TAT boss: quarantine remains for 1 day to test all visitors, no going back to old tourism pub scenes

[fusion58]

3 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

My flight arrives in Thailand on 3rd November and I have been holding off making COE application and hotel booking in anticipation of rule changes. Hopefully full details of the new "Thailand Pass" and requirements will be out soon. If not, I'll simply delay arrival.

 

Don't have the option to postpone flight as wife's permission to stay (U.S.) is close to expiration.

[IAMHERE]

2 hours ago, ukrules said:

He just announced the death of Tourism in Thailand. It's over.

Absolutely; there are millions out there that have just collectively let out the final 'Sigh'. There is a point at which people will give up all hope. That point is different for most folks but so many have finally got there with this last 'announcement' from another person in charge in Thailand. Frustration and confusion are grease to that final point.

[realfunster]

I think you are missing the point.

 

The TAT leader knows well that for many reasons, some domestic, some global that Thai tourism numbers will remain significantly below 2019 levels for several years to come.

 

Obviously, the best way to spin that positively is to present it publicly as the result of a deliberate TAT policy and strategy change to attract “higher quality” tourists in lower numbers.

 

Of course, the reality on the ground will be much different and all Thailand will actually achieve will be to attract lower volumes of ‘lower quality’ tourists.  

 

This is great news for the ‘lower quality’ tourists, who can head to Thailand in Q1 or Q2’22 (after ASQ/local general restrictions relaxed) for a wonderful holiday with plentiful choices, reasonable prices and undercrowding on offer ! I guess it will feel like Thailand of 20 years ago. 

[Scrotobike]

TAT Blah Blah Blah

It has to be said whatever this muppet says will not happen.

[edwinchester]

"He insists the kingdom is instead pursuing a higher quality, more family-friendly market."

 

Talked with both my daughters back in the UK yesterday. Both of them and their respective families will not be holidaying in Thailand whilst the published demands are in place.

[herfiehandbag]

30 minutes ago, ftpjtm said:

Thanks for the clarification. I'll stop my search for airline tickets. 

Yes, as soon as "quarantine" is on the cards, one day, seven days or two weeks, with all that entails in terms of "release" being at the whim of officialdom, then most will go elsewhere!

[Dionigi]

Bars are relatively cheap to own and run and are used daily. Other attractions such as zoos, water parks, gardens, miniature villages, aquariums etc are costly to own and run and are maybe visited only once on a holiday. Unless there are constantly varying attractions tourists are not going to keep returning. Nightlife and bars are what keeps tourists returning. The beaches could be nice but let themselves down with pollution, vendors and drinking rules.

[2long]

I think it's fair to say that most of us on here are males, over 30, and like a drink. Some member have been into a go-go bar. Many members have settled and now have kids with a Thai.

 

Therefore there will be more than enough to bitch about this proposed lack of a bar scene. But as some astute members have already mentioned, the TAT hopes for numbers in dreamland, and usually say the opposite of what's true.

 

We all want better neighbours, better friends, cleaner streets etc, so it's fair for 'them' to think that they want the tourist dollar without the tarnish. There will have to be a middle ground for this to settle on. As others have pointed out, Thailand will never be a clean, value-for-money, family destination. but there are some aspects of the old Thailand we have all complained about.

 

Let's just hope that the wonderful government are putting the feelers out before making firm decisions.

[gk10012001]

20 minutes ago, 2long said:

Who in their right mind would come here for a HOLIDAY of usually no more than 14 days, with the genuine risk of being imprisoned for 14 days because of the potential positive PCR on arrival?!

Surely, the negative PCR before take off is enough. The risk of a second PCR is too high.

Yep.  I will not travel to their until that sort of testing is not done, especially if one is vaccinated!  If Thailand is so worried about spreading COVID, then get your people vaccinated, instead, putting the burden on incoming travelers.  While it may appease some of the populace, the small number of incoming persons, all whom as far as I can tell have to have tested negative prior to boarding a plane are not the likely risk.  Now factor in a requirement to be vaccinated or have the ability for less restrictions if vaccinated, just stop.

[eppic]

23 minutes ago, fusion58 said:

Don't have the option to postpone flight as wife's permission to stay (U.S.) is close to expiration.

We faced this issue as well (wife entered US on UK 90-day visa waiver).  Rather than return to Thailand, we flew from LAX to Malaga, Spain a week ago. Only requirement to enter was proof of vaccine uploaded to geta QR code for flight. 

 

So far it's been fantastic. Perfect weather, very lively, restaurants and bars open and thriving.  Covid a non-issue.  We'll probably stay another 90 days in Malaga/ Marbella or elsewhere in Europe until forced to leave again just after New Year - maybe Thailand an option by then otherwise back to SoCal (foggetabout UK for my wife, I vetoed that idea!) or maybe Cancun.  Plenty of alternatives these days.

