No quarantine for Phuket??

[StevieWonders]

Vaccinated? Don't want to quarantine? Fancy Phuket? You may be in luck. Phuket officials say/hope/plead, fingers crossed, no quarantine will be necessary after July 1.

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/got-vaxx-fly-to-thailands-phuket-in-july-and-spend-0-days-in-quarantine/

[Moses]

Vaccinated? Don't want to quarantine? Fancy Phuket? You may be in luck. Phuket officials say/hope/plead, fingers crossed, no quarantine will be necessary after July 1.

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/got-vaxx-fly-to-thailands-phuket-in-july-and-spend-0-days-in-quarantine/

always exists "but":


But the plan requires achieving “herd immunity” among the island province’s populace by vaccinating at least 70% of its people. To achieve that, doses of Chinese-made CoronaVac are on the way, with hope that 930,000 doses will get there in time for 450,000 residents to be jabbed and protected by July.

[StevieWonders]

Bali is hoping to re-open in exactly the same timeframe.

[cdnmatt]

With a third wave setting in across the world, a hope is far from a factual reality.

[Moses]

With a third wave setting in across the world, a hope is far from a factual reality.

in "factual reality" yesterday uncounted 29 mln of doses of Oxford were found in Italy in warehouse... only 4% of which is enough for to reopen Phuket...

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-vaccines-italy/astrazeneca-vaccine-doses-found-in-italy-export-block-on-table-french-official-idUSKBN2BG1HF

[gerefan2]

Haha they are calling it a holiday in the Sand Box!

I wonder if they are aware of the derogatory term used by people in the UK who work in the Middle East?

The Sand Pit.

[Dodger]

A Dose of Reality by Barry Kenyon:

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/thailands-new-quarantine-rules-not-set-in-concrete-347997

[cdnmatt]

in "factual reality" yesterday uncounted 29 mln of doses of Oxford were found in Italy in warehouse... only 4% of which is enough for to reopen Phuket...

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-vaccines-italy/astrazeneca-vaccine-doses-found-in-italy-export-block-on-table-french-official-idUSKBN2BG1HF


How the hell did you correlate those two things together?

In factual reality, the United States currently has enough supply to vaccinate aall Canadians tomorrow. Doesn't mean it's going to happen.

[Dodger]

It's not just the residents of Phuket who would need to be vaccinated - but all the inbound tourists as well.

The Phuket Tourist Authority can keep "Wishing" out loud all they want, but it's not going to change reality.

Not only that, but what does Phuket have to offer right now? Most of the businesses supporting the Hospitality Industry on Phuket are either closed or have spider webs stretched across their doorways.

Ain't gonna happen any time soon.

[StevieWonders]

It's not just the residents of Phuket who would need to be vaccinated - but all the inbound tourists as well. Well spotted Dodgems.

Vaccinated? Don't want to quarantine? Fancy Phuket? You may be in luck.

[goji]

It's not just the residents of Phuket who would need to be vaccinated - but all the inbound tourists as well. This would depend on what the objectives of the policy are. The first responsibility of the Thai government is to protect it's population and vaccination of all the people on Phuket would achieve that. As long as they also have some controls on movement in and out of Phuket.

Secondly, within a few months, the majority of potential tourists from the UK, US and perhaps even the EU should have received a vaccine. Of course Thailand has been reliant on many other countries for tourists, but allowing some in would be a start.



Not only that, but what does Phuket have to offer right now? Most of the businesses supporting the Hospitality Industry on Phuket are either closed or have spider webs stretched across their doorways. This is down to supply and demand. When tourists start arriving, enough of the businesses will reopen to support them. Some will be insolvent, but others will reopen. Capitalism will continue to work, when not suppressed by covid policy.

From recent experience, barriers to entry like 15 night quarantine, covid insurance etc were a disadvantage, but there were also some advantages like getting some big discounts on hotel rates during the trip. e.g. Decent hotels for 500 baht a night in Bangkok.

