General Reports

[PedroMorales]

Thailand has announced they will concentrate on Generation Y aged 23-40 for foreign tourism. Looks like MP and Uncle V will have Thailand to themselves as they are the only ISG members I have met who fall in this age category.What part of the Generation why aged 23-40 market? Beach bums, back packers? Families and women are where the money is as they shop. Men just buy beer and broads. I can't see mothers going there if their kids are to risk Covid19. Younger each bums maybe but they are not renowned big spenders.

[Banana Boi]

I'm guessing the average age of people on these Thai forums is 50-53 but I doubt anybody knows for sure. I haven't heard from our favorite Uncle in a while. Hope he's doing well. I miss reading about his adventures.If you look around the tourist area in Pattaya imo the average age is well over 60 for Farang, or at least these guys look well over 60 to me. Guys in beer bars looking for cheap beer and cheap girls are the oldest group. The youngest group would easily be the Walking Street gogo bars with most guys being under 30 at gogo bars like Palace. Mainly younger Asian men and older Farang guys. This is the general makeup that I see. Same for the FKK clubs in Germany. Younger Asian guys and older Caucasian guys. The Indian gangs hanging out at the Soapies and along Beach Road in Pattaya are also young.

Uncle V is stuck in Phnom Penh during COVID. Lucky him because the bars have reopened and the girls are starting to return.

[Cool]

I thought the Thais wanted to attract the group that stays in nice hotels and spend money. Not the young backpack crowd renting 4000 baht apartments and eating 30 baht noodles in Chiang Mai. They want the middle class segment versus the crowd that brags they can survive of 18 k baht a month.

[MonkeyPaw]

Thailand has announced they will concentrate on Generation Y aged 23-40 for foreign tourism. Looks like MP and Uncle V will have Thailand to themselves as they are the only ISG members I have met who fall in this age category.Geez, not if I go to jail for sexual harassment on ThaiFriendly. Propositioning females on social media is punishable, so I guess asking a girl "short time how much?" can lead to our arrest now? Nuts. If you've piss off the wrong chick.

https://pattayaone.news/three-actresses-lodge-complaint-of-sexual-harassment/

[Uncle Volodya]

Thailand has announced they will concentrate on Generation Y aged 23-40 for foreign tourism. Looks like MP and Uncle V will have Thailand to themselves as they are the only ISG members I have met who fall in this age category.Haha. I wish!

On the working side of that 40 mark and rapidly approaching the 50 mark)).

I don't get it. I think 30-50 would be a better demographic for people with disposable income that aren't too skinflint.

[MrClen]

Haha. I wish!

On the working side of that 40 mark and rapidly approaching the 50 mark)).

I don't get it. I think 30-50 would be a better demographic for people with disposable income that aren't too skinflint.Well it may be time for me to return to Thailand. I was there in the 60's and recently only go to China 4 times per year (I have been to Cambodia once last year). Oh, and I will be 80 this year but I look about 60 or so according to all my friends.

[GettingFedUp]

Thailand has announcedDo please furnish details of the announcement and by whom it was announced. Ministry of Tourism and Sport (MOTS)? Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT)?

I am surprised that I overlooked this in the Bangkok Post, The Nation, Pattaya News, Pattaya Mail, The Thaiger, Khaosod English et al. Or maybe they all missed this blockbuster exclusive?

[Beijing4987]

Age will not matter. Only those with "game" will be allowed in, or allowed to stay.

[Banana Boi]

Where did you see this?

It was posted as a news story on the TV site but I didn't feel like searching through the site for the official post.

Google searched it. https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/880398

[Chacal60]

That leaves plenty of 28-34 yo single mothers looking for the financial generosity and "good heart" of we boomers who are already inside the country!


Thailand has announced they will concentrate on Generation Y aged 23-40 for foreign tourism. Looks like MP and Uncle V will have Thailand to themselves as they are the only ISG members I have met who fall in this age category.

[Nyezhov]

Age will not matter. Only those with "game" will be allowed in, or allowed to stay.I have a great game, viz: my wallet. I bet you dollars to donuts I could walk into any GoGo or disco and steal some young guys stunner in less time that I can count to how much baby? 10? 20?

In my age group of friends, I don't know anyone who worries about the price of anything.

[Mr Enternational]

‪BREAKING: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has just extended the ban on international passenger planes landing in Thailand to June 30. This now means that the earliest foreigners can come to Thailand is in July.

[XXL]

‪BREAKING: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has just extended the ban on international passenger planes landing in Thailand to June 30. This now means that the earliest foreigners can come to Thailand is in July.Maybe that's good news for those of us who want to be left alone in Thailand. Flights are still operated FROM Thailand though. Do they fly in empty?

[Downandup]

Maybe that's good news for those of us who want to be left alone in Thailand. Flights are still operated FROM Thailand though. Do they fly in empty?Mostly, the few people allowed into Thailand are Thai's returning home, diplomats and a few others.

[Banana Boi]

Mostly, the few people allowed into Thailand are Thai's returning home, diplomats and a few others.Does anyone here have a Thailand Elite visa which costs 500,000 to 2 million baht? Anyone know if people with Elite visas are getting in to Thailand or if they're at least extending the 5 year period for the cheap Elite visa? I came very close to getting one last year because I can't apply for a Retirement Visa as I'm under 50. I'd be p1ssed if I got one and my time was ticking while being denied entry.

Would anyone pay 500k if it allowed you in to Thailand while the borders were still closed? I could visit all my gogo girls and their families in Rayong!

[Mr Enternational]

Does anyone here have a Thailand Elite visa which costs 500,000 to 2 million baht? Anyone know if people with Elite visas are getting in to Thailand or if they're at least extending the 5 year period for the cheap Elite visa? The Thai Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, or CAAT announced this evening that they have extended a ban on international inbound travel to Thailand until at least the end of June.

This has very limited exceptions, such as repatriation of Thai nationals or supply and cargo. Foreigners, even those with work permits, family or elite visas, even willing to do state quarantines, will remain banned from entry.

https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/16/thai-civil-aviation-authority-of-thailand-extends-ban-on-international-inbound-travel-to-thailand-to-end-of-june/

[Pimpampoumpipo]

I'm just disheartened to wait for a hypothetical opening of the borders.

I will stop postponing my flights and request a final refund. And take care of other business.

This story is starting to take my head. Enough is enough. I am wasting my time.

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/ban-on-international-travel-into-thailand-extended-until-june-30

[Whoreman]

Maybe that's good news for those of us who want to be left alone in Thailand. Flights are still operated FROM Thailand though. Do they fly in empty?Empty of passengers but carry cargo instead.

[Engine Driver]

Interesting fact. The billionaire owner of the NBA team Indiana Pacers, Herb Simon is married to an LBFM from LOS. I wonder if the field LBFMs from Isaan look up to her as their role model?

[Member #4698]

I'm just disheartened to wait for a hypothetical opening of the borders. I will stop postponing my flights and request a final refund. And take care of other business.Last March 2020, I postponed my 2.5 month Thai / Indonesia trip scheduled for April-June to August-November, but as the weeks / months have gone by the prospects for mid August entry into LOS are not looking good. I am not going to do anything about rescheduling my trip a 2nd time, however, until or unless the Thai Government announces no foreign entry thru the entire month of August. If or when they make that announcement I will most likely cancel my trip rather than arrange a 2nd postponement because by that time of the year my theoretical itinerary would be bumping up into high season (December / January) and I don't like travelling to SE Asia at that time of the year. So, if the Thai Government (and Indonesian Government) don't open up their borders to international travelers by the end of July that will effectively end my 2020 travel plans and I will have no choice but to start to think about April 2021 travel. That translates into an entire wasted year of no Asian girls thanks to the Wuhan Virus and the reactions to it by various governments around the world. Obviously I am not happy about this possibility, but I am becoming more and more resigned to it.

What a cluster fuck!

[LittleBigMan]

Empty of passengers but carry cargo instead.Correct airlines revenues don't just come from passenger check-in wouldn't even account for half the load, you got cargo even cargo from UPS, FedEx, DHL, and even USA Mail as I indicated in one report I use to go standby on one of Eva flights during the summer they usually have two after midnight the 3rd was during the afternoon this was used for all the overflow of cargo and mail they couldn't take on the other two flights which operates mainly for the passenger so I thought I would always have a good chance of getting on standby twice the cargo load was so heavy I got bumped.

[Member #4698]

I have one more thought about this pandemic: I am really pissed off at the Chinese Communist government. They knew about the virus and hid the facts about it's degree of contagion to the entire world. They even allowed their citizens to travel and spread the disease. I have always been a free marklet comparative advantage guy willing to buy products from any country that could deliver best on a quality and price. No longer! I have made a conscious decision not to buy Chinese made goods anymore. Opening up our markets to the Chinese Communists has been the biggest mistake of the last quarter century.

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever.

Interestingly, for the last 15 years or so I have preferred LOS over Brazil and Colombia not because Thai girls are prettier or better in bed, they are not, but because I preferred the relatively peaceful ambiance of Thailand and Thai Culture over their Latin American counterparts. But I will reconsider this opinion if the Thai Government shows a preference for Chinese Nationals in light of the Corona Virus.

Rant Over. Still holding out some hope that I make it to Thailand this August.

[Downandup]

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever. Maybe this is the cause of the rumor:

"The Public Health Ministry on Friday (May 15) announced that it has removed China, South Korea as well as Hong Kong and Macau from its list of 13 countries with high risk of Covid-19 infection."

They will want the Chinese to return, almost 11 million of 39 million tourists were from China.

[Rodwint2]

I have one more thought about this pandemic: I am really pissed off at the Chinese Communist government. They knew about the virus and hid the facts about it's degree of contagion to the entire world. They even allowed their citizens to travel and spread the disease. I have always been a free marklet comparative advantage guy willing to buy products from any country that could deliver best on a quality and price. No longer! I have made a conscious decision not to buy Chinese made goods anymore. Opening up our markets to the Chinese Communists has been the biggest mistake of the last quarter century.

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever.

Interestingly, for the last 15 years or so I have preferred LOS over Brazil and Colombia not because Thai girls are prettier or better in bed, they are not, but because I preferred the relatively peaceful ambiance of Thailand and Thai Culture over their Latin American counterparts. But I will reconsider this opinion if the Thai Government shows a preference for Chinese Nationals in light of the Corona Virus.

Rant Over. Still holding out some hope that I make it to Thailand this August.One odd thing I noticed when talking to local Thais, they don't like the PRC tourists and see PRC investors driving up the cost of housing / living in Thailand. Small business people and the staff at various hotels and restaurants ask where I am from since I am often mistaken as Chinese. When I tell them I am a US citizen, they smile and explain that the PRC folks are know to be rude and hard to deal with. Sales clerks in high end shopping malls are taken aback when the PRC folks seem to think they can barter the price down on luxury goods.

So even if the Thai government may want the PRC folks back, their citizens do not!

