Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by Gaybutton »

All the re-openings have been delayed again, including Bangkok, until November. The reasoning seems to be that vaccination goals will not have been reached until then.

I won't be at all surprised if when it is getting close to November we start to see news of delays until November 15, and then an announcement of delays until December.

Meanwhile more and more people are suffering from unemployment, no money, little if any government assistance, and in Pattaya a significant number of Thais who can't get vaccinated at all - along with foreigners getting frustrated and deciding to plan their holidays other than in Thailand.

The only members on this board who say they are actively planning their holiday to be in Thailand are Jun and gerefan. At least neither of them have canceled their plans - yet. I don't see how anyone hoping for a 2 or 3 week holiday in Thailand can start planning at all at this point.

At the time of this post we are now 1 week away from the new restaurant regulations coming into effect. I haven't seen anything to indicate any changes to that. For me, that means after this week I don't get to eat in a restaurant again until October 22 when I get my second jab. I'm still trying to make sense out of that, unsuccessfully, since restaurants have been open to anyone who wants to go since the beginning of September - and I have seen nothing in the news to indicate that any Covid cases whatsoever occurred because of people going to restaurants - even if they have not been vaccinated at all.

Other than that, everything is just ginger peachy . . .
______________________________________________

Govt delays plan to re-open cities to tourists until Nov

22 September, 2021

The government has pushed back plans to re-open Bangkok and some other major cities to foreign arrivals until November, due to vaccination rates falling short of targets, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Officials earlier this month said they planned to welcome vaccinated tourists without quarantine to major cities including Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai in October to revive the country’s crucial tourism sector.

"Cities we've targeted have not reached 70% vaccination rates and so we have to push out the date to November," Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn told Reuters.

Despite being a production hub for the AstraZeneca vaccine, the vaccine rollout has struggled to keep pace, though Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged on Wednesday to speed up inoculations.

So far, 44% of residents in Bangkok have received two doses, government data shows. Overall, the country has vaccinated 22% of the estimated 72 million people living in the country.

Up to now, international tourism has only been launched on the islands of Samui and Phuket.

The country welcomed 40 million arrivals in 2019, who accounted for more than a fifth of gross domestic product, but this year is targeting one million visitors.

At least 98% of Thailand's more than 1.5 million coronavirus infections and 15,753 deaths happened since April this year due to an outbreak driven by the Delta variant.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -until-nov
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by Gaybutton »

Nothing earth shattering, but at least it's a start.
______________________________________________________________

Pattaya reopens spas, cinemas, allows live music, shortens curfew hours

By Pattaya Mail

September 27, 2021

Today (Monday), Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved a proposal to shorten the nighttime curfew to 10pm-4am, instead of the current 9pm-4am, and to resume other types of businesses from October 1st in the dark-red provinces.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the CCSA meeting agreed to ease some COVID-19 restrictions, as proposed by the Ministry of Public Health. More types of businesses and establishments, such as spas, cinemas, sports grounds and museums, will be able to reopen.

He said restaurants and convenience stores will be allowed to open until 9pm. Restaurants can also provide live music, but the consumption of alcoholic beverages is still not allowed. (WHY?)

Meanwhile, the CCSA resolved to extend the current state of emergency, which is due to expire on September 30th, to November 30th and to postpone the reopening plan for five provinces under the ‘sandbox’ model from October 1st to November 1st

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... urs-373608

But then there's this . . .

Here's my favorite part of the following article:
“Foreign tourists will not get confused or have less confidence about the opening delay. They will understand why we have to postpone the opening, many are coming from countries far more vaccinated than Thailand and understand the importance of being properly covered before opening wider.” The mayor added.
Uhhhhh, Mr. Mayor. Helloooo. I hate to tell you this, but that's not the problem. Of course they will understand the reasons for the delays. The problem is reopening dates are announced, people plan accordingly, and then shortly before they're ready to go yet another delay is announced. That's the problem.
Therefore, we are going to focus on the many other great attractions Pattaya has to offer, like beaches, malls, islands, sports, restaurants, temples, nature, golfing, tourist attractions, and more.” The mayor explained.
Mr. Mayor, do you actually believe this is what is going to attract foreign tourists to Pattaya? Are you kidding? I'd say foreigners probably have most of your list at home. They don't need to make expensive, long haul flights for it. By the way, what are some of the "and more" parts?

