Phuket Sandbox update

[StevieWonders]

Thaivisa is reporting an interview with Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn originally had with Khaosod (I can’t find a link). Here’s the relevant section from Thaivisa:

“He said that cases would need to drop to zero before the country could implement its ‘Sandbox’ model.

Initially, Thailand had hoped to re-open Phuket to vaccinate foreign tourists, who could stay on the island without the need to quarantine.

Mr Phiphat said there was still a chance the Phuket sandbox could go ahead but cases on the island would likely need to be zero and at least 70% of the island’s population would need to have received the vaccination.

In the event the number of those vaccinated reaches its target but there are still cases being found on the island, the tourism ministry would need to seek further guidance from health officials as to whether the island could re-open.”

Some great get-outs there: “likely” is my favourite along with “seek further guidance”

The same article mentions a new “tourism fee” of 300 baht to maintain all those attractions few of our brave sex tourists ever visit and pay “farang pricing” when they do. It also includes a 34 baht “health fund” levy for the thousands of tourists who skip hospital without paying (448 million baht annually apparently).

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1216297-thailand-to-introduce-300-baht-%E2%80%98tourist-fee%E2%80%99-from-january/

[cdnmatt]

And queue Dodger saying "told you so..."

[cdnmatt]

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1216297-thailand-to-introduce-300-baht-%E2%80%98tourist-fee%E2%80%99-from-january/?utm_source=newsletter-20210507-1154&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news


Thailand will collect 300 baht tourist fee from all international visitors arriving in the country from next January.

There we go, excellent plan to revive a devastated tourism industry. Remembers me when bars starting being slow and getting less customers. The solution? Raise drink prices, of course.

[StevieWonders]

And queue Dodger saying "told you so..."Don’t be silly Matt. I’m on Dodgems’ Enemies List (as Richard Nixon dubbed it) and he won’t read it. We know he won’t peek because he, goji and the others who have such a List are all honourable men. Mind you he’ll probably pretend he read it elsewhere when he does respond.

[StevieWonders]

The Bangkok Post is reporting the same story - Phuket Sandbox starts 1 July as planned. Phuket’s governor reports 22% of the population already vaccinated with a “target of 60-70%” and 15,000 people being vaccinated daily.

The other prerequisite previously reported was “no new cases” which explains why entry rules and mandatory testing (Thais will also have to pay) have been introduced.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2112151/phuket-to-reopen-as-planned

[Blueskytoday]

Thailands cases are at record highs now....and Phuket will open soon....forget it.not going to happen...

[gerefan2]

And bear in mind the CCSA today announced over 1100 critically ill with nearly 400 on ventilators. Nothing is going to happen while this is going on....

[StevieWonders]

From May 15 Phuket will not allow anyone to enter the island from other parts of Thailand without undergoing quarantine on arrival. This replaces the current “rapid antigen” tests currently in place and are, presumably, intended to underpin the “no new cases” rule that’s in place for the July 1 reopening (along with a vaccinated population).

You can get daily updates from www.thePhuketnews.com/news-Phuket-COVID-19.php

Should you prefer uninformed speculation you can follow posters such as the two immediately above.

[cdnmatt]

Alright Phuket, you're 6 week proving yourself period begins! Let's see what you can do.

Probably not much considering how transmissible the variants are, but fuck it, let's see what happens.

[gerefan2]

Should you prefer uninformed speculation you can follow posters such as the two immediately above.

That, from the fount of all knowledge?

[StevieWonders]

More press stories today suggesting that this project is forging ahead -

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2114791/phuket-eyes-july-reopening
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2114975/phuket-banking-on-129-000-arrivals

However the authorities are warning of too much “happiness” especially amongst “entertainment” workers resulting in increasing rates of infection.

Apparently the 7-day packages in lieu of quarantine will cost between 150,000 and 200,000 baht. No further details about whether they are mandatory. 14-day quarantine is much cheaper so why would you bother? Another This Is Thailand own goal?

[gerefan2]

7 days for 200,000 baht! Ridiculous. That would last most people 2 months...including the flights!

[cdnmatt]

He said travel agents are waiting for clear entry regulations, so they can offer packages to their customers.

They're opening in 6 weeks, better hurry as some marketing and sales effort may be required to sell 7 day vacations for $6400 USD.

[Blueskytoday]

Thailand and their long expensive quarantine stays,,,,buying a $100,000 insurance travel policy of which I have no idea what it costs....I will wait. long time apparently...until it all gets better.....

[goji]

Thailand and their long expensive quarantine stays This is fair criticism, although it must be said, the total daily living costs in quarantine may well be lower than the average daily spend of our members on holiday. It's just much less fun.


buying a $100,000 insurance travel policy of which I have no idea what it costs....
This is a fairly regular objection. Anyone seriously considering a holiday to Thailand would quickly find out what it costs, but of course there is no reason to bother if the quarantine has already put you off.
Mine was 7500 baht for 3 months. Nothing but a state sanctioned scam, with abnormal profit margins. However, in the absence of alternative tropical destinations, it did not stop me taking a holiday last winter and would not stop me next winter either.

[Blueskytoday]

Did you buy on-line I guess before entry to Thailand?? What health co. and what do they give you for proof of coverage..Thanks

[goji]

Did you buy on-line I guess before entry to Thailand?? What health co. and what do they give you for proof of coverage..Thanks

At the time, you had to have proof of the insurance to get into the country. I imagine it's the same now. I used AXA Thailand, bought on line and received the documents a few seconds later.
Printed 2 copies -one for the main document folder and one for the backup folder.
Plus copies on my phone, android tablet and google docs.

[StevieWonders]

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn yesterday confirmed that Phuket Sandbox plans are on track for a July 1 start

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2116299/phuket-to-start-giving-vaccine-shots-next-month

[StevieWonders]

Did you buy on-line I guess before entry to Thailand?? What health co. and what do they give you for proof of coverage..ThanksThe companies listed on every Thai Consulate website won’t insure the over-70s. For that try tipinsure.com

[StevieWonders]

Here’s the latest report on Phuket’s preparedness:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2118523/tat-focuses-on-phukets-good-safety

[StevieWonders]

More details of the 7-day Sandbox "requirements" are available. Those hoping to meet the boy of their dreams during those seven days will not be happy. Oh, and there's a mandatory PCR test on Day Five

https://royalvacationdmc.com/blog/phuket-sandbox/

[StevieWonders]

Remember this post of Dodgems about the failure of Sinovac in the Maldives and how foolish the Thai officialdom was?

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
https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?21969-No-quarantine-for-Phuket&p=278129#post278129

Today's news from Phuket re Sinovac - https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2122175/sinovac-virus-jabs-effective-in-phuket

[cdnmatt]

Remember this post of Dodgems about the failure of Sinovac in the Maldives and how foolish the Thai officialdom was?

https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?21969-No-quarantine-for-Phuket&p=278129#post278129

Today's news from Phuket re Sinovac - https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2122175/sinovac-virus-jabs-effective-in-phuket

Yeah, we're talking 6 people who didn't get a lung infection. Works perfectly, what more proof do you need?