[The Cane]

One odd thing I noticed when talking to local Thais, they don't like the PRC tourists and see PRC investors driving up the cost of housing / living in Thailand. Small business people and the staff at various hotels and restaurants ask where I am from since I am often mistaken as Chinese. When I tell them I am a US citizen, they smile and explain that the PRC folks are know to be rude and hard to deal with. Sales clerks in high end shopping malls are taken aback when the PRC folks seem to think they can barter the price down on luxury goods. So even if the Thai government may want the PRC folks back, their citizens do not!I don't know that it's "odd". It just is. I hired a tour guide to show me around a few places when I was in Thailand, and I was a bit taken aback when she expressed open contempt for Chinese tourists, calling them rude and disrespectful, and saying that she was sick and tired of them. Although, we can surely add that plenty of Thais are sick of "falangs" too.

[The Cane]

I have one more thought about this pandemic: I am really pissed off at the Chinese Communist government. They knew about the virus and hid the facts about it's degree of contagion to the entire world. They even allowed their citizens to travel and spread the disease. I have always been a free marklet comparative advantage guy willing to buy products from any country that could deliver best on a quality and price. No longer! I have made a conscious decision not to buy Chinese made goods anymore. Opening up our markets to the Chinese Communists has been the biggest mistake of the last quarter century.

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever.

Interestingly, for the last 15 years or so I have preferred LOS over Brazil and Colombia not because Thai girls are prettier or better in bed, they are not, but because I preferred the relatively peaceful ambiance of Thailand and Thai Culture over their Latin American counterparts. But I will reconsider this opinion if the Thai Government shows a preference for Chinese Nationals in light of the Corona Virus.

Rant Over. Still holding out some hope that I make it to Thailand this August.The Chinese were also out nimbly buying up personal protective equipment while the rest of the world was caught flat-footed. If you aren't going to buy Chinese, then at least for now (and for a long time to come) there are a lot of things you won't be buying then. Seems like virtually everything I look at has "made in China" on it.

[Member #4698]

One odd thing I noticed when talking to local Thais, they don't like the PRC tourists and see PRC investors driving up the cost of housing / living in Thailand. Small business people and the staff at various hotels and restaurants ask where I am from since I am often mistaken as Chinese. When I tell them I am a US citizen, they smile and explain that the PRC folks are know to be rude and hard to deal with. Sales clerks in high end shopping malls are taken aback when the PRC folks seem to think they can barter the price down on luxury goods.

So even if the Thai government may want the PRC folks back, their citizens do not!Good point. My Mini is not fond of PRC workers either. She has a studio apartment behind the Cultural Center and there are a lot of low level PRC office workers housed in her neighborhood. She is in daily close contact with many of them at the mall, the outdoor night market, and the MRT.

[LittleBigMan]

The Thai government doesn't deal with the Chinese directly the Thai people have too, all they see or care about is the money that comes from the visit that being said is the reason they cleared the Chinese and Korea they are free to visit May 16th, then this morning they declare the lockdown for International flights will continue till July.

I'm Chinese American aside from here I don't post negative comments about the Communist leader fuckers the people aren't the blame they have been brainwashed especially the younger generation my Aunt and Uncle left in China too old just go with the flow they still remember what Mao did to them.

Prior to all this, I've been mistaken for Japanese, Korean even a local Thai when I tell them I'm Chinese I always follow with Chinese from America then they think I immigrated I follow with Made in America if it goes beyond and I see them open to more I tell them " China is bad " there is a war coming and your Thai leaders will have to make a decision as to what side they want to be on?

[IssanForever]

One odd thing I noticed when talking to local Thais, they don't like the PRC tourists and see PRC investors driving up the cost of housing / living in Thailand. Small business people and the staff at various hotels and restaurants ask where I am from since I am often mistaken as Chinese. When I tell them I am a US citizen, they smile and explain that the PRC folks are know to be rude and hard to deal with. Sales clerks in high end shopping malls are taken aback when the PRC folks seem to think they can barter the price down on luxury goods.

So even if the Thai government may want the PRC folks back, their citizens do not!Chinese tourists are the worst. Most come with tour groups owned by Chinese, stay at Chinese owned hotels, eat Chinese food. They spend money at local markets and shopping but that's it. Koreans by comparison often come in couples / small groups of friends and spend money in Thai owned places.

[GDreams]

I have one more thought about this pandemic: I am really pissed off at the Chinese Communist government. They knew about the virus and hid the facts about it's degree of contagion to the entire world. They even allowed their citizens to travel and spread the disease. I have always been a free marklet comparative advantage guy willing to buy products from any country that could deliver best on a quality and price. No longer! I have made a conscious decision not to buy Chinese made goods anymore. Opening up our markets to the Chinese Communists has been the biggest mistake of the last quarter century.
First real signs of the new virus was mid November, by December they were locking down. In January international leaders were made aware of the dangers and your friend Trump was more than happy to dismiss the disease. I don't know how you expected the Chinese to become fully aware of the characteristics of the disease in a few weeks. It is a big slow moving bureaucracy. Of course you are free to buy whatever you want but the reality is that many of the sub components of what you buy will still come from China.

[Banana Boi]

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever. It's going to go a lot deeper than just China and Koreans first. Americans and UK will be last in to Thailand for big countries that have many tourists traveling to LOS. I will continue to stand by my earlier prediction. Americans can't even get in to Canada. Trump wanted to reopen the US Canada borders last week and Canada said not a chance in hell.

Lufthansa announced they will recommence flying to the USA beginning in June. Optimistically hoping FKK clubs will reopen soon so I can go to Europe. I predict I'll be allowed in to Europe well before I am allowed in to Thailand.


they cleared the Chinese and Korea they are free to visit May 16th, then this morning they declare the lockdown for International flights will continue till July.For those of you who do still plan on trying to get to Thailand as soon as the borders reopen the above is an example of why you may want to consider flying in to another SE Asia country and not fly in to Thailand directly. All may look fine when you board your 20 hour flight from USA but between leaving USA and arriving in Thailand immigration rules may change and you will be turned away at Thai customs. What this would mean is you have to fly back to your original departure city meaning you get to enjoy another 20 hour flight back to USA. At least if you come in from say Ho Chi Minh or Phnom Penh you will only have to take a 1 hour return flight if you are stopped at Thai customs. Then you can stay there or fly to Jakarta or PI to continue your sexcation.

[Breadman]

Lufthansa announced they will recommence flying to the USA beginning in June. Optimistically hoping FKK clubs will reopen soon so I can go to Europe. I predict I'll be allowed in to Europe well before I am allowed in to Thailand. For those of you who do still plan on trying to get to Thailand as soon as the borders reopen the above is an example of why you may want to consider flying in to another SE Asia country and not fly in to Thailand directly. All may look fine when you board your 20 hour flight from USA but between leaving USA and arriving in Thailand immigration rules may change and you will be turned away at Thai customs. What this would mean is you have to fly back to your original departure city meaning you get to enjoy another 20 hour flight back to USA. At least if you come in from say Ho Chi Minh or Phnom Penh you will only have to take a 1 hour return flight if you are stopped at Thai customs. Then you can stay there or fly to Jakarta or PI to continue your sexcation.For those who don't know the FAA downgraded Thailand's airport rating to Category 2 several years ago, meaning no Canadian or United States jets may land in Thailand. Without a category 1 rating Thailand can't operate non stop flights to North America. And we all know how Thai's take the loss of face, there are articles that talk about how this has kept Thailand from fixing any issues and getting the rating reinstated. What I find shocking is Vietnam has a category 1 rating from the FAA. I've flown out of Vietnam and am shocked that Thailand was downgraded while Vietnam was awarded the high rating. Malaysia has also been downgraded. Why Canada follows a US rating is beyond my understanding. I have read that several Vietnam airlines would like to start direct flights to North America but who knows when or if this will happen. Now you can fly direct into Manila and Cebu from North America from LAX, JFK and Toronto to name a few cities on Philippine Airlines (no codeshare options available).

We've all read and experienced the risks of booking an international flight. Rebooking is one thing but what if your destination like Thailand changes their visa requirements and the airline refuses to budge on your flight? You plan out the trip, have a nice working budget and then your stranded in a non hobby city with expensive hotels that kill your trip. I wouldn't mind visiting Tokyo for a day or two but not for three weeks. And who knows what will happen to these budget airlines. They are operating on a shoestring budget as it is, will they be dependable to get you to Thailand and back from say the Philippines?

As to the FKK's. Just can't imagine them getting the green light to re-open. The government went out of its way to restrict them with the new laws, covid gives them the perfect excuse to keep them shut.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-02-21/thailand-accelerates-push-regain-faa-category-1-rating

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=29df4886-1190-43f8-a4dd-23709f49695d

[EihTooms]

I have one more thought about this pandemic: I am really pissed off at the Chinese Communist government. They knew about the virus and hid the facts about it's degree of contagion to the entire world. They even allowed their citizens to travel and spread the disease. I have always been a free marklet comparative advantage guy willing to buy products from any country that could deliver best on a quality and price. No longer! I have made a conscious decision not to buy Chinese made goods anymore. Opening up our markets to the Chinese Communists has been the biggest mistake of the last quarter century.

Now I hear rumours. They are only rumors. That the Thai Government may be ready to permit Chinese Nationals back into Thailand before allowing Americans, Europeans, and Australians back in. If this rumor turns out to be true I will take this as a personal insult from the Thai Government and I will probably boycott Thailand for a long long time perhaps forever.

Interestingly, for the last 15 years or so I have preferred LOS over Brazil and Colombia not because Thai girls are prettier or better in bed, they are not, but because I preferred the relatively peaceful ambiance of Thailand and Thai Culture over their Latin American counterparts. But I will reconsider this opinion if the Thai Government shows a preference for Chinese Nationals in light of the Corona Virus.

Rant Over. Still holding out some hope that I make it to Thailand this August.President Trump was told China was lying about the human to human transmission of the virus and warned about the real threat of a pandemic by his National Security Council, State Department and the Pentagon in early January. And he got further updates on it in his Presidential Daily Briefings all through January and February. Yet he continued to repeat and confirm China's lies about it on the world stage to EVERYONE weeks into it while it spread through many countries and, according to the numbers, most especially through the USA. "We've got this under control." "Thanks to Xi for his transparency." 'It'll be near zero soon."

The Thai government certainly has reason to disbelieve China's claimed cases. But they have just as much reason to disbelieve the USA's claimed cases and theirs are already the highest claimed number of cases on the planet. Trump doesn't even hide the fact that he is pushing in every direction to keep the USA's stated number of cases low and not necessarily factually low. Just "tested" low. It isn't hard for me to understand why America would be among the last places Thailand would want incoming tourists from.

[Member #4698]

EihTooms, I am not going to get drawn into a political back and forth with you on Trump. I know you dislike his policies and that's putting it mildly, ha ha, but what the fuck does he have to do with Thailand immigration policies and poontang? China let the disease out of its country not Trump and they should be held responsible for the carnage.

Here is a quick time line to perhaps help refresh your memory.

Dec 10 a seafood merchant in this city's Hua'nan market, first started to feel sick. Thinking she was getting a cold, she walked to a small local clinic to get some treatment and then went back to work.

Dec 18 the 57-year-old was barely conscious in a hospital bed, one of the first suspected cases in a coronavirus epidemic.

December 31 2019 China alerted the WHO to several cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan.