Do you want to know what will attract foreign tourists to Pattaya? Very simple. The same things that were attracting the tourists for many years - the nightlife. That is what people going to Pattaya are looking for. For sure they are not looking for prudish rules and closing all the bars at 1:00am. Wake up! Restore the rules to the way they were 20 years ago. And lay off coming up with utterly stupid rules that are treating adult tourists like children. I, for one, don't need you to tell me what time to go to bed.

And get rid of the over-regulation at the beaches. Forget about the spacing rules. Forget about closing the beaches for cleaning when the beaches were kept clean by the concessionaires in the first place and no presence of any kind of cleaning equipment or cleaning crews - not ever.

And why the hell can't I have a beer or a drink at the beach? WHY? Other than assuming we're all going to get drunk and start behaving irresponsibly, WHY? Certainly there were isolated incidents on occasion, but that hardly ever happened. What makes the powers-that-be think we're all going to start behaving like that now?

I'm an adult. I would appreciate being treated as such and with the respect I've earned by a lifetime of responsible behavior, obeying all the rules in Thailand, and spending my money and my final years in Thailand. I realize I am a guest in Thailand. Then treat me as a guest, not as an intruder.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pattaya Mayor confirms city “reopening” to vaccinated foreign tourists delayed to November, cannot guarantee opening of entertainment venues soon

By Goong Nang(GN)

27 September, 2021

The Pattaya City Mayor has officially confirmed the city “reopening” to vaccinated foreign tourists delay to November 2021, which corresponds with an announcement made by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, earlier today, September 27th, 2021.

The Pattaya City Mayor Sontaya Khunplome told The Pattaya News over the past weekend, “Multiple provinces have been delayed from October to November in regards to reopening to foreign tourism, including Chonburi.”

“The Public Health Department pays attention to the number of vaccinations overall when it makes decisions on easing restrictions and opening things up. Due to the proposed places to open, as a whole, not reaching the goal of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of 70% fully vaccinated against Covid-19, they have requested with the CCSA to delay any reopening to foreign tourists at this time.” The mayor confirmed.

“In Pattaya (including Jomtien), Banglamung, and Sattahip, more than 70 percent of people here have already been vaccinated but only for their first doses. Pattaya City proper has reached around 70%, however, greater Banglamung has not and that is a concern to the MOPH. This is based on house registration and permanent residents living in the area.” The mayor noted.

“The Public Health Department wants to ensure that more people have received Covid-19 vaccines so that they have more Covid -19 protection. The major focus of the MOPH is to ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed when tourists return with Covid-19 patients. Therefore, the MOPH is not ready to authorize Pattaya and other areas to reopen to foreign vaccinate tourists until November, which the CCSA confirmed this afternoon, September 27th.” The mayor explained.

“Ninety percent of staff who work in tourism businesses have already been vaccinated. We have about 20,000 people we are still working on getting vaccinated with their second doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, overcoming their concerns, and getting to them. This should be complete within the next week or so.” The mayor added.

“About four thousand people in Pattaya are being vaccinated every day, including foreign ex-pats. This is taking place at a number of locations including the Pattaya City Hospital and Central Festival.” The mayor said.

“Many business operators are now worried if the delay will confuse foreign tourists. I understand their concerns and wanted to address them. First, the new zones will not be “Sandbox” zones but will be referred to as BLUE zones…Business, Lesuire, Ultimate Experience is what it stands for. A covid-free environment and safe experience is an utmost priority of the blue zones open to vaccinated foreign tourists. The CCSA and MOPH are working with provincial and local leaders on safely reopening business sectors and attractions to both domestic and foreign tourists. However, the entertainment sector (bars, pubs, nightlife, nightclubs, gogos, etc) is considered the most high-risk venue by the CCSA and we cannot guarantee to those owners they will be allowed to open when the city does at this time or provide a timetable to them for their opening. We know they have been closed for almost six months and how difficult this is. We understand their frustration and sympathize but the CCSA and MOPH have to allow these venues legally to open before they can do so and continue to stress it is about safety and health in regards to these venues. Therefore, we are going to focus on the many other great attractions Pattaya has to offer, like beaches, malls, islands, sports, restaurants, temples, nature, golfing, tourist attractions, and more.” The mayor explained.