If they still have some minor barriers to entry when I next go to Thailand, there will probably be some offsetting benefits. Like hotel availability, pricing and not having to dodge hundreds of enormous overweight tourists taking up most of the pavement.

[Dodger]

This would depend on what the objectives of the policy are. The first responsibility of the Thai government is to protect it's population and vaccination of all the people on Phuket would achieve that. As long as they also have some controls on movement in and out of Phuket.

Secondly, within a few months, the majority of potential tourists from the UK, US and perhaps even the EU should have received a vaccine. Of course Thailand has been reliant on many other countries for tourists, but allowing some in would be a start.


This is down to supply and demand. When tourists start arriving, enough of the businesses will reopen to support them. Some will be insolvent, but others will reopen. Capitalism will continue to work, when not suppressed by covid policy.

From recent experience, barriers to entry like 15 night quarantine, covid insurance etc were a disadvantage, but there were also some advantages like getting some big discounts on hotel rates during the trip. e.g. Decent hotels for 500 baht a night in Bangkok.

If they still have some minor barriers to entry when I next go to Thailand, there will probably be some offsetting benefits. Like hotel availability, pricing and not having to dodge hundreds of enormous overweight tourists taking up most of the pavement.

Nothing wrong with being optimistic.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[aot871]

I'm still hoping to travel for Xmas , but pattaya not phuket.

[Brad the Impala]

Not only that, but what does Phuket have to offer right now? Most of the businesses supporting the Hospitality Industry on Phuket are either closed or have spider webs stretched across their doorways.



While most businesses and hotels in Phuket are indeed closed, where they are open they are obviously very very welcoming! Friends from Bangkok are on holiday there now and having a ball. They are getting a LOT of attention!

[StevieWonders]

Capitalism will continue to work, when not suppressed by covid policy.It’s outrageous when something like “covid policy” suppresses capitalism. If State funds for COVID vaccine development and manufacture hadn’t got in the way and suppressed capitalism, where would goji be in the vaccination queue? Would there even be a vaccination queue?

All hail unfettered capitalism.

[Dodger]

Friends from Bangkok are on holiday there now and having a ball. They are getting a LOT of attention!

"LOT" has got a nice ring to it.

[StevieWonders]

BREAKING - Phuket open from July, no quarantine for those fully vaccinated - https://www.thaienquirer.com/25805/government-approves-plan-to-reopen-phuket-from-july/

[Moses]

BREAKING - Phuket open from July, no quarantine for those fully vaccinated - https://www.thaienquirer.com/25805/government-approves-plan-to-reopen-phuket-from-july/

Thу same news as yesterday but view from side... It is conditional:

The Phuket reopening model, known as Sandbox, will require the island to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating 70 per cent of its population before the foreign visitors arrive, said the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

[StevieWonders]

Yesterday’s “news” was rumour, today’s is an announced government decision.

[bkkguy]

Yesterday’s “news” was rumour, today’s is an announced government decision.

whether it is just rumour or an announced decision, as Moses pointed out in his quote from the article you posted it is still conditional on Phuket's vaccine rollout

do you not understand English or do you just not read the linked articles you post and other people's posts here or do you just post crap to get a reaction or deliberately mislead people?

sorry, my mistake, I keep forgetting "don't feed the trolls"

[cdnmatt]

Yep, and vaccine rollouts sometimes don't go to schedule. Just because the Thai government expects / hopes Phuket will be vaccinated come July doesn't mean it's going to happen.

Case in point, Canada just got its supply disrupted again due to EU and India restricting exports. Everything was humming along, schedule was being updated daily as to what age can call when, my parents were even days away from being eligible, then the schedule simply stopped updating. Who knows when it'll start again.

[StevieWonders]

whether it is just rumour or an announced decision, as Moses pointed out in his quote from the article you posted it is still conditional on Phuket's vaccine rollout

do you not understand English or do you just not read the linked articles you post and other people's posts here or do you just post crap to get a reaction or deliberately mislead people?

sorry, my mistake, I keep forgetting "don't feed the trolls" ...
Is there any need for that, what does it add to the board? FFS try to stop it, it doesn't impress anyone and it's you who ends up coming across looking like a knob, not the other person.