January 5, Chinese officials ruled out the possibility that this was a recurrence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus.

January 11, China announced its first death from the new virus.

January 13 The WHO reported the 1st case in Thailand and the first outside of China, in a woman who had arrived from Wuhan.

January 16: CDC says US will screen passengers arriving from Wuhan.

January 17 as a second death was reported in Wuhan, health authorities in the US announced that three airports would start screening passengers arriving from the city. Authorities in the US, Nepal, France, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan confirmed cases over the following days.

January 20 China reported a third death and more than 200 infections, with cases also reported outside Hubei province including in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

January 21: First US case confirmed.

January 23 The cities of Wuhan, Xiantao and Chibi in Hubei province were placed under effective quarantine as air and rail departures were suspended. By the end of the week, more areas were placed under lockdown affecting a total of 56 million people.

January 23 The WHO said that the outbreak did not yet constitute a public emergency of international concern and there was "no evidence" of the virus spreading between humans outside of China.

January 29 US coronavirus task force created and Dr Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is appointed to the task force.

January 30 the WHO declared the coronavirus a global emergency as the death toll in China jumped to 170, with 7,711 cases reported in the country, where the virus had spread to all 31 provinces. By the end of the week, China reported 304 deaths amid 14,380 infections.

January 31 Trump blocks travel from China and issues an executive order blocking entry to the US from anyone who has been in China in the last 14 days. It does not apply to US residents and family members or spouses of US residents or citizens. The order becomes effective on February 2. Joe Biden accuses the President of being xenophobic.

January 31 Italy declared a state of emergency and announced a ban effective Jan. 31 on all flights to and from China to Italy, with no exceptions.

January 31 Singapore closes its borders to all foreign travellers from China.

February 24 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi toured San Francisco's Chinatown and said there's no reason tourists or locals should be staying away from the area because of coronavirus concerns. "That's what we're trying to do today is to say everything is fine here," Pelosi said. "Come because precautions have been taken. The city is on top of the situation. ".

End of the time line, but there is more if your want me to go on. But seriously, as one fellow punter to another, LET IT GO! I mean if you want to trash the President, you can, just go to a political website and have at him. It is just not appropriate here on the ISG. You know that this site is an apolitical web site dedicated Thai girls and everything related to nailing them. So let's end this discussion in a good way before it gets out of hand again. I am still willing to bet you a drink at any bar of your choosing in Thailand that Trump beats Biden in the upcoming election. Wuhan virus or no Wuhan virus. Accept the bet and if your guy wins you can wash it down with some fine single malt Scotch or Anejo Tequila and we can then go out and hunt for some nice Thai girls. Just give the Trump thing a rest here.

[Rodwint2]

EihTooms, I am not going to get drawn into a political back and forth with you on Trump. I know you dislike his policies and that's putting it mildly, ha ha, but what the fuck does he have to do with Thailand immigration policies and poontang? China let the disease out of its country not Trump and they should be held responsible for the carnage.

Here is a quick time line to perhaps help refresh your memory.

Dec 10 a seafood merchant in this city's Hua'nan market, first started to feel sick. Thinking she was getting a cold, she walked to a small local clinic to get some treatment and then went back to work.

Dec 18 the 57-year-old was barely conscious in a hospital bed, one of the first suspected cases in a coronavirus epidemic.

December 31 2019 China alerted the WHO to several cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan.

January 5, Chinese officials ruled out the possibility that this was a recurrence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus.

January 11, China announced its first death from the new virus.

January 13 The WHO reported the 1st case in Thailand and the first outside of China, in a woman who had arrived from Wuhan.

January 16: CDC says US will screen passengers arriving from Wuhan.

January 17 as a second death was reported in Wuhan, health authorities in the US announced that three airports would start screening passengers arriving from the city. Authorities in the US, Nepal, France, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan confirmed cases over the following days.

January 20 China reported a third death and more than 200 infections, with cases also reported outside Hubei province including in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

January 21: First US case confirmed.

January 23 The cities of Wuhan, Xiantao and Chibi in Hubei province were placed under effective quarantine as air and rail departures were suspended. By the end of the week, more areas were placed under lockdown affecting a total of 56 million people.

January 23 The WHO said that the outbreak did not yet constitute a public emergency of international concern and there was "no evidence" of the virus spreading between humans outside of China.

January 29 US coronavirus task force created and Dr Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is appointed to the task force.

January 30 the WHO declared the coronavirus a global emergency as the death toll in China jumped to 170, with 7,711 cases reported in the country, where the virus had spread to all 31 provinces. By the end of the week, China reported 304 deaths amid 14,380 infections.

January 31 Trump blocks travel from China and issues an executive order blocking entry to the US from anyone who has been in China in the last 14 days. It does not apply to US residents and family members or spouses of US residents or citizens. The order becomes effective on February 2. Joe Biden accuses the President of being xenophobic.

January 31 Italy declared a state of emergency and announced a ban effective Jan. 31 on all flights to and from China to Italy, with no exceptions.

January 31 Singapore closes its borders to all foreign travellers from China.

February 24 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi toured San Francisco's Chinatown and said there's no reason tourists or locals should be staying away from the area because of coronavirus concerns. "That's what we're trying to do today is to say everything is fine here," Pelosi said. "Come because precautions have been taken. The city is on top of the situation. ".

End of the time line, but there is more if your want me to go on. But seriously, as one fellow punter to another, LET IT GO! I mean if you want to trash the President, you can, just go to a political website and have at him. It is just not appropriate here on the ISG. You know that this site is an apolitical web site dedicated Thai girls and everything related to nailing them. So let's end this discussion in a good way before it gets out of hand again. I am still willing to bet you a drink at any bar of your choosing in Thailand that Trump beats Biden in the upcoming election. Wuhan virus or no Wuhan virus. Accept the bet and if your guy wins you can wash it down with some fine single malt Scotch or Anejo Tequila and we can then go out and hunt for some nice Thai girls. Just give the Trump thing a rest here.NBC News is reporting that France has traced their Patient Zero to December 27,2019. However, there is evidence that goes back to Nov. 16,2019 that the virus was already in France.

See: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/new-evidence-race-find-france-s-covid-19-patient-zero-n1207871.

[Member #4698]

NBC News is reporting that France has traced their Patient Zero to December 27,2019. However, there is evidence that goes back to Nov. 16,2019 that the virus was already in France.

See: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/new-evidence-race-find-france-s-covid-19-patient-zero-n1207871.Right. I didn't want to get too controversial with my time line so I used a very neutral plain vanila source. If truth be told, there is mounting evidence that the virus did not originate in the Wuhan wet market, but rather it escaped from the The Wuhan Institute of Virology Biosafety Level 4 Lab and earlier than officially reported. But regardless of where and when, the incontrovertible fact is that the Chinese Government is 100% responsible and should be held liable for the resulting deaths and financial loss world wide. That is why it would really upset my sense of justice if the Thai Authorities allowed Mainland National Chinese tourists back into Thailand ahead of North Americans, Europeans, and Australians. And that is all I was trying to say in the 1st place.

[Smoothy]

NBC News is reportingThere are few news networks more full of shit than NBC. I wouldn't trust anything that came from them.

[EihTooms]

EihTooms, I am not going to get drawn into a political back and forth with you on Trump. I know you dislike his policies and that's putting it mildly, ha ha, but what the fuck does he have to do with Thailand immigration policies and poontang? China let the disease out of its country not Trump and they should be held responsible for the carnage.
...I love when someone who already posted at least one rant on a topic reads a reply, swears they're not going to get drawn into an exchange on the topic and then launches into their next rant in reply. LOL. But it's all good.

Everything in your timeline that occurred after the middle of January occurred long after Trump had been briefed repeatedly about the the human to human spread that China was lying to everyone about while he promoted and confirmed the lies. Consequently, the people and agencies you mentioned after that were lied to by China and Trump as well, including the WHO, Fauci, Pelosi, Biden, you, me, everyone who was not present in those National Security Council, State Department and Pentagon briefings with Trump and getting his Presidential Daily Briefings.

Being held responsible for starting it is one thing. But some ongiong ban on a country entering Thailand or a longer time relative to other countries as "punishment" because that is where a pandemic started would not be any more practical than banning entry by the USA because it is likely the 1918 Spanish Flu got started in Brooklyn, NY. Thailand needs and has been getting a lot more money, engaged in a much more commerce and tourism from China and South Korea than from the USA and now their posted virus case numbers are way lower than those of the USA. There is no practical reason I know of for Thailand to welcome Americans back sooner or at the same time as China, for understandable financial and health safety reason. As of this writing, China and South Korea do have it "under control" more than the USA does.

Whatever financial hold China has on the world, especially Thailand, even the USA is not immune to cutting them slack if not outright promoting for them. Even Trump defied the early serious warnings he got about China's lies from his own intel agencies and praised Xi for his "transpency" on the status of the virus in China. Last I checked, nobody outside of Trump's inner circle and rabid supporters have praised Trump for his transparency on the matter.

And as far as the poontang part of it goes, if a higher percentage of American tourists into Thailand are known to come here for the poontang than the percentage of Chinese tourists (as well as the general greater commerce engaged in here by the Chinese), then all the MORE reason Thailand would less keen on opening their gates to Americans sooner or at the same time as China. Not because of some sexual issues. Because of the increased likelihood of spreading the virus through those kind of venues rather than from shopping in Central Mall.

[Member #4698]

I love when someone who already posted at least one rant on a topic reads a reply, swears they're not going to get drawn into an exchange on the topic and then launches into their next rant in reply. LOL. But it's all good.

And I love it when someone purposely takes a word or phrase that I used out of the self deprecating context in which it was originally used and tries to apply a different more negative connotation to the word in an offensive manner to gain an advantage in an argument. But it's all good. We both know where the other is coming from.

[PedroMorales]

The reason I guess the Thai government are considering leaving under 40's visit is because of the lower COIVID19 risk they pose. Once the doors open, they will reconsider as beach bums will not lead a recovery. They should probably go for young families or women but no doubt they will do fine without our input.

[AirlineCrew]

Just finished a 48 HR layover in BKK, obviously no foreigners are allowed to enter Thailand at this moment except Airline staff and as my name suggest I am exactly that. Wasn't allowed to leave my hotel room and certainly wasn't allowed any visitors. That meant I had to hold my cock and watch pornhub for my stay there which is utterly depressing. So what have you guys been up too? ...... Oh never mind I'm not getting mixed up in that......

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Of course you are free to buy whatever you want but the reality is that many of the sub components of what you buy will still come from China.My family and I are Apple fans. All our devices (Iphones, laptops) are Apple. Like, moreover, an important part of Western consumers. When I return my MacBook air I see: "Designed in California assembled in China".

And it's the same for a large part of the objects manufactured in Europe.

The result is that when we need simple emergency paper masks we can't find them, the whole world is served before us. Even more serious: 80% of the molecules intended for the manufacture of medicines are made in China or India. What will happen when we will find a treatment or a vaccine and we will not able to make it ourselves?

We have abandoned entire sectors of our industry in strategic areas.