“For me, I think the Tourism Authority of Thailand has repeatedly publicized about the tourism situation in Thailand. They are doing their best to work with the CCSA on reopening and both sides understand each other’s importance.” The mayor stated.

“Foreign tourists will not get confused or have less confidence about the opening delay. They will understand why we have to postpone the opening, many are coming from countries far more vaccinated than Thailand and understand the importance of being properly covered before opening wider.” The mayor added.

The mayor concluded by saying that the main focus of the city was on domestic tourists for Quarter 4 and was planning multiple events, still pending CCSA approval, to help attract them to the area and assist business owners in moving forward. The mayor added that he understood that some of the restrictions, like staying in SHA+ hotels only or having to stay in the same area for 7 days, would still be restrictive for some tourists. He added that he believed more wide-scale tourism with relaxed restrictions would take place from January of 2022.

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/09/27/p ... nues-soon/
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by Gaybutton »

This really is not about Pattaya reopening, but the article below illustrates the point I try to make about the "sex is bad" stance taken by the powers-that-be. I have yet to have anyone give me a rational explanation - or even an irrational explanation - as to why sex is bad and/or immoral. To me, the only thing immoral about sex is the prudes who have decided sex is immoral - probably because they can't get any.

Someone please tell me - what is the bad part about pornography? I am among those who feel that children too young to understand should not have access, but other than that, provided it is done by consenting adults, what's the problem? Why is nudity prohibited in privately owned adult entertainment bars - accessible only to adults? Why are short time rooms prohibited in bars, provided they are kept clean? You can have sex right there in a bar's short time room or you can take your consenting adult friend to your hotel room and have it there. What is the difference? As long as all parties are consenting, what is the bad part? Nudity and sex in private alcoves seems to be perfectly acceptable at gay saunas. Why is the same thing bad if it is taking place in bars?

If money changes hands, so what? Why is that bad? If I am willing to pay for it and my young consenting adult friend is willing to accept, why is that bad? And why is that anyone else's business?

You want to make Pattaya a "family oriented" city. My interpretation of "family oriented" means just about anything goes - except sex. Considering the location of the bars - gay and straight - there is no reason Pattaya can't be both. I do understand why you don't want prostitutes in the streets plaguing people who are not interested. Seems to me it would be quite easy to set aside places and times where they can work - without bothering or approaching people.

I hate to tell the prudes - sex is NOT bad. Sex is one of the great pleasures of life, but the prudes want to deprive us of it. WHY? What makes you think you have any right or reason to try to suppress sex between consenting adults in appropriate venues? You want to suppress something? Well suppress THIS!!!
__________________________________________

OnlyFans star's arrest renews debate on sex work

Special report: Recent job losses lead to boom in erotic online content, writes Poramet Tangsathaporn

28 September, 2021

The recent arrest of a 19-year-old known as "Nong Kainao" and her boyfriend for producing and broadcasting sexually-explicit content on the OnlyFans social media platform has sparked a wave of fear and resentment among fellow content creators.

The models who spoke to the Bangkok Post all agreed that authorities' actions were disproportionate to the offence, adding it was about time the government revised existing laws on pornographic content and the role of the police in their enforcement.

They also said Thailand should learn from developed countries, where pornography is tolerated and regulated, instead of suppressed.

One 40-year-old OnlyFans model said while he was worried about getting arrested for producing adult content, he wouldn't deactivate his account out of respect for his followers, who had paid good money to see him perform.

"It would be disrespectful to my viewers, like I'm a scammer taking people's money without giving them what they had paid for," he said.

"That said, as this is still a hot topic, I may publish [content] less frequently while I wait for the issue to die down on its own."

The model said OnlyFans allowed him to survive, as business closures brought on by the third wave of Covid-19 in Thailand have made it impossible for him -- a personal trainer and masseur -- to earn any income. The only way he could feed himself, he said, was by publishing himself nude online.

He said the state should have at least tried to understand the platform better, saying OnlyFans requires valid identification to ensure all models on its platform are adults over the age of 18.

Furthermore, he said, viewers have to pay to access OnlyFans, which limits any content posted to a small circle of paying subscribers.

"I'm upset by the reason used by the police to arrest Nong Kainao, as they said they did it to maintain peace and morality in society," he said.

"It is time the state admits that sex is natural act. As long as sex is performed within private spaces, it is not wrong."