[Nirish guy]

Perhaps rather than just repeatedly quoting me ( whilst totally ignoring the intent of my words which were directed at you yourself of course, you could maybe either actually start heeding those words OR at the very least just stop using my words and redirecting them at others solely and ONLY it suits your own seemingly ever ongoing arguments perhaps eh ? One of the other would be nice. Thanks in advance old chuck.

[StevieWonders]

Perhaps rather than just repeatedly quoting me ( whilst totally ignoring the intent of my words which were directed at you yourself of course, you could maybe either actually start heeding those words OR at the very least just stop using my words and redirecting them at others solely and ONLY it suits your own seemingly ever ongoing arguments perhaps eh ? One of the other would be nice. Thanks in advance old chuck.
10915

[StevieWonders]

For those with an interest, some of the "Phuket Sandbox" proposal details are trickling out in various sections of the media.

Here's a summary so far (no links, sorry)

Phuket locals vaccinations - 1st round of vaccinations start immediately after Songkran (15 April) with 2nd round starting 4 weeks later (15 May) - (target is 70%, unclear how this is measured or what happens to locals from other parts of Thailand travelling to Phuket to cash in)
Direct flights to Phuket Airport only
Tourists must show proof of vaccination (2 shots) plus the current 72-hours previous PCR test results
No mention of mandatory USD100K insurance (doesn't mean it won't be required however, just no mention so far)
No mention of approved list of hotels or anything else about accommodation although the requirement is the first 7 days in Phuket so pre-paid is a reasonable assumption (remembering TiT)
Must use Thai government “tracking” App (probably as useless as others deployed elsewhere in the world)

As Matt and perhaps others will know, in IT terms a "sandbox" is where you test out the various components of the solution you hope/intend to deploy across the enterprise. It's therefore rather a good name (some might almost say apposite) for what's proposed for Phuket

[StevieWonders]

MEANWHILE the Samui version has tourists staying in approved quarantine facilities but not confined to their rooms. Other details (all of which sound a complete turn-off)

Upon arriving, tourists would be escorted from the airport to their hotels.
On the second day of their visit, they would be tested for Covid-19.

If the results were negative, they would be allowed to engage in activities on "sealed routes'' between the 3rd-7th days of their stay.

Activities would include sunset viewing, dinner cruises and outdoor activities such as yoga and spa treatments on private beaches on the nearby Koh Tan and the Ang Thong archipelago, which are isolated from other tourists and local residents.

On the 8th-14th days, they would be allowed to travel around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

On the 15th day, they would be tested for the virus again.

If no virus is detected, they would be allowed to travel to other provinces.


The 14-day travel programme on Koh Samui was designed to make tourists feel relaxed, not confined.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2091055/samui-plans-for-1-000-foreign-tourists-in-july

Sex tourists need not apply?

[Blueskytoday]

Apparaently they are going to give Phuket people preference for the shots....forget about the rest of the country until Phuket is open..

[goji]

Apparaently they are going to give Phuket people preference for the shots....forget about the rest of the country until Phuket is open..
That might make some sense, as:
1 Phuket province is heavily dependent on tourism
2 They can use it to test out reopening tourism, as a self contained island. Then if successful, widen the scope.
3 Thailand has a low infection rate, so it's not like there's a problem with uncontrolled large scale outbreaks.

[Moses]

That might make some sense, as:
1 Phuket province is heavily dependent on tourism
2 They can use it to test out reopening tourism, as a self contained island. Then if successful, widen the scope.
3 Thailand has a low infection rate, so it's not like there's a problem with uncontrolled large scale outbreaks.

+1: Phuket has direct flights to many destinations abroad... I think only BKK has more international flights than Phuket has.