We are becoming the new third world.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Just finished a 48 HR layover in BKK, obviously no foreigners are allowed to enter Thailand at this moment except Airline staff and as my name suggest I am exactly that. Wasn't allowed to leave my hotel room and certainly wasn't allowed any visitors. That meant I had to hold my cock and watch pornhub for my stay there which is utterly depressing. So what have you guys been up too? ...... Oh never mind I'm not getting mixed up in that......Welcome to Paradise.

A world without temptations where one can remain chaste. Stay in our room, in our house without being tempted by the forbidden pleasures.

All in all, I think I prefer hell.

[EihTooms]

And I love it when someone purposely takes a word or phrase that I used out of the self deprecating context in which it was originally used and tries to apply a different more negative connotation to the word in an offensive manner to gain an advantage in an argument. But it's all good. We both know where the other is coming from.Which word or phrase was that? I don't know. I re-read your post and mine but honestly don't see what you are referring to.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

For those of you who do still plan on trying to get to Thailand as soon as the borders reopen the above is an example of why you may want to consider flying in to another SE Asia country and not fly in to Thailand directly. All may look fine when you board your 20 hour flight from USA but between leaving USA and arriving in Thailand immigration rules may change and you will be turned away at Thai customs. What this would mean is you have to fly back to your original departure city meaning you get to enjoy another 20 hour flight back to USA. At least if you come in from say Ho Chi Minh or Phnom Penh you will only have to take a 1 hour return flight if you are stopped at Thai customs. Then you can stay there or fly to Jakarta or PI to continue your sexcation.I fully share this point of view. It's a great suggestion. Nothing says that Thailand will open wide its doors to American and European nationals.

We will therefore have to consider other destinations and plans B (or even plans C) until we can return normally to Thailand.

I'm a bit newbie on the site, I don't know if I say something stupid but maybe ISG could be in this case a platform for exchanging good plans. We could exchange the good alternatives and the wrong destinations within the specific framework of covid-19.

[Turgid]

..............We will therefore have to consider other destinations and plans B (or even plans C) until we can return normally to Thailand.

I'm a bit newbie on the site, I don't know if I say something stupid but maybe ISG could be in this case a platform for exchanging good plans. We could exchange the good alternatives and the wrong destinations within the specific framework of covid-19.It seems that most of our preferred destinations have closed their doors to foreigners. I think a major factor in our decision making should be how the particular country has dealt with their covid fighting operations. Vietnam looks increasingly promising with 300 odd cases and no deaths and what about Cambodia with just 122 cases and no deaths.

[Banana Boi]

I had a round trip flight from Tokyo to Bangkok scheduled this month. I was just going to write it off but luckily I decided to Live Chat with AirAsia and see what my options were. AirAsia gave me full credit that I have 730 days to use. Hopefully Thailand international borders will reopen within 2 years so not all is a total loss. Then again, staying longer in Japan would by far not be the worst thing to happen.


I have read that several Vietnam airlines would like to start direct flights to North America but who knows when or if this will happen.

Hope so. Would be great to have a direct flight to SE Asia. I do agree that Ho Chi Minh airport is a mess. I paid extra for one of those Express passes and it still took over an hour to get through Customs. Da Nang airport OTH is great.


what about Cambodia with just 122 cases and no deaths.Cambodia has reported zero active cases. Whether that is true or not doesn't matter. For us who want to monger, bars have reopened in Phnom Penh. Now if they would just reopen international borders.

[Member #4698]

I fully share this point of view. It's a great suggestion. Nothing says that Thailand will open wide its doors to American and European nationals.

We will therefore have to consider other destinations and plans B (or even plans C) until we can return normally to Thailand. Well you have come to the right place, the INTERNATIONAL Sex Guide, to consider other destinations and back up plans, Pimpampoumpipo. Personally I think all the SE Asian countries that we have an interest in are playing a game of chicken in that no SE Asian country wants to be the 1st country to reopen it's borders to foreigners and then face the possibility that it's Corona numbers spike up again. So what is probably going to happen is a bunch of countries will make similar announcements concerning foreigners returning at approximately the same time. The key question is when will these openings occur and the answer is it's anybody's guess.

In the meantime we can research various other countries here on the ISG platform and think about various back up plans just in case some areas open up sooner than SE Asia. My #1 backup countries are Brazil and Columbia. These are two prime SA mongering destinations and there is a ton of info on them in their respective threads. Other Board Members like Germany a lot and still others are very fond of Kenya and Madagascar. It is a matter of taste. Madagascar is of some interest to me, but I have no desire to go to Kenya. It is anybody's guess when any of these alternative destinations open as well. So international travel as we now experience is on hold and has become a waiting game.

[Member #4698]

I had a round trip flight from Tokyo to Bangkok scheduled this month. I was just going to write it off but luckily I decided to Live Chat with AirAsia and see what my options were. AirAsia gave me full credit that I have 730 days to use. Hopefully Thailand international borders will reopen within 2 years so not all is a total loss. I still have two Air Asia flights with pending CC refunds. These two CC refunds have been "in progress" since March 22. (555) I had 3rd Air Asia flight that could not be refunded for one mysterious reason or another, but a full Air Asia credit was issued to my BIG Air Asia account within a week after I requested it. (Another big 555)

[Banana Boi]

I still have two Air Asia flights with pending CC refunds. I was never offered a CC refund at all. I had 2 options. To reschedule and fly by Fall 2020. That's a guaranteed loss of my ticket right there. Second option was the one I took. Credit and 2 years to use it. Since I fly AirAsia at least 12 x per year when I am doing my Thai visa runs I figured it was as good as cash.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Well you have come to the right place, the INTERNATIONAL Sex Guide, to consider other destinations and back up plans, Pimpampoumpipo. Personally I think all the SE Asian countries that we have an interest in are playing a game of chicken in that no SE Asian country wants to be the 1st country to reopen it's borders to foreigners and then face the possibility that it's Corona numbers spike up again. So what is probably going to happen is a bunch of countries will make similar announcements concerning foreigners returning at approximately the same time. The key question is when will these openings occur and the answer is it's anybody's guess.

In the meantime we can research various other countries here on the ISG platform and think about various back up plans just in case some areas open up sooner than SE Asia. My #1 backup countries are Brazil and Columbia. These are two prime SA mongering destinations and there is a ton of info on them in their respective threads. Other Board Members like Germany a lot and still others are very fond of Kenya and Madagascar. It is a matter of taste. Madagascar is of some interest to me, but I have no desire to go to Kenya. It is anybody's guess when any of these alternative destinations open as well. So international travel as we now experience is on hold and has become a waiting game.Thank you Natty Bumpo, I had an idea on sharing information thanks to ISG and I thank you for confirming it.

Given the special situation right now I am ready to share all of my informations that maybe some people would not yet have, of course in the right newsfeed. For Hong Kong, I think that ISG Internet users know even more than I do, even though I worked there. I can share information about Havana dating from my last visit 2 years ago. I also worked as an expatriate in Senegal and Togo but more than 10 years ago. Just like in Havana, even for old people like me (I'm 62). Despite that I hate flirting in the street, it is very easy to have contact in the street just with a smile with beautiful very welcoming Cubans (but beware with the police) and I am a huge fan of fabulous Cuban music. I also know Marrakech, there are very young and pretty girls, but I would only recommend it moderately except for those who like to play cat and mouse with the police. Personally I am a little older.

For the countries that I don't know, I am very tempted by Jakarta and Madagascar. I have a lot of French-speaking relations who fell in love, especially in Nosi Be which seems to have dream beaches (perhaps also interesting for diving enthusiasts).

Ultimately, opportunity will make thieves. Everything will depend on the order in which the borders are opened. Of course while waiting for the situation to normalize in Thailand.

[Smoothy]

I still have two Air Asia flights with pending CC refunds. These two CC refunds have been "in progress" since March 22.Mine is the exact same date. March 22. Same status. Pending. If they don't go bankrupt, I would guess I'll get the refund eventually.

[Member #4698]

I was never offered a CC refund at all. I had 2 options. To reschedule and fly by Fall 2020. That's a guaranteed loss of my ticket right there. Second option was the one I took. Credit and 2 years to use it. Since I fly AirAsia at least 12 x per year when I am doing my Thai visa runs I figured it was as good as cash.What a coincidence: I just received the following email from Air Asia concerning my CC refunds, "Dear guest.

We have received your request for a refund of your flight booking, and it is now being processed. Please do note that the refund process may take between 12-16 weeks from the date of this email, due to the overwhelming volume of queries and requests we are handling. ".

So good news. Ha Ha. But I was never that concerned about a refund or account credit except for the possibility that the company might seek bankruptcy protection. I like to fly Air Asia for short inter-Asian flights primarily because I can't stand arriving or departing from Swampy. I always buy a premium 1st or 2nd row seat so I can leave the plane quickly and get through immigration fast. I have never had a problem with Air Asia service. I like their girls.

[Robert Long]

What a coincidence: I just received the following email from Air Asia concerning my CC refunds, "Dear guest.

We have received your request for a refund of your flight booking, and it is now being processed. Please do note that the refund process may take between 12-16 weeks from the date of this email, due to the overwhelming volume of queries and requests we are handling. ".

So good news. Ha Ha. But I was never that concerned about a refund or account credit except for the possibility that the company might seek bankruptcy protection. I like to fly Air Asia for short inter-Asian flights primarily because I can't stand arriving or departing from Swampy. I always buy a premium 1st or 2nd row seat so I can leave the plane quickly and get through immigration fast. I have never had a problem with Air Asia service. I like their girls.No one company uses the "Bus Gate" more than AA. You pay for Prime time seats and they put you on a crowded bus. Then when you reach the destination, they put you in another bus to the gate. We can hope that with social distancing they will stop the use of the bus gate.

The reason for the Bus Gate is that it saves AA in that they do not pay for the expansion ramp. Keeps airport costs to AA low, at our expense.

Another pet peeves I have is that the exit door seats in the center of the plane are "Prime Seats". You pay more for these seats. But they are usually empty. So you have no one to pull the doors open in case of an emergency. Attendants are always in the front or rear of the plane. This could be a class action if someone wanted to pursue.

RL Trapped in Phuket.

[Mr Enternational]

The reason for the Bus Gate is that it saves AA in that they do not pay for the expansion ramp. Keeps airport costs to AA low, at our expense.Not at all. Some airports do not have enough gate space to accommodate all the planes so some have to park on the pad. Take Avianca, Colombia's flagahip carrier, for example. In Bogota most of their domestic flights operate from the pads so they put you on buses. It has nothing to do with saving money by not paying for gates.


Another pet peeves I have is that the exit door seats in the center of the plane are "Prime Seats". You pay more for these seats. But they are usually empty. So you have no one to pull the doors open in case of an emergency. Attendants are always in the front or rear of the plane. This could be a class action if someone wanted to pursue.Wrong again. If there was some type of incident where you needed to get out quickly, then you would have to wait until the pilots shut down those engines before you could use those exits anyway. That is unless you would rather get sucked into or blown away by a jet engine. So if someone could not walk to the next row by the time it takes to shut the engine down and being given instructions to leave out that way, then...Those are some of the worst seats in the house by the way. I don't know how they trick people into paying extra for that or those seats where you have a wall directly in front of you. Different does not mean better.

