International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as Thailand welcomes the first group of vaccinated tourists without quarantine in Bangkok on November 1, 2021./ AFP

 

The resumption of new “Test and Go” registrations, COVID-19 rezoning and yet another extension of Thailand’s nationwide State of Emergency, in place since March 2020, will be proposed to and decided by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) tomorrow (Thursday).

 

New applications for “Test and Go” program, which requires only minimal quarantine of no more than one night while awaiting negative COVID-19 results, have been suspended since December 22nd, to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. Currently, people who have been granted a “Thailand Pass” QR code for the program can still enter the country. The program resumption may begin on February 1st but possibly with stricter measures.

 

Secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and head of the CCSA’s Operations Centre Gen Supot Malaniyom said today (Wednesday) that the easing of restrictions on “Test and Go” travellers is intended to help boost the struggling, but vital tourism sector, which, in pre-COVID times, contributed to up to 20% of the country’s GDP.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/resumption-of-test-and-go-registrations-new-covid-measures-to-be-decided-by-ccsa-thursday/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19

 

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At least Thailand offers consistency…

…. Consistency in its inconsistency that is….

 

How much of this is influences by others nations reducing their ‘infection. Quarantine’ to 5 days…

 

Thailand really need to place efforts into vaccination & boosters for the whole nation… it can then relax a little more about Omicron spread - that’s about as much as it practically can do with out creating mass uncertainty. 

 

 

I think most people who have applied for " Test and Go ' will have already gone.

The appetite for Thailands constant rule changes has driven Tourists away, and most of the people who were repatriating have now already done so.

With only roughly 65 % of the Nation fully vaccinated, and Delta still infecting the Nation at a rate of 40 %, Russian Roulette is a game few Tourists are prepared to play.

1 hour ago, Cake Monster said:

I think most people who have applied for " Test and Go ' will have already gone.

The appetite for Thailands constant rule changes has driven Tourists away, and most of the people who were repatriating have now already done so.

With only roughly 65 % of the Nation fully vaccinated, and Delta still infecting the Nation at a rate of 40 %, Russian Roulette is a game few Tourists are prepared to play.

It is Russian roulette to bring tourists here.

Look at 100.000 infections in Germany today. Why bring such ppl here so that they can ignore every hygiene rule there is? Enough farangs with mask under their nose or wearing no mask at all in stores. 

They just have no clue do they 

 

the rest of the world is moving on from covid and yet this Thai goverment  keeps restrictions - who wants to come here ...............................................open or don't, just be honest about it 

 

Sack every member of the CCSA and we might see some normality return to Thailand , the stupid nonsense rules came from them - and who is in charge ..................Payuth and his #### Anutin 

 

The Thai people are not going to put up with this much longer, there is no "new normal" just normal

We shall see, just glad I had a pre-approved TNG before I headed to the US. Will return in a few more weeks.

 

Travel right now to other places is now being discouraged by the CDC, and there are stories running through social media of folks testing positive for their return flights and being quarantined not only in Thailand but in Jamaica as well.

40 minutes ago, smedly said:

They just have no clue do they 

 

the rest of the world is moving on from covid and yet this Thai goverment  keeps restrictions - who wants to come here ...............................................open or don't, just be honest about it 

 

Sack every member of the CCSA and we might see some normality return to Thailand , the stupid nonsense rules came from them - and who is in charge ..................Payuth and his #### Anutin 

 

The Thai people are not going to put up with this much longer, there is no "new normal" just normal

Except that there are many countries that are not moving on from Covid, due to mass infections, so, what's your point? 

 

Do you think France is moving on with 484,000 new infections today? 

5 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Except that there are many countries that are not moving on from Covid, due to mass infections, so, what's your point? 

 

Do you think France is moving on with 484,000 new infections today? 

Yes they are... the’ve opened up their borders, allowing free movement of people. 

People from the UK who were prevent entry to France can now travel there freely. 

 

So yes... France is ‘moving on’ as it accepts along with many other nations that Omricon deaths and hospitalisations are no greater than that of an influenza outbreak. 

 

Regarding Thailand

- How many Covid-19 cases are there ?

- How many of those are Omicron ?

- Is it 2000 official recorded cases ?

- How many Omicron deaths recorded ? is it just the one ?

 

The point I want to make here is that while there was valid initial concern - IF in the past month since Omicron broke and entered Thailand and 2000 people have caught it (likely a lot more) and 1 person has died from it perhaps the resumption of ’Test & Go’ in itself is an extreme measure and just go back to normal. 

 

 

15 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Except that there are many countries that are not moving on from Covid, due to mass infections, so, what's your point? 

 

Do you think France is moving on with 484,000 new infections today? 

how many people get the common cold every year - go back pre covid and answer the question

 

try and keep up, infection numbers are no longer relevant - we got a lucky break with omicron, it could easily gone the other way, omicron is ending this pandemic - we got lucky

 

at least that is how it is looking

44 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Yes they are... the’ve opened up their borders, allowing free movement of people. 