[StevieWonders]

Yeah, we're talking 6 people who didn't get a lung infection. Works perfectly, what more proof do you need?Still waiting for your response from yesterday about the risk assessment to Thailand of opening up to fully-vaccinated tourists who have one PCR test before departure and another 5 days after arrival.

[cdnmatt]

Still waiting for your response from yesterday about the risk assessment to Thailand of opening up to fully-vaccinated tourists who have one PCR test before departure and another 5 days after arrival.

I did.

[StevieWonders]

I did.You remind me strongly of Private Pike in Dad’s Army, and we all know what Captain Mainwaring thought of him

[cdnmatt]

You remind me strongly of Private Pike in Dad’s Army, and we all know what Captain Mainwaring thought of him

Maybe if I was born 30 years earlier I would know what the fuck you're on about, but I have no idea.

[StevieWonders]

Thai Airways has just announced the resumption of some direct flights between Europe and Phuket - https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/thai-airways-introducing-limited-direct-flights-between-europe-and-phuket

[StevieWonders]

The Bangkok Post reports that Phuket has achieved 50% of the (I assume) adult population vaccinated and claim to be on track for their 70% target

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2122727/phuket-closes-on-jab-target

They’re also reporting fewer than 10 new cases per day (with a high preponderance being local farang who’ve been partying in defiance of the rules) which meets their second criteria.

There’s a vaccination timeline infographic as well:

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[Dodger]

Phuket Sandbox details provided in news releases continue to stress Phuket's headstrong determination to re-open to tourists "quarantine-free" on July 1st, although, to date, only 50% of the population has received vaccinations (we think), and the percentage of those who still need a second dose is not clearly shown in Phuket data. Lots of gaps in the reporting and the data as we've come to expect.

In any event, and I know others may disagree, I see July 1st as being a real long shot just based on the arithmetic. Evan if they extend the opening until September (which they'll probably end up doing), it will all hinge on the status of the covid surge Kingdom-wide, and the availability of an effective vaccine(s).

[arsenal]

Personally I don't want to go to Thailand in July. I like to enjoy the summer time in a country with proper seasons. Thailand always tastes better when it's freezing cold at home. I can wait until November.

[StevieWonders]

Full details of Phuket Sandbox packages can be found via this link: https://royalvacationdmc.com/phuket-sandbox-hotels-packages/

I note via the FAQ that it is possible to have "your girlfriend" join you if she is fully vaccinated and has a certificate to prove it. No mention of boyfriend, threesomes. or indeed casual pickups from Grindr, Blue, Hornet or Jack’d, although I suspect all of the latter are probably out of the question.

To answer publicly a question asked of me via PM about the likelihood of opening or advisability of going I repeat the answer I’ve given publicly twice before: “I’m with Chou En Lai on this one”. If you don’t understand the reference you shouldn’t be reading my posts.

[Zebedee]

If you don’t understand the reference you shouldn’t be reading my posts.

Are you having a little joke with us StevieWonders ? LOL

[Mancs]

Full details of Phuket Sandbox packages can be found via this link: https://royalvacationdmc.com/phuket-sandbox-hotels-packages/

I note via the FAQ that it is possible to have "your girlfriend" join you if she is fully vaccinated and has a certificate to prove it. No mention of boyfriend, threesomes. or indeed casual pickups from Grindr, Blue, Hornet or Jack’d, although I suspect all of the latter are probably out of the question.

To answer publicly a question asked of me via PM about the likelihood of opening or advisability of going I repeat the answer I’ve given publicly twice before: “I’m with Chou En Lai on this one”. If you don’t understand the reference you shouldn’t be reading my posts.

"All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means" ??

[StevieWonders]

"All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means" ??That’s merely Chou quoting Clausewicz. In that regard I’m torn between Machiavelli and Sun Tzu rather than Chou En Lai. No, it’s Chou’s comment regarding the French Revolution.

[Mancs]

That’s merely Chou quoting Clausewicz. In that regard I’m torn between Machiavelli and Sun Tzu rather than Chou En Lai. No, it’s Chou’s comment regarding the French Revolution.

I was hoping for an item of profound wisdom: “Too Early to Say.” As some Buddhist teacher said: "Meditate on disappointment. It's the only thing that doesn't build the ego."

[StevieWonders]

I was hoping for an item of profound wisdom: “Too Early to Say.” As some Buddhist teacher said: "Meditate on disappointment. It's the only thing that doesn't build the ego."I’m a fan of Occam’s Razor. Your Clausewicz/Chou quotation doesn’t seem to fit that requirement in the context.

[gerefan2]

....you shouldn’t be reading my posts.

Many people have been telling me that.

I’m not clever enough to understand any of the following posts. Google is not my friend.

[StevieWonders]

As we know from the song, all the nice boys love a sailor, so the hope of Phuket's working boys must be that there's some Royal Navy R&R shore leave agreed by the Governor of Phuket for July/August

https://www.thephuketnews.com/british-navy-looks-to-hold-phuket-visit-80142.php

[Mancs]

I’m a fan of Occam’s Razor. Your Clausewicz/Chou quotation doesn’t seem to fit that requirement in the context.

I'm wondering, as Chou was said to be talking about Paris in 1968 (by President Nixon's interpreter), your reference is more complex than it first appears. Am I overthinking it?

[StevieWonders]

I'm wondering, as Chou was said to be talking about Paris in 1968 (by President Nixon's interpreter), your reference is more complex than it first appears. Am I overthinking it? Yes.

Whether Chou was referring to the 1968 events in Paris or the earlier Revolution of 1789 the words variously translated as Too Early To Tell or Too Soon To Say were uttered by him. He spoke them in 1972, about a past event. I’m using them in 2021 about a future scenario. It’s a mild literary conceit.

Perhaps I should instead have referred to 1 Corinthians 13:12 - what say you?

[StevieWonders]

Many people have been telling me that.

I’m not clever enough to understand any of the following posts. Google is not my friend.That First you got at Oxford in PPE not serving you well?

[gerefan2]

That First you got at Oxford in PPE not serving you well?

Correct, I can’t be doing all that pseudo intellectual gobbledygook babble of yours.

[StevieWonders]

Correct, I can’t be doing all that pseudo intellectual gobbledygook babble of yours.Recognising your limitations is a precept of Buddhism’s Third Noble Truth. You’re on your way to joining me.

[StevieWonders]

The Bangkok Post reports mounting excitement in Phuket about the re-opening. Some might say they’re counting unhatched chickens before they come roosting.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2123487/phuket-cant-wait-for-its-reopening

[StevieWonders]

It’s official - Thai-wise - the Prime Minister has confirmed the July 1 opening - https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/tat-re-confirms-phukets-reopening-date-of-july-1

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[cdnmatt]

Found at the end of the last article:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYJOGEgjAE

I'm assuming that's the author of the article? He does bring up some good points.