[Franciscass]

A Nida Poll strongly suggested that Thais, fearing a second wave of cases due to the corona virus pandemic, are strongly in favor or keeping bars and pubs shut.

In fact more than three quarters said keep them closed with less than a fifth in favor of opening.

The poll asked 1,259 people nationwide their opinions under a banner of "Freedom vs Health". The poll was conducted from 11th to 13th May before some changes were enacted.

Some 78.87% chose health over freedom when it came to bars, pubs, clubs and discos.

They cited such places as dangerous dens where close proximity would lead to a resurgence of the virus with potential health problems for non-drinkers.

Only 18.03% said open the bars again.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Maybe ways to unblock the situation and how it could happen at airports.

1 - Paris:

In a note given to Augustin de Romanet, president of ADP, LE Point unveils the main lines on which Aéroports de Paris is working to envisage a deconfinement in complete safety.

Among them: temperature control on departure and arrival, wearing a mask, putting on protections in places with human interaction, neutralization of one seat in two in waiting areas or specific organization for avoid queues.

Aéroports de Paris believes, according to "LE Point" that "air traffic can only resume if the passengers benefit from a sanitary habeas corpus, that is to say the guarantee of not being placed in the fortnight arbitrarily" .

Among the solutions mentioned are also the presentation of a negative test result at Covid-19 or the implementation of screening tests from airports.

Invited by BFM Business, Augustin de Romanet said last week: "The generalization of accessible and rapid tests could allow the moment to test passengers before they take off".

For Alexandre Demaille, associate director of RapideVisa, this solution would greatly facilitate the work of professionals and would meet a double constraint: reassuring travelers and responding to formalities that third countries could put in place to ensure that the virus does not enter not again on their territory.

In a column published at the end of March 2020, the director of RapideVisa already mentioned this line: "Travel agencies and airlines would benefit, because they would not have to repatriate possible refusals of entry.

Such facilities would enable the French to regain, as soon as possible, their freedom to travel, which is essential after a heavy confinement. ".

We would like checks to be made in the terminal before the check-in phase, even outside as far as possible, to make the airport a place of health security.

2 - Emirates already carried out tests in April: "Emirates is already testing its passengers in Dubai.

Others did not wait for access to new generation tests. As of mid-April, Emirates tested Covid-19 passengers at Dubai airport who were boarding a flight to Tunis.

A blood test was performed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the results were available within 10 minutes, the company said. This screening test was carried out in the check-in area at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.

"We are working to increase screening capabilities in the future and extend them to other flights, which will allow us to conduct on-site testing at the airport and provide immediate response to Emirates passengers traveling to countries that require COVID-19 "test certificates," I said the company in a press release.

3 - Vienna. Austria:

Vienna-Schwechat Airport is now offering passengers a covid-19 test to avoid placing them in the fortnight.

On arrival, passengers who wish can undergo a virological test called PCR, for 190 euros, and obtain the result in two to three hours. The test is not mandatory. Otherwise, those who do not pass the test are placed in the fortnight. Also, passengers who are able to present a health certificate dated at least four days and indicating a negative covid-19 result avoid the fortnight.

The test for covid-19 is also offered to passengers departing from Vienna so that they have a health certificate upon arrival at their destination. As Austria begins its deconfinement, Vienna airport, still almost stationary, operates some regular flights to Doha, Dortmund, theüsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lisbon, Minsk and Sofia, as well as charter flights and business travel.

[Crocodilexp]

Some 78.87% chose health over freedom when it came to bars, pubs, clubs and discos. Only 18.03% said open the bars again.I wonder what the support for dens of inebriation, vice and debauchery would have been at normal times, among ordinary Thais (not Pattaya Thais). I reckon not much higher, probably never over 30% if you phrase it innocently enough, or less with a "brothel" association.

Unfortunately, I suspect negative attitudes will continue long after the immediate threat of the epidemic is gone.

[JRoberto]

But regardless of where and when, the incontrovertible fact is that the Chinese Government is 100% responsible and should be held liable for the resulting deaths and financial loss world wide. That doesn't wash. On that basis the US should be financially liable for the 2008 financial crisis, for not regulating sub prime mortgages, not regulating derivative products based on those, not bailing out Lehman, etc.


That is why it would really upset my sense of justice if the Thai Authorities allowed Mainland National Chinese tourists back into Thailand ahead of North Americans, Europeans, and Australians. Thailand, or indeed any country, will open up its borders first to those countries with least infections, which won't be the US nor (sadly my country) the UK, nor much of Europe.

[Franciscass]

Pubs, bars and entertainment venues will be allowed to reopen in the coming weeks if the daily count of new virus cases stays in single digits, the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Tuesday (May 19).

[LittleBigMan]

That doesn't wash. On that basis the US should be financially liable for the 2008 financial crisis, for not regulating sub prime mortgages, not regulating derivative products based on those, not bailing out Lehman, etc.

Thailand, or indeed any country, will open up its borders first to those countries with least infections, which won't be the US nor (sadly my country) the UK, nor much of Europe.Sorry I don't know about anyone else but that is really a lousy comparison!

[Smoothy]

those countries with least infections, which won't be the US nor (sadly my country) the UK, nor much of Europe.Those countries you are listing are about the only ones honestly reporting the numbers. I still don't believe for a second that China has coronovirus under control.

[Banana Boi]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/

Don't know this site but read this article. Cover charge to bars? 30 minute drink minimums?

Nothing I would hate more than being told I need to order another drink when I'm buying lady drinks. I'll take my 2000 baht and go to a different bar. I can hit 10 gogo bars per night. That certainly would no longer happen if there was 100 baht cover charge for each bar. In Bangkok, I barely go to Baccara any longer because they ask me to buy a beer before I go in. I like the option to at least see if there are any decent girls around or if there are any seats in the bar before I buy a drink.

I understand paying $40 USD cover charge (free for Nevada locals) at a strip club like Rhino or Sapphire in Las Vegas because I know there will be 200-300 girls working on any given night. I'm ok with paying 60+ euro to enter a FKK club like Goldentime, Sharks, or Oase in Germany because I know there will be lots of girls, I will get good free food (and beer), and I will get to relax in a nice garden during the Summer. However, the consistency in quantity and quality of Thai bars is not there. Then again, if it means lots of girls and no other customers during High Season I see the value in a cover charge.

[Goferring]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/

Don't know this site but read this article. Cover charge to bars? 30 minute drink minimums?

Nothing I would hate more than being told I need to order another drink when I'm buying lady drinks. I'll take my 2000 baht and go to a different bar. About 12 months ago my drinking buddy was thrown out of a WS beer bar (no a gogo) for not drinking fast enough:


We grabbed a beer and a barstool at the first beer bar and noticed numerous cuties walking straight past us to the back of the building so we relocated to Utopia Bar down the back near the water front. Lots very cute girls with absolutely no social interaction at all. There were 20 staff around the bar and literally all of them were sitting with their backs to the customers, not saying or doing anything. The guy next to us confirmed that except being asked who he wanted to barfine, they hadn't said anything to him at all. To cap it off, my drinking budy was thrown out for not drinking fast enough!! I guess he was supposed to be slamming down drinks while staring at the backs of motionless statues?? Cheers. G.

[Downandup]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/

Don't know this site but read this article. Cover charge to bars? 30 minute drink minimums?This is an opinion fluff piece thankfully. Still, I fear that someone will pay attention and while I don't mind buying a new drink every 30 minutes there is no way I am going to pay anything to enter any gogo or bar even on Walking Street.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/
In Bangkok, I barely go to Baccara any longer because they ask me to buy a beer before I go in. .So do I. However it is one of the gogos that I prefer in Thailand. I have always seen a lot of customers at Baccara in Soi CowBoy. I do not know why they make this filter at the entrance.


https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/
However, the consistency in quantity and quality of Thai bars is not there. Then again, if it means lots of girls and no other customers during High Season I see the value in a cover charge.It is the classic reaction of the gogos or the bars when the turnover decreases. Many have given in to the temptation to raise prices. So we are witnessing a vicious circle: fewer customers > price increases > fewer customers > price increases > bankruptcy.

Hopefully they will have the idea of boosting the money circuit by making big promotions to attract customers (And also a lot of girls of course).

From what I've seen lately in Pattaya, Sapphire maintained a certain influx of customers and offered pints at 99 baths while across the street at What's up when I go there (and I don't almost no longer) I am the only customer in the room and the basic beer is 180 baths. It is not the only gogo of WS to have few customers.

[Member #4698]

while I don't mind buying a new drink every 30 minutes there is no way I am going to pay anything to enter any gogo or bar even on Walking Street.I would mind big time if I were hustled to buy a new drink every 30 minutes in a Go Go. That's BS. The policy has always been not to hassle the customer. A 1 drink minimum has always a requirement to stay in a Go Go and watch the girls, but more drinks than 1 drink has always been up to the customer. But I do understand the concept behind buying a lady drink (not 2 drinks or a double LD drink) but 1 lady drink every time a Go Go girl is sitting with a customer in between her dance sets. I am ok with that. This is what Go Go's are for.

It is going to be very interesting to see if Go Go's like Crazy House in BKK still insist on customers buying a drink before they are allowed to enter the bar post lockdown. I never put up with that nonsense pre-Corona, but that never stopped the CH doorman from trying to impose the policy on me. I always responded with, "get mamasan out here. She knows me" and they would get her and that was the end of that. But I imagine post Corona everyone is going to be at their friendly best. It is going to be a buyers market for a long time to come post lockdown.

[Gargano19]

I would mind big time if I were hustled to buy a new drink every 30 minutes in a Go Go. That's BS. The policy has always been not to hassle the customer. A 1 drink minimum has always a requirement to stay in a Go Go and watch the girls, but more drinks than 1 drink has always been up to the customer. But I do understand the concept behind buying a lady drink (not 2 drinks or a double LD drink) but 1 lady drink every time a Go Go girl is sitting with a customer in between her dance sets. I am ok with that. This is what Go Go's are for.

It is going to be very interesting to see if Go Go's like Crazy House in BKK still insist on customers buying a drink before they are allowed to enter the bar post lockdown. I never put up with that nonsense pre-Corona, but that never stopped the CH doorman from trying to impose the policy on me. I always responded with, "get mamasan out here. She knows me" and they would get her and that was the end of that. But I imagine post Corona everyone is going to be at their friendly best. It is going to be a buyers market for a long time to come post lockdown.I am actually quite interested on how p4 p scene plays out once it's allowed to open. I have made my predictions before but it all depends on number of tourists. I would love to see how long gogos can survive with a loss, they pay gigantic rent. Will they be more friendly or try to suck every penny out of you once you're in, with policies like buy drink every X minutes. This all will be interesting!

[Banana Boi]

So do I. However it is one of the gogos that I prefer in Thailand. I have always seen a lot of customers at Baccara in Soi CowBoy. I do not know why they make this filter at the entrance.It's because so many guys like myself walk in to Baccara in Bangkok and Pattaya, Palace, Sensations, and Pinup in Pattaya and there are no seats so we just walk back out. If they make you buy a drink first you're committed even if there is absolutely no where to sit.

