Thai Officials Announce "Innovative" Expat Health Measure

[AhFarangJa]

The Racist xenophobia is ramping up. if it was not for the fact they need our money we would all be deported. Cambodia, or Vietnam is looking more enticing by the day.

[trevoromgh]

What next.  Now you are wearing a mask kindly put these handcuffs on so it prevents you from committing a crime or stopping our ladyboys from stealing your wallets.  

[nobodysfriend]

11 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

Followed by a Thai official ringing a bell shouting, "unclean, unclean'

 

The foreigner needs to be paraded naked and the thai officials ring the bells regularly and shout " Shame ...shame " ?

[thailand49]

Stay away from Thailand! 

Dont visit!

Constant outbreak no vaccine available for stupid!

[Jack West Jr]

Do we need any more proof that Thai officialdom is unapologetically racist, discriminatory and xenophobic ? There is absolutely zero scientific proof that Thais are more immune to Covid than farangs. Unfortunately, that won't stop these gob<deleted>es from proclaiming this offensive crap. Stupid bastards. 

 

[CFC Jomtien]

The focus regarding health should be on the high number of polluting vehicles on the roads spewing out fumes.  Many vehicles clearly have not been serviced in years / ever. 

[ThailandRyan]

1 hour ago, sletraveler said:

Complete insanity.  Masks don’t work.   I can see the rationale for heavily encouraging pm2.5 due to the filthy cancer causing air.  But what they want Farang wearing surgical masks. Is that to stop them from drooling?

Why do you believe masks don't work? Can you provide a verifiable study that's been placed into the medical journals for us.  Anti-masker you must be....

[fredwiggy]

2 hours ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

It's your kind of moronic thinking that mirrors theirs. Anyone can carry a disease. Labeling Canadians as filthy is like them thinking we are dirty farangs. Quite the contrary, the reason so many got Covid here is because of the living conditions. They sit around, sharing sticky rice and communal water cups and wonder why they get sick. Drive 15 in the back of a pickup, all without masks. Lastly, masks help but very little. Targeting just foreigners and not locals coming in is prejudiced and disturbed thinking.

[Celsius]

Just now, fredwiggy said:

It's your kind of moronic thinking that mirrors theirs. Anyone can carry a disease. Labeling Canadians as filthy is like them thinking we are dirty farangs. Quite the contrary, the reason so many got Covid here is because of the living conditions. They sit around, sharing sticky rice and communal water cups and wonder why they get sick. Drive 15 in the back of a pickup, all without masks. Lastly, masks help but very little. Targeting just foreigners and not locals coming in is prejudiced and disturbed thinking.

 

why trigerissimo?

[khunpeer]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.

 

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.
 

"Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality," declared a Ministry spokesperson. "However, with global travel increasing, it's imperative to safeguard public health. This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens."

 

The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt.

 

Enforcement details are still under development. However, officials suggest a potential collaboration between health inspectors and immigration officers, possibly leading to on-the-spot mask checks and educational pamphlets for new arrivals.

 

Expat Community Expresses Concerns

 

The announcement has sparked a range of reactions within the expat community. Some express understanding, citing Thailand's history of vigilance during past outbreaks. Others voice concerns about potential discrimination and the slippery slope of increasingly targeted regulations.

 

"While I appreciate the desire to protect public health," commented one long-term Bangkok resident, "singling out foreigners seems like an oversimplification. Viruses don't check passports."

 

Tourism Industry Anticipates Challenges

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement acknowledging the Ministry of Health's concerns while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors. Industry figures are privately worried about negative publicity and potential confusion among travelers.

 

Whether this new regulation will have a significant impact on public health or tourism numbers remains to be seen. What is certain is that Thailand, known for its sometimes labyrinthine bureaucracy, has once again sparked a lively debate on the balance between precaution and inclusivity.

 

TOP: File photo

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-01

 

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farang fobia

[cdnvic]

Calm down both of you please.

[mikebell]

They won't dare introduce this for the Chinese, the original source of the pandemic.

