Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gerefan2
I have just passed through Savanabhumi airport. It was completely deserted as I checked in, passed through immigration and security. Not a single other passenger in sight or a queue for anything...and this was at 10.30.
All staff wearing masks but with little or nothing to do as there are very, very few passengers to be seen.
Weird!
Crikey, gerefan2! Your report on the situation at Suvarnabhumi Airport immediately brought to mind the song, Ghost Town by the Specials:
https://youtu.be/RZ2oXzrnti4
One of my concerns is whether at any point in the next two months my airline, Emirates, will impose a travel ban on flights to Thailand. Hopefully, all the precautions being taken by the Thai government will ensure there will be no flight restrictions. Passengers should of course check their airlines for any operational changes. This is what Emirates had to say as at February 25, 2020:
Quote:
Operational changes
Last updated: 25 February 2020, 20:16 Dubai (GMT+4)
Updates due to COVID-19
Emirates’ operational updates in response to COVID-19 are given below.
Several countries have imposed travel and immigration restrictions due to COVID-19. All customers are requested to check relevant travel advisories from and to the countries to which they are travelling. This is a dynamic situation and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure there are no entry restrictions at their travel destination.
Customers are also advised to check the website for the latest flight updates, rebooking and refund options. To receive the latest notifications, customers are requested to ensure we have their correct contact details by visiting Manage booking.
We are monitoring the situation closely, and will keep customers informed with the latest operational updates . . .
For full details see: https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/...tes.aspx/#3515
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has today updated their travel advice to Lombardy, Italy as follows:
Quote:
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to 10 small towns in Lombardy (Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano) and one in Veneto (Vo’ Euganeo), which have been isolated by the Italian authorities due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The government of Italy has introduced extraordinary measures that allow regions to implement civil protection measures in response to coronavirus, including the isolation of these towns. See Health . . .
For the full advice see: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy
The FCO advice on travel to Thailand remains unchanged from January 24, 2020:
Quote:
Coronavirus
There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and the region, including Thailand. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.
If you’re returning to the UK from Thailand, consult the latest advice from the
Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take if you develop symptoms on your return.
FCO advice as regards Japan is as follows:
Quote:
Summary
Still current at: 26 February 2020
Updated: 23 February 2020
Latest update: Health (Coronavirus - COVID-19); update to information and advice following an outbreak of COVID-19.
330,000 British nationals visited Japan in 2018. Most visits are trouble free.
Follow the British Embassy Tokyo on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more information about Japan.
There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in Japan, including instances of in-country transmission. It may cause more severe symptoms in older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The Japanese authorities have introduced a number of measures, including immigration restrictions and enhanced quarantine procedures at entry points to Japan. See Health
There has been a confirmed outbreak of coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. This ship is currently in quarantine in Yokohama. If you need urgent consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100 or via the web contact form. If you’re concerned about family or friends on board, you can contact the operator Carnival via their assistance telephone numbers on 0800 014 8339 (from the UK) or 0800 170 6282 (from Japan). We continue to support British nationals who remain in Japan after the recent UK evacuation flight.
More information at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan
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Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gerefan2
I have just passed through Savanabhumi airport. It was completely deserted as I checked in, passed through immigration and security. Not a single other passenger in sight or a queue for anything...and this was at 10.30.
All staff wearing masks but with little or nothing to do as there are very, very few passengers to be seen.
Weird!
Further to the above post by gerefan2 about Suvarnabhumi Airport, it seems it’s not the only quiet airport in the Thai capital. I received a photo taken at Don Mueang Airport by ChristianPFC, which he has given me permission to post here. He said that normally there are people sitting on the floor not the wide open spaces shown in the photo.