As for the entry fee, the popular gogo bars like I have mentioned above would be able to get away with it and the bar would still be full. You can add Sapphire and Windmill to that list as well.


Sapphire maintained a certain influx of customers and offered pints at 99 baths while across the street at What's up when I go there (and I don't almost no longer) I am the only customer in the room and the basic beer is 180 baths. What's Up died as far as I'm concerned around 18 months ago. All the talent left to justify the higher drink and lady drink pricing. IIRC What's Up was the first bar to implement the 3k ST and 5k LT amounts.


This is an opinion fluff piece thankfully. Still, I fear that someone will pay attention and while I don't mind buying a new drink every 30 minutes there is no way I am going to pay anything to enter any gogo or bar even on Walking Street.It's Thailand so if one bar does it they will all do it. Take Soi 6 as an example. Nightwish raised barfine pricing so all Soi 6 bars raised their barfine too even if their girls were inferior lookswise or service wise.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

I am actually quite interested on how p4 p scene plays out once it's allowed to open. I have made my predictions before but it all depends on number of tourists. I would love to see how long gogos can survive with a loss, they pay gigantic rent. Will they be more friendly or try to suck every penny out of you once you're in, with policies like buy drink every X minutes. This all will be interesting!Even before Covid-19, when I saw how few customers there were in certain gogos, I wondered how they managed to survive.

[Turgid]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/

Don't know this site but read this article. Cover charge to bars? 30 minute drink minimums?...............Not surprising, remember the Thai model is when things get harder charge more.

[Lucky Nuts]

https://pattayaunplugged.com/western-style-cover-charges/

I understand paying $40 USD cover charge (free for Nevada locals) at a strip club like Rhino or Sapphire in Las Vegas because I know there will be 200-300 girls working on any given night.You don't need to be Vegas local to enter Rhino or Sapphire for free. Just call the club and request they send a limo to pick you up. The ride is free and you will enter thru the back door. Just tip the driver five bucks or more if you're a group of guys. The $40 or $60 cover charge that tourists pay at the front door goes right back to the taxi or Uber that brought you there. It's a long standing tradition in Vegas that taxis extort this fee from the strip clubs or else bring their riders to other clubs that will pay the fee.

[Member #4733]

The reason for the Bus Gate is that it saves AA in that they do not pay for the expansion ramp. Keeps airport costs to AA low, at our expense.Thanks, now I understand why I had to take a right in Denpasar, away from the Jet bridge to a stairs leading to the tarmac and bus. Same thing happened in Jakarta. But AA is not too bad, all in all.


Another pet peeves I have is that the exit door seats in the center of the plane are "Prime Seats"So true. But that is not just AA. EVA air does the same. I was late and got a 'Prime Seat'. Another guy paid 100 dollars or so. Before the plane left we were explained procedures in detail in case of a needed emergency exit. We were asked if we were healthy enough to help at a calamity and if we were willing to do so. If not, they would look for other passengers to fill that spot. I had such a seat on a few other flights, in Asia and Europe. Same talk, same procedure. I never paid. I guess I just checked in late and not many people like to pay for such a Prime Seat.

[Dena0]

...

The result is that when we need simple emergency paper masks we can't find them, the whole world is served before us. Even more serious: 80% of the molecules intended for the manufacture of medicines are made in China or India. What will happen when we will find a treatment or a vaccine and we will not able to make it ourselves?

We have abandoned entire sectors of our industry in strategic areas.

We are becoming the new third world.Google Serum Inatitute of India. Likely the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world currently. Odds are the vaccine that will be available to most may well come from them. Long story but a pretty socially responsible pharma company that has already committed to a providing a low cost solution. Their intended price is $13 per dose. Trees.

[Run Mann]

I thought political posts were a no go on ISG.

Really wish there was a "Coronavirus and WTF are you talking about!" thread like in the Germany FKK forum.http://www.internationalsexguide.nl/forum/showthread.php?4165-Coronavirus-and-WTF-are-you-talking-about!&p=2452662#post2452662.

Here you go Boi.

[Chacal60]

Did they actively control entry and exit of people to your hotel? I ask because many of the escort sites and other venues and independent gals will still do pitfalls, so I assumed hotels were letting visitors in. But I guess airline crew are kept in a special category, and under surveillance by public health people.

I wish I had invested in PornHub stock five months ago!

Cheers.


Just finished a 48 HR layover in BKK, obviously no foreigners are allowed to enter Thailand at this moment except Airline staff and as my name suggest I am exactly that. Wasn't allowed to leave my hotel room and certainly wasn't allowed any visitors. That meant I had to hold my cock and watch pornhub for my stay there which is utterly depressing. So what have you guys been up too? ...... Oh never mind I'm not getting mixed up in that......

[Franciscass]

State of emergency most likely extending to end of June.

Plus this less than encouraging opinion.

Health ministry advisor Dr Khamnuan suggested at a seminar that the entertainment industry in Thailand should reopen by doing something less risky. Social distancing was impossible at bars and clubs and discos so they should just abandon the business and reassess their future. Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, secretary of Pattaya's entertainment and tourism sector, said it was clear that opening up bars and clubs was a long way off.

[Gargano19]

State of emergency most likely extending to end of June.

Plus this less than encouraging opinion.

Health ministry advisor Dr Khamnuan suggested at a seminar that the entertainment industry in Thailand should reopen by doing something less risky. Social distancing was impossible at bars and clubs and discos so they should just abandon the business and reassess their future. Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, secretary of Pattaya's entertainment and tourism sector, said it was clear that opening up bars and clubs was a long way off.It makes no sense to me. Curfew will be extended with new timing from midnight to 4 am. What's the point of curfew if all the nightlife is closed. Obviously I am missing something here.

[Mr Enternational]

It makes no sense to me. Curfew will be extended with new timing from midnight to 4 am. What's the point of curfew if all the nightlife is closed. Obviously I am missing something here.To keep people from hanging outside in groups on those mats drinking and eating and spreading corona.

[Gargano19]

To keep people from hanging outside in groups on those mats drinking and eating and spreading corona.Aren't clubs not supposed to sell drinks "officially"? And what's stopping people from hanging out in groups and drinking and spreading corona, let's say at 9 pm.

[MonkeyPaw]

It makes no sense to me. Curfew will be extended with new timing from midnight to 4 am. What's the point of curfew if all the nightlife is closed. Obviously I am missing something here.I've said it once and I'll say it again. How else do you expect the government and police to generate extra revenue? If bars and clubs are closed, there is no key money to be had. Bars and clubs in Pattaya can't even open because there is nobody who will spend that kind on money left. Even Monkeypaw is on a budget of 2500 per day. Where do the locals find the money now that Thailand and the whole world is in a recession? So what the government will do is to keep the restrictions, so it's a rope given to some, to hang themselves. Look at how many they busted last month with the curfew? How much money did it generate for the police? If the curfew is lifted, the extra revenue is gone. These are tough times for the police to make money. If it won't make money for the police or anybody else, it will stay closed, no matter what is lifted. Pattaya malls are only at 10-15% of what I'm used to seeing, and most people are just walking around for free air conditioning and exercise. Most beach road businesses are still closed. Times like this, third world and first world countries start to loot and pawn shops will bank. It's always been about money with the government and most people. So curfew = police dollars.

[MonkeyPaw]

State of emergency most likely extending to end of June.

Plus this less than encouraging opinion.

Health ministry advisor Dr Khamnuan suggested at a seminar that the entertainment industry in Thailand should reopen by doing something less risky. Social distancing was impossible at bars and clubs and discos so they should just abandon the business and reassess their future. Damrongkiat Phinitkarn, secretary of Pattaya's entertainment and tourism sector, said it was clear that opening up bars and clubs was a long way off.Times of a recession or depression, you want your citizens to spend their dollars in responsible ways so it doesn't further collapse the economy. Imagine a large family going through a financial crisis. The head of household will control where the money is spent and how it's funneled. You don't want your kids to spend it on partying versus food, do you? Now if that money was coming from another family (tourists), that would be different. But that family has left the neighborhood and is not coming back for a long ass time. The entertainment and sex industry had the most profit margin, so they will be the last on the list for help. Those bosses and owners like Night Wish and Rainbow group should be taking care of their low level employees on top of help feeding the poor. Think about that and the income of those in that industry compared to other regular jobs. Not sure why they are still using COVID as an excuse, but most minds are simple and would believe that in a city like BKK, which ranks 12th amongst all in the world in the most pollution and air quality, Thailand cares about your health so much.

[Gargano19]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. How else do you expect the government and police to generate extra revenue? ....
It's always been about money with the government and most people. So curfew = police dollars.Well said MonkeyPaw, that makes sense. Exactly what I was missing. Indeed police is taking huge amount of money (whatever in wallet, as long as it's more than 2000) from people found outside during curfew.

[EihTooms]

Are you in one of these 5 groups? I'm not.

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2020/05/25/new-normal-access-to-thailand-even-after-flights-resume-if-virus-persists/

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Are you in one of these 5 groups? I'm not.
I just have my cock to present at the airport checkpoint.

I think I am in group 6 or more who would go 14 days in quarantine on arrival in Thailand and 14 days on return in France, who must have COVID-19 insurance of $ 100,000 (no insurance delivers this option at this time), must provide a fit to fly, a negative covid-19 certificate of less than 72 hours to go to a country or bars, gogos are closed, the sale of alcohol is prohibited, with a curfew, where almost all the girls have returned to their province and where I'm not even sure if a taxi could take me to Pattaya from the airport.

Bienvenue en Thailande.

[Banana Boi]

Bienvenue en Thailande.

imo Thailand is taking the proper precautions. Don't like it then don't go. No one is forcing anyone to go to Thailand.

Yes Thailand has insurance companies that sell COVID insurance.

Japan is taking a totally different approach. They will be announcing a program where they pay tourists to visit Japan by subsidizing part of the trip. If this comes to fruition in July I will be planting myself in Japan for 6 months. Had fun spending last Summer in Japan and Korea.

[Franciscass]

Are you in one of these 5 groups? I'm not.

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2020/05/25/new-normal-access-to-thailand-even-after-flights-resume-if-virus-persists/They will eventually wise up when they realize they have such nonsensical conditions nobody is interested in coming.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

imo Thailand is taking the proper precautions. Don't like it then don't go. No one is forcing anyone to go to Thailand..No big deal. Instead of the music which bust my balls in gogos bars, since the time I want to listen to wholly Der Ring des Nibelungen quiet at home, this will be the opportunity.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

iYes Thailand has insurance companies that sell COVID insurance.
.I do not know how to read Thai well enough for contracts to understand the cases of exclusion of guarantees written in very small print nota bene at the end of insurance contracts lol.

What I read from the travel insurance contracts available in France now about coronavirus paragraph (Europ Assistance - AXA Insurance Public Limited. Final list of the 14 insurances companies "The compulsary health insurance for aliens to apply non-immigrant visa" in Thailand) :

"I have to go to a region advised against by the government, does my insurance cover me if I decide to travel?"

Answer : "We recommend that all clients follow the advice of the government.

If you travel to a region that is not recommended, you will not be protected by your insurance, which excludes intentional acts, in particular risky behavior.