[StevieWonders]

Found at the end of the last article:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYJOGEgjAE

I'm assuming that's the author of the article? He does bring up some good points.Some of the questions he asks have already been answered eg. how long must tourists stay in Phuket - it’s 7 days. Kids don’t need to be vaccinated. And so on. Interesting questions but rather a lot of “aren’t I clever?” self-promotion. I see he makes the same point about numbers of tourists I made to you the other day when you spoke of a million tourists - you’re dreaming.

Phuket is the trial run and it’s where the government will answer all those issues before they open up some other provinces. If he seriously expects answers to have been readied for Day One he’s the person who’s dreaming.

[Sen Yai]

Some of the questions he asks have already been answered............. Interesting questions but rather a lot of “aren’t I clever?” self-promotion.

He should join SGT - he'd fit right in! Perhaps he is already here.....

[Dodger]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYJOGEgjAE

The commentary in this video was excellent.

Tells it all!

[Kenny]

If the Phuket sandbox lasts for 7 days after which you can travel throughout Thailand, will they reintroduce 7 day hotel quarantine for vaccinated tourists in the rest of the country?

[Mancs]

Yes.

Whether Chou was referring to the 1968 events in Paris or the earlier Revolution of 1789 the words variously translated as Too Early To Tell or Too Soon To Say were uttered by him. He spoke them in 1972, about a past event. I’m using them in 2021 about a future scenario. It’s a mild literary conceit.

Perhaps I should instead have referred to 1 Corinthians 13:12 - what say you?

I've got some hope, little faith and looking forward to loving Asian men in the way they deserve - I see in a mirror, darkly.

[StevieWonders]

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has today (1 June) issued a press release on their countdown to the July opening of Phuket to fully-vaccinated tourists: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/06/phuket-reopening-are-you-ready-month-long-countdown-starts-now-to-1-july-2021/

It seems they've decided to ignore Matt's advice

[Blueskytoday]

5400 new cases in TH yesterday and they are STILL talking about july opening in Phuket....come on ,,get real.....

[Dodger]

According to statements made to CNN a few days ago, Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), tells CNN Travel that the decision to open Phuket to international tourists on July 1st rests in the hands of the CCSA. Every time this guy speaks to the Press he puts a different spin on his half-baked stories.

Reading between the lines (which one has to in any/all news releases related to Thailand Tourism), people should not be packing their bags any time soon.

TAT has been pissing down people's backs and telling them it's just raining out since this pandemic first started. In a state of total desperation, they have continued to bombard the news with articles claiming the island is on track to reopen to tourists on July 1st with no quarantine. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Phuket has not achieved 70% vaccination of it's residents to date as mandated by the CCSA, the Kingdom is in the middle of a third-wave of the virus - with reported cases of covid escalating, international flights to Phuket are non-existent, and, right now, Thailand doesn't have enough vaccine to treat those at high risk, let alone the residents of a tourist island just because they want to start making money again.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where this thing is headed.

Even if Phuket were to reopen on July 1st, there would be restrictions in place that no tourist in his right mind would want to touch.

Bottom line: At least 3 months too soon. And that's with a good tail wind...a miracle shipment of vaccine (from anywhere in the universe), because it sure as hell isn't going to be made in Thailand,...and a little help from Buddha.

CNN Travel Article:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-international-tourists-covid/index.html

[StevieWonders]

Phuket Sandbox will never happen OR is too early OR tourists won’t come OR blah blah blahConfirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values. People display this bias when they select information that supports their views, ignoring contrary information, or when they interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting their existing attitudes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias

[cdnmatt]

Well, on the bright side, in the past 24 hours Thailand reported 155 cases less than the United States at 2385 for the USA and 2230 for Thailand.

See, what's the problem? Get the beach chairs out and kegs filled, tourism is opening, baby!

[StevieWonders]

The following infographic published by The Phuket News shows direct flights by airline starting on or after July 1:

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[gerefan2]

The following infographic published by The Phuket News shows direct flights by airline starting on or after July 1:

11140

That gives travellers from the UK a fantastic choice of great airlines.

1. Thai. Once a week from London atm. No booze, no inflight entertainment, no covid tests for Thais, and on the verge of going bust.
2. Emirates. Returning from the red zone so 10 days HOTEL quarantine. No thanks
3. El Al. Not on my life, too many security checks and hassles.
4. Qatar. See 2 above.
5. BA . The worlds “favourite” airline. Yeah...after Ryanair.

Desperate times!

[Zebedee]

Thanks for the laugh gerefan2. LOL

[goji]

That gives travellers from the UK a fantastic choice of great airlines.

1. Thai. Once a week from London atm. No booze, no inflight entertainment, no covid tests for Thais, and on the verge of going bust.
2. Emirates. Returning from the red zone so 10 days HOTEL quarantine. No thanks
3. El Al. Not on my life, too many security checks and hassles.
4. Qatar. See 2 above.
5. BA . The worlds “favourite” airline. Yeah...after Ryanair.

Desperate times!

Good analysis !

The flag carriers ought to all be allowed to go bust & let some proper entrepreneurs take over the market.
BA stands for "B***** Awful" in my eyes.
However, the small print says the BA flight is operated by Qatar Airways, so that's presumably 10 days hotel quarantine again when arriving home ?

The pick of this poor selection must be Thai, paid for by credit card in case they go bust. Then go armed with lots of entertainment on your Apple/Android device, some gaffer tape to fix it to the seat in front and a bottle of something in the carry on luggage.

I presume immigration would issue 60 day extensions if Thai Airways failed when you were in Thailand.

[Brad the Impala]

I'd take a closer look at the Singapore Airways option, if coming from the UK. Just checked and found that a flight from London, with only a 1 hour stopover in Singapore, is available in Business class for £2,277 return on Sunday 5th July(economy is £717). Business initially shown as £2,895, but when you click through to confirm you get the reduction.


Either way the options, although they may not be ideal, are more plentiful than our man on the ground reports.




international flights to Phuket are non-existent

[StevieWonders]

Either way the options, although they may not be ideal, are more plentiful than our man on the ground reports.As I’ve remarked elsewhere, Dodgems is only interested in stories that support his confirmation bias.

[StevieWonders]

5. BA . The worlds “favourite” airline. Yeah...after Ryanair.

Desperate times!As you’ve failed to recognise that NO British Airways aircraft are involved I think that’s further proof that posts here are often beyond your limited comprehension ability.

[Armando]

In that published list, there is the phrase underneath THAI stating it will fly in a "triangle pattern." My guess is this will mean more than one destination. But does it perhaps mean that TG will fly first to Frankfurt, then to Copenhagen, then London and finally Paris before the long haul to Phuket? Another reason the plan is doomed, perhaps.

[gerefan2]

In that published list, there is the phrase underneath THAI stating it will fly in a "triangle pattern." My guess is this will mean more than one destination. But does it perhaps mean that TG will fly first to Frankfurt, then to Copenhagen, then London and finally Paris before the long haul to Phuket? Another reason the plan is doomed, perhaps.

