Thailand to scrap quarantine for vaccinated visitors from Nov 1

[EVENKEEL]

I'd say it's good news. For those of us returning, me anyway 7 days in Patts doesn't sound like torture. A little me time.

[metisdead]

Some off topic posts, troll posts and replies have been removed. 

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, steven100 said:

great news !!      sadly,  some farang just have to whinge at any news.

I take it your flying the Thai flag nice and high then ?

[nkg]

Quote

Authorities will also reduce the quarantine time nationwide for visitors arriving from Oct. 1, the COVID-19 task force said, halving it to seven days for vaccinated arrivals, and cutting it to 10 days for those not inoculated.

 

So now they're letting people into the "sandbox" with no vaccinations at all.

 

Ridiculous.

[Danderman123]

23 minutes ago, aussiexpat said:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand-idUSKBN2GN0E4

 

https://www.tatnews.org/2021/09/thailands-ccsa-approves-4-phase-reopening-plan-from-october-until-january/

The Reuters article linked above is the same article in the OP. The second article does not mention quarantine, only re-opening of Bangkok. 

 

As a matter of fact, "re-opening" of Bangkok has nothing to do with elimination of quarantine. 

 

So far, no confirmation of the Reuters article. 

Edited September 27, 2021 by Danderman123

[Danderman123]

1 hour ago, searcher22 said:

I am fully vaccinated and arrived in Bangkok on September 24. Will I still need to do the 14-day quarantine until Oct 8?

Whatever your COE says dictates your quarantine. 

[KeeTua]

29 minutes ago, Cherrytreeview said:

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/09/27/thai-government-announces-more-relaxation-of-covid-19-domestic-measures-emergency-decree-extension-and-plans-to-welcome-vaccinated-tourists/

 

Adam Judd is normally not far off the mark.

I would think this is what 'reopening' looks like.

I wouldn't be going through this endurance test.

From the article in your link:

 

"TPN media would like to note before listing the measures approved and changes that all of this needs final approval by the Thai Cabinet, who meet to review the proposals tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th, 2021. After, the proposals will need to become legal orders in the Royal Gazette, and orders that affect provinces, such as easing of restrictions, will need Governor permission. Although some of these steps are mostly formalities, it is important for this to take place.

Finally, this is a developing story and some of these items could potentially change based on final meetings with the Cabinet or provincial orders."

[Danderman123]

41 minutes ago, Cherrytreeview said:

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/09/27/thai-government-announces-more-relaxation-of-covid-19-domestic-measures-emergency-decree-extension-and-plans-to-welcome-vaccinated-tourists/

 

Adam Judd is normally not far off the mark.

I would think this is what 'reopening' looks like.

I wouldn't be going through this endurance test.

From the article above:

 

"Dr. Taweesilp also mentioned the reopening of pilot areas to international tourists under the “Sandbox” project that the project would be done gradually and Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chonburi (Pattaya, Jomtien, Bang Saray) and Chiang Mai would be the areas to initially welcome vaccinated foreign tourists on November 1st. (Full list below) This plan was originally set to start from October 1st, however, has been pushed back to allow more time for further vaccinations in areas reopening to foreign vaccinated tourists.

Under the plan, vaccinated foreign tourists must stay in a zone for seven days, passing two Covid-19 tests via RT-PCR during this period. Once they pass this seven-day period they may travel throughout the country. Certain items, like COE (Certificate of Entry) from an embassy/consulate will stay for now but are likely to be reduced or eliminated when the Emergency Decree eventually is replaced by communicable disease laws. Tourists must stay at a SHA+ hotel, booked in advance, and not their own residence. They must take a Covid-19 test before flying to Thailand in addition to two tests here. They must also meet mandatory insurance requirements and keep a tracking application on their phones running at all times during their seven-day initial period."

 

In other words, there will be a Sandbox in Bangkok and Pattaya, including a 7 day quarantine, starting November 1.