Customers should read the recommendations of government authorities carefully before determining if their trip is deemed essential. Customers must be able to provide documentation that their travel is essential, in line with government directives. ".

I think it only concerns occasional travelers like me and not O-A long stay visas

Travel to Thailand is currently not recommended by the French government foreign affairs....

[Ass Addict]

Travel to Thailand is currently not recommended by the French government foreign affairs....Mostly because they are pushing their citizens to spend their money in their own country instead of wasting it (they think) in a foreign country.

[EihTooms]

They will eventually wise up when they realize they have such nonsensical conditions nobody is interested in coming.One aspect of this pandemic that perhaps applies to Thailand more than many other countries is the potential for it to reach into and effect the Royal Family. Their well being and safety is probably taken more seriously here than the one in the U.K.

Nobody wants to be in charge of national security if or when one molecule of this virus creates a domino effect of serious illness and death from the top down in the already high risk group of the Royal Family, regardless how popular or not they are compared to previous ones. Not only would you be in deep shit, your entire family line and everyone they ever met might find themselves bannished forever. Zero tolerance will be the rule here more than most other places. Even if it is only "for show."

[Banana Boi]

Travel to Thailand is currently not recommended by the French government foreign affairs....Which in most cases means that even if you did have travel insurance for Thailand it would be void.

So how about Macron? Do you think he's a better politician than Trump? Who has better hair? I'm a Merkel fan myself. Boris J looks like a bum off the streets imo. Maybe we should change this to IPG (International Politics Guide).

[MonkeyPaw]

Girls busted for using LINE for prostitution in Thailand? Wonder what's back story. This shit happens right in their faces and they bust these 2 chicks?

https://pattayaone.news/two-lao-women-two-thais-nabbed-over-prostitution-charges/

[Gargano19]

Mostly because they are pushing their citizens to spend their money in their own country instead of wasting it (they think) in a foreign country.Which is a right thing to do from their pov. Plus with all the strict travel policies I am hearing, traveling to new country for less than a month just not worth for a while

[Gargano19]

Maybe we should change this to IPG (International Politics Guide).Was the post you quoted really political? Seemed like related to just travel.

[Mr Enternational]

Boris J looks like a bum off the streets imo.He only adopted that persona to "relate" to the regular folk.

[Allover]

Well I'm not going to let you guys talk about politics without jumping in myself. Do any of you find yourself sexually attracted to Jacinda Ardern? I know I am.

[Goferring]

Well I'm not going to let you guys talk about politics without jumping in myself. Do any of you find yourself sexually attracted to Jacinda Ardern? I know I am.Good God No! But I'd do that young latina US senator in a heart beat.

[Allover]

Good God No! But I'd do that young latina US senator in a heart beat.It's not necessarily the look but it would be cool to tap a Prime Minister.

[Goferring]

It's not necessarily the look but it would be cool to tap a Prime Minister.Good point. Definitely worth a 200 baht tip just for the thrill.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Well I'm not going to let you guys talk about politics without jumping in myself. Do any of you find yourself sexually attracted to Jacinda Ardern? I know I am.Her teeth scare me.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

They will eventually wise up when they realize they have such nonsensical conditions nobody is interested in coming.This is what I thought at the beginning but there is so much contradictory informations that I no longer understand anything about their intentions and the dates of opening of their borders to tourists.

My feeling is all countries line up on each other. Thailand will not free its borders on its own while the other countries are in quarantine. And they want to obtain a "certificate" of good behavior and safety in front of covid-19 to reassure tourists and people.

https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/05/will-the-flight-ban-be-extended-in-july/

[The Cane]

Well I'm not going to let you guys talk about politics without jumping in myself. Do any of you find yourself sexually attracted to Jacinda Ardern? I know I am.Interesting you should bring this up! Was just looking at a picture of her yesterday, and yes I do find her attractive, and I have ever since she became Prime Minister and came to know who she was. I would fuck her LOL! And apparently, again as John Lennon said, but I'm not the only one hahaha!

[Pimpampoumpipo]

So how about Macron? Do you think he's a better politician than Trump? Who has better hair? I'm a Merkel fan myself. Boris J looks like a bum off the streets imo. Maybe we should change this to IPG (International Politics Guide).Banana Boiiiiiiiii.

First FMI what is IMO?

- International Maritime Organization?
- International Mathematical Olympiad?
- International Meteor Organization.
- a state of Nigeria?

Second, except for the politics of France, I NEVER speak about the internal politics of the countries, even in private. I have friends all over the world, in China, in Cuba, in Africa, in some Arab countries and other countries and I don't want them to be in trouble for having raised a political opinion.

Then I respect all the political forms of all the countries even when they seem strange to me like having a king in Great Britain (noooooo I am joking, it's a wink for my British friends that only they will understand. I love Great Britain :)

[Franciscass]

My feeling is all countries line up on each other.That was my point.

Not sure exactly who Thailand's major competitors are in the tourism sector but probably Vietnam Cambodia Malaysia Laos Indonesia maybe Myanmar down the line but when these countries welcome visitors without putting them through the nonsense rigmarole here they either wise up or forfeit 10 to 20 % of the economy.

Thailand has tremendous brand appeal but tourists have to feel welcome and taken care of. After the chaos of being fined for overstaying and having to queue for hours to get extensions through no fault of their own because there were no flights out of the country is not the way to make that happen. They eventually realized the extra baht they were getting in fines wasn't worth the goodwill they were losing and extended all visa's to the end of July.

We can only hope future policy on expats retirees and tourist is more enlightened than heretofore.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

imo....
Japan is taking a totally different approach. They will be announcing a program where they pay tourists to visit Japan by subsidizing part of the trip. .At first I thought that only Japanese people could have such an idea.

But I just learned that certain regions in France offer money too to tourists on 3 conditions:

1 - you must take a room at the hotel.
2 - You have to go to a restaurant.
3 - You have to go to a museum in the region.

Banana Boi it's an opportunity for you to visit France ! I'll take you to visit Le Louvre ! (and Eiffel Tower).

You can come with your Thai, Japanese and Korean girlfriends if you lend me one or 2 (thanks in advance).

And you can invite me to the restaurant :)

[Stykler]

Well I'm not going to let you guys talk about politics without jumping in myself. Do any of you find yourself sexually attracted to Jacinda Ardern? I know I am.Not only that, she is showing up the weak ass piss ant middle aged male politicians we are burdened with in Australia in how to deal with this bloody virus. I know that her job is easier because she has no individual states to deal with but the direction, clear communications and honest approach she has adopted is text book crisis management. Well done Kiwi's.

[Nyezhov]

Good God No! But I'd do that young latina US senator in a heart beat.AOC? But only with latex thigh highs, pigtails, lots of Red Lipstick and a ball gag so I don't have to listen to her. I know that eliminates one entrance to the journey of love, but she still has two left. Here's my capitalist torpedo baby.

[Chacal60]

So as long as I wear my captains lid and carry my ships log, they'll allow me to pay for the privilege of 14 days in state managed quarantine. Hmmm.

Good thing I got in before the door slammed shut. It's going to be awhile before tourism is back to normal. If it ever is.


Are you in one of these 5 groups? I'm not.

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2020/05/25/new-normal-access-to-thailand-even-after-flights-resume-if-virus-persists/

[EihTooms]

I don't know if these were the first foreign diplomats from any country allowed to fly post ban into Thailand on Monday. But, if they were, it is a bit surprising which countries they came from. Maybe a few Chinese, Japanese, South Korean and Singaporean diplomats were allowed in secretly a few days earlier. Or I just didn't read about it.

Thailand Allowing Foreign Diplomats to Fly In:
https://www.stickboybkk.com/news/thailand-allowing-foreign-diplomats-to-fly-in/


2 Danish diplomats, 1 Norwegian diplomat, 1 Swiss diplomat and 1 Czech "traveller" landed at Suvarnabhumi on KLM Airlines flight KL875 and once through the screening process, all were taken to the Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort on Wireless Road in Bangkok for 14-day quarantine.

Later in the day, 1 Canadian diplomat arrived on All Nippon Airways Flight NH847 from Canada who after passing the screening process was collected by officials and taken to quarantine facilities arranged by the embassy.
...
News that six foreigners have been allowed to enter Thailand this week will bring hope to thousands who work, reside or have families here who have been stranded overseas due to the current travel ban.

[Member #4698]

Bangkok Post is reporting "Complete end to lockdown on July 1".

The report goes on to say, "The government has set July 1 for the lift of all business and activity lockdowns ordered earlier to cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), said the National Security Council chief.

These include interprovincial and international travel, as well as the end of emergency decree and curfew. ".

So we shall see what this new government policy translates into in practice with regards to international arrivals and bar openings, but on the face of it this is pretty damn good news.

Here is a link to the entire report: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1925768/complete-end-to-lockdown-on-july-1.

[Mangera]

Bangkok Post is reporting "Complete end to lockdown on July 1".

The report goes on to say, "The government has set July 1 for the lift of all business and activity lockdowns ordered earlier to cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), said the National Security Council chief.

These include interprovincial and international travel, as well as the end of emergency decree and curfew. ".

So we shall see what this new government policy translates into in practice with regards to international arrivals and bar openings, but on the face of it this is pretty damn good news.

Here is a link to the entire report: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1925768/complete-end-to-lockdown-on-july-1.Good find. Thank you for the update.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

So we shall see what this new government policy translates into in practice with regards to international arrivals and bar openings, but on the face of it this is pretty damn good news.
Apparently it seems good news indeed.

However, there is above all this sentence that worries me the most: "Authorities will have serious discussions because after the emergency decree ends, other laws will be used instead," he said.

We will only know the conditions of access in June. For the moment, nothing says that there will be no quarantine on arrival or other delusional measures.

On the other hand, I do not know what measures will be taken from the Schengen area. They may be going to impose tougher measures. We must be fixed for the period to follow this afternoon by the government.

But what is remarkable again is the timing of the announcements. It seems that there is international coordination as we mentioned with Franciscass before. Although not really official it seems completely obvious and necessary.

[Mr Enternational]

"Health-oriented massage parlours can reopen for two hours of service at a time. Sex massage parlours, steam and herbal saunas remain closed. ".

It actually says this? But I thought such things did not exist?

[Whoreman]

"Health-oriented massage parlours can reopen for two hours of service at a time. Sex massage parlours, steam and herbal saunas remain closed. ".

It actually says this? But I thought such things did not exist? This is just the Bangkok Post's interpretation of something written in Thai but the thing is, the government is actually taking this shit seriously. So anyone hoping for a nudge and a wink and a bit of tea money and everything will be back up and running is in cloud cuckoo land.

[Franciscass]

Apparently it seems good news indeed.

However, there is above all this sentence that worries me the most: "Authorities will have serious discussions because after the emergency decree ends, other laws will be used instead," he said.

We will only know the conditions of access in June. For the moment, nothing says that there will be no quarantine on arrival or other delusional measures.

On the other hand, I do not know what measures will be taken from the Schengen area. They may be going to impose tougher measures. We must be fixed for the period to follow this afternoon by the government.