[Presnock]

Ask any doctor and/or nurses about n95 sugical masks - they BLOCK 2.5 micron dust particles too.  With pollution levels in many places of Thailand, I would think that the health ministry would be recommending masks for locals too, not just tourists or foreigners.  Reading on this forum, articles about the effects on health of the pollution in Thailand, they reported 30 million patients for pollution-related illnesses last year and the first two months of this year 2024, 650 thousand patients treated for such illnesses.  TNN news today reports that from Doi Suthep one couldn't even see Chiang Mai City just below the mountain.  I have been a regular outdoors runner/walker for many years and doctors have always recommended that I wear n95 masks with any outside activity when 2.5 micron pollution levels get above the green level (approximately 38).  Accuweather -( any city) not only reports on the weather but air quality levels too, day and night.  I don't recommend anyone to wear masks - that is a personal preference, but I also would not like to have someone with a possible passable disease sit near me or be around me.  Good luck!  Sorry if you feel that I am pressuring you to wear a mask,  you are thinking incorrectly.  I am only providing evidence to support the wearing of masks when diseases are running rampant and pollution is over the healthy limits.  Take care stay safe.

[Presnock]

I notice many saying masks do not help against pollution - I disagree based on studies - all one needs to check is by googling "masks effectiveness and pollution" easy enough to do as I spelled it our for you and yes studies have been done on that very subject due to the fact that so many people just don't get it!  It is akin to sun exposure and skin cancer.  Since one doesn't see or feel the effects immediately, one must think that it is not real.  Read  for yourself!

[Alex80]

The new suntan for Thailand visitors

Edited April 1 by Alex80

[Dionigi]

2 hours ago, sletraveler said:

Complete insanity.  Masks don’t work.   I can see the rationale for heavily encouraging pm2.5 due to the filthy cancer causing air.  But what they want Farang wearing surgical masks. Is that to stop them from drooling?

If you ever have need of an operation remember to ask the hospital staff not to wear masks as they don't work

[cdnvic]

One post violating community standards re: Medical misinformation, has been removed.

[DPKANKAN]

1 hour ago, IamNoone88 said:

The only question it raises is one of competence. 

But one important fact they don't even know is that the majority of the 21st century Western world people grew up having preventative inoculations for many diseases which helps build up our bodies immune system. My Thai missus got covid I did not!!!!

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality,"

Exactly, now that you mention it.....

That feeling I got every 90 days and once weekly and also when leaving and entering the country. 😂😂😂

[dantilley]

As always with this kind of thing,

People will simply adapt and do what's

Right. Some will wear masks, some will not.

In the end, it doesn't really matter.

Live your life.

 

Follow the rules,

Or don't, it's up to you.

Of course, it remains to be seen how

Long this new initiative will last.

[fredwiggy]

3 minutes ago, DPKANKAN said:

But one important fact they don't even know is that the majority of the 21st century Western world people grew up having preventative inoculations for many diseases which helps build up our bodies immune system. My Thai missus got covid I did not!!!!

How does that explain the over 1 million just American Covid deaths? Along with the other western countries. Millions of people carried Covid but didn't get sick or had symptoms. Old news.

[impulse]

I'm outta here when they mandate prostate exams in tourist areas.

 

[troy]

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

I'm outta here when they mandate prostate exams in tourist areas.

 

That's an extra charge in most tourist areas.

[Purdey]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

potential discrimination

In Thailand? Shirley they must be joking?

[newnative]

      Guess I'll need to haul out my "I'm not a tourist I live here" t-shirt.  I've traveled outside of Thailand the exact same number of times, and to the exact same places, as my Thai spouse.   Why should only I be required to wear a mask?  How are they going to be able to tell the foreign tourist Asians from the native Asians?   Ridiculous policy.  Either require masks for all or masks for none.  