Attachment 9683
And while here, I would advise members that the latest news from the Bangkok Post is that Thailand has reported three new cases of coronavirus taking the country’s total to 40. And global deaths have now reached 2,764, with cases numbering 80,991. See the following two reports:
Quote:
Thailand has 3 new coronavirus cases, urges travel disclosure
Health minister discourages travel abroad, saying 'It could be your last holiday.'
published : 26 Feb 2020 at 13:37
updated: 26 Feb 2020 at 18:53
writer: Agencies and online reporters
Thailand has confirmed three more novel coronavirus cases, taking the country’s total to 40, and authorities criticised one of the patients for denying a trip to Japan and said the country will step up efforts to contain the disease.
Two of the new patients, all of whom were Thai nationals, had returned from vacation in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and came into contact with the third patient, an 8-year old boy, said Sukhum Kanchanapimai, permanent secretary for public health . . .
For full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...vel-disclosure
Quote:
Korea infections top 1,200: Virus update
published : 26 Feb 2020 at 17:26
writer: Bloomberg and online reporters
Thailand reported three new cases of coronavirus as mounting cases across the Middle East, Europe and Asia sparked concern the outbreak is widening into a pandemic.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans to prepare for a potential Covid-19 outbreak at home.
The heightened fears roiled financial markets again, with Asian stocks falling after a rout on Wall Street.
South Korea has emerged as a hot spot for the virus, with infections surging to more than 1,200. Italy reported an 11th fatality, while Iran has seen 15. A Brazilian patient tested preliminary positive for the coronavirus, in what would be the first infection in Latin America . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/18...0-virus-update
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Today’s latest Covid-19 story from the Bangkok Post:
Quote:
Don't hide travel history: Govt
Ministry approves fine to stem outbreak
published : 27 Feb 2020 at 04:01
newspaper section: News
writer: Apinya Wipatayotin
The Public Health Ministry is warning people against withholding information to public health officials and suggesting state agencies and companies issue an advisory and/or a temporary ban on visits to Covid-19 affected countries, as it steps up efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The move comes after three members of a family who travelled to Hokkaido, Japan tested positive for the novel coronavirus, bringing the country's total number of confirmed cases to 40. It also followed a decision by national committee on communicable diseases early this week to label Covid-19 as a "dangerous, communicable disease" . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...l-history-govt
And the latest from the BBC News website regarding the surge in cases in Italy and the spread of the coronavirus, in the past two days, to Austria, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia and North Macedonia:
Quote:
Coronavirus cases surge to 400 in Italy
• 4 hours ago
The number of coronavirus cases in Italy has jumped to 400, amid international efforts to contain the spread of the deadly outbreak.
The rise in Italy, the main focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours.
Several European countries announced new cases traced to Italy.
Also on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said that for the first time the virus was spreading faster outside China, where it originated.
Globally, more than 80,000 people in about 40 countries have been infected with the new coronavirus, which emerged in December. The vast majority remain in China . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51645902
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jellybean
One of my concerns is whether at any point in the next two months my airline, Emirates, will impose a travel ban on flights to Thailand. Hopefully, all the precautions being taken by the Thai government will ensure there will be no flight restrictions. ... This is what Emirates had to say as at February 25, 2020:
your concerns may be justified - Emirates updated that page 27 February to include:
Quote:
THAILAND
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a directive detailing a travel ban to Thailand for UAE citizens. Customers can rebook or reroute their journeys until 31st May.
how/if this will affect non-UAE citizens transiting through Dubai to/from Thailand on Emirates is not specified and there is no mentions of flight cancellations to/from Bangkok yet - though most of these flights start/finish in other locations, eg Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong etc though re HK elsewhere on that same page they are already advising passengers booked to/from HK can cancel or change flights to alternate destinations including Bangkok! similarly for Singapore
I am booked on Emirates Bangkok-Dubai-Amsterdam late May returning mid June - still to early to do anything but wait and see but alternate (much more expensive) flight options eg with EVA or THAI are rapidly getting booked out
but then by May the pandemic may have already decimated Thailand, UAE, and most of Europe, or everything is under control world wide, flights are back to normal, and everyone is left wondering what the panic was all about, and I will have other diseases to worry about when exploring the more interesting bars in Amsterdam - no, no really I am just going there for the museums!