 

Anyone that has options should still boycott Thailand. Another semester out of school for our 5-yr-old not ideal, but might as well make the best of it rather than be locked in Covid hell.

Edited October 15, 2021 by eppic

[gk10012001]

To those not familiar with Thailand,  they are big on a thing called "saving face".  What is spoken is often not what is done in reality.  So hold on and wait a bit if you can to see what actually gets implemented

[Boomer6969]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He insists the kingdom is instead pursuing a higher quality, more family-friendly market.

The dummy has just forgotten one minor aspect, how can you travel to and within Thailand with kids under 12? This is my situation, while I am living in Thailand and fully vaccinated (Janssen + Moderna) I can't even consider domestic travel with my two girls, 6 and 10 years old.

 

Otherwise his statement is rather reasonable. The one day quarantine is a must as otherwise people would have to wait for their results at the airport. The reorientation of Thai tourism away from sex, alcohol and drugs would be a legitimate move too and there will be enough Chinese and Indians..

 

 

Edited October 15, 2021 by Boomer6969

[Peterw42]

Good to see people are still buying into the standard narrative, Chinese are all on package tours, sex tourists are the bulk of tourism, and propping up the economy.

Why do people keep repeating the "observations from a barstool' rubbish.

 

Chinese (prior to covid) had huge numbers of independent tourists. sex tourists haven't been the majority for years now. 

Look around, the waterparks are full and the bars are empty

[herfiehandbag]

26 minutes ago, 2long said:

Who in their right mind would come here for a HOLIDAY of usually no more than 14 days, with the genuine risk of being imprisoned for 14 days because of the potential positive PCR on arrival?!

Surely, the negative PCR before take off is enough. The risk of a second PCR is too high.

I wonder how long before the operators of the quarantine facilities will be approaching the testing authorities with "tempting offers" to ensure that their "quarantine hotels" are kept full?

[bkk6060]

Some interesting comments about the bars.  Jeez, I would think people would be happy or not care.

I would say 95% of the previous posts/comments on this forum over the years regarding bars has been negative.

Unattractive overweight girls

Expensive drinks

Warm beer

Expensive BF

Girl no good when I took her out

Rude pushy staff

Loud customers

They cheated me on the bill

 

Rarely if ever have read about people being happy with their bar experience.

 

 

[thailand49]

Thai government can't do anything right now with the virus, if their projection are correct how are they going to test, put up the thousands of tourist arriving daily. Lets just turn the clock back 2 years you get off the plane rush to get to the immigration turn the corner and the line is down the ramp just to go through immigration during normal times. Now add everyone need to be tested and then put up in a hotel for one day until test results come back?

 

Change the name all you want!  " Webbased "  that can only mean one will still need to arrange online and confirm the Hotel brace yourself people this is going to be funny?

[khaowong1]

"higher quality, more family-friendly market."  Does he not realize all the thousands of people who make up and live off these single tourists who come here for the nightlife?  What are they supposed to do?  Go back to the villages and plant rice?  

[jacko45k]

7 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Rarely if ever have read about people being happy with their bar experience.

Oh now and again it happens.... but human nature is to be negative and complain.

[Dart12]

Want wealthy people?  

 

Start with Fix sewage systems and sanitation .

 

I was appalled by the smells When I arrived here pre pandemic.. and garbage everywhere because there are no public trash cans

 

 No need for that if built properly.

 

 

Edited October 15, 2021 by Dart12

[bronzedude]

So I guess TAT will contract with Universal Studios and Lego Land to build a few complexes

in the former nightlife areas to entice family oriented big spending tourists. I think I'll still continue to go to Singapore and spend do my big spending. They'll have everything plus nightlife, bars and 4 floors of goodies.

[gk10012001]

19 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

The dummy has just forgotten one minor aspect, how can you travel to and within Thailand with kids under 12? This is my situation, while I am living in Thailand and fully vaccinated (Janssen + Moderna) I can't even consider domestic travel with my two girls, 6 and 10 years old.

 

Otherwise his statement is rather reasonable. The one day quarantine is a must as otherwise people would have to wait for their results at the airport. The reorientation of Thai tourism away from sex, alcohol and drugs would be a legitimate move too and there will be enough Chinese and Indians..

 

 

To my knowledge, most if not all airlines require a negative test to get on the plane.  Or, if they don't a traveler can certainly get a test for their own reason, and if it is within 72 hours of arriving in Thailand, a test on arrival at the airport should not be necessary, nor any waiting for any result

[bronzedude]

Wait a minute. What we need here Disney World Thailand. Knock down Pattaya Walking Street and form it around Bali Hai Pier. The families with kids will flock here. Maybe 200 or 300 a day. I can hardly wait to see Mickey and Minnie sweating in those costumes. This also solves the monorail problem whenever that idea pops up again.

