Cabinet approves long-term tourist visa

[billyhouston]

Bangkok Post 15 September:

The cabinet on Tuesday agreed to allow in foreign tourists who agree to 14-day quarantine and stay for at least 90 days, to help the flagging economy.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after the cabinet meeting that the government would issue special tourist visas for long-stay visitors. The most important condition would be a 14-day quarantine.

"Visitors can arrive for tourism or health services, and they can stay at alternative state quarantine facilities, specific areas or at hospitals that function as quarantine facilities," he said.

"Our public health system is amongst the best in the world and people can have confidence in it."

The prime minister said the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration would later elaborate on the matter.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisaranakul said long-stay visitors would have to present proof of payment for their long stay in the country. This could be payment for a hotel reservation, or the lease of a condominium room.

"The target is to welcome 100-300 visitors a week, or up to 1,200 people a month, and generate income of about 1 billion baht a month," she said.

The 90-day special tourist visa could be extended twice, for 90 days each time. Long-stay visitors could begin arriving next month, Ms Traisulee said.

Prasong Poontaneat, finance permanent secretary, said the country needed to generate income from visitors, especially those from the countries where coronavirus disease had not been spreading in past months - such as China, Taiwan and some counries in Europe.

Twenty Chinese provinces were free of Covid-19 and had a combined population of around 800 million. If only one percent of them, about 8 million people, visited Thailand they could support the tourism sector, he said.

[gerefan2]

Another crackpot idea.

1. Who in their right mind is going to pay upfront for 90 days accommodation and then find there is an outbreak and not be allowed in? We all know how paranoid they have been about just one or two cases in the last few weeks. They could so easily just close the border again. And how the hell would I get my condo rent of 80,000 baht back?? We all know Thais don’t do refunds.

2. Their maths is crap too...Quote...
“ The target is to welcome 100-300 visitors a week, or up to 1,200 people a month, and generate income of about 1 billion baht a month," she said.“. . what bollocks.


That’s a spending of 833,333 baht, per person, per month. OR....20,833 GBP per person, per month. I wish

3. Flights. 1200 people per month. Just 4 plane loads. How is that going to work? Only 1 flight per month from just 4 countries? Ridiculous.


I repeat Thailand has lost the plot...big time.

[goji]

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisaranakul said long-stay visitors would have to present proof of payment for their long stay in the country. This could be payment for a hotel reservation, or the lease of a condominium room.

Looks like they are determined to **** this up as well. When I go on holiday for 3 months, I book up at maximum one month. In some cases I book hotels at less than 24 hours notice.
And I'm even less likely to want to pay up front for 90 days -that's just insane.

Also it is totally pointless. They don't need this fuckwit rule for 30 days, so why 90 ?

[Edit: Gerefan2 summarized it nicely whilst I was drafting my piece].

[Blueskytoday]

This sounds so dumb...so If someone plans on staying in TH for 75 days..they must pay the entire hotel stay in advance?? This is ridiculous...

[gerefan2]

This sounds so dumb...so If someone plans on staying in TH for 75 days..they must pay the entire hotel stay in advance?? This is ridiculous...

I guess their thinking is by making us pay for 90 days we won’t leave after 10, 20, 75 or whatever number of days. The Visa is supposed to be for long stayers only.

It’s floored as no one in their right mind would pay for 90 days in advance for a multitude of reasons. ...especially in Thailand

[arsenal]

Some leeway here guys. These people are simply throwing ideas up into the air and hoping that something good falls back down. They don't know what else to do. And neither does anyone else.

[gerefan2]

Maybe arsenal but this plan has been approved by the Cabinet!! There will be a huge loss of face if they have to back peddle on the requirement to pay for 90 days accommodation in advance .

This is what I wrote back in March...
“ I cannot see that Thailand will reopen its borders without an astronomical amount of bureaucracy., some of which we have already seen.”

“ https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?21351-Before-You-Come-to-Thailand-Read-This/page3...post#27.

[Dodger]

I guess their thinking is by making us pay for 90 days we won’t leave after 10, 20, 75 or whatever number of days.