Edited September 27, 2021 by Danderman123

[champers]

Good news that cinemas are re-opening; just in time for the new James Bond film which comes out this week. Praise be 007!!!

Also out is "The Many Saints Of Newark", the early years film about The Sopranos starring Michael Gandolfini; son of the late James; as teenage Tony Soprano.

The last film I saw at the pictures was that extreme road rage effort with a fat Russell Crowe as the psychopath.

[sirineou]

2 hours ago, Mavideol said:

how many of them were expats returning to their families and how many were "real visitors/tourists"

What difference does it make?  37,368 people came to Phuket and spend 14 days there. Even if a big percentage of them are returning expats, many of those returning expats would not have come at this time anyway. I know we came back last May, because of the 7 day quarantine, otherwise we would not have come, we would have waited a few more months. 

Edited September 27, 2021 by sirineou

[EricTh]

I hope this is not another plan that will be changed again..... I am fed up with all the changes.

[VBF]

23 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

From the article above:

 

"Dr. Taweesilp also mentioned the reopening of pilot areas to international tourists under the “Sandbox” project that the project would be done gradually and Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chonburi (Pattaya, Jomtien, Bang Saray) and Chiang Mai would be the areas to initially welcome vaccinated foreign tourists on November 1st. (Full list below) This plan was originally set to start from October 1st, however, has been pushed back to allow more time for further vaccinations in areas reopening to foreign vaccinated tourists.

Under the plan, vaccinated foreign tourists must stay in a zone for seven days, passing two Covid-19 tests via RT-PCR during this period. Once they pass this seven-day period they may travel throughout the country. Certain items, like COE (Certificate of Entry) from an embassy/consulate will stay for now but are likely to be reduced or eliminated when the Emergency Decree eventually is replaced by communicable disease laws. Tourists must stay at a SHA+ hotel, booked in advance, and not their own residence. They must take a Covid-19 test before flying to Thailand in addition to two tests here. They must also meet mandatory insurance requirements and keep a tracking application on their phones running at all times during their seven-day initial period."

 

In other words, there will be a Sandbox in Bangkok and Pattaya, including a 7 day quarantine, starting November 1.

Looking at all that, which I realise is subject to certain to change, I'd say it's still a No for tourists, but a step forward for you guys who live in Thailand (?)

I still wonder what they'll do if people don't have a smart phone...or even a Thai phone at all. I'd suggest that most tourists don't.

[JerseytoBKK]

37 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Whatever your COE says dictates your quarantine. 

Wrong. I came in on April 1 and my COE which was issued 2 weeks earlier said 14 day Q. After they reviewed my quarantine cert at the airport, the health officer gave me a new form that stated that my Q was changed to 7 days. Anyone who came in March 30th had to do the 14 days.

[Bkk Brian]

31 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

From the article above:

 

"Dr. Taweesilp also mentioned the reopening of pilot areas to international tourists under the “Sandbox” project that the project would be done gradually and Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chonburi (Pattaya, Jomtien, Bang Saray) and Chiang Mai would be the areas to initially welcome vaccinated foreign tourists on November 1st. (Full list below) This plan was originally set to start from October 1st, however, has been pushed back to allow more time for further vaccinations in areas reopening to foreign vaccinated tourists.

Under the plan, vaccinated foreign tourists must stay in a zone for seven days, passing two Covid-19 tests via RT-PCR during this period. Once they pass this seven-day period they may travel throughout the country. Certain items, like COE (Certificate of Entry) from an embassy/consulate will stay for now but are likely to be reduced or eliminated when the Emergency Decree eventually is replaced by communicable disease laws. Tourists must stay at a SHA+ hotel, booked in advance, and not their own residence. They must take a Covid-19 test before flying to Thailand in addition to two tests here. They must also meet mandatory insurance requirements and keep a tracking application on their phones running at all times during their seven-day initial period."