"As long as sexually-explicit murals still exist on temple walls, the state cannot claim this crackdown was meant to uphold peace and morality," he concluded.

Another model, 31, who didn't have to rely on OnlyFans to survive but signed up for the thrill of it, told the Bangkok Post that he wasn't concerned about getting arrested.

"Frankly speaking, I am not afraid because I haven't done anything wrong. Whatever I do, I do it in my own private space, and my content can only be viewed by paying subscribers," he said.

He said he felt bad that authorities are beginning to crack down on OnlyFans, as many content creators had no choice but to turn to publishing adult material in order to survive during the pandemic.

"Authorities need to understand the reality that it is impossible to completely banish pornography from society, no matter how hard the government tries to suppress it," he said.

"Models will simply find another platform to broadcast on."

"If the government wants to take on pornography, then they should focus on videos of rape and child pornography," he said, noting the majority of pages on OnlyFans caters to voyeur fantasies.

Jaray Singhakowinta, a lecturer at Nida's School of Social and Environmental Development, called Nong Kainao's arrest "unreasonable and dehumanising", saying it wasn't right to arrest her at her residence and force her to appear at a press conference after.

"What police did was totally disproportionate to what she did. They acted like she was a murderer, while in fact she just published pornographic content," Mr Jaray said.

He slammed reports which claimed many of the models turned to producing adult content as they are anxious to maintain the standard of living that they had become accustomed to before the pandemic hit.

While that may be true for some models, he said many models on OnlyFans turned to the platform to simply to earn enough money to survive as they continue their studies at university, or to send to their families back home.

Mr Jaray then urged the government to review the phrase "prevailing morality in society", which often appears in laws regulating adult content in Thailand, saying the vague wording left too much room for interpretation.

"This means authorities can arrest at their discretion, which could be informed by personal biases," he said.

"It is wrong for the police to act as a morality enforcer."

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/sp ... n-sex-work
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by Gaybutton »

Again, when they're talking about opening up Bangkok and Pattaya, they're talking about opening up the cities themselves. That has nothing to do with what will be open or even allowed to be open within the cities. If anyone is expecting to go to Thailand in November and find the bars open, teeming with boys, and alcohol being served, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. Not gonna happen like that. As a matter of fact, allowing bars to reopen and serve alcohol, or what the restrictions might be, hasn't even been mentioned by the government of in the media.

Another factor - even if the bars are allowed to open, the question is how many will reopen, at least right away. We all can guess, but nobody really knows.

If Pattaya reopens, but the nightlife doesn't, they might as well not bother opening Pattaya. If the nightlife will still be closed, I don't foresee a major influx of tourists going to Pattaya. For what? - unless of course visiting Big Buddha Hill and the Pattaya Sheep Farm excites you.

All we can do for now is wait and see.
________________________________

Thai Tourism Minister says five areas planned to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists from November 1st will happen, includes Pattaya and Bangkok

By Nop Meechukhun

8 October, 2021

Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, is completely positive about the reopening plan to vaccinated foreign tourists without a strict in-room quarantine happening in five provinces/areas, including Bangkok and Chonburi, initially scheduled from November 1st.

The planned areas to welcome back foreign vaccinated tourists without a strict quarantine include Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Mueang District, Mae Rim District, Mae Taeng District, and Doi Tao District), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), Phetchaburi (Cha-am), and Chonburi (Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, and Sattahip District).

However, large and severe clusters of Covid-19 infections must not be found prior to the reopening before November 1st, especially in Bangkok as it was considered the first and popular destination for most foreign tourists to visit before traveling anywhere else, noted Phiphat. TPN media notes that the final decision on any reopening does not rest with the tourism minister but with the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan O’Cha. The CCSA in particular has shown to be exceedingly cautious and is composed of mostly doctors and medical experts.

The reopening plan in November would be a semi-normal opening which will be different from the Phuket Sandbox and the Samui Plus Model because the project is not in an experimental period like four previously reopened provinces, added Phiphat in an interview yesterday afternoon, October 7th, 2021, with the associated Thai press.