Exactly...they (and the hotels) only want your $$money$$.

[goji]

Some leeway here guys. These people are simply throwing ideas up into the air and hoping that something good falls back down. They don't know what else to do. And neither does anyone else.

I think most of us could do better than this scheme.

1 The 14 day quarantine period is likely to filter out most of the people who want to stay for 3 or 4 weeks. So I would suggest that not much else is needed to encourage long term visitors.

2 If, after years of trying to make us go away after 30 days, they now want to keep us for almost 90 days, then just introduce a requirement for the return flight to be after a minimum of 80 days or whatever. Or even introduce a fee for leaving "early". Either is better than forcing people to pay in advance for accommodation.

3 I'd make the application really easy & online. Something like the Cambodia e-visa.

With the current proposals, perhaps the Thai government wants to pretend it's doing something, whilst really trying to still discourage tourists.

[cdnmatt]

Take a page from Taiwan. Everyone entering the country, even citizens, gets tested at the airport.

- Everyone MUST self quarantine for 14 days.
- Everyone MUST have a smart phone and install an app in order to leave the airport.
- The app will track you via GPS to ensure you are not breaking self quarantine.
- If your phone rings and you do not answer, you will be immediately arrested and thrown in jail, no exceptions. For those who decide to leave their phone at home while they break quarantine.
- The app will know if you've come close to anyone who has tested positive.

Taiwan has had 7 deaths. Pretty damn impressive considering where they are located geographically. I guess having an epidemiologist as the vice president kinda helps.

[Dodger]

[QUOTE=goji;269563

With the current proposals, perhaps the Thai government wants to pretend it's doing something, whilst really trying to still discourage tourists.[/QUOTE]

I think you hit the nail on the head.

[Dodger]

Take a page from Taiwan. Everyone entering the country, even citizens, gets tested at the airport.

- Everyone MUST self quarantine for 14 days.
- Everyone MUST have a smart phone and install an app in order to leave the airport.
- The app will track you via GPS to ensure you are not breaking self quarantine.
- If your phone rings and you do not answer, you will be immediately arrested and thrown in jail, no exceptions. For those who decide to leave their phone at home while they break quarantine.
- The app will know if you've come close to anyone who has tested positive.

Thailand can't even figure out how to create an app for foreigners to do simple 90 day reporting - let alone a sophisticated app like the one you're describing.

[Manforallseasons]

Considering there are people that have some roots in Thailand such as loved ones and families or in fact live here but have been stranded abroad this is a first step for allowing their return, though it does nothing to address the 2 week millionaires.

[goji]

though it does nothing to address the 2 week millionaires.
Unlikely to wind anyone up, but don't let that stop you trying.



Thailand can't even figure out how to create an app for foreigners to do simple 90 day reporting - let alone a sophisticated app like the one you're describing.
1 Buy the app of Taiwan
2 Hire one of the specialist localisation companies that translate & adjust software to suit different markets.

This might also work in some other countries I can think of as well. But you're right, the Thai government would be incapable of working that out.

[Dodger]

Considering there are people that have some roots in Thailand such as loved ones and families or in fact live here but have been stranded abroad this is a first step for allowing their return, ....

I was thinking about some of our mutual friends from the U.S and UK who have been stranded as you mention, although, the article (for what it's worth) states that the Covid Council (CCSA) has yet to elaborate. After they do, we can assume that this long-stay visa will only be offered to those coming from low risk countries - which of course counts our friends out.

The cost, risk, and inconvenience of this visa (if it ever fly's) would probably rule out anyone with a brain unless they actually lived here. Truly wealthy people wouldn't give it a second thought... the Chinese middle-class can't afford it...and the only 3 month tours I've heard about are treks to the Himalaya's.

That said, it appears this new TAT proposal (Proposal # 117) is only being publicized by the government to create a perception to calm the masses.

I think there's going to be one hell of a bumpy road ahead for the government...masks, or no masks.

BTW...I renewed my retirement visa yesterday. In-and-out in 15 minutes...ALL SMILES. They must like us now!

[goji]

That said, it appears this new TAT proposal (Proposal # 117) is only being publicized by the government to create a perception to calm the masses.

