Eighty percent agreed it is not worth traveling outside Thailand now

[webfact]

It appears readers of ASEAN NOW universally agreed it was not worth the hassle to travel outside Thailand.

Although there were a few hardy travellers planning trips, the vast majority agreed with the topic’s message.

So far over 10,000 viewed the post and over two hundred replied. The figures from our Facebook were also massive.

So, we have selected a few comments that sum up the general feeling regarding international travel.

Viewers comments

No, it is not worth travelling anywhere right now unless you really have to.

For people like me at 88 years of age, insurance which is required to return to Thailand is impossible to get. My days of visiting my family around the world are over. It sounds dramatic but we are trapped here unless we are prepared to leave our wives and loved ones forever. I am certainly not. 

I have not left the LoS for 15 months and will not do so anytime soon. Sky-high airfares, tedious quarantines, and a huge hassle if you test positive and cannot travel are major deterrents.

For me personally, no way! Too many ifs, too much uncertainty, too many unknowns, too much paperwork, and testing. I am staying put. 

If you like endless red tape. Have loads of excess cash to burn. 
Have plenty of free time on your hands in case of lockdowns. 
Are not interested in drinking in bars or restaurants. 
And your favorite pastime is sticking cotton buds up your nose then it is probably worth it...

 

I have not sat on a plane since Nov 2019 and written this year off as well. 
It is hard having not yet seen one grandchild or watched the others grow up and maintain a bond but that is the nature of the beast. No trust in the Govt. here with the moving goalposts and confusion but not much better in Australia.

 

If it were not for the fact that we are getting older and do not know how many more trips we might have left, we would not go but...
In April we are having a bit of a family reunion with family members coming together for Easter from four different countries. We have not seen each other for over two years, and enough is enough, none of us is getting any younger, my older brother is seventy-five, how many more summers together do we have left? 
We plan to stay in Greece until August, by that time hopefully this covid restrictions in Thailand will be settled, while there we will look into changing our base to Greece.

 

Much as I would like to go home for a month or so to visit family and friends, there is no way I will be going anywhere while this pandemic is still controlling government actions. 

 

The hoops to jump through, the costs for tests and finding flights, all the while hoping you will be able to get back in again, but never really sure you actually can combine to make it not viable.

 

I have given up on the idea of traveling anywhere in, or especially out of, Thailand. Thailand changes the rules every 5 minutes so no it is not worth the risk. The world will still be there from 2023 onwards.

 

I travel for fun, and this is not fun! I will not travel until all restrictions are removed. Worrying about what the flip-flop Thai government is going to do is far too stressful. The Thai government cannot be trusted to make a good decision. Caveat emptor ... "let the traveler beware".

 

I am planning to visit my family in the UK in July. But I will not be booking anything until the last minute. Too much chance of another variant sending the world into mass hysteria again.
 
Best to wait and see the situation a few days before the trip and then decide whether to go or not. I work here so the last thing I need is to get locked out due to some new strain while I am overseas.
 
IMHO we are over the worst of it now and things will get easier from here on, but I am not prepared to put several thousands of pounds on it by booking now and then sweating on it for 6 months.

 

I have just returned to Thailand following a 6-month stay in the USA. I left to ensure that I received my vaccinations (I am now fully vaccinated and have my booster). I had tried to get back earlier but had trouble finding medical insurance, as I am over seventy-five. 

 

I had intended to move back to the USA in October of this year, but due to the continuing unknown situation here in Thailand, I have decided to permanently move back to the USA within the next 60 days. Traveling inside and, especially, outside of Thailand will continue to be problematical, so there is no reason to stay here any longer. I love you, Thailand, but after 22 years it is time to go home!

 

Conclusion

 

Firstly, a big thank you to all of you who spent time responding.

 

Apart from the hassles and travel costs, one major concern for many older expats was the ongoing concern of having suitable insurance to re-enter back into Thailand.

 

Health insurance is already extremely expensive, especially if you are over 70 years old, and they still come with no cover for preconditions.

 

Then if you need to upgrade the policy to meet any new government regulations, there is always the worry, that they may refuse due to your age.

 

It is a concern for many, and the only people left smiling is likely to be your insurance broker! 

 

Seems the best bet for the moment is to enjoy the empty beaches and golf courses across Thailand before the international vacationers return.

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-01-28

 

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[Thaiwrath]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Seems the best bet for the moment is to enjoy the empty beaches and golf courses across Thailand

And taking a Covid test in order to be able to dine out in many eateries !

[KhunLA]

When was it ever a good time to leave or enter Thailand the past shy of 2 yrs.

 

Amazing it's been that long.