My underhanding is is that the triangular route is London to Phuket and returning from Phuket via Bangkok to London. This satisfies the need to arrive directly into Phuket.

[gerefan2]

As you’ve failed to recognise that NO British Airways aircraft are involved I think that’s further proof that posts here are often beyond your limited comprehension ability.

You are quite right, your posts here are often beyond my comprehension.

[goji]

My understanding is is that the triangular route is London to Phuket and returning from Phuket via Bangkok to London. This satisfies the need to arrive directly into Phuket.

That's optimum.
Fly to Phuket, do the 7 days or whatever will be needed, then travel on to wherever one intends to holiday and fly home from Bangkok.

[Mancs]

That gives travellers from the UK a fantastic choice of great airlines.

1. Thai. Once a week from London atm. No booze, no inflight entertainment, no covid tests for Thais, and on the verge of going bust.
2. Emirates. Returning from the red zone so 10 days HOTEL quarantine. No thanks
3. El Al. Not on my life, too many security checks and hassles.
4. Qatar. See 2 above.
5. BA . The worlds “favourite” airline. Yeah...after Ryanair.

Desperate times!

Does BA serve booze? (Sorry, didn't read all the above first. Singapore Air is ok. Do they still do booze, lol)

[StevieWonders]

You are quite right, your posts here are often beyond my comprehension.That reads rather like the woman who, asking “Dies my bum look big in this frock?”, blames the frock.

[StevieWonders]

My underhanding is is that the triangular route is London to Phuket and returning from Phuket via Bangkok to London. This satisfies the need to arrive directly into Phuket.gerefan2 is quite correct. A triangle has three and only three points. Two of those points are Phuket and Bangkok. The third point is the origin of the flight.

[StevieWonders]

The Thai Civil Aviation Authority has published the rules for international travellers who want to board a flight to Phuket from 1 July. Interestingly - and I’ve not seen medical advice about this - “fully vaccinated” appears to mean one AstraZeneca or two of anything else on the approved list:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2125215/inoculation-rules-laid-out-for-visitors-to-phuket

[cdnmatt]

Probably because many countries, Canada included, shelved Astro Zenica after giving out a bunch of first doses. Everyone's now waiting on results of a new Oxford clinical trial which was supposed to be out last week, but I guess was delayed until end of June. So Canada at least decided hell with it, and everyone who got AZ first jab can now get Pfizer or Moderna for second jab.

In other words, probably to accomodate the millions of people who got a first jab of AZ, but won't be getting a second one because their government shelved the vaccine. They can goto Thailand too, I guess. :)

[StevieWonders]

Probably because many countries, Canada included, shelved Astro Zenica after giving out a bunch of first doses. Everyone's now waiting on results of a new Oxford clinical trial which was supposed to be out last week, but I guess was delayed until end of June. So Canada at least decided hell with it, and everyone who got AZ first jab can now get Pfizer or Moderna for second jab.

In other words, probably to accomodate the millions of people who got a first jab of AZ, but won't be getting a second one because their government shelved the vaccine. They can goto Thailand too, I guess. :)Does the medical advice say they’re therefore “fully vaccinated”?

[cdnmatt]

Does the medical advice say they’re therefore “fully vaccinated”?

Once they get one AZ and one Pfizer? Who knows, Health Canada seems to change its mind on a daily basis.

My one brother got AZ, so if I was him, I'd ask to forget the AZ jab ever happened, and ask if he can get two Pfizer and start as if he never received a vaccine.

[gumblebee]

Bottom line: At least 3 months too soon.

CNN Travel Article:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-international-tourists-covid/index.html

The article dates from 2020, and refers to a reopening 4th quarter 2020.

Thailand has indeed been open for a while. We had an unexpected travel ban from Januari until April, otherwise I think I'd have done the quarantine and visited Thailand. Now we're waiting until we're both vaccinated and then we can go, probably end of July or August.

I just hope the Phuket sandbox doesn't turn out to be a house of cards by then. I'm afraid they're hurrying it, and that the sandbox will be leaky.

[Dodger]

The article dates from 2020, and refers to a reopening 4th quarter 2020..

Sorry about that oversight on my part.

Amazing though, how little things have changed in Phuket from May 2020 till now.

Good luck with your future plans.

[Newbie99]

The important question is when the bars will open.

My understanding is that Farangs may travel to Phuket now from within Thailand if they are vaccinated, and prices are very cheap. So, I am considering a trip in June to Phuket. I just hope it’s not going to be the Zombie Apocalypse.

If the bars are closed, where are the boys hiding?

[goji]

If the bars are closed, where are the boys hiding?

Probably on Grindr, Hornet, Blued, as is the case elsewhere in Thailand. Or maybe even Planet Romeo.

Some of these apps have a "travel" function, so you can set your location to Phuket and browse the catalogue. Although, note that Grindr will show people as "close to location XXXX" when they might be hundreds of miles away, so a fake GPS app can get more reliable results.

[StevieWonders]

Latest Phuket infections = 6. As I recall the reopening metric was 0 by 1 July but I understand this was revised (not sure when) to “single figures”:

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[Mancs]

This link says meeting chaired by PM on 4/6:
https://www.thephuketnews.com/tat-governor-yuthasak-in-phuket-admits-issues-confirms-july-1-reopening-80213.php

This below says that Public Health are arguing for 14 days stay in Phuket, not 7 days, and restriction to area of hotel (eg hotel in Patong can travel just in Patong) for whatever period is agreed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZcqf_ELxw

[StevieWonders]

This link says meeting chaired by PM on 4/6:
https://www.thephuketnews.com/tat-governor-yuthasak-in-phuket-admits-issues-confirms-july-1-reopening-80213.php

This below says that Public Health are arguing for 14 days stay in Phuket, not 7 days, and restriction to area of hotel (eg hotel in Patong can travel just in Patong) for whatever period is agreed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZcqf_ELxw
The Bangkok Post confirmed that it is now 14 days rather than 7 days but there’s nothing I can see about restriction of movement within Phuket. However the first Sandbox always was a pilot scheme for the more general Sandbox starting in October (and now including Bangkok) so there’s an opportunity to sort out the inevitable glitches:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2126311/pm-puts-focus-on-tourism

[StevieWonders]

Nikkei Asia has an article on Phuket’s and Bali’s plans for reopening to tourists:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Spotlight/Last-resorts-Phuket-and-Bali-chase-dream-of-COVID-free-tourism

[gerefan2]

They have their first 20 bookings so all is going well!