[StevieWonders]

+1: Phuket has direct flights to many destinations abroad... I think only BKK has more international flights than Phuket has.Not DMK?

[StevieWonders]

For the naysayers - https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-thailands-new-covid-surge-kill-a-plan-to-restart-tourism-in-july/

I’m still with Chou En Lai on this one.

[StevieWonders]

And now Hua Hin - https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2105995

Evidently Smiles had advance warning and is setting up an AirBNB with no time for SGT.

[Dodger]

According to the article linked below, Phuket's plans to reopen to tourists with no quarantine are off the table.

Not enough vaccine.

As expected.

https://www.pattayamail.com/alltime/third-wave-wreaking-havoc-on-thailands-tourism-restart-plan-where-are-we-now-2-351867

[StevieWonders]

According to the article linked below, Phuket's plans to reopen to tourists with no quarantine are off the table.

Not enough vaccine.

As expected.

https://www.pattayamail.com/alltime/third-wave-wreaking-havoc-on-thailands-tourism-restart-plan-where-are-we-now-2-351867Apart from in Dodgems’ fetid imagination the article says no such thing. It’s a Pattaya journalist reiterating what needs to be done and questioning whether those actions will be achieved. Lazy journalism, it’s all been said before, in real newspapers.

[Sen Yai]

According to the article linked below, Phuket's plans to reopen to tourists with no quarantine are off the table.

Not enough vaccine.

As expected.

https://www.pattayamail.com/alltime/...e-now-2-351867 Apart from in Dodgems’ fetid imagination the article says no such thing. It’s a Pattaya journalist reiterating what needs to be done and questioning whether those actions will be achieved. Lazy journalism, it’s all been said before, in real newspapers.

Indeed. The report is a flimsy piece speculation, full if 'ifs' and 'maybes' but does not make any assertion that current plans are 'off the table' The situation could worsen of course, but attempts are being made to maintain the plan to open up to tourism, even if only in a limited way - even this report acknowledges that.

To draw a conclusion that plans have been abandoned demonstrates a poor ability to comprehend what's written or perhaps a desire to promote a different agenda.

[Dodger]

......Indeed. The report is a flimsy piece speculation, full if 'ifs' and 'maybes' .

Congratulations!

You have just accurately described every news release published in Thailand.

[StevieWonders]

To draw a conclusion that plans have been abandoned demonstrates a poor ability to comprehend what's written or perhaps a desire to promote a different agenda.
Are you suggesting that Dodgems is as dumb as dog shit? As his proud boast is that I’m on his Permanent Ignore list; he would not be cheating and ignoring his own Ignore list because Dodgems is an honourable man. Dumb as dog shit then.

[Dodger]

Suksit Suvunditkul, chief executive of Deevana Hotels and Resorts, said most hotels in Phuket are closing their properties until the end of this year as there is no sign of new bookings.

At present, 85% of hotels in Phuket remain closed. Of the 2,000 hotels in the province, only 200-300 properties are actively listed on travel websites.

The closure rate remains high because operators are not confident about the ongoing situation. Moreover, a fourth wave may erupt anytime if people don't have immunity against the virus, said Mr Suksit.

"A fruitful outcome is unlikely as there are too many uncertainties and tourism operators do not want to take a risk with an unpredictable situation," he said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2105427/phuket-reopening-still-in-the-works

[StevieWonders]

The Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC) is banking on the Phuket tourism sandbox model to bring new arrivals who are Thailand Elite Card members after the resurgence of the virus delayed their travel plans to Thailand indefinitely.

"No quarantine -- like the Phuket sandbox concept -- and containing the virus are key factors to help existing members finalise their decision to visit Thailand," said Somchai Soongswang, president of TPC, the operator of the Thailand Elite Card service.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2107375

[cdnmatt]

If they're hurting for tourists so badly, wonder if I should drop them a note ask ask if they'd be willing to take me off the blacklist? It's either take me off now when you need the money, and I'll be on first flight out two weeks after I get my vaccine jab (hopefully J&J), or take me off in 23 months. I'll be off the list soon anyway...