[AllanA]

If this is introduced, you’ll find tourist will cancel their Thailand holiday and go to another Asian destination like Cambodia or Vietnam maybe even visit Philippines. 
Tourists won’t spend thousands of dollars to going for a Thailand vacation and forced to wear a mask, what a terrible way to spend your holiday. I’m pretty sure neighbouring Asian countries  will be delighted to take all these tourists. Thailand sure knows how to kill its tourism for the next few months or more.   

 

[Marco51]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.

 

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.
 

"Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality," declared a Ministry spokesperson. "However, with global travel increasing, it's imperative to safeguard public health. This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens."

 

The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt.

 

Enforcement details are still under development. However, officials suggest a potential collaboration between health inspectors and immigration officers, possibly leading to on-the-spot mask checks and educational pamphlets for new arrivals.

 

Expat Community Expresses Concerns

 

The announcement has sparked a range of reactions within the expat community. Some express understanding, citing Thailand's history of vigilance during past outbreaks. Others voice concerns about potential discrimination and the slippery slope of increasingly targeted regulations.

 

"While I appreciate the desire to protect public health," commented one long-term Bangkok resident, "singling out foreigners seems like an oversimplification. Viruses don't check passports."

 

Tourism Industry Anticipates Challenges

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement acknowledging the Ministry of Health's concerns while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors. Industry figures are privately worried about negative publicity and potential confusion among travelers.

 

Whether this new regulation will have a significant impact on public health or tourism numbers remains to be seen. What is certain is that Thailand, known for its sometimes labyrinthine bureaucracy, has once again sparked a lively debate on the balance between precaution and inclusivity.

 

TOP: File photo

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-01

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

 

As "farang" are the ones who are immediately visible as foreigners, my guess would be this is another great idea the chinese ambassador came up with to

facilitate the sinoisation of Laos, sorry, already done, Cambodia...ooops, also done....Thailand. Dirty, criminal tourists and worse : expats? Farang expats! Just

leave your money, don't forget,  and piss off. Let us run every 90 days on the "inmate presence" report, within 24 hours on the "return to the paid home from

wherever report", file for ever more complicated stay permits after decades, push the boulevard media and social smutworks to show en detail every "misdeed " of

a (yuk!) whitebread, if they insist on staying, tax their already taxed pensions and life savings, check very very closely if anyone who does not look SEA or Han has

possibly bent the medieval property laws a little (with the most competent "help" of a local lawyer or something in kind) to be able to keep control of the little

company (that does employ and pay taxes) or his/her living quaters, etc etc etc......what? Still want to be here? OK, now put on masks as a public nuisance, sorry,

health risk because everybody knows the dirty West is responsible for the Wuhan Virus, the put it in the lab to smeer the brothers and sisters of the ....whatever....

and now same same but different in supermarkets or airports or otther public places the constant squeek " doo see, farang not put mass, to pai tamruat reo reo....

bad man" Then public shaming ? Way-ing to man in way too tight brown uniform? To boulevard press, then pay huge fine and agree deportation. Health minister

is invited to a personal handshake with the evil emperor. Tourists will leave $ and Euros in Europe and Philipines and Vietnam. Mission accomplished.

This story and its characters are purely fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or preferably dead is coincidal and  intended by the author.

[NorthernRyland]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.

 

Diseases are coming from outside of Thailand so the foreigners need to wear masks, fair enough that logic follows.

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt.

 

what does the locals resistance to regional diseases have to do with anything? foreigners are brining in NEW illnesses right?

 

This guy is a lying POS, we all know what he's about. If they really go through with this it will be interesting. 

 

[JimHuaHin]

The lead paragraph of the article concludes " ... reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.".

 

Firstly, the article does not target just farangs.

 

Secondly, from a medical/health perspectives "natives", ie people born in Thailand, have a degree of immunity/resistance to local (Thai) pathogens; while non-Thai-born long-time residents, say 10+ years, generally develop some immunity/resistance to such pathogens.

 

Ignorance can be bliss, but an informed mind can be a life-saver.

[brewsterbudgen]

Hopefully the Tourist Police will be used to enforce this measure.