https://www.alwayspattaya.com/?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=bca73e39ea4791dfe7ae699bb0e 3431790d2db42-1622764896-0-ARkTYiK6oa3YlzJgKEvPlwxDvUYLG72q8G4E7B90jriTZ0zEvk ve627ZnNCqo7avHefEQd5k0fBvf-sb-iVwuUMHmILQdUk1QLGc2wgC4qC2_IJPI24KXTr645Db_azNduS quUT3mjArtQZB61Gp19wPEJsiJevI7qauxeQd-MXj3XYkl1BqCj7NiAE40GXmnSO5_gYAajY_1LA4DR2ETj2_stF Bjjir1E5eIDvyBB832xNyYJtsijgdeudtMOF5xsEGzUhzUdWpu _8r1U5M7saP9UfD1g8gQNNvZebV2QmvLrz-z_v5IkzfTzSiRtPubd9GrzuJpcXl_bxgHSUCc62Xy7bNUqGMRX 4-xyIbOURP9B0U6TO7iQurCrtJvpKwm19gldE4rlTZpdZmdf2xEE 8vIfFNe9dQgMBSVsQ9brsXBZHBubi5eQ78IN9UBE1x8qMjHj6G JYurqtJKtxFuQxJIDHKrxYSTN66cQV8S15VrBVUuEAOHDtiIiB 5gLzSaY6FBaxwerFQhksfNVd5FSZsC6zGR8SdEFB3zmoAfCKNI y10OyDOyuwoku01ZoaD8QXiQE9nLhog-VNKGzj0cBXbX_XthBYcuWw9SzfYfLNH-

Go to 1.10

[StevieWonders]

They have their first 20 bookings so all is going well!

https://www.alwayspattaya.com/?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=bca73e39ea4791dfe7ae699bb0e 3431790d2db42-1622764896-0-ARkTYiK6oa3YlzJgKEvPlwxDvUYLG72q8G4E7B90jriTZ0zEvk ve627ZnNCqo7avHefEQd5k0fBvf-sb-iVwuUMHmILQdUk1QLGc2wgC4qC2_IJPI24KXTr645Db_azNduS quUT3mjArtQZB61Gp19wPEJsiJevI7qauxeQd-MXj3XYkl1BqCj7NiAE40GXmnSO5_gYAajY_1LA4DR2ETj2_stF Bjjir1E5eIDvyBB832xNyYJtsijgdeudtMOF5xsEGzUhzUdWpu _8r1U5M7saP9UfD1g8gQNNvZebV2QmvLrz-z_v5IkzfTzSiRtPubd9GrzuJpcXl_bxgHSUCc62Xy7bNUqGMRX 4-xyIbOURP9B0U6TO7iQurCrtJvpKwm19gldE4rlTZpdZmdf2xEE 8vIfFNe9dQgMBSVsQ9brsXBZHBubi5eQ78IN9UBE1x8qMjHj6G JYurqtJKtxFuQxJIDHKrxYSTN66cQV8S15VrBVUuEAOHDtiIiB 5gLzSaY6FBaxwerFQhksfNVd5FSZsC6zGR8SdEFB3zmoAfCKNI y10OyDOyuwoku01ZoaD8QXiQE9nLhog-VNKGzj0cBXbX_XthBYcuWw9SzfYfLNH-

Go to 1.10
The riposte of the old bull to the young bull seems apposite given the availability of Bangkok and Pattaya in a few short months: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Old%20Bull

[Dodger]

According to an article in Thaiger yesterday, the Phuket Sandbox is going ahead as planned, with Phuket definitely reopening to tourists on July 1st with no quarantine restrictions, and after 7 days, tourists are free to travel anywhere they want in Thailand for the remainder of their holidays.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[StevieWonders]

According to an article in Thaiger yesterday, the Phuket Sandbox is going ahead as planned, with Phuket definitely reopening to tourists on July 1st with no quarantine restrictions, and after 7 days, tourists are free to travel anywhere they want in Thailand for the remainder of their holidays.

I'll believe it when I see it.
One is reminded of the Red Queen in Alice. (Note for gerefan2: that’s a book not of the same name)

[Mancs]

Were the scheme to happen does anyone know if one can use the apps to invite a man to one's hotel room? Or is that a 'party' and therefore illegal?

[christianpfc]

Fly in, freely roam Phuket for 7 days * and then continue to Bangkok sounded like an attractive, if naive, plan to me, that I would have taken in August (after waiting for positive reports from others in July). But now:

https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/1400677191575216128

According to the Ministry of Tourism, vaccinated tourists will be able to visit Phuket from 1st July. However, they MUST buy tour packages in advance from tour companies abroad “in order to be able to monitor and control” them. Tourist must also specify where they will go next
I'm not going to buy a tour package.

https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/1400677193068421126

The Ministry of Tourism also says, after Phuket, tourists can only visit:
1. Krabi - places like Railay Beach & islands like Koh Phi Phi
2. Phang Nga - only Khao Lak
3. Surat Thani - only Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan
4. Chonburi - only Pattaya
5. Chiang Mai - no details yet

But I want to go to Bangkok.

https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/1400783383052001284

The point of the #PhuketReopening is that they need this to help boost the local economy. Which is why you cannot just stay in your own home. You must pre-book a SHA+ hotel(s), before you arrive. That’s your only obligation. But you can then sleep in your own home if you insist.
(Wouldn't affect me, but I don't like the idea.)

and the extension of stay to a minimum of 14 days.

it's all going down and I rather stay in Cambodia a few months longer until everything is sorted out and I can enter under conditions that suit me.

* I don't like taxi mafia and high prices for food (2-3 times what I pay elsewhere in Thailand), so I have been to Phuket only on business (i.e. something specific to Phuket that I want to see, like the vegetarian festival), but not for fun (Let's go somewhere for a trip! Anywhere. Except Phuket.), so I could easily fill those 7 days.

Most of what is published is hot air, if the CCSA doesn't approve, it's all futile. I'm in the comfortable situation that I can wait until conditions of entry to Thailand are acceptable to me. Meanwhile, I will continue to support the Cambodian tourism industry and some boys with an average of 1000 EUR per month.

[StevieWonders]

Richard Barrow is a useful source but not always reliable as he tends to second-guess government decisions based presumably on his “unofficial sources”. Here’s the official list of requirements after today’s government meeting - nothing about restrictions on movement after the (now) 14 days. I’ve already posted a link to an approved travel agency and its hotels

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-specifies-requirements-for-reopening-to-foreign-tourists-on-july-1/

[Dodger]

Most of what is published is hot air, if the CCSA doesn't approve, it's all futile.

Let me clarify that if you don't mind "ALL of what is published regarding the Phuket Sand Trap is hot air".

Just so you know, I want Phuket to open up as much as anyone else, but it has to open THE RIGHT WAY - at THE RIGHT TIME. And this isn't it.

There is no way that it can open now (July 1) without imposing some level of quarantine, and other restrictions to control the movement of tourists. Tourists aren't going to buy this (barring of course a handful of desperate diehards), and the CCSA isn't going to support this Sand Trap Plan unless these major modifications to the Plan are made.

I hope that any tourists that did make bookings are able to get refunds. I'd be very surprised if any experienced travelers familiar with how Thailand operates would have jumped into this mess...but there's always a few gluttons for punishment it seems.