[StevieWonders]

If they're hurting for tourists so badly, wonder if I should drop them a note ask ask if they'd be willing to take me off the blacklist? It's either take me off now when you need the money, and I'll be on first flight out two weeks after I get my vaccine jab (hopefully J&J), or take me off in 23 months. I'll be off the list soon anyway...
I doubt that they’re as desperate as you are needy.

[cdnmatt]

I doubt that they’re as desperate as you are needy.

Why not? I'm an idiot, I probably spend more than the average tourist.

Problem is, don't have a care taker in Thailand. He's in Laos, and don't particularly feel like putting my life in a stranger's hands, so...

Too bad Thai baht wasn't accessible, that'd make it easier. Only way to figure out what denomination is with with baht is the little SeeingAI app that will tell you what color something is, which would be an absolute pain to use.

[StevieWonders]

If they're hurting for tourists so badly, wonder if I should drop them a note ask ask if they'd be willing to take me off the blacklist? It's either take me off now when you need the money, and I'll be on first flight out two weeks after I get my vaccine jab (hopefully J&J), or take me off in 23 months. I'll be off the list soon anyway...
But you never were and have no future intention to be a “tourist”. You were in the country illegally for years on end, for which you have shown no contrition and keep blaming Thailand for having immigration laws that don’t suit your convenience. Why would they be desperate to have you back?

[cdnmatt]

Well, the government may not care if I'm back, but I can promise you a good handful of locals would be thrilled to have me around. I'm a man of the people like that...

[StevieWonders]

In what will be devastating news to Dodgems the government has this week reiterated that their plan to re-open Phuket using the “Sandbox” model is still on track for 1 July: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-29/thailand-increases-quarantine-period-for-visitors-as-covid-rages

[Jellybean]

A copy of post #45 together with several other posts have been moved to the Everything Else forum under the title, Russian banknote design.

To contribute to the new topic please click on the following link:
https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22079-Russian-banknote-design

[Dodger]

Only 20% of Phuket residents who need to be vaccinated prior to July 1st have received the vaccine...and the chances of enough additional vaccine being made available by the government in the next 2 months is next to impossible.

The Phuket Tourist Association is totally enraged and going public with their concerns - but they're up against a brick wall. The Wall that nobody can talk about.

Phuket is probably down the tubes for this year. Disappointing for them - but no surprise whatsoever considering all the moving pieces. The writing was on the "Wall" 6 months ago, but some refused to see it.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-opinion-a-shot-in-the-dark-79863.php

[cdnmatt]

I'll reiterate, if Canada is having this much difficulty getting its population vaccinated even with solid plans in place for over a year, does anyone really think Thailand is going to somehow miraculously come upon ~150 million vaccine doses?

[vnman]

I'm getting my second Pfizer vaccination in June but not counting on the Phuket sandbox. It wouldn't have my preference either. I'd rather go into a 7-day quarantine (which seems to have been cancelled for now) in Bangkok and then free to move between Bangkok and Pattaya afterwards. I wonder if the 7-day quarantine is actually 9 days, where they don't count the check-in and check-out date. That would be a dealbreaker.

[Surfcrest]

This would depend on what the objectives of the policy are. The first responsibility of the Thai government is to protect it's population and vaccination of all the people on Phuket would achieve that. As long as they also have some controls on movement in and out of Phuket.

Secondly, within a few months, the majority of potential tourists from the UK, US and perhaps even the EU should have received a vaccine. Of course Thailand has been reliant on many other countries for tourists, but allowing some in would be a start.

Some might believe the first responsibility of the government is to protect the economy seeing how far reaching the effects are to everyday Thais vs those getting infected still. If not for the profound impact to the health care system. As with everywhere...it’s a balance between the 2 impacts of the pandemic.

Now we’re seeing first hand, the world and indeed populations divided up with the vaccine rollout. Who gets vaccinated first and with what?