Phiphat did not expand on what would be different from the current plan in Phuket, Samui, etc. which requires fully vaccinated visitors to have mandatory Covid-19 insurance, multiple Covid-19 tests at one’s expense, a required and prebooked stay in a SHA+ hotel (where all staff is vaccinated and meets multiple Safety and Health Administration standards) for seven days, a compulsory tracking application on one’s cell phone, the requirement that one must stay within their zone for seven days before traveling around the country, and last, but certainly not least, a Certificate of Entry from one’s embassy or consulate in their home country.

TPN media notes that these requirements, especially the Certificate of Entry, have driven much criticism and negative feedback on social media from potential visitors, claiming that the requirements are still “too much” compared to some other destinations and countries.

Moreover, Krabi and Phang Nga will fully welcome foreigners to the whole province during the same period, according to Phiphat.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports expected that the reopening in five major tourist destinations would generate tourism revenue at 1.5 trillion baht or about 50 percent of the average normal income before the Covid-19 outbreak which was 3.4 trillion baht.

Meanwhile, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn revealed that 2021 is probably the worst year of the Thai tourism industry EVER as Thailand has reached tourism revenue of 815,624 million baht from the foreign market and 328,758 billion baht from the domestic market, accountable for a 60 percent decrease from 2020. 2020, of course, was nearly as bad having been compared to 2019 which was a record-breaking year with almost 40 million foreign tourists.

“The tourism situation in Thailand has just gradually started to get better in October, partly from foreign tourists in Sandbox projects and two government domestic stimulus campaigns. The government should speed up the readiness of the reopening scheme as domestic tourism alone cannot significantly boost the entire tourism industry from the almost two-year impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the governor added.

https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/08/t ... d-bangkok/
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

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Pattaya limbers up

Firms can cater to domestic visitors first if foreigners hold back

17 October, 2021

When Pattaya joins Bangkok, Chiang Mai and 12 other destinations in welcoming back fully vaccinated tourists without the need for quarantine next month, the town will finally return to full throttle.

Closed for almost two years, the resort town will restart its tourism sector with major events in November and December including its signature Pattaya Music Festival, Pattaya International Fireworks Festival and Pattaya Countdown to round off 2021.

Pattaya was originally scheduled to restart its tourism sector under "Phuket Move On" on Oct 1, but the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) decided to push it back to Nov 1.

It was the third postponement since the initial reopening was announced for mid-September, all attributed to a vaccine shortage.

Geared toward domestic tourism

While admitting that these activities are primarily designed to draw domestic tourists, Sonthaya Khunpleum, Pattaya City mayor, is now optimistic that more foreign visitors will arrive in the last two months following the easing of virus curbs.

Starting yesterday, the government has shortened the night curfew to 11pm-3am and allowed shopping malls to resume normal service hours. It also plans to further relax Covid-19 restrictions in December by lifting the ban on serving alcoholic beverages in restaurants and allowing entertainment venues to resume operations on Dec 1.

Pattaya will kick off the reopening the Pattaya Music Festival in the first two weeks, followed by the Loy Krathong festival in the third week and Pattaya International Fireworks Festival.

In December, Pattaya will host three big events: the Pattaya Music Festival in the first two weeks followed by "Dern Kin Tin Na Klua" [Na Klua Walk & Eat festival] food and culture festival and Pattaya Countdown.

"The events are planned to cater to Thai travellers, but with the latest relaxations of the virus curbs, we expect to see more foreign arrivals too," he said.

Mr Sonthaya said the Covid-19 situation has forced the business community to shift their focus from foreign travellers during the high season to Thai visitors.

Pattaya hopes to attract 200,000 foreign tourists each month during the high season in the first phase of reopening, according to the mayor.

Before the pandemic, the city welcomed around 1 million foreign tourists each month.

However, Mr Sonthaya said the pandemic has also prompted a rethink in the local tourism industry.

"Local tourists make up one-third of visitors, so adjustments will be made to tourism planning. The industry needs to be resilient and can shift to Thai tourists if an emergency strikes," he said.

'Blue Zone' travelling

Rattanachai Suttidechanai, chairman of the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, said even though no quarantine is imposed, foreign tourists are required to undergo virus screening and will have to travel in the designated Blue Zone in their first seven days.

The tourists will be allowed to travel in the Blue Zone area if their Covid-19 test result is negative. If the result remains negative after seven days of quarantine, tourists will be allowed to travel everywhere, he said.

However, foreign travellers must register in advance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and specify the destinations they want to visit in the first week to get travel authorisation, he said.