Exactly.
Give it some time and the masses will not be impressed by the results.

[Manforallseasons]

Exactly.
Give it some time and the masses will not be impressed by the results.

gogi, instead of continuously crying in your soup over your plight why not just go elsewhere? I see from your post about Cambodia you are not exactly a “ big spender”.......so why not look for a cheap country with destitute people?

[francois]

Considering there are people that have some roots in Thailand such as loved ones and families or in fact live here but have been stranded abroad this is a first step for allowing their return, though it does nothing to address the 2 week millionaires.

What you write is quite true. I know someone who is stranded in a safe but boring country and wishes to return to Thailand. He is considering this new proposal as soon as details are provided.

[goji]

gogi, instead of continuously crying in your soup over your plight why not just go elsewhere? I see from your post about Cambodia you are not exactly a “ big spender”.......so why not look for a cheap country with destitute people?

MFAS. How about writing something positive about your own activities rather than making pitiful attempts to wind others up ?

To comment on others spending habits whilst sharing nothing about your own behaviour is very easy. It's also not the kind of behaviour people will take much notice of, as it lacks substance and credibility.

[Manforallseasons]

Special long stay tourist visa gets approval will begin October 1......... https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1987315/ministry-vows-bangkok-special-tourist-visa-arrivals-by-october

[cdnmatt]

So how does this work? They want charter flights only, ~100 passengers per-flight.

So first week 100 peoepl from New York, next week 100 people from Sydney, next week 100 people from London, week after 100 from Berlin, or?? How does this work?

[Manforallseasons]

Not only are the numbers restricted tom1200 a month but here is how they must fly....

https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/new-thai-tourist-visa-restricted-to-charter-flights-and-private-jets-315309?fbclid=IwAR1Tvz06LZeN1ypdXwcK73I4mlcBNAu0po Q8rRmM8FeuX5vI3KjwlMY0paM

[dreamorph]

Not only are the numbers restricted tom1200 a month but here is how they must fly....

https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/new-thai-tourist-visa-restricted-to-charter-flights-and-private-jets-315309?fbclid=IwAR1Tvz06LZeN1ypdXwcK73I4mlcBNAu0po Q8rRmM8FeuX5vI3KjwlMY0paM




they r actually expecting the Elon Musk(s) or Jeff Bezo(s) to come and stay for 90 days?!!! :D:D:D:D:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Dodger]

In the article Undaunted posted above - I think this paragraph by Geoffrey Fletcher pretty much sums it up:

"Geoffrey Fletcher, spokesperson at the Association of British Travel Agents, said, “There will be near-zero interest in this proposal in traditional Thai tourist markets such as Europe and America.” He predicted that there will be some interest amongst rich individuals in parts of short-haul Asia – including China, Singapore and South Korea – who have been lobbying the Thai government to exempt them from the tourist ban. They would likely spend their 14 days quarantine being pampered in Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels".

I guess these last few news releases have simply forgot to mention the fact that only those tourists coming from countries which have had no reported cases of covid-19 in the past two months would be eligible. At least that's what was stated in the Bangkok Post and The Nation. I can't imagine they'd be contradicting each other.

[cdnmatt]

This tourist plan seems right on target with how things tend to work in Thailand.

Not as many customers at the bars? No problem, just hike up the drink prices to make up the difference. Now even less customers are showing up? Well, hike the drink prices again!

Same here. No tourists anymore? Great, only those with private jets or who can afford charter flights and stay in the most expensive hotels. That should balance things out.

[gerefan2]

I was thinking about some of our mutual friends from the U.S and UK who have been stranded as you mention, although, the article (for what it's worth) states that the Covid Council (CCSA) has yet to elaborate. After they do, we can assume that this long-stay visa will only be offered to those coming from low risk countries - which of course counts our friends out.
!

Why should anyone from the UK or USA not be allowed in? They must undergo a Covid test before departure, on arrival, and several times while in quarantine. Plus another test on departure from solitary. On top of that a medical certificate saying they are fit to fly before departure.