[Soikhaonoiken]

And probably 60% of travellers are saying the same about visiting Thailand,, its just not worth the hassle and all the hoops to jump through,,  if you don't believe me, look at some the blogs on Facebook, TripAdvisor, etc, etc, 

[kingdw]

1 hour ago, Soikhaonoiken said:

And probably 60% of travellers are saying the same about visiting Thailand,, its just not worth the hassle and all the hoops to jump through,,  if you don't believe me, look at some the blogs on Facebook, TripAdvisor, etc, etc, 

Try 90% ++++ Why would anyone travel to Thailand to risk getting whisked off to hospital the moment you land?! Or to pay x8 the cost for a lateral flow test to travel to some crappy island, again risking be whisked off to some medical facility/prison...? Or going to Phuket where the police are literally chasing down the dirty farang for any minor infringement to line their pockets with tea money. Where bars close early (if open at all) and no night time entertainment..... But Thailand only wants quality tourists anyway, so no worries there 

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

I agree it is not worth leaving if you do not have too.

 

However, if you have obligations elsewhere and you do not have a choice it is not that difficult to leave or return.

 

I was in Thailand from May 2021 to September 2021 and had an vital, must attend meeting, forcing me to leave Thailand.

 

Left without any issues.

 

When I landed in the USA I had a text message the vital must attend meeting was canceled.  <deleted>

 

I rebooked my return trip for 3 weeks later (covid rules) and returned without any issues.

 

This month, I had to return again and there really was not any issues, besides a covid test 24 hours before I was to depart.

 

Most of the so called issues are not that difficult, if you are able to count to 10 and follow instructions.  LOL

[Suetape]

Not returning either.   Enjoying Royal Caribbean cruses instead. 

[USNret]

Actually, we did leave... last June, as cases were spiking and not a vial of vaccine to be found (and it was Sinovac, if you could find one.)  Been in Hawaii since then which is nice, but crazy expensive. Starting now to plan our return to LoS. Maybe. 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

For me personally, no way! Too many ifs, too much uncertainty, too many unknowns, too much paperwork, and testing. I am staying put.

Video call is so much cheaper.

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, Suetape said:

Enjoying Royal Caribbean cruses instead. 

Really?  Good luck.

 

Jan 13 2022 article:

 

A surge in Covid infections on cruise ships is causing mayhem across the industry, leaving passengers stranded aboard ships, exacerbating staff shortages and prompting the CDC to warn US passengers against all cruise travel.

 

The CDC director said this week that Covid cases have increased 30-fold in just two weeks. Every one of the nearly 100 cruise ships currently carrying passengers in US waters has reported enough Covid-19 cases to merit investigation by the CDC, according to the agency’s website.

[realfunster]

4 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

And taking a Covid test in order to be able to dine out in many eateries !

Where are these 'many eateries' located ?

 

I have been to 10+ restaurants in the past month in Bangkok and a test has never been requested. 

[Bangkok Barry]

I'm supposed to make a business trip to Dubai next month but will work remotely instead. It isn't the leaving Thailand and entering the UAE that's the problem, it's the returning to Thailand. Apart from the hoops to jump through, the government constantly changes the rules so it just isn't worth the risk.

[mvdf]

Was contemplating a week-long trip to Seychelles with EK via DXB. I figured that I'd return to Thailand more stressed than before leaving so cancelled. 

[kcpattaya]

The MAJOR problem here is the indecisiveness of this Junta admin.
Todays' rules and policies are changing on a daily basis, for no reason, so you don't know what's waiting upon your return from traveling.

Not worth the hassle.
It is KILLING the economy - that is for SURE.

[vandeventer]

5 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

And taking a Covid test in order to be able to dine out in many eateries !

Yes, and if you want to travel in or out of Thailand make sure you have a lot of extra money in your pocket. Also your nose will never be the same.

[ikke1959]

Leaving is no problem...The problem is that you want to come back!!

[IamNoone88]

I certainly don't relish sitting in a sealed metal container with hundreds of other people breathing the same air, who may or may not be infected with Delta for a total return journey of 2 x 16 hours sectors ....... and then dealing with the entry requirements for the return and perhaps finding out on day 5 some other passenger has passed along covid and then off to quarantine. You would need another holiday after that.

[raccos21]

It could be that 80% or more of the travelers outside of Thailand have agreed that it is not a good time to travel there for now because of the complicated traveling restrictions and policies.

[ripstanley]

I haven't left Thailand for 6.5 years and I cant see myself leaving for a long time. My next departure will probably be in a box.

[Stargeezr]

I agree that it is not worth leaving Thailand or leaving your home country to go to Thailand.

 When this pandemic truly becomes an endemic, then it may be okay to travel, but that day is still

quite a while away.  Of course the flat earthers, and anti vaccinators and anti maskers will not have

the patience and want this pandemic to be gone today. Too bad for them.

[dutchweller]

I found Booking and getting flights EXTREAMLY easy
My Wife My Son and Myself are departing Thailand MONDAY PERMANTLY

Flying Qantas 

All the extra precautions were easy to deal with 
Pre departure Deceleration done online very smooth with Vaccination certs and approvals in minutes

Australia only require a RAT test administered at a Clinic with a certificate issued by a doc for entry now (500 Bhat ) each for pre departure testing.