According to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), in the "Blue Zone," people can travel freely and businesses and activities can operate normally, under the control of the provincial communicable disease committees.

Activities that draw large crowds can be held with no more than 500 people, while pubs and entertainment venues are to remain closed.

For greater ease in handling of various documents including immigration forms and vaccine certificates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will introduce the "Thailand Pass" system to replace the CoE adopted for travel authorisation.

Mr Rattanachai said a command centre will be set up to oversee the reopening programme with the private sector, health authorities and Pattaya City working together and providing a weekly report to the CCSA to ensure proper measures are taken if virus infections creep up.

He added that Pattaya City hopes to reduce travel costs for foreign visitors by pegging the price of an RT-PCR test at 1,600 baht.

Ray of hope for nightspots

Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, secretary of the Entertainment & Tourism Association of Pattaya City, said a sense of optimism is keen in the sector after the government announced the Nov 1 reopening.

He said entertainment businesses are the first to be shut down and the last to reopen when lockdowns are imposed. Big entertainment venues negotiate with their landlords to reduce rental fees during the shutdown as they bide their time for the reopening.

"We're starting to see the light especially when the quarantine and the booze ban are to be lifted. Business people are preparing to go about their business again," he said.

For entertainment venues to survive, Mr Damrongkiat said four restrictions have to be lifted: curfew, quarantine, the booze ban and the emergency decree.

Lifting the emergency decree can be an incentive to many tourists who are required to buy travel insurance, he said, adding that travelling to countries where an emergency decree is in effect costs extra.

Een better is when countries of origin allow their people to return without undergoing quarantine.

"It all comes down to costs for tourists. I've talked to some and they're willing to return if Thailand lifts the quarantine requirement. Two quarantine programmes here and back home drive up their cost by 100,000 baht," he said.

Mr Damrongkiat said foreign tourists in Pattaya are divided into three major markets -- China (almost 50%), India (30%), and Russia (10%) -- and the remaining 10% comprise South Korea and some European countries.

He played down concerns about a possible influx of workers from other provinces which could lead to high virus infections.

Under the reopening scheme, only vaccinated travellers from low-risk nations can visit without quarantine. Initially, 10 nations including China, the United States and Germany qualify but more could be added to the list.

Yang Xin, the minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, said China is ready to discuss with Thai authorities the reopening programme after China was mentioned as one of the low-risk countries, with vaccinated people allowed to visit the kingdom quarantine-free.

Amporn Kaewsaeng, a 49-year-old pub owner who has run entertainment venues in Pattaya Walking Street for 18 years, is full of optimism following the Nov 1 reopening announcement.

Ms Amporn operates four venues -- Chaba 88 café, RAAS Indian Club, the Stone House Walking Street and the Rolling Live -- which cater to different groups of visitors including Thais.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic started early last year, her businesses are more closed than open and she hopes there will not be another wave of the outbreak.

"I hope there is no fifth wave because we'll have nothing left. The latest outbreak hit us really hard. We've set our rules to help prevent the virus from spreading. Full vaccinations are needed for staff and customers," she said.

Ms Amporn said she had dozens of Thai and foreign staff to take care of during the shutdown.

However, she said she will gradually open her businesses and is likely to go with the one catering to Thai customers first, as the number of foreign visitors will be small in the first stage of reopening. She expects more foreign visitors in the first or second quarter of next year.

"I'm pleased about the reopening timeline and we can now plan what to do next," she said.

Covid-safe environment

Police are also getting into action to help the tourism industry rebound from the pandemic. Pol Lt Gen Sukhun Prommayon, chief of Tourism Police Bureau, said his office is working closely with health and tourism authorities in enhance safety for tourists.

Initially, police will survey unsafe areas and Covid-19 risk areas in each community and put them under surveillance. A list of safety guidelines for tourists in Pattaya and other destinations will be drawn up, he said.

Pol Lt Gen Sukhun said police will work with business operators via what is known as "SHA Plus Manager" initiative.

The manager's role is to ensure compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures such as vaccination requirements for service staff.

Dr Tanarak Plipat, a Ministry of Public Health inspector, said tourists who are fully vaccinated and come from a country with a low rate of Covid-19 infections should pose no cause for concern.

"They could do as Thai people do, and travel with no need for any special regulation, including an ATK test. Their visit doesn't put the country at higher risk any more," he said.