Here's the latest article that highlights the results of the Ministers trying to cram a square peg in a round hole. And then sitting around a large teakwood table staring at each other, wondering why the darn thing just doesn't fit.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-tourism-figure-speaks-out-on-lack-of-clarity-for-july-1-tourists-80230.php

Better luck in September (at the earliest)

[cdnmatt]

What the hell? 14 days, and you need to stay in one of our government approved hotels, plus install an app so we can monitor your movements?

Instead of advertising this as a reopening, they should just pitch it as, "come quarantine with us".

In related news, Laos just extended its lockdown until June 19th although only having single digit case numbers for the past while.

[StevieWonders]

What the hell? 14 days, and you need to stay in one of our government approved hotels, plus install an app so we can monitor your movements?

Instead of advertising this as a reopening, they should just pitch it as, "come quarantine with us".
In effect it’s gerefan2’s December experience re-visited without being actually locked in a room. As a Forum sage wrote at the time about the experience
If living well within one's means and having a lot of fun doing it, one would be a fool not to part with the money.

[StevieWonders]

I see Richard Barrow has been hauled before the Governor of the TAT and had his misunderstandings “clarified” (and further details were given):

There are no mandatory packages merely a limited list of hotels the prices for which suit a wide range of budgets (there are also optional all-in packages available)
After 14 days on Phuket visitors can travel anywhere else in Thailand subject to the few provinces that have local restrictions
Phuket has no exemptions from the nationwide rules on bars, nightclubs, restaurants etc (remembering such rules are zoned according to COVID risk)

There was no mention of hanky panky but I’d expect the standard “wear a mask and keep your (social) distance” rules apply

[StevieWonders]

Just because the government wants it so, that doesn’t mean that it will be a success. According to this article a number of businesses are less than gruntled by the extension of the time on the island from 7 to 14 days

https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/confidence-low-in-phuket-as-sandbox-hopes-marred-by-rules-and-restrictions

Meanwhile Thai Airways has announced the 5 European airports they’ll be using for direct flights to Phuket - Zurich, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and London

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2127795/airlines-gear-up-for-phuket-flights

If as Dodgems hopes and prays the Phuket Sandbox is delayed for a couple of months (3 weeks and counting) there’ll be a number of airlines mightily pissed off

[christianpfc]

According to this article a number of businesses are less than gruntled by the extension of the time on the island from 7 to 14 days

An interesting calculation: can the extension of the compulsory stay (before you can travel to elsewhere in Thailand) in Phuket from 7 to 14 compensate for the lower number of people who come because they don't want to spend 14 days in Phuket? It might be a small gain for Phuket, but a bigger loss for the rest of Thailand?

E.g. I would spend 7 days in Phuket and then 60 days in the rest of Thailand. But I wouldn't spend 14 days in Phuket and then 60 days in Thailand, so my business is lost by the increase of compulsory stay.

[goji]

An interesting calculation: can the extension of the compulsory stay (before you can travel to elsewhere in Thailand) in Phuket from 7 to 14 compensate for the lower number of people who come because they don't want to spend 14 days in Phuket? It might be a small gain for Phuket, but a bigger loss for the rest of Thailand?

I doubt the Thai government think through the unintended consequences of any of their decisions.

[StevieWonders]

I doubt the Thai government think through the unintended consequences of any of their decisions.Says the man who happily paid 60,000 baht or so to spend 14 days locked in a hotel room. I suspect the Thai government don’t care because

This is a proof-of-concept for the main game starting October *
There’s a domestic political consideration - reassuring a jittery Thai population that allowing in vaccinated travellers is a small risk

* as this story about the Chiang Mai Sandbox illustrates - https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2128419

[Dodger]

I doubt the Thai government think through the unintended consequences of any of their decisions.

Actually, I think they thought this through very well.

Due to the effects of this third-wave of the virus, coupled with the fact that there isn't enough vaccine to inoculate 70% of the Phuket population by July 1st, they only had 2 options: 1) Cancel the reopening and lose face, or 2) change the rules so no tourists would come and not lose face. They chose option 2.

This is the Thai way.

[StevieWonders]

Actually, I think they thought this through very well.

Due to the effects of this third-wave of the virus, coupled with the fact that there isn't enough vaccine to inoculate 70% of the Phuket population by July 1st, they only had 2 options: 1) Cancel the reopening and lose face, or 2) change the rules so no tourists would come and not lose face. They chose option 2.

This is the Thai way.
You have to admire Dodgems’ persistence - it’s rather like King Knut’s courtiers and the incoming tide, although in Dodgems’ case a slight rearrangement of the name Knut is needed

Mr Phiphat said he was confident at least 70% of Phuket residents, and 100% of local tourism operators will be fully vaccinated in time for the reopening on July 1.

As of Wednesday, about 60% of Phuket's target population of 466,587 had been injected with a first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 98,795 had received their second shot, according to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2127043/phuket-set-for-july-reopening

[StevieWonders]

The TAT has published a couple of infographics about how they see the Phuket Sandbox. The expected tourist numbers read as if Phuket is really TAT’s Fantasy Island.

11148

11149

[cdnmatt]

Help a guy out? What are they expecting for numbers?

[StevieWonders]

Help a guy out? What are they expecting for numbers?You’ll recall, Matt, that when I asked for the COVID risk to Thailand of letting fully vaccinated tourists into the country you claimed that a million tourists would trigger the Thais to abandon social distancing? You’ll be pleased therefore to learn that in July the expectation is 6,000 from Asian countries and 23,700 from countries further away. Given that all travellers must have preclearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs those figures are presumably (ha ha) based on hard data. In August it’s 15,000 and 32,300 and in September - monsoon time in Phuket as I recall - 23,000 and 29,000. Overall that’s roughly 30,000 in July, 47,000 in August and 52,000 in September. That’s not quite the million figure you plucked out of the air. Can we assume you’ll be changing your risk assessment?

[cdnmatt]

Can we assume you’ll be changing your risk assessment?

Sure, that delta variant seems especially brutal, and at least has all the health officials in Canada spooked, same goes for the US. I'd advise cauation.

[StevieWonders]

Sure, that delta variant seems especially brutal, and at least has all the health officials in Canada spooked, same goes for the US. I'd advise cauation.I’ll pass your invaluable advice on to the prime minister. Are you still standing by your claim that Thais thronging to service hordes of fully vaccinated tourists pose the greatest threat to Thailand? The tourists after all must not only be fully vaccinated but also have a PCR test before departure and 4 or 5 days after arrival.

That is, the threat to Thailand is from the Thais themselves rather than the tourists?

[StevieWonders]

And now it’s official - Cabinet approval in principle - https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2128879/cabinet-agrees-on-phuket-plan

[Kenny]

Reads the opposite to me. Cabinet referred it back to CESA for further modifications. It will be reconsidered at a future cabinet meeting.

[cdnmatt]

Reads the opposite to me. Cabinet referred it back to CESA for further modifications. It will be reconsidered at a future cabinet meeting.

What the hell? They're supposedly opening in 20 days, flights are booked at this point for some folks.