And unfortunately, herd immunity cannot be achieved if you vaccinate all the tourists before the rest of the population. You’re only safe if you’re vaccinated when everyone is vaccinated.

Surfcrest

[goji]

As with everywhere...it’s a balance between the 2 impacts of the pandemic.
Agreed.



And unfortunately, herd immunity cannot be achieved if you vaccinate all the tourists before the rest of the population. You’re only safe if you’re vaccinated when everyone is vaccinated.
I believe no one is planning to vaccinate tourists before the Thai population.
Any doses Thailand buys would be for Thai residents and the tourists would only have got entry priviliges if they had already been vaccinated in their home country, naturally from the home country supply of vaccines, not the Thai supply.
By the time Thailand has vaccinated the majority of the population of Phuket, or wherever, there will be no shortage of people already vaccinated in developed economies.

Whether our governments allow us to leave under reasonable terms might be a bigger issue.

[Dodger]

By the time Thailand has vaccinated the majority of the population of Phuket, or wherever, there will be no shortage of people already vaccinated in developed economies.

Agree.

By the time Phuket gets enough vaccine to cover at least 70% of its population, most of the modern world will have been vaccinated as well. And at the rate things are moving, that won't be happening any time soon.

[StevieWonders]

The 2021 two-phase sandbox model - Phuket, followed by Pattaya and a few others - is the necessary precursor for quarantine-free travel for all of Thailand in 2022 for those who’ve been vaccinated. Given the insistence of certain posters it’s clear I’ve missed the link to the official government announcement that this approach has been abandoned. Can someone please provide it? Or doesn’t “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings” no longer appropriate?

[goji]

I have a bold idea: now that the cat is out of the bag (figuratively speaking, Covid all over the country), a tourist who might have Covid does not make much difference health-wise, but can make a big difference for the economy. I suggest the Thai government open borders to European, North-American and neighboring countries (or every country whose particular strain has already been detected in Thailand) without quarantine, COE, and so on. I would be over the border (from Cambodia) the next day!

Many countries have travel restrictions, even countries where the infection rate has been much higher than Thailand.
For instance, anyone traveling to the UK needs 3 covid tests and must "isolate" at home for 10 days, or if coming from a "red list" country, do hotel quarantine.

The main reason for this appears to be fear of virus mutations that could make vaccines ineffective. However, I'm not aware of a mutation that's causing high death rates in vaccinated people.

If we get past the fear of mutations, I would think there is a good case for many countries relaxing travel restrictions. Although perhaps those countries which have vaccinated most of their populations have the best case for reducing travel restrictions.

[a447]

Posts relating to Thai banknotes have been moved here :

https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22086-Distinguishing-between-Thai-banknotes

A447
Moderator

[Dodger]

Phuketnews 5/09/2021

The Phuket Tourist Authority (and Governor) continue to make fools of themselves.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-opinion-falling-into-the-seychelles-hole-79946.php

[StevieWonders]

Phuketnews 5/09/2021

The Phuket Tourist Authority (and Governor) continue to make fools of themselves.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-opinion-falling-into-the-seychelles-hole-79946.php Poor wee Dodgems, he’s now hedging his bets. Having claimed that Phuket definitely absolutely won’t reach its vaccination target, he’s now saying that anyway the vaccine will be ineffective - and the Governor of Phuket is to blame. This despite the Governor of Phuket only has access to whatever the Thai government gives him. If it’s ineffective in Phuket the same applies to Pattaya. Does that mean Dodgems will remain locked down in Pattaya forever.

Of course it’s an undifferentiated vaccination target - vaccinated, not vaccinated effectively.

[StevieWonders]

11075

Total vaccinations (Thailand) - I know the graphic's mostly in Thai but in English it says:
First dose - Sinovac 1,181,967 & AstraZeneca 114,473
Second dose - Sinovac 459,993 & AstraZeneca 17,461

Don't blame the Governor of Phuket; he's not responsible for the choice of vaccine