People from the UK who were prevent entry to France can now travel there freely. 

 

So yes... France is ‘moving on’ as it accepts along with many other nations that Omricon deaths and hospitalisations are no greater than that of an influenza outbreak. 

 

Regarding Thailand

- How many Covid-19 cases are there ?

- How many of those are Omicron ?

- Is it 2000 official recorded cases ?

- How many Omicron deaths recorded ? is it just the one ?

 

The point I want to make here is that while there was valid initial concern - IF in the past month since Omicron broke and entered Thailand and 2000 people have caught it (likely a lot more) and 1 person has died from it perhaps the resumption of ’Test & Go’ in itself is an extreme measure and just go back to normal. 

 

 

Except that daily death counts are increasing, as would be expected with a surge of new infections.

Its beginning to be like buying a new phone or bloody laptop. 

Do i buy now or next month.

I've waited and hung on for almost 2 years.

Gonna hoop jump this weekend,  whatever. 

Advice on any UK based agencies that can jump with more gusto than me, all in one type of thing, will be appreciated. 

Seven days quarantine,  not a problem. 

Regards Shep.

21 minutes ago, Sing Leo Vine said:

I've waited and hung on for almost 2 years.

Gonna hoop jump this weekend,  whatever. 

Me too, flying 27th. Had enough waiting for the T&G come back. Wife's going to be a bit bowlegged for few weeks. 

 

That said,  - much as I wanted it back - having it back in February might be a bad idea. I think lifting it in March would be better. Thailand has not really seen the wave that other countries have been experiencing - probably due to being 142nd in the world for per million testing. The Uk is now starting to live with it and move away from restrictions. Thailand really is about 4-6 weeks behind the UK wave - or it should be. So, for me open it , but in March for more data in Thailand. You cannot really open a country up when you have children still not back at school after a year and limits on places working hours

Any chance of a high season has gone for 2021/22.  They can bring back Test and Go but in my opinion it will have negligible effect on tourists. 

 

It would certainly make life easier for people who live/have stake in Thailand and must travel. 

 

However, tourists and particularly high end tourists, just won't do Test and Go.  Who in their right mind will book an expensive two week holiday in Thailand.  Fly over 10 hours to get to Bangkok to risk a positive test on arrival - followed by two weeks incarcerated in a cheap nasty hotel with lousy food.  Then having to pay for the privilege of staying in said hotel.   Then getting out just in time to spend over 10 hours on a plane going home.  It just ain't going to happen.   

 

If Thailand wants significant numbers of tourists then yes to evidence of full vaccination, a Covid test before the flight and maybe Covid insurance.  Testing/quarantine on arrival forget it.  

The rules for entry last November were over the top for normal tourists, stricter entry conditions and extra PCR testing, hmmmm no tourists let alone the prediction of 8 million will arrive. As other countries start to live with it, the forced insurance, possible added testing and high risk of infection for return is not going to work this time. Feb 1st will be 90% down on Nov 1st last year.

Antigen test on Arrival and no forced Hospital if positive. Anything else the tourists will not come as predicted.

I'll be sure to book another flight based on their decision this week and lose 1/3 of the ticket refund when they FLIP-FLOP again.

Richard  Coleman, 

Enjoy your trip and I hope it goes smoothly. 

I've always told myself I'd wait until the correct time but, after so long and paying, albeit cheap, rent for a small bungalow that I'm missing, its time to go home.

I flew out to bkk last time, via Wuhan,  Xmas eve 2 year back.

If 7 hours there in transit didn't kill me and or 2 subsequent years slaughtering and butchering for, and surrounded by immigrants, hasn't done me any real ill, I'll take the risk.

 

Its been far too long.

Enough is enough.

Jump through those bloody hoops and get life back to normal. 

Regards Shep.

Time Thailand started using RAT tests on arrival. This would be a lot more attractive to double ,triple vaxed tourists than this ridiculous overnight quarantine which could end up several nights if too many tests in pipeline. RAT test have been proven 90+% effective.  PCR test are not 100% accurate so what is the difference other than not there is not enough money in RAT tests. The Government would be far better off putting the time and effort into vaccinating the Thai population and supply tests for the public to monitor themselves. Guess they will eventually follow the rest of the world in moving in this direction but only when tourism has fallen further down the drain.

8 hours ago, smedly said:

They just have no clue do they 

 

the rest of the world is moving on from covid and yet this Thai goverment  keeps restrictions - who wants to come here ...............................................open or don't, just be honest about it 

 

Sack every member of the CCSA and we might see some normality return to Thailand , the stupid nonsense rules came from them - and who is in charge ..................Payuth and his #### Anutin 

 

The Thai people are not going to put up with this much longer, there is no "new normal" just normal

They will keep putting up with it..... They've been brainwashed now for so long.... They haven't a clue what's happening around the rest of the world.......