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bkkguy
your concerns may be justified - Emirates updated that page 27 February to include:
Quote:
THAILAND
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a directive detailing a travel ban to Thailand for UAE citizens. Customers can rebook or reroute their journeys until 31st May.
Oh dear, bkkguy, that is depressing news. If the UAE has banned its own citizens from visiting Thailand, it’s not much of a leap for them to ban other nationalities from flying out of Thailand and transiting through Dubai.
My return flight to the UK is in mid-April 2020, approximately seven weeks away. The question is, what to do?
It reminds me of the situation back in 2010 when the eruption of the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, triggered floods and ash plumes that halted air travel to Europe. At the time, I owned my own apartment in Bangkok, so an extended stay in Thailand would not have been that costly or much of a problem. But now, I rent an apartment and have not factored in the extra cost of rental payments should I have to remain here for an extended period.
Alternatively, of course, I might have to request a refund from Emirates and look to rebook with another airline, perhaps Qatar who, coincidentally, sent me an email this evening promoting a good priced offer for "valued Privilege Club members" (although I haven’t flown with them for a number of years, but was a frequent flyer with them for ten or more years) if I book before 4 March and travel before 10 December 2020. But they might follow suit and also ban flights in and out of Thailand.
Getting back to old, Eyjafjallajökull, I’m fairly sure I decided to cut short my Thai trip for fear that I might be stranded. Quite a few other passengers reached the same conclusion as the airline offices were swamped with passengers changing their flights. In the end, all turned out well and flights resumed over Europe without too long an interruption. I could therefore have remained in Bangkok without curtailing my trip.
Quote:
Per
Wikipedia . . .
volcanic eruptions, caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe over an initial period of six days in April 2010. Additional localised disruption continued into May 2010. The eruption was declared officially over in October 2010
Do I therefore not panic (see video below) . . .
https://youtu.be/nR0lOtdvqyg
. . . and assume that things will not get worse, or do I get out while I still can? Or more likely, shall I do a bit of fence sitting and wait a few more weeks and see how the situation develops. Hmmm . . . decisions, decisions? :)
While here, I may as well add that there is some good news out of the Bangkok Post, the latest report states that more patients infected with Covid-19 in Thailand have fully recovered . . .
Quote:
More Covid-19 patients recover, discharged
Exposed medical centre staff test negative
published : 27 Feb 2020 at 13:55
writer: Apinya Wipatayotin
Three more patients infected with the novel coronavirus have fully recovered and been discharged, two Chinese nationals and one Thai, bringing the total number of cleared patients to 27, a senior health official said on Thursday.
Deputy permanent secretary for public health Narong Saiwong said two had been treated and released from the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute, a 63-year-old Chinese man and a 43-year-old Thai man, and a 33-year-old Chinese woman had been discharged from Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ver-discharged
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bkkguy
Amsterdam ...... no, no really I am just going there for the museums!
Well dont forget when there it's important to look after the spiritual side of your life too and so I recommend that like me you take time to go to Church when there also !
https://www.clubchurch.nl/
Their naked Sunday afternoon "Service" was certainly very spiritual and indeed lots of men ended up on their knees there from what I can recall :-)
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
how would u know...at your age you'd never make it to the fun areas
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
latintopxxx
how would u know...at your age you'd never make it to the fun areas
:-) Really ? Oh how little you know me :-) Why, just what age do you THINK I am out of interest ? :-)
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Today, I highlight three Covid-19 related stories from the Bangkok Post and two from BBC News:
Quote:
Siriraj urges travellers to report illness
published : 28 Feb 2020 at 07:41
newspaper section: News
writer: Apinya Wipatayotin
Siriraj Hospital's medical team is urging anyone with symptoms associated with Covid-19 after visiting high-risk countries not to withhold information to public health officials.