[StevieWonders]

What the hell? They're supposedly opening in 20 days, flights are booked at this point for some folks.Read the article for yourself, Matt, and stop being a knee-jerk typical drama queen. The article says CESA has already approved “in principle” (2nd paragraph) and the Cabinet referral is of “the details recommended by the Cabinet”. Without having the relevant Cabinet papers in front of me, I think that means already announced changes such as 14 days rather than 7 days. That is, Cabinet has provided extra depth to existing proposals not extra scope for new proposals.

[gerefan2]

What the hell? They're supposedly opening in 20 days, flights are booked at this point for some folks.


They have their first 20 bookings so all is going well!

Yeah!

https://www.alwayspattaya.com/?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=bca73e39ea4791dfe7ae699bb0e 3431790d2db42-1622764896-0-ARkTYiK6oa3YlzJgKEvPlwxDvUYLG72q8G4E7B90jriTZ0zEvk ve627ZnNCqo7avHefEQd5k0fBvf-sb-iVwuUMHmILQdUk1QLGc2wgC4qC2_IJPI24KXTr645Db_azNduS quUT3mjArtQZB61Gp19wPEJsiJevI7qauxeQd-MXj3XYkl1BqCj7NiAE40GXmnSO5_gYAajY_1LA4DR2ETj2_stF Bjjir1E5eIDvyBB832xNyYJtsijgdeudtMOF5xsEGzUhzUdWpu _8r1U5M7saP9UfD1g8gQNNvZebV2QmvLrz-z_v5IkzfTzSiRtPubd9GrzuJpcXl_bxgHSUCc62Xy7bNUqGMRX 4-xyIbOURP9B0U6TO7iQurCrtJvpKwm19gldE4rlTZpdZmdf2xEE 8vIfFNe9dQgMBSVsQ9brsXBZHBubi5eQ78IN9UBE1x8qMjHj6G JYurqtJKtxFuQxJIDHKrxYSTN66cQV8S15VrBVUuEAOHDtiIiB 5gLzSaY6FBaxwerFQhksfNVd5FSZsC6zGR8SdEFB3zmoAfCKNI y10OyDOyuwoku01ZoaD8QXiQE9nLhog-VNKGzj0cBXbX_XthBYcuWw9SzfYfLNH-

Go to 1.10

Yeah

[StevieWonders]

YeahIt seems poor gerefan2 is obsessed by a report that’s over a week old and misquoted by some provincial radio station. The original story was posted on June 2 and included the phrase “would include people from the USA … just 20 had booked to come on July 9th”. There was no mention of tourists from any other country. Were I running a pilot scheme I’d be grateful early numbers were low so as not to overwhelm limited facilities and theoretical models. However gerefan2 and Dodgems, the main anti-cheerleaders, clearly have no grasp of running experiments in real time nor of standard risk assessment methods.

So why is Thailand pushing this so hard if, as gerefan2 and Dodgems hope, it’s a bit of a flop? It’s just another form of scattergun advertising that keeps the product (“Amazing Thailand”) front of mind (the TAT hope) would be my guess.

[gerefan2]

It seems poor gerefan2 is obsessed by a report that’s over a week old and misquoted by some provincial radio station..

Irony not your forte?

[Dodger]

Reads the opposite to me. Cabinet referred it back to CESA for further modifications. It will be reconsidered at a future cabinet meeting.

What we're observing right now is the tossing of a Red Hot Potato.

It appears that the government is siding with TAT and will reopen Phuket in July, with conditions. As we already know, those conditions include a higher level of control of any inbound tourists (few as there may be) aimed at mitigating the potential risk.

The Thai government assembled an ad hoc committee last year to consider the future of Thai tourism. That Committee is headed by a former director for JP Morgan Thailand, who, is his capacity, has undoubtedly performed a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and formal Risk Assessment focused on the timing of the Phuket reopening. His Report was in-turn presented to the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) for their review and consideration. CESA then presented this Report at the last Cabinet meeting which was shot down by TAT, who have now tossed the potato back in CESA's lap asking them to look at the details again.

When you sit in a meeting and present a Report & Recommendation like this, and are directed by the Cabinet to look at the details again. That only means one thing: They don't like the details the way they were presented, and want them changed (rewritten) to align with their objections. That's exactly how these things happen.

Regardless of who's lap the potato ends up on, the ultimate decision belongs to CCSA, if in fact the government continues to follow their recommendations. If the CCSA is OK with allowing Phuket to reopen on July 1st, then it will reopen.

All said and done, it's hard to imagine too many tourists being interested right now considering the restrictions, e.g. restricted to island for 14 days, repeat covid tests during holiday, install tracking app, report-in at designated times, many entertainment venues closed, etc., and if there are any covid outbreaks as a result of the tourists being there, it can hopefully be contained on the island.

Personally, I was hoping that the reopening of tourism in general would occur after the majority of the Thai population had received the vaccine, and it was safe to be here. This to me makes more sense. But, who am I ...LOL

[StevieWonders]

What we're observing right now is the tossing of a Red Hot Potato.
... edit: quote shortened
Dodgems has just conceded defeat also known as: surrender yield capitulate submit cave in give in back down climb down give up the struggle raise the white flag show the white flag throw in the sponge throw in the towel lay down arms give up admit defeat succumb acquiesce relent concede defer bow give way budge fold cede knuckle under quit fall blink

[dinagam]

This is a definitive case of chronic diarrhoea...

[StevieWonders]

My favourite Amazing Thailand story today comes from (where else?) Phuket. Remember that "track & trace" App that all those millions of fully vaccinated tourists visiting Phuket in less than 3 weeks from now must download and install? It's vapourware. The Governor has asked the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (M-DES) for help in creating a tracking app. Matt, oh Matt, where art thou?

On the plus side the Governor has announced that Phuket has achieved 69% vaccination of a population that has received at least one jab

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-governor-asks-ministries-for-help-80284.php

And "Amazing Thailand" (AT) itself? Stand by for an exciting announcement about a truly revolutionary extension. AD. That's all I'm allowed to say at this point

[Dodger]

According to the Health Minister's recent position...

"Thailand should accept an influx of tourists is unlikely in the third quarter. This sandbox scheme was established as a test run, which means it is a gradual process where we determine the best practices to allow other destinations to follow suit." "It is better to be selective in the beginning rather than risk losing our reputation if tourists acquire the virus while here or at their origin country."

In-other-words: "We fucked up, and it ain't gonna happen yet"...LOL

Case closed.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2131143/lower-hopes-for-phuket

[mr giggles]

although in Dodgems’ case a slight rearrangement of the name Knut is needed



Although I do admire his:

Charisma
Uniqueness
Nerve
Talent

[Oliver2]

Dodger is correct.; our hopes have been raised too often. Get the damn vaccines out and stop tantalising us.

[Dodger]

Get the damn vaccines out and stop tantalising us.

That's really been the bottom line on these TAT Sandbox Schemes from the beginning.

