailand isn't on that list, meaning a strict 10 day self-isolation period upon return. I shouldn't think there's much chance of Britain, or any other country that has similar conditions, allowing Phuket in isolation to be added to a green list.

 

Incidentally, during previous sandbox press reports, The Maldives was sometimes quoted as an example of how mass tourism has opened up during the Covid crisis. Yesterday The Maldives went onto the UK's red list!

 

 

True, but you would expect more countries to be added to that list over time, and Thailand as a whole still has very low numbers of deaths and infections.

 

Anybody who is prepared to fill in all the paperwork, pay for the special Thai covid insurance, pay £100-£200 for an express covid test etc is probably coming for a minimum of a couple of months, so the 10 day self-isolation might not put them off. I hesitate to point this out, but the UK aren't actually doing anything to enforce the 10-day self-isolation ...

 

[billythehat]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Thank you for the latest information BTH, however it still does leave a few options a bit closer to UK/EU for holidaymakers and if it were me having to choose, were I in that position, then it would be Greece, Malta, Madeira, Italy, or Cyprus or perhaps the South of France.

 

Still a lot of hassle to go through with regards to tests and forms et cetera, so I'll just give up on any idea of travel and stock up on more red wine – – sensible option IMO.

The majority of friends with kids I know have told me that holidays abroad are not on the list for this year and have planned staycations within mainland UK. However, and here’s the rub, many have said that local demand, due to the current situation, has caused many popular mainland destinations to be unavailable for many months due to the heavy demand for rooms as folks decide to stay home.

 

Still some political instability post Brexit with the Jocks wanting independence from the UK, the frogs’ threats to cut off power to Jersey (fishing disputes), the Welsh report a case of covid found in some sheep (an animal regarded in Wales as a religious deity) and want travel restrictions imposed.

 

Your most agreeable method to see out the current situation, would, I assume, alongside the purchase of large volumes of fine ‘Rouge de Monger 78’, include a hot-tub converted to pump bubbles of red wine with enough room to accommodate a bevvy of local ladies. I think you need to look at the biznit opportunities of such, post-covid, and naturally I’ll be expecting a substantial brown envelope for the suggestion.

 

Your previous note on the state of Patong implies a very serious question post-covid. Who, in your opinion, is going to provide the cash investments to revive the town?

[Travis179]

5 hours ago, KarenBravo said:

The problem is that tourists aren't ready for Phuket.

Still has increasing Covid cases and airfares are very expensive now. Who would want to come?

Fares are quite reasonable now. I arrived recently from the US on China Air. R/T fare was only $700. EVA was about the same.

[impulse]

9 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

Google "Seychelles Covid surge."

 

Or Google "Wuhan Music Festival", where China has vaccinated less than 10% of their population and there's a music festival (with very few masks in the photos) going on at ground zero.  There was an article about it on the BKK Post, which, of course, I can't link to here.

 

We're 100% sure that continuing the lockdowns and keeping tourists out will ruin the economy.  But there's a lot of evidence from around the world that it won't save anyone from the virus.  Lots of places have opened up and are doing as well or better than places that have stayed locked down. 

 

With Thailand's porous borders, is keeping out the paying tourists really working?  Opening one island on a trial basis is one way to find out.

 

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by impulse

[Pattaya Spotter]

11 minutes ago, impulse said:

With Thailand's porous borders, is keeping out the paying tourists really working?  Opening one island on a trial basis is one way to find out.

The Seychelles is also an island.

 

Seychelles brings back curbs despite vaccination success

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56992121

[impulse]

23 minutes ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

The Seychelles is also an island.

 

Seychelles brings back curbs despite vaccination success

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56992121

 

Do the Seychelles have a causeway to the mainland like Phuket?

 

I'm saying it's impossible to lock down Phuket.  Illegal workers are going to get in.  Thai natives are going to get in.  The only ones they're keeping out is cashed up tourists.  How's that working out?  Financially and pandemic wise...

 

[kimamey]

I'm not a tourist so if this happens its what I'm looking for. Would this involve a direct flight to Phuket or would transit through BKK be possible?

[madmen]

12 hours ago, Travis179 said:

Fares are quite reasonable now. I arrived recently from the US on China Air. R/T fare was only $700. EVA was about the same.

Similar to price from oz. Expats here who won't even travel keep offering misinformation. 

Edited May 8, 2021 by madmen

[stuarty]

10 hours ago, kimamey said:

I'm not a tourist so if this happens its what I'm looking for. Would this involve a direct flight to Phuket or would transit through BKK be possible?

At the moment, direct flight only.

[zzzzz]

6 minutes ago, stuarty said:

At the moment, direct flight only.

There are weekly flights from Singapore to Phuket an its quite easy to transit Singapore

[kimamey]

1 hour ago, stuarty said:

At the moment, direct flight only.

Thanks for that.

 

I know that Qatar and possibly Emirates fly to Phuket but I've recently been flying Gulf Air and because I went mad and flew with my wife in business class in 2019 I'm now up to Gold Tier and I can use the business class check in and the lounges. 

 

I think Gulf Air have been transiting through Singapore recently either in bound or outbound. Possibly I could use that to get to Singapore and then another flight to Phuket. There may be other options as well to use Gulf Air.

 

I'm not sure it makes much sense since I have to transit through Dubai, Doha or Manama if I use Emirates, Qatar or Gulf anyway. 

[hotchilli]

On 5/8/2021 at 9:41 AM, zzzzz said:

I imagine the Chinese are getting their shots and are ready to fly direct into Phuket come July>

BUT how will this help the local economy as the Chinese stay in Chinese owned hotels, tour with Chinese companies, eat in Chinese owned restaurants and shop in Chinese owned shops

 

Will Patong, Karon, Kata open for them?

They'll open up for anyone... 

[kimamey]

On 5/8/2021 at 6:01 AM, Pattaya Spotter said:

Customs was always a two-second walk through if using the Green Lane...so do t see much of an issue. Maybe be means immigration? 

Yes it's the immigration part.  They can't use the Egates and have to do more checks with less staff.  There have been complaints of queues over 7 hours although I don't think they mean 15 times that. 

[Pattaya Spotter]

I hope this new quarantine for "all" travelers doesn't include domestic ones...I've got to return to Pattaya for a month or so in July. I wouldn't want to quarantine when I return (by car).

[zhounan]

Before singing victory, I remember that last month the mass vaccination campaign started in Phuket.

This means that, most likely, within this month, or early June, the cases of positivity in Phuket will increase.

[stuarty]

21 minutes ago, zhounan said:

Before singing victory, I remember that last month the mass vaccination campaign started in Phuket.

This means that, most likely, within this month, or early June, the cases of positivity in Phuket will increase.

Why?