Yesterday's calls came after a 65-year-old man, his wife and their eight-year-old grandson tested positive for the novel coronavirus after the couple returned from a holiday in Hokkaido, Japan -- bringing the country's total number of confirmed cases to 40.
The man developed a fever and sought medical attention at a private hospital on Feb 23 -- four days after returning from holiday . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...report-illness
Quote:
Tourism sector scrambles for virus support
TAT cuts arrivals projection to 33m
published : 28 Feb 2020 at 04:41
newspaper section: Business
writer: Dusida Worrachaddejchai & Narumon Kasemsuk
Tourism businesses have been knocked comatose by the virus panic spreading around the country, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cut its estimate for international arrivals to 33 million in 2020.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) reported foreign tourists using Atta member services from January to Feb 20 was 500,232, a decrease of 40.7%. During Feb 1-20, the numbers slid 74.1% to 90,908 tourists.
Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) said Thai outbound travellers could drop to 8-9 million from 11 million last year if the virus impact continues throughout the year . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...-virus-support
Quote:
School to shut over virus fear
Measure taken after trip to hotspot nation
published : 28 Feb 2020 at 05:31
newspaper section: News
writer: Post Reporters
The Office of Private Education Commission (Opec) has ordered the closure of an international school in Don Muang district as a precautionary measure after learning that more than 500 students and teachers had returned from a country hit by Covid-19.
Attapon Truektrong, secretary-general of Opec, said the school's management had instructed the group, which includes 60 teachers, to stay at home and self-quarantine following their return on Feb 23. However, Opec asked the management to close the school and switch to online classes . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...ver-virus-fear
And two reports from BBC News . . .
Quote:
Coronavirus: Outbreak at 'decisive point' as WHO urges action
The coronavirus outbreak has reached a "decisive point" and has "pandemic potential", World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus says.
His comments come as countries around the world battle to prevent the virus spreading further.
For a second day, more cases have been reported outside than inside China.
Iran and Italy have become major centres of infection, with people travelling from there spreading the virus further afield.
Several high-profile Iranian officials have become infected, the latest being Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar.
"It's what's happening in the rest of the world that's now our greatest concern," Dr Tedros said.
• As it happened: Updates as cases spread around world
• How close are we to a pandemic?
• What you need to know
Globally, more than 80,000 people in nearly 50 countries have been infected. Nearly 2,800 have died, the majority in China's Hubei province.
Meanwhile stock markets around the world have fallen sharply amid fears that increased travel restrictions will prevent business activity . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51665631
Quote:
Coronavirus: Shares face worst week since global financial crisis
Stock markets across the globe are suffering their worst week since the global financial crisis of 2008.
Asian markets have reacted badly as the coronavirus outbreak spreads across Europe and unsettles investors.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones index fell almost 1,200 points yesterday - its biggest daily points-drop in history.
This rattled investors across Asia on Friday - with big drops on Japanese, Australian, Korean and Chinese markets.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 3% in early trading on Friday - and is now down more than 9% this week.
Australia's main shares index, the ASX200, fell by more than 3.5% on Friday morning and is heading for its biggest fall since the financial crisis of 2008.
The news of more coronavirus cases, notably in Italy, has raised concerns of a much larger economic impact than previously expected . . .
For the full report see: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51639654
Re: Coronavirus - Thailand
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jellybean
Today, I highlight three Covid-19 related stories from BBC News: Coronavirus: Shares face worst week since global financial crisis
Isn't THAT the truth, I had a quick glance at my numbers going to work yesterday morning, all about right, finished my day and happened to glance at my App whilst on the treadmill in the gym and nearly fell off the damned thing, I actually thought my phone was malfunctioning and actually rebooted it to check ! Unfortunately it wasn't ! Approximately 30% value wiped out in a few hours ! That was painful. How sitting waiting for todays fun and games to see SHOULD I have sold out whilst still a bit ahead ( I didnt ) or ride it our and just hope that things recover quickly reasonably quickly. Must be worrying today for anyone depending on the markets for income for their pension just now.