 

Ticket prices were reasonable with Unlimited date changes free of charge if required
Cost 48,000 for 3 adults + 110kg of luggage BKK to Brisbane one stop over in SYD ( we choose to spend the day in SYD on layover 7 Hours) but 1 hour layovers are available.

 

Now if you wanted to RETURN to Thailand that is another story.
No way would I risk getting a dodgy test and hauled off to a hospital/Quarantine and forced to pay for the pleasurer.
Too many hoops, Flip flops, and possibility of getting screwed on the Thai side.

I Had a Friend recently get snatched away arriving in Thailand and a False positive Covid test he was FORCED to a Quarantine and charged for his stay until he Tested NEG for 2 or 3 tests over a week..

 

 

[James105]

5 minutes ago, Stargeezr said:

I agree that it is not worth leaving Thailand or leaving your home country to go to Thailand.

 When this pandemic truly becomes an endemic, then it may be okay to travel, but that day is still

quite a while away.  Of course the flat earthers, and anti vaccinators and anti maskers will not have

the patience and want this pandemic to be gone today. Too bad for them.

I think many people will be wondering what exactly the (scientific) purpose is of making potential visitors go through the pain and stress of testing on departure, testing on arrival and testing on day 5 for covid in a country that already has thousands of confirmed covid cases every single day, especially when the consequences of a failed test (regardless of whether the test is accurate) means a 2 week imprisonment.    A 10 year old would be able to work out the cost/benefit ratio of this and ascertain the stupidity of it.   

[worrab]

I have decided to go back to UK for 4 weeks in July regardless. My mother is not getting any younger, she will be 91 in July, and I missed her 90th last year!! I have not been back since 2019 to see anyone and enough is enough. Hopefully the situation will improve as the world learns to live with Covid. Cannot let this keep ruling our lives and Thailand has got to accept this.

Thailand is going to lose the tourism for yet another year if their attitude and regulations do not change!! UK has lifted all regulations for those fully vaccinated like myself. The world is opening up again and I see Emirates is going to be flying to SA again in Feb. Thailand is going to get left behind if things do not change here very rapidly. 

Yes, I will take precautions and have even splashed out for Business Class with Emirates so I can be sitting on my own. I will wear masks on public transport and when out and about. Do it here, so not afraid of looking the odd one out in UK. Health comes first. Then, depending on the rules to come back, I will just bite the bullet and accept whatever hoops I have to jump through. Hopefully by the end of July there should have been a relaxation. But we will see and this will all depend on whether this Omicron is going to be the final act. 

Edited January 28, 2022 by worrab
Spelling

[micmichd]

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Leaving is no problem...The problem is that you want to come back!!

Sorry, for me leaving would be a problem. I have nowhere to go in my former country (GerMoney) anyway, and as an orphan in GerMoney I would face immediate lockup in one of their care homes for the elderly (I'm 73 yo) Here in Pattaya everything is fine. 

[grain]

Not for me. My home in Farangland is Perth, WA, which is probably harder to get in and out of than North Korea. So I'll just wait it out until the WHO declares the pandemic over and both WA & Thailand relax all the tough rules & quarantine. And if that never happens then I guess I'm here until the day I kick the bucket.

[Turkleton]

18 minutes ago, micmichd said:

and as an orphan in GerMoney I would face immediate lockup in one of their care homes for the elderly (I'm 73 yo)

BS!

[Harveyboy]

2 hours ago, kcpattaya said:

The MAJOR problem here is the indecisiveness of this Junta admin.
Todays' rules and policies are changing on a daily basis, for no reason, so you don't know what's waiting upon your return from traveling.

Not worth the hassle.
It is KILLING the economy - that is for SURE.

might be killing the economy but the baht is as strong as ever euro droped 1 baht in a few weeks pound not going good either..you would think Covid would have the reverse..

[Harveyboy]

31 minutes ago, micmichd said:

Sorry, for me leaving would be a problem. I have nowhere to go in my former country (GerMoney) anyway, and as an orphan in GerMoney I would face immediate lockup in one of their care homes for the elderly (I'm 73 yo) Here in Pattaya everything is fine. 

good on you mate enjoy even with the problems we have here its still better than being in cold .. expensive Europe

[Antiparovian]

10,000 reads and 200 voters massive?....

[Mayhem11]

I live in Chiang Mai. We went to Turkey at Xmas time. The day before our departure the gov pulls the rug out under the Bkk sandbox. 
 

We were undeterred and went anyway.  
 

We changed our Qatar flights from Istanbul to Bkk to Hkt. Easy as. To do the sandbox at Had Karon.

 

My wife tests positive at Hkt. In day 7 of isolation. I am negative both tests. Thus double the accommodation costs. Our Tune insurance only covers hospitalisation costs not hotel isolation.  Another insurance rort.

 

she is getting better. Putting the unexpected Covid result aside, this was a good trip. I think the media has so hyped Covid anxiety that people fear travel not because of uncertainty but induced anxiety.