Why pick out US and UK.? Look at the stats for India, Russia and Brazil just for starters!

Additionally what’s all this about a charter flight? There are no charter flights from the UK to Thailand although any airline could probably arrange one. But what airline in their right mind would fly an aircraft to Thailand with only 100 seats occupied? And then maybe fly it back empty?

What passenger is going to pay 4 times the normal fare to cover the 300 empty seats?

Get with it Thailand....

[Dodger]

Why pick out US and UK.? Look at the stats for India, Russia and Brazil just for starters!

I only mentioned the U.S. and UK because that's where my stranded friends live.

[Dodger]

In comparison to this Long-Stay Tourist SCAM being floated in Thailand:

Just as one of a hundred holiday alternatives:

The U.S. Hawaiian Islands are opening up to international tourists on October 16. NO QUARENTINE REQUIRED. Travelers must show proof that they have tested negative for covid-19. Discounted hotel rooms (what a concept), domestic flights - versus charters and private jets intended for millionaires, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters - versus the milky-brown sewer water beaches that Thailand presents to its tourists,...no GPS tracking devices...no hidden immigration loop-holes...no full payment of hotel in advance, etc. Just FUN, which is the whole idea of a holiday.

Understanding that the obsession with returning to Thailand for the gay traveler is centered on the BOYS...Money boys can be found on the gay cruising apps in just about every country now. Thailand has always been the best for boy-action in my opinion, but this doesn't mean they own the monopoly on this. This pandemic will change many things. I wouldn't be surprised if places like Vietnam, Cambodia, or even Myanmar, become more attraction SE Asian destinations for the gay traveler going forward.

Bottom line: Anyone who voluntarily hands someone thousands of dollars to be placed in 14 days of solitary confinement has to be mentally imbalanced. The fact that the Thai government has orchestrated a Plan which charges tourists twice the going rate for quarantine hotel rooms is appalling and shouldn't be accepted by anyone...even the rich and famous.

[cdnmatt]

I don't know, I'm thinking Taiwan looks pretty promising. Only 90 day VISA though, and fairly wealthy country, so unsure how I'd be able to extend that. They are open to foreigners though with the obligatory 14 day quarantine. Might be an idea while I wait for Laos to open its borders again.

Anyway, point of this post... not all of us are just looking to SE Asia simply for a place to get our rocks off on the cheap. I will admit though, that's definitely an attributing factor ,but not all of it. Ever notice how most nations in SE Asia locked down, and for all intents and purposes, handled Kovid-19 quite well, and are I say, far better than many Western nations?

There's a societal and cultural reason for that, and that type of society I miss. There's a reason you don't see a bunch of imbeciles running around SE Asia nations staging anti-mask protests. They're not complete fucken morons like many in the West. They work together, and do what's best for the commnity, instead of being selfish and greedy morons. I miss that aspect of society.

[Nirish guy]

Looking at the videos that Gerefan2 posted earlier aside from the high financial cost the Thai government are suggesting for returning the question should surely be more one of why the hell would you WANT to return just now as the place is so desolate. And how and why they would assume that millionaires on their private jets might want to go jump through their hoops escapes when they've SO many different options open to them and cost isn't an issue escapes me even more ! Looking at those videos it's not 5 or 10 millionaires they need walking around pattaya its more 500 of us TWO WEEK millionaires being back throwing money around us like confetti as we're so stupidly known to do. ( with the obvious virus risks aside as to why that wouldn't be such a good idea too of course)

[gerefan2]

Ever notice how most nations in SE Asia locked down, and for all intents and purposes, handled Kovid-19 quite well, and are I say, far better than many Western nations?

There's a societal and cultural reason for that, and that type of society I miss. There's a reason you don't see a bunch of imbeciles running around SE Asia nations staging anti-mask protests. They're not complete fucken morons like many in the West. They work together, and do what's best for the commnity, instead of being selfish and greedy morons. I miss that aspect of society.

Yes I certainly have to agree with you about that. No morons in Asia.
Have you noticed how strict they are on parasites living there without visas ?

You mention Taiwan as a possible place to go. It’s closed. And it will soon be cold there.