He also said the country's target for inoculations should rise to 80% of the population to match the total number of vaccines the country has at present.

The ministry is developing an application for tourists which will give Covid-19 information, letting them know the intensity of outbreaks in places they visit.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/sp ... limbers-up
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by gerefan »

Christ Thailand....you can make it as complicated as you like.

I remember saying in April 2020 that when this sh1t is over Thailand will introduce all sorts of bureaucratic nonsense and restrictions.

I must dig it out and repost it!
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by gerefan »

gerefan wrote: Sun Apr 26, 2020 12:36 am
Erosboybar wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2020 11:43 pm Is now all closed. Sorry, we cannot open now in Boystown. We want open for October or November ....
If Pattaya is reopened for the next high season, I sincerely hope Thailand does not ruin it by inventing impossible travel restrictions.
Here you go, written 26 April 2020!
Jun

Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

Post by Jun »

Bangkok Post wrote: Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:31 am Firms can cater to domestic visitors first if foreigners hold back
They can, but pre-pandemic, Thailand got 39 million foreign visitors a year. A good number of them would be from higher GDP countries and probably spending quite a lot more per capita on holiday.
Domestic tourists will not be a replacement.

Bangkok Post wrote: Sun Oct 17, 2021 9:31 am Yang Xin, the minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, said China is ready to discuss with Thai authorities the reopening programme after China was mentioned as one of the low-risk countries, with vaccinated people allowed to visit the kingdom quarantine-free.
They can discuss Chinese tourists as much as they like.
However, to get back to China, a shed load of paperwork and testing is needed, followed by 2 weeks quarantine upon returning to China.
The testing includes both a PCR test and an antibody test. I heard this alone cost about £500, but perhaps the price has come down.
So the discussions are likely to be pointless until those rules are relaxed.
When one of the two Chinese vaccines has low efficacy, I can't imagine they will rush relaxation of their rules.
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

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Jun wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 5:54 am Domestic tourists will not be a replacement.
I don't think they are expecting that. They also are not expecting a mad rush of foreign tourists right away, although I'm sure there would be no objections if it happens.

I agree with most of rooster59's article (see: viewtopic.php?p=105633#p105633) in that as long as Thailand continues forcing foreign tourists to jump though hoops just getting to Thailand, but even after they arrive in Thailand, then I believe foreign tourist numbers are going to be way down and will continue to be way down.

For the time being they are pushing events likely to attract domestic tourists. They know they will constitute most of the tourism at first.

Will there be a major influx of foreign tourists in 2021, even in high season? I doubt it. I think other than venues sure to attract domestic tourists, the venues that cater mainly to foreign tourists are going to take a wait and see attitude. It does seem pointless to me to reopen just because they can. I don't see how it helps anything until they can reasonably expect enough customers to at least break even. It doesn't make sense to me to open if they know they're going to operate at a loss. They've already had more than enough loss.
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Re: Pattaya Reopening? Here is Adam Judd's fact check

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Analysis: All of the currently known details about reopening Pattaya and other parts of Thailand to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine from November 1st

By Adam Judd

17 October, 2021

This week, we have decided to write a bit of a different editorial/analysis based on literally dozens of e-mails and messages to our team over the past several days alone.

The question on everyone’s mind is quite simple…they want details, set in stone, signed, sealed, and delivered, rubber-stamped, etc to give perfect clarity to the proposal of reopening Pattaya and other parts of the country to foreign vaccinated tourists without quarantine from November 1st.

continued messages about “reopening” events in Pattaya such as music festivals and fireworks festivals have caused even more people to message us, many of who want to be here for these events. (It is worth noting that these events are really designed for domestic tourists which will be the vast, vast majority of the audience.)

We get it. We really do. Many people cannot wait to return to Thailand, especially for a regular holiday. Many business owners, especially here in Pattaya, would like nothing more than to welcome back true tourists without quarantine and tons of paperwork, here for a holiday. It would be the first time in about 21 months roughly if it took place.

However, what we are about to tell you is likely not what most of you want to hear. Are you ready for it? This is why “official” information has been so difficult to find and various media sources are full of conflicting information, proposals, speculation, and opinion.

