Observations re a 13 day holiday Southern Thailand

Rather than tell a long story, I will state some facts that relate to the last two weeks that may help some on this forum appreciate the domestic travel situation and how this might compare with future 1 November - Really?, International tourism.

My wife and I:

Went to Southern Thailand, with stays in Hat Yai, Koh Lipe, Trang and Songkhla

Had 4 flights

stayed in 5 hotels

travelled in 4 minivans

2 boats

and one Bus (actually 2 as one broke down)

All travel cost B11,600

All accommodation B12500

Everything else about B6000

About Covid

Although it is possible to book and pay for flights and vans in advance without paperwork, all flights required to see vaccination certificates and one van required it before boarding.

In addition, travel by speedboat ( a story in itself) to and from Koh Lipe required to see.

On the way from Hat Yai city to Pak Barra - the port where the boat leaves, we were stopped twice at police checkpoints and asked if we were properly vaccinated, after telling them, Yes, they waved us through without wanting to see the paperwork

Only at one hotel did we need to show certificate.

On arriving back at Chiang Mai, like going through Immigration - same for Thais as farang. Had to download app for a form and complete and for it to be checked before able to leave.

Only one restaurant we visited in Songkhla would not serve alcohol

Random observations,

Don Muang, Domestic at least was 90% closed between 1pm and 5pm, lights off, only 2 escalators working, one reasonable area to find seating and to get refreshments. We had to wait four hours for a connection and with less than 20 people in that area in that time, eating places that were open had little or no customers.

The beaches were empty and for the entire length of one (Sunset Beach on Koh Lipe) 100% of resorts were closed, some abandoned with obvious signs that they will be closed for ever.

Although I always carry my passport, I didn't need it at any time - my driving license covered everything.

As a matter of interest, I get my wife to book everything regarding accommodation and that means with rare exceptions, I am not checked in with any ID requirement.

While I am here, I will mention that for the last three of four trips we have made, researched resorts and hotels through Booking and Agoda, but contacted the Owners direct and automatically got a better deal. Apart from that there are other reasons I will be happy to explain in a PM if you are interested.

I will stick my neck out and say that I cannot believe there will be a meaningful High Season this year, anywhere in Thailand for any tourists, domestic or otherwise!

Did any of this spoil our holiday? No, we had a great time but just wish more could do the same. One really has to feel for all the wretched people who should be in business but most certainly are not and from my observations and actual experiences it won't happen in what is left of 2021