 

In other words, there will be a Sandbox in Bangkok and Pattaya, including a 7 day quarantine, starting November 1.

So still sandbox style, 2 PCR tests in the first 7 days, dragged to quarantine if found positive no doubt even if you've no symptoms. Must  stay in SHA hotel same zone for 7 days, insurance, tracking apps etc.

 

This with a supposed population of 70% vaccinated and all international tourists vaccinated. This is hardly opening up in the true sense of the word. Forget families with children, they're not going to risk being taken to quarantine after flying half way round the world to holiday in Thailand.

 

Are they now expecting hotels to get up and running, get SHA certified, get their full compliment of staff back who have gone home to the Provinces, start paying wages again and wait for the tourists to flock in as promised?

 

Didn't work like that in Phuket, majority of hotels struggling as are small businesses.

 

If its going to be done it needs to be carried out properly in my opinion, only requirements being fully vaccinated tourists and negative test before departure. Done.

[ThailandRyan]

12 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

So still sandbox style, 2 PCR tests in the first 7 days, dragged to quarantine if found positive no doubt even if you've no symptoms. Must  stay in SHA hotel same zone for 7 days, insurance, tracking apps etc.

 

This with a supposed population of 70% vaccinated and all international tourists vaccinated. This is hardly opening up in the true sense of the word. Forget families with children, they're not going to risk being taken to quarantine after flying half way round the world to holiday in Thailand.

 

Are they now expecting hotels to get up and running, get SHA certified, get their full compliment of staff back who have gone home to the Provinces, start paying wages again and wait for the tourists to flock in as promised?

 

Didn't work like that in Phuket, majority of hotels struggling as are small businesses.

 

If its going to be done it needs to be carried out properly in my opinion, only requirements being fully vaccinated tourists and negative test before departure. Done.

With what you said at the end of your post it is no wonder that the Hoteliers association is now suing Prayut and his Government for 50 million Thb.  They want back money they lost due to the ineptitude of the government which cost many of them their livelihoods.  Lets hope they get their act together and stop the shenanigans.

[JerseytoBKK]

So Thai people can go to movie theaters, but if dirty vaccinated farangs want to fly into BKK, then they must be locked in their rooms for 7 nights. Unless they arrive after 18:00, then they must be locked up for 8 nights.

 

Do the idiots in charge really expect farangs with money to apply for 10 year visas and put up with this lunacy? I qualify for the retirement 10 year plan but count me out. 

 

Dirty vaccinated farangs were not the cause of this latest Covid wave. Anyone remember the Myanmar club - Thong Lo connection? Or the seafood market? Or the endless stream of illegal border crossers that keep coming because they are promised employment? The entire claim of needing to vaccinate 70% of the people (with inferior vaccines) before the country is opened to vaccinated people is a farce. Unfortunately many on this forum assisted the idiots in charge by parroting the story.

Edited September 27, 2021 by JerseytoBKK

[smedly]

someone is listening

 

so I assume that brings and end to the SHA hotel nonsense also

[jing jing]

30 minutes ago, JerseytoBKK said:

Wrong. I came in on April 1 and my COE which was issued 2 weeks earlier said 14 day Q. After they reviewed my quarantine cert at the airport, the health officer gave me a new form that stated that my Q was changed to 7 days. Anyone who came in March 30th had to do the 14 days.

Nice.  There is also a communicable disease control officer in each subdistrict.  Perhaps he or she would agree to reduce the time for those in quarantine here who have already done 7 days but not yet 14?

[JerseytoBKK]

7 minutes ago, jing jing said:

Nice.  There is also a communicable disease control officer in each subdistrict.  Perhaps he or she would agree to reduce the time for those in quarantine here who have already done 7 days but not yet 14?

The rules at that time stated that the health officer at the port of entry would decide the quarantine length. Hotels were also required to issue refunds. If they change the rules this time, I think the subdistrict health officers would love the opportunity to cash in on being able to reduce Q time.

