Jonathan Swift Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 11 hours ago, bkk_bwana said: Anyone that wants to travel during a pandemic and take a vacation needs to accept that rules and regulations, just as at home, are likely to change. I live in Bangkok. The rules for me to travel to Phuket, Samui, Ko Tao, Phi Phi, any of those places or other provinces have changed regularly over the last few months. Oh, you speak common sense? Judging by all the complainers here I thought it was an extinct language. I also live in Bangkok and have gone back and forth to the US during the pandemic. I made my choices and accept my responsibilities without pointing the finger. Change and confusion are a matter of course during these times. Anyone who needs to know how to deal with their particular situation has options that can be pursued to a resolution. It may take patience and be frustrating, but it can be done. I know what I can reasonably expect by now and am lucky to have the life I have. What Thai officials say and do in order to jump start tourism is really just their business and not mine. If they pursue fantasy, speculation, and magical thinking they have the right to do that. Then they have the accompanying right to fall on their faces. They don't need my opinion, and I don't have one. It's a sad and tragic situation and who can blame them for not having a quick cure? Let the chips fall, and I will adapt. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 hours ago, smedly said: my understanding is that proof of full vaccination was the max requirement this couple were told - stay in the sand pit for 14 days then you are free to travel anywhere in Thailand just like you or me but instead they are being treated like they are in a never ending sand pit - that is 100% incorrect, 14 days done and they are free to do what they want, it matters not a jot if they decide to book another SHA hotel - the restrictions tests etc no longer apply, from 14 days onwards the same rules apply to them as locals ............................................. it is very obvious someone is trying to rip them off - no surprise there Yes, same restrictions as to locals. Which depend on provincial requirements, often negative tests on entry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Stefanix Posted September 21, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2021 12 hours ago, snoop1130 said: The couple, staying in Phuket as Sandbox tourists, were told that in order to travel to Phi Phi Island and Koh Samui as part of their extended holiday would cost them an extra B35,000, or nearly US$1,100, just to have the COVID tests done to allow them them to travel the other designated Sandbox tourism areas. They "were told". Who actually told them this? A taxi driver? 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 hours ago, paahlman said: Yes.. my understanding was simliar.. Or.. I thought that .. for example to go to Krabi from Phuket would require nothing on exit and nothing in Krabi, but that IF you wanted to go back to Phuket it was required a rapid test only if you are fully vaccinated that all in the sandbox have to be anyway. If going to Bangkok.. I am not sure.. , but I do know a friend who drove from phuket to hat yai with no problems along the way. Only required a rapid test on reentry.. That said. The laws have a way of changing every week so one can not be sure. it sounds to me like they are trying to keep this couple in a sort sandbox status for ever ................................. it was 14 days max or 7+7 then that was it, their effective status changed to exactly the same as me with no sandbox restrictions - that has not changed 14 days that's it It seems that what they are trying to do is a sandbox repeat in another location - pity that they probably paid up front for a hotel and if they didn't I'd be telling them to stuff it - they can make their own way to their next destination and walk into a hotel just like I would do or you would do and book a room 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james1943 Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 I think taking 3 test within 14 days is to much then they charge 2300 baht for each test is a rip off. they think all farang are rich and they can rip you off and they do. 300 or 400 baht for the test I could see but 2300 baht is nothing but a rip off 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamNoone88 Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 I have no sympathy for these poor Canadian tourists. It is more punitive for domestic business than visitors and they have a choice to go elsewhere other than Thailand. Every time I get on a plane domestically it costs me an extra THB 7,000 just to fly and return to Phuket per person to run a business. It is a ridiculous expense and wastes considerable time. Hanging around a hospital waiting to get tested is just extra exposure to a Covid risk. So my sympathy is with other business people across Thailand that have to regularly undertake the hassle and the costs to get from point A to Point B simply to comply and keep their business operating in difficult circumstances. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonray Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 Heaven forbid...could always go back to Canada 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 hours ago, Aussieroaming said: The bigger issue is the PCR Test costs, which are excessively expensive here and are a further deterrent to tourism. PCR tests are part of the new travel regime I'm afraid for at least the next year or two and I mean that on a global travel scale yes maybe one but six in the space of 15 day is taking the ## 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMBob Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 Rather fruitless for people posting here their "understandings." Just read the requirements for a Certificate of Entry on your embassy's website and your "understandings" will be clarified. With respect to the OP's post, he is either being ripped off or he just misunderstood. To get your final Certificate of Entry, you have to show proof you have already paid for 3 PCR tests here....one upon arrival at the airport (you have to stay in your hotel room until those results are known...mine took 4 hours) and two more within the 14-day time period. That's it as far as I know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricTh Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 (edited) 3 hours ago, smedly said: my understanding is that proof of full vaccination was the max requirement this couple were told - stay in the sand pit for 14 days then you are free to travel anywhere in Thailand just like you or me but instead they are being treated like they are in a never ending sand pit - that is 100% incorrect, 14 days done and they are free to do what they want, it matters not a jot if they decide to book another SHA hotel - the restrictions tests etc no longer apply, from 14 days onwards the same rules apply to them as locals ............................................. it is very obvious someone is trying to rip them off - no surprise there I thought it is 7 days with a few Covid swabs? That's why Thailand chose an island because foreigners will be stranded there without any transportation out of the island . If they chose Bangkok , then it is easy to escape a secluded area. Edited September 21, 2021 by EricTh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 hours ago, Wildliferescue said: Instead of the expensive PCR test they can just do the antigen test, 600 Baht only. We all have to when we travel and when entering or leaving Phuket and Samui it is done in 20 minutes. read the article - seems this couple are being asked to do sandbox over again after already completing it in Phuket - it is wrong, they are free to go wherever they like once the 14 days is done 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 1 hour ago, dallen52 said: 3500 baht 3500 baht 3500 baht Freedom. Oh, not quite. 3500 baht. 3500 baht. How negative do you have to be? they are a couple so you can double that 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenl Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 5 minutes ago, IamNoone88 said: I have no sympathy for these poor Canadian tourists. It is more punitive for domestic business than visitors and they have a choice to go elsewhere other than Thailand. Every time I get on a plane domestically it costs me an extra THB 7,000 just to fly and return to Phuket per person to run a business. It is a ridiculous expense and wastes considerable time. Hanging around a hospital waiting to get tested is just extra exposure to a Covid risk. So my sympathy is with other business people across Thailand that have to regularly undertake the hassle and the costs to get from point A to Point B simply to comply and keep their business operating in difficult circumstances. Why do you pay 7000 baht to enter Phuket? Tests are about 400 baht, no hospital visit required as well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 hours ago, bkk_bwana said: People were told' they could travel to Thailand and back to the UK, and self quarantine. Then, the British government decided that Thailand was a 'red' country and Brits on holiday in Thailand had to change their planned self isolation at home to a state quarantine costing 2,000 GBP for 10 days. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Things change all the time. the sandbox has not changed 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjinchiangrai Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 When did the testing price get so high? I thought it was 8000 for three tests? Are Phuket taxi drivers doing covid tests now? Do you get a jet ski rental with that? Something does not add up here. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post cclub75 Posted September 21, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2021 What is fascinating... 18 months after the start of the pandemic... is.... the "Focus, Commitment and Sheer Fxxx Will" that the local authorities are displaying... in order to destroy the economy. Literally. The first months, it was perfectly understandable : new virus, not enough data, potentially very dangerous, in doubt better to be safe than sorry. But 18 months later ? We have a tsunami of data, from all over the world... and they all look the same, they all say the same. And we have a tsunami of vaccines now to protect the best we can (eventhough not 100 %) the people targeted by the virus. So why do we continue ? Look at the circus about "reopening Bangkok". October 1, then october 15, then november 1, and now "mid november".... We can all feel it : it won't happen any time soon. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginner Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 12 hours ago, Gold Star said: It is not a sand box, it is a sand trap! Thailand is killing off their tourist industry, and is far from being ready for it. With such brutal restrictions, mandatory costly testing, and stupid new rules popping up like sunscreen fines and enjoying alcohol, the only tourists that could enjoy themselves are those from Nocturnal Alcoholics Anonymous organizations. Their money sting operation, wont affect tourism. They are being very careful not to let this information leak out in the world press. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 14 minutes ago, IamNoone88 said: I have no sympathy for these poor Canadian tourists. It is more punitive for domestic business than visitors and they have a choice to go elsewhere other than Thailand. Every time I get on a plane domestically it costs me an extra THB 7,000 just to fly and return to Phuket per person to run a business. It is a ridiculous expense and wastes considerable time. Hanging around a hospital waiting to get tested is just extra exposure to a Covid risk. So my sympathy is with other business people across Thailand that have to regularly undertake the hassle and the costs to get from point A to Point B simply to comply and keep their business operating in difficult circumstances. get vaccinated and stop complaining 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sydebolle Posted September 21, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2021 Keep up the good work - the TAT will just love it. Meanwhile the Caribbean, Mexico and African countries are doing thriving tourism business due to the complete failure of Thailand! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 13 minutes ago, CMBob said: Rather fruitless for people posting here their "understandings." Just read the requirements for a Certificate of Entry on your embassy's website and your "understandings" will be clarified. With respect to the OP's post, he is either being ripped off or he just misunderstood. To get your final Certificate of Entry, you have to show proof you have already paid for 3 PCR tests here....one upon arrival at the airport (you have to stay in your hotel room until those results are known...mine took 4 hours) and two more within the 14-day time period. That's it as far as I know. did you read the article - they have already done everything you posted but are now being asked to do it again at their next destination 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ourdon Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 1 hour ago, ezzra said: There was this goose who laid golden eggs... do i need to continue with the metaphor?... The crisp skin was tasty, wasn't it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CygnusX1 Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 The cost of the PCR tests wouldn’t bother me, it’s just that I’ve heard that they’re really painful. For anyone that’s had one, is that correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bobydog Posted September 21, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2021 12 hours ago, Gold Star said: It is not a sand box, it is a sand trap! Thailand is killing off their tourist industry, and is far from being ready for it. With such brutal restrictions, mandatory costly testing, and stupid new rules popping up like sunscreen fines and enjoying alcohol, the only tourists that could enjoy themselves are those from Nocturnal Alcoholics Anonymous organizations. But not Thailand as a whole, just the Junta Collective who are living well while the Thai people suffer. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMBob Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 16 minutes ago, EricTh said: I thought it is 7 days with a few Covid swabs?... Given you haven't gone thru the COE process or entered the Phuket program, probably best to let those who have done so provide info. Yes, 3 PCR tests are required during the 14-day (not 7) time period. One at the airport on arrival, one on the 5th/6th day, and the third and last on the 11th/12th day. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 2 minutes ago, CygnusX1 said: The cost of the PCR tests wouldn’t bother me, it’s just that I’ve heard that they’re really painful. For anyone that’s had one, is that correct? I think in China ( almost sure) they take an anal swab - I kid you not 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMBob Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 Adding...the dates and times for tests #2 and #3 are paid for and scheduled before you get your final COE (as you can't get that without uploading proof you already have taken care of that). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 3 minutes ago, CMBob said: Given you haven't gone thru the COE process or entered the Phuket program, probably best to let those who have done so provide info. Yes, 3 PCR tests are required during the 14-day (not 7) time period. One at the airport on arrival, one on the 5th/6th day, and the third and last on the 11th/12th day. and did you have to do it all again at your next destination ??????????? no didn't think so - everybody knows the general sandbox requirements - not what this topic is about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raccos21 Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 This Sandbox holiday seems like it is becoming a 'Scambox' to me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonypandy Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 12 hours ago, bkk_bwana said: Anyone that wants to travel during a pandemic and take a vacation needs to accept that rules and regulations, just as at home, are likely to change. I live in Bangkok. The rules for me to travel to Phuket, Samui, Ko Tao, Phi Phi, any of those places or other provinces have changed regularly over the last few months. Money outweighs rules and regulations. Regulations my back side. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreverlomsak Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 12 hours ago, Gold Star said: It is not a sand box, it is a sand trap! not sand try money trap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now