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

“Test and Go” program, which requires only minimal quarantine of no more than one night while awaiting negative COVID-19 results

UNLESS you test positive, in which case you are in quarantine for half your vacation.  No thanks.  Not worth the risk after booking thousands of dollars of travel money to be stuck in a hospital for the sin of a positive Omicron test result.  I'd rather hang out in America for a while until the medical goons back off.  

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the easing of restrictions on “Test and Go” travellers is intended to help boost the struggling, but vital tourism sector, which, in pre-COVID times, contributed to up to 20% of the country’s GDP.

Thus demonstrating that the policies are not about science and public health.  So the charade is over, you can just drop it please.  Omicron is already rampant in Thailand I guarantee.  If you have low numbers it's because you're not testing.  

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and head of the CCSA’s Operations Centre Gen Supot Malaniyom said today (Wednesday) that the easing of restrictions on “Test and Go” travellers is intended to help boost the struggling, but vital tourism sector, which, in pre-COVID times, contributed to up to 20% of the country’s GDP.

Thailand is screwed without tourism...

Prayut has virtually no major Thai industry in place other than CP owned of which he has no control.

Major industry is foreign owned much like the auto industry.

If they ever pulled the plug Thailand would implode.

A bigger issue and one that is not being mentioned is the vaccination rate among the people who have not even had their first jab. The daily vaccination rate stays high for second and third shots but the first shot rate is a trickle. 

With only 65% of the total population having the first shot its like saying 25% or one in 4 people have had no vaccination at all. 

What is the government doing about all of these people.

Nice to see they are getting their act together. Nice to have a stable and secure place to come to knowing the rules will never change.  Makes me warm all over just thinking of it.

9 hours ago, smedly said:

They just have no clue do they 

 

the rest of the world is moving on from covid and yet this Thai goverment  keeps restrictions - who wants to come here ...............................................open or don't, just be honest about it 

 

Sack every member of the CCSA and we might see some normality return to Thailand , the stupid nonsense rules came from them - and who is in charge ..................Payuth and his #### Anutin 

 

The Thai people are not going to put up with this much longer, there is no "new normal" just normal

Then they lose control 

20 minutes ago, mrblook said:

A bigger issue and one that is not being mentioned is the vaccination rate among the people who have not even had their first jab. The daily vaccination rate stays high for second and third shots but the first shot rate is a trickle. 

With only 65% of the total population having the first shot its like saying 25% or one in 4 people have had no vaccination at all. 

What is the government doing about all of these people.

Who cares?  Israel are on their 4th jab now and it doesn't make any difference with this new variant.   If someone is very fat or very old then the jab is of course a good thing to get but if healthy folks would rather not get it then so what?  If you are worried about yourself then get some exercise and improve your diet - this will offer you significantly more protection than worrying about whether healthy teenagers or 20-30 year olds are getting a jab that doesn't make much difference to them.   

so the second pcr test on day 5 will be now formally endorsed, adding some 2200b to the bill.

They should try to regulate private hospital which charge positive asymptomatic up to 300k

2 minutes ago, James105 said:

Who cares?  Israel are on their 4th jab now and it doesn't make any difference with this new variant.   If someone is very fat or very old then the jab is of course a good thing to get but if healthy folks would rather not get it then so what?  If you are worried about yourself then get some exercise and improve your diet - this will offer you significantly more protection than worrying about whether healthy teenagers or 20-30 year olds are getting a jab that doesn't make much difference to them.   

Judging by the way the take-up of the booster jab is going in the UK, I suspect people are beginning to believe it not necessary, as an unavoidable Omicron infection, on top of 2 prior vaccinations, will give them the protection they need. 

So Thailand might resume test and go whilst in China, Yuzhou, which has a population of 1.1 million, saw its transport system shut down and all but essential food stores closed overnight.

It follows a similar lockdown in Xi'an, where 13 million have been confined to their homes since 23 December. Then the city of Anyang in Henan province on Monday night told its five million residents to not leave their homes

Is there something that the powers to be here in Thailand are keeping quiet about ????????????

I doubt test and go will be re-introduced, more like "test and quarantine (tbd) and test again before you can go". Sorry Thailand but you've already lost this high season because we aren't coming this year now, and not until you can provide some consistency and certainty to your visa and entry process.

44 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Judging by the way the take-up of the booster jab is going in the UK, I suspect people are beginning to believe it not necessary, as an unavoidable Omicron infection, on top of 2 prior vaccinations, will give them the protection they need. 

I've postponed my booster for that very reason. But I wonder how long it will be before the official definition fo 'unvaccinated' includes those who haven't had the booster?