[mjakob007]

5 hours ago, Havnern said:

Finally the nail salons open ..... ????

floodgates open for international tourists

[ThailandRyan]

39 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

With what you said at the end of your post it is no wonder that the Hoteliers association is now suing Prayut and his Government for 50 million Thb.  They want back money they lost due to the ineptitude of the government which cost many of them their livelihoods.  Lets hope they get their act together and stop the shenanigans.

Sorry should have said restaurant operators not Hoteliers.

Edited September 27, 2021 by ThailandRyan

[Danderman123]

1 hour ago, JerseytoBKK said:

Wrong. I came in on April 1 and my COE which was issued 2 weeks earlier said 14 day Q. After they reviewed my quarantine cert at the airport, the health officer gave me a new form that stated that my Q was changed to 7 days. Anyone who came in March 30th had to do the 14 days.

You are exceptional.

 

did you get a refund for the 7 days from your hotel?

Edited September 27, 2021 by Danderman123

[stigar]

1 minute ago, Danderman123 said:

You are exceptional.

 

did you get a refund for the 7 days from your hotel?

I arrived 31st march and did 14 days quarantene.My friend arrived 2nd april and had to stay 10 days.

[Danderman123]

43 minutes ago, smedly said:

someone is listening

 

so I assume that brings and end to the SHA hotel nonsense also

SHA hotels will be spreading to Bangkok and Pattaya.

[smedly]

36 minutes ago, smedly said:

someone is listening

 

so I assume that brings and end to the SHA hotel nonsense also

Just thought about this again

 

Since they don't regard the Phuket Sandbox as quarantine (which it is) and they don't regard SHA hotels as Quarantine (which they are) then I am afroad to say I jumped the gun a little with my previous statement.

 

I now believe that when they say no quarantine for fully vaccinated foreign tourists it still means implimentation of all the sandbox rules 

 

I hope I am wrong about this but if I am correct then the only thing that has changed is the date .................. 1st OCT is now 1st NOV

 

If true then they can say goodbye to any foreign tourism while these stupid rules/restrictions continue  - SHA -COE - Multiple tests - covid Insurance etc,

 

it is not very clear at this time what is meant by "No Quarantine for fully Vaccinated Tourists"

[Danderman123]

So, assuming the OP is wrong, and assuming there will be a requirement to quarantine in Bangkok or Pattaya for 7 days in a SHA hotel, what does that mean? I gather that the tourist victim is only required to stay in their room until the results of their PCR test are available. If negative, can they walk around the hotel, wander outside, etc? Is there a bed check? 

[JerseytoBKK]

16 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

You are exceptional.

 

did you get a refund for the 7 days from your hotel?

Not exceptional, just went through the process. This isn't the first time you posted something that was wrong. It's OK because normal people make mistakes all the time but some people have a hard time admitting to their mistakes.  

 

Yes, I received a refund.

[Danderman123]

8 minutes ago, JerseytoBKK said:

Not exceptional, just went through the process. This isn't the first time you posted something that was wrong. It's OK because normal people make mistakes all the time but some people have a hard time admitting to their mistakes.  

 

Yes, I received a refund.

I literally meant your experience was exceptional. If quarantines were routinely changed at the airport, the result would be fairly chaotic. Instead, you experienced a rare event.

 

people should not assume that the length of their quarantine can be renegotiated or otherwise changed at BKK, upon arrival.

Edited September 27, 2021 by Danderman123

[smedly]

33 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

SHA hotels will be spreading to Bangkok and Pattaya.

yes it seems that way making this another post pulling deceptive headline and 4 pages of pointless discussion 

[Salerno]

13 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

I literally meant your experience was exceptional. If quarantines were routinely changed at the airport, the result would be fairly chaotic. Instead, you experienced a rare event.

In this case it wasn't exceptional; it was the way the changes where implemented as various reports attested to.