Ok, here we go: Here is what is known, factually, legally, stamped and sealed, and officially about the reopening plan from November:

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Got it? Wait, you say, there was a blank space? Yes, let’s explain why.

At this point, there is still heated internal discussion between various conflicting departments and organizations at a national level on how to do this safely. Obviously, the medical sector disagrees strongly with the business sector. If the medical sector had their way we would probably be waiting for 80% fully vaccinated nationwide and many more months of cautious waiting and baby steps. If the business sector had its way, we would open tomorrow with no rules. As a result, the two sides with polar opposite views will need to compromise and come up with the best current solution.

This is why so many different opinions and speculation (and it is speculation, although much of it is educated and real proposals being debated) are out there. From one test for Covid to multiple tests, to free roam to staying in fifteen zones, to staying at a SHA+ hotel, to blue zones, it can be incredibly confusing. We get that.

The Prime Minister never “promised” the country would grand reopen on November 1st. He stated that he was asking the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Ministry of Public Health to consider it. Here is his exact statement:

I have, therefore, instructed the CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health to urgently consider within this week to allow, as of 1 November, international visitors to enter Thailand without any requirement for quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and arrive by air from low-risk countries.

In reality, it is nearly certain some sort of plan will take place. Things will be much better than they are currently. And as always, it will likely start out with very strict rules that will “ease” over time. And they will ease. We certainly understand the process has been too slow for many. We would advise readers to NOT BOOK ANY FLIGHTS OR HOTELS that can not be canceled and fully refunded until all details are final. If you do book, do so for an existing program like the Phuket Sandbox or a 7-day quarantine and be pleasantly surprised if things ease before then.

As soon as official, solid, in the Royal Gazette and rubber-stamped information is released we will be the first to tell you. We do occasionally inform about proposals to keep people aware, but consistently remind our readers they are only proposals and may or may not take place.

At this point, there is no finalized “low-risk” list of countries allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. The CCSA is debating this list and it will “likely” be many more than ten according to them. We will likely know sometime later this week. There is no final list right now so consistent calls to embassies (as some have told us they have done) will not be able to help you out.

There are no clear answers about children and processes with them.

There is no guarantee bars, nightlife, red-light districts, pubs, etc. will open on December 1st, it is also only being considered “by” December 1st.

There is no guarantee about insurance requirements, but it is nearly certain to stay, although possibly the maximum coverage will be lowered. Again, a proposal.

There is no clarity yet if there will be so-called blue zones, restricted provinces, or other items. This has confused many people with some media talking about fifteen allowed provinces, some talking about blue zones, and some talking about free roam. The confusion is simply because all of these are proposals and nothing, yes nothing, is finalized yet.

There is no clarity on so-called “swab hubs” or if one will have to stay a night in an approved hotel waiting for Covid-19 results. Again, a proposal.

All this being said, yes some of these ideas are being seriously considered, have been proposed, and could happen. But nothing is finalized or official yet. (Well, in terms of these topics. The Pattaya Music Festival was made official this weekend but again, it is meant for domestic tourists, not foreign tourists. Additionally, it will have strict rules that are still being fleshed out.)

The easiest way to think of the reopening is that November 1st will be a “from” date for policy changes, being tweaked and adjusted as things go along. It is not a “grand reopening of the gates” like some people seem to think. It is a huge step forward, don’t get us wrong. Again, almost two years since vaccinated foreign tourists have been seriously considered to enter the Pattaya area without quarantine and a ton of paperwork. That is MASSIVE. It is a huge step forward. It is not going to please everyone with the proposals and plan suggestions, but things will, as always, ease over time.

As for the so-called Thailand Pass and how it will differ from the Certificate of Entry, this is also a work in progress and probably won’t be ready to go on November 1st. It will be simplified and will be an improvement, especially on the backend, on entering the country. However, it will likely not be as simple as many tourists and visitors want, at least not at first. Again, it is a step forward.

For now, take a deep breath, don’t let all the different takes on reopening stress you out, and wait for official information BEFORE booking flights or hotels, and we hope to see you all soon in Thailand and Pattaya.

It’s been a long wait for many. We truly believe here at TPN media there is light at the end of the tunnel for tourism to return but there may be some speedbumps still in that tunnel. We are much further ahead than we were several months ago and things will continue to improve, just a bit slower than many wish.

https://tpnnational.com/2021/10/17/anal ... ember-1st/
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