[jacko45k]

Just now, bronzedude said:

Wait a minute. What we need here Disney World Thailand. Knock down Pattaya Walking Street and form it around Bali Hai Pier. The families with kids will flock here. Maybe 200 or 300 a day. I can hardly wait to see Mickey and Minnie sweating in those costumes. This also solves the monorail problem whenever that idea pops up again.

So what are we planning for Minnie, a pretty or a katoey?

[Old Croc]

So, when all these "higher quality, family friendly" tourists flood into the country from Nov 1 and head down to a restaurant to enjoy their first Thai food, are they going to find themselves caught up in an over the top police raid and slapped in irons for having a wine with their meal?

[Tonypandy]

So they want to attract a higher quality tourist, so what amount of money are the government/TAT proposing to spend on upgrading thier run down tourist resorts to attract these foreign HISO? Do they think these type of people will accept eating and drinking in a 1 star establishment looking out at all the wires in the street and paying 5 star prices for the privilege? Mmm let's wait and see

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

So, when all these "higher quality, family friendly" tourists flood into the country from Nov 1 and head down to a restaurant to enjoy their first Thai food, are they going to find themselves caught up in an over the top police raid and slapped in irons for having a wine with their meal?

No.....

[scorecard]

4 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

Thai government can't do anything right now with the virus, if their projection are correct how are they going to test, put up the thousands of tourist arriving daily. Lets just turn the clock back 2 years you get off the plane rush to get to the immigration turn the corner and the line is down the ramp just to go through immigration during normal times. Now add everyone need to be tested and then put up in a hotel for one day until test results come back?

 

Change the name all you want!  " Webbased "  that can only mean one will still need to arrange online and confirm the Hotel brace yourself people this is going to be funny?

"...how are they going to test, put up the thousands of tourist arriving daily."

 

Nice point, the authorities will be hoping that tourists arrive after 1 Nov in large numbers. 

 

Some will be families, some groups of friends and many will be singles, all of whom need to stay in a hotel for 1 night before moving on with their holiday plans/travel/accommodation. 

 

Will they we required to stay in one of the authorized ASQ etc., hotels or just any hotel?

 

Will they all have some type of electronic tracker/locator fitted? Does the government have the tools/equipment/manpower to fit the tracker/locator and monitor it for 24 hours and who will recover the tracker/locator after 24 hrs?

 

So new arrivals have to do a full swab PCR test on arrival then go to a quarantine hotel. So imagine a traveler/family etc., arrive at swampy at 8:00 am and by 9:00 am their swab(s) have been taken and off they go to a quarantine hotel.

 

Then at say 6:00 pm same day they get an e.mail 'negative'. Can they now leave the quarantine hotel, or do that have to always stay overnight, even though they've already got a negative report? 

[Headgame]

Only need to do a little market research and study the plan at Las Vegas to convert to a family friendly destination. Complete failure and quietly went away after several years.

"Quality tourists", beautiful beaches, fancy hotels, rejuvenated environmental assets and then after  10 pm, off to the famous TH nightlife. All functioning in perfect harmony. Exotic and erotic can hold hands and create an attractive destination.

 

Why am I even bothering to make this post because everybody knows the nightlife will continue to occupy the evenings in TH. 

[ThaiFelix]

Quality over quantity again!  You tried before and it hasnt worked.  Most come to Thailand for the sleaze because Thailand specialises at it.  If you want more tourist dollars then legalise drugs and gambling and make it the hub of sleaze lol.

[gk10012001]

Taken this guy's statement to the extreme, and not really knowing the definition of high quality... Put all the 3 star hotels out of business?  All the Apex hotels, the Ice Inn etc..?  How about all the guest houses above bars and restaurants all over some cities such as Pattaya?  I can imagine Thailand spending millions of baht on advertising, pushing all the new shiny hotels.  Good for them. Put that in the spotlight if they want.  I would have no problem if they down-played pattaya or dozens of other less developed cities or areas.  But many tourists go and prefer things like that. 

 

     I and many have zero interest to fly half way around the world, just to pay the same or more as I can in my home country!  To me, that is not traveling to a country.  Some nice hotel with some facilities and a pool is great, bu upping to Dusit or whatever fancy place, well, to each their own. 

 

   Gosh, I live iun Florida and I have tons of clean beach choices to swim in.   I am in Melbourne, FL right now and the water at Paradise beach was fantastic the other day.  Water was clean, warm, free car parking.  Stores nearby to walk over to pick up stuff if needed.  Had a great Italian sandwich with sausage and peppers from the little food truck right at the beach entrance.  Sat in the shade at a picknick bench table in my bathing suit, a nice sea breeze and enjoyed the sandwich.  Oh and girls actuall go to the beach, unlike Thailand where you typically might see some swimming, but with body length shirts on! 

 

  I used to swim at Jomtien before, and even did Wong Amat once.  But don't trust either for over 12 years now.