Once this third-wave Thailand's encountering plateaus and/or starts to decline, and the majority of the Thai population is vaccinated, these reopening's have a chance of working. Until then it's all window-dressing and TAT's efforts will remain gridlocked.

Fortunately, the majority of tourist-related businesses on Phuket didn't see July 1st as a viable reopening date either, and remained closed for this reason. Hopes are now pinned on the fourth quarter of this year which seems more realistic, but still hinges on the governments ability to get the vaccine(s).

[gumblebee]

I know several people (mostly Thais in Europe) who are seriously looking at the Phuket Sandbox.

2 weeks in Phuket, with the freedom to move around looks way more agreeable than being locked-up in a room. I'm seriously considering it myself, but many questions remain.

A big one is getting to Phuket. Will the major airlines be flexible enough to allow entry via HKT and return from BKK without a silly mark-ups?

At least some bars and restaurants will need to be open (this is a chicken and egg problem) and personally I'd love to at least be able to have a (foot-)massage at times.

Wearing a mask on deserted streets doesn't make sense and would be highly uncomfortable.

To avoid the taxi-mafia we'd need to rent a car to get around Phuket, etc, etc...


A bit of paperwork also seems unavoidable, but it's not too bad.
- There's no need for a visa, visa exempt entry has been extended to 45 days
- A certificate-of-entry takes about a week to process, but this also allows embassies to sort out a lot of the particulars for the countries they serve (checking vaccinations, travel-insurance etc.)
- A Covid test before travel is not be a big deal - they are also needed for travel within Europe, and many countries require online registration before travel.

[StevieWonders]

The latest updates are in a separate thread - https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?22170-Phuket-Sandbox-expectations-reality-bites

This thread has been abandoned to the fantasists and naysayers.

[Dodger]

Below is Sunday's update from Phuket News.

Nothing new...confusion still reigns.

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-opinion-silence-is-killing-confidence-80320.php

[Blueskytoday]

I think nothing good for entry into Thailand will occur until end of this year........this daily over and over change of policy is ridiculous..

[Dodger]

I think nothing good for entry into Thailand will occur until end of this year........this daily over and over change of policy is ridiculous..

Agree.

Evan with the additional restrictions tossed in the Plan, the Plan itself won't be approved until confirmation is given by CCSA regardless of what you see printed in the newspapers. The CCSA is expected to bring the hammer down on June 18, and the cabinet will approve or disapprove the CCSA's recommendations on June 22.

It doesn't take an Einstein to see the writing on the wall: Phuket will have its superficial reopening on July 1st with all their restrictions so TAT and the Phuket Governor can save face, but, in reality, it's only open to tourists who are foolish (or desperate) enough to be sucked into this sand trap.

To your point, the REAL reopening could happen in the fourth quarter pending progress on the vaccine front. Phuket hotels and entertainment venues have to reopen as well to give tourists a reason to come, and right now the majority of those businesses aren't falling for TAT's sand trap either and are waiting until the virus is under control and the majority of the population has been vaccinated.

No rocket science here.

[StevieWonders]

Agree.

[shorten quotation]

No rocket science here.Dodgems’ latest “argument” - whenever Phuket legally opens it won’t be really open until the bars are back in business

[Armando]

A key element of the opening was that certain airlines like Qatar would either start direct flights or increase frequency. With half the potential visitors now having backed out, when will those airlines start cancelling flights? And if a potential visitor is on a cancelled flight, will he/she bother to check prices on alternative ones with a refund probably taking some weeks to arrive - or just give up?

[Dodger]

A key element of the opening was that certain airlines like Qatar would either start direct flights or increase frequency. With half the potential visitors now having backed out, when will those airlines start cancelling flights? And if a potential visitor is on a cancelled flight, will he/she bother to check prices on alternative ones with a refund probably taking some weeks to arrive - or just give up?

Anyone who booked a flight to Phuket under the current circumstances has to be willing to accept the consequences of their decisions.

I imagine most, if not all potential tourists, have already scratched this trip off their calendars.

[Dodger]

Apparently a decision has been made to keep the bars and other entertainment venues CLOSED on Phuket going into July.

Even with the islands face-saving soft reopening attempt in July, any tourists foolish enough to travel their better bring their crossword puzzles along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMq6L85KrbA

[StevieWonders]

Apparently a decision has been made to keep the bars and other entertainment venues CLOSED on Phuket going into July.

Even with the islands face-saving soft reopening attempt in July, any tourists foolish enough to travel their better bring their crossword puzzles along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMq6L85KrbA I see Dodgems is following up his concession that Phuket will open after all despite weeks and weeks of saying it won’t happen by describing it as a soft opening - it always has been a pilot and I am not sure what Dodgems think is the difference. Now he’s falling back on “it will be a failure because no-one will want to go”.

The decision to keep the bars closed is better described (and has been by the authorities) as “there’ll be no special treatment for Phuket: every bar in Thailand must follow the same rules”

[BOY69]

Closed bars, deserted beaches and two weeks confinement to Phuket island upon arrival is no doubt the winning formula to revive the tourist industry in Phuket.

[cdnmatt]

Yeah, they might aswell just pitch it as, "Spend $6000 to come quarantine with us".

[StevieWonders]

Yeah, they might aswell just pitch it as, "Spend $6000 to come quarantine with us".Quite so - in fact it’s exactly the same as the experience of goji and gerefan2 enjoyed in December*. As I said at the time “a fool and his money are soon parted” to which goji replied:
If living well within one's means and having a lot of fun doing it, one would be a fool not to part with the money. and gerefan2 (aka. Mini Me) kept saying “Yes, yes”

* except, you know, NOT being locked in your hotel room for two weeks

[Dodger]

Closed bars, deserted beaches and two weeks confinement to Phuket island upon arrival is no doubt the winning formula to revive the tourist industry in Phuket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-365iujWk8

[gerefan2]

Quite so - in fact it’s exactly the same as the experience of goji and gerefan2 enjoyed in December*.

If you consider being allowed to roam anywhere on Phuket, going to any beach, going to any restaurant etc. is “EXACTLY the same” as my experience of being locked in a solitary room for 15 days, then of course you are correct.
And yes I saw the *

[StevieWonders]

If you consider being allowed to roam anywhere on Phuket, going to any beach, going to any restaurant etc. is “EXACTLY the same” as my experience of being locked in a solitary room for 15 days, then of course you are correct.
And yes I saw the *
I think my #1 fan said it best:

Irony not your forte?

[Dodger]

Who's Actually Coming to Thailand?

by Barry Kenyon

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/the-ultimate-sandbox-question-who-is-actually-coming-to-thailand-361156

[Blueskytoday]

Probably ONLY those who have much money...plenty of time on their hands...are retired.....for the average person I imagine no one will go to Phuket or other Thai city when opened as long as this 14 days in hotel is in effect...also difficult for older people to get the required USD$100,000 insurance policy...I think TH is one of the only countries requiring this mad expensive health policy........So,,,for me....I cannot go...but glad others can if they so choose...