But what is remarkable again is the timing of the announcements. It seems that there is international coordination as we mentioned with Franciscass before. Although not really official it seems completely obvious and necessary.Sounds great but lots of restrictions have already been lifted and even though restaurants are open social distancing makes for a somewhat odd experience with either Plexiglas partitions or sitting some distance away from your dinner companion (s) required.

If bars are allowed to reopen one imagines there will something similar in place making go go's unworkable but guess just got to wait and see how it goes.

Seems also likely it will not be completely back to normal for visitors with a country by country lifting depending on status of pandemic in originating country, possibly certificates of being virus free, perhaps insurance cover and whatever else they can dream up.

The economy is really hurting so expediency may diminish some of the silly nonsense that the uniforms keep introducing.

Hope so I miss the buzz and need to find some strange in the not too distant future. Regulars are fine but one does tired of the same old same old.

[Mangera]

This is just the Bangkok Post's interpretation of something written in Thai but the thing is, the government is actually taking this shit seriously. So anyone hoping for a nudge and a wink and a bit of tea money and everything will be back up and running is in cloud cuckoo land.But hopefully your wrong, LOL!! .

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Sounds great but lots of restrictions have already been lifted and even though restaurants are open social distancing makes for a somewhat odd experience with either Plexiglas partitions or sitting some distance away from your dinner companion (s) required.

If bars are allowed to reopen one imagines there will something similar in place making go go's unworkable but guess just got to wait and see how it goes.

Seems also likely it will not be completely back to normal for visitors with a country by country lifting depending on status of pandemic in originating country, possibly certificates of being virus free, perhaps insurance cover and whatever else they can dream up.

The economy is really hurting so expediency may diminish some of the silly nonsense that the uniforms keep introducing.

Hope so I miss the buzz and need to find some strange in the not too distant future. Regulars are fine but one does tired of the same old same old.
Yes clearly I can hardly imagine the gogos with social distancing measures like wearing a mask, standing at 1 meter or have a plexiglas.

And I laugh when I read that In massage shops "Only one-hour massages are allowed for now, and masseurs cannot work on the area above the shoulders. Extension of the massage period will be considered later," Not serious for the face, as long as I can get my dick massaged, that's fine with me. On the other hand, "both the client and masseur must wear a face mask at all times" is less fun but I hope we will manage when the curtain is pulled lol.
Cf https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30388678?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral.

In Europe the containment measures are lifted very slowly one after the other. In France, it has already been announced that discos or concert venues will be the last to obtain authorization to open, and there is no date yet. I imagine that it will be almost identical in Thailand and for all walking street.

[MonkeyPaw]

Sounds great but lots of restrictions have already been lifted and even though restaurants are open social distancing makes for a somewhat odd experience with either Plexiglas partitions or sitting some distance away from your dinner companion (s) required.

If bars are allowed to reopen one imagines there will something similar in place making go go's unworkable but guess just got to wait and see how it goes.

Seems also likely it will not be completely back to normal for visitors with a country by country lifting depending on status of pandemic in originating country, possibly certificates of being virus free, perhaps insurance cover and whatever else they can dream up.

The economy is really hurting so expediency may diminish some of the silly nonsense that the uniforms keep introducing.

Hope so I miss the buzz and need to find some strange in the not too distant future. Regulars are fine but one does tired of the same old same old.I have a feeling a storm is coming. Just because it's allow to open doesn't mean they open. And for those who choose to open, they will need to pay rent even if they have little to no business. So most stay closed. Where are the former employees? Hotels? Tours companies? So many unemployed in Pattaya because it's like 95% service industry. Even at Central they don't run the AC in the top 2 floors and Mikes is completely still closed. Pattaya and Phuket needs so me serious help financially soon. Not sure where it comes from. Thailand has a working class of 38 million or so I think and 27 million or so are in in trouble and applied for the 5000 a month bail out. Today saw a group of immigration office and police at Treetown for dinner. Yep they brought their black pouches. They have pretty much clean house on the money in Treetown. It all funnels here, even the hookers. They know what they are doing. Treetown is the new Walking Street for awhile. Meanwhile the Central Food Court is dead at dinner time. Police controlled area, no rules no social distancing. I was chatting with a guy from Miami and Kwan showed up wearing a white see through tank top with her friend and said Hi. If I hadn't fucked her so many times before and if she wasn't so expensive, I'd be all over that now. Oh well bargain hunting on 2500 a day is still the game plan. She might be my #1 all time Thai girl of all time.

[GettingFedUp]

These include interprovincial and international travel, as well as the end of emergency decree and curfew. ".

So we shall see what this new government policy translates into in practice with regards to international arrivals and bar openings, but on the face of it this is pretty damn good news. Natty,

Pattaya News has a very different take on the situation, dealing with what was actually said rather than the Chinese whispers on social media.

https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/29/fact-check-is-thailand-open-to-all-international-tourists-starting-july-first/

Their view is only work permit holders will be allowed from 1 July and will have to conform to ongoing restrictions (14 day quarantine at travellers expense in a state approved facility, USD100,000 medical cover for COVID-19). Their "best guess" is easing of travel for mere mortals will be "mid fall" if there is no spike in cases.

[Member #4698]

Natty,

Pattaya News has a very different take on the situation, dealing with what was actually said rather than the Chinese whispers on social media.

https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/29/fact-check-is-thailand-open-to-all-international-tourists-starting-july-first/

Their view is only work permit holders will be allowed from 1 July and will have to conform to ongoing restrictions (14 day quarantine at travellers expense in a state approved facility, USD100,000 medical cover for COVID-19). Their "best guess" is easing of travel for mere mortals will be "mid fall" if there is no spike in cases.Yeah, I am holding out only the slimmest ray of hope I will be allowed in (no quarantine) on my scheduled date of arrival Aug 15. In the meantime I just continue to wait and see what happens like everyone else. From a strictly personal perspective: If I can't fly in mid August I will NOT postpone my trip a 2nd time. 2020 will thus be a total write off for me.

I was thinking, however, about jumping down to Sao Paulo for a 2 week quickie in November to tide me over, but the current situation in Brazil is not looking good, so that idea is on hold for the time being. And if it turns out that I have to cancel my summer 2020 Asian trip in approximately 2 months, I will begin to plan an entirely new, even longer, early spring 2021 SE Asian trip beginning in March even though there is no guarantee international travel will be feasible at that future date either. What can I say? Hope springs eternal. 555.

[HorseTrader]

If I can't fly in mid August I will NOT postpone my trip a 2nd time. 2020 will then be a total write off for me. I was thinking about a jumping down to Sao Paulo for a 2 week quickie in November to tide me over, but the situation in Brazil is looking bleak. In any case, in a few months I will begin to plan an entirely new, even longer, early spring 2021 SE Asian trip beginning in early March even though there is no guarantee international travel will be back at that future date. What can I say? Hope springs eternal. 555.I was lucky to finish my February-March 2020 trip, which was great. I've already given up on my October-November 2020 trip and consider my January-February 2021 trip to be in jeopardy. Everything is dependent on the availability of a successful vaccine. Airplanes are like petri dishes, I won't get in one until I have been vaccinated.

[Member #4698]

I was lucky to finish my February-March 2020 trip, which was great. I've already given up on my October-November 2020 trip and consider my January-February 2021 trip to be in jeopardy. Everything is dependent on the availability of a successful vaccine. Airplanes are like petri dishes, I won't get in one until I have been vaccinated.It is the luck of the draw. If I had only scheduled my original April 2020 trip to have begun 6 weeks earlier I might have just arrived in LOS before the international travel quarantine was put into effect. I would have been stuck inside of Thailand with the Memphis Blues again. Ha Ha. I think I would have enjoyed that.

Oh, the ragman he draws circles
Up and down the block.
I'd ask him what the matter was
But I know that he don't talk.

And the ladies treat me kindly
And they furnish me with tape
But deep inside my heart
I know I can't escape.

Oh, Mama, can this really be the end.
To be stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis blues again.

-Dylan.

[Bam Boom Bam]

https://www.traveloffpath.com/thailand-reopening-to-tourists-everything-you-need-to-know/

[LittleBigMan]

Natty,

Pattaya News has a very different take on the situation, dealing with what was actually said rather than the Chinese whispers on social media.

https://thepattayanews.com/2020/05/29/fact-check-is-thailand-open-to-all-international-tourists-starting-july-first/

Their view is only work permit holders will be allowed from 1 July and will have to conform to ongoing restrictions (14 day quarantine at travellers expense in a state approved facility, USD100,000 medical cover for COVID-19). Their "best guess" is easing of travel for mere mortals will be "mid fall" if there is no spike in cases.I agree it is just too soon to project that things are just going to open particularly with International travel. I would love to be wrong when it comes to the freedom to travel. There are many announcements read between the lines, words like " hint " when it does open expect a ton of strings attached especially with foreigners.

[MonkeyPaw]

I agree it is just too soon to project that things are just going to open particularly with International travel. I would love to be wrong when it comes to the freedom to travel. There are many announcements read between the lines, words like " hint " when it does open expect a ton of strings attached especially with foreigners.The reverse could also happen to the USA. I wonder if Thailand will restrict the United States travelers, so they don't piss off the Chinese and now Hong Kong.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1927132/japan-mulls-easing-entry-limits-for-thailand-3-other-countries-yomiuri

"Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration remains cautious towards softening the restrictions any time soon on China as any early reopening could trigger a backlash from the United States, which has been critical of the mainland's handling of the disease, the report said."

[MonkeyPaw]

Sounds great but lots of restrictions have already been lifted and even though restaurants are open social distancing makes for a somewhat odd experience with either Plexiglas partitions or sitting some distance away from your dinner companion (s) required.

If bars are allowed to reopen one imagines there will something similar in place making go go's unworkable but guess just got to wait and see how it goes.

Seems also likely it will not be completely back to normal for visitors with a country by country lifting depending on status of pandemic in originating country, possibly certificates of being virus free, perhaps insurance cover and whatever else they can dream up.

The economy is really hurting so expediency may diminish some of the silly nonsense that the uniforms keep introducing.

Hope so I miss the buzz and need to find some strange in the not too distant future. Regulars are fine but one does tired of the same old same old.Like I said previously, the tourists traps will likely remain closed until the tourists come back. Question is when is that with the world falling apart. And before you say it's fine or looks better wherever you are at. Remember, it does matter what happens across the other side of the globe. So we were wrong about the price of tea in China not mattering. Now we know it even matters about what's being sold in a wet market in Wuhan. Anyways, just because it's a bar, restaurant, club, massage shop has little to do with opening. Was it a tourist trap? Hooters was allowed to open weeks ago. And yet it remains shut down, not even offering to go orders. What does that say?

[PedroMorales]

This video was uploaded today about the service you can expect in the Monkey House.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AB2WAtsAAg

[Member #4698]

No, Natty, not one word of what you wrote is a "quote" from my post. I didn't excuse China from anything.
Okie dokey. Have it your way. China is to blame for the world wide pandemic. I am glad we agree on something outside of girls and Thai cuisine .

[EihTooms]

Okie dokey. I am glad we agree on something outside of girls and Thai cuisine.Girls and Thai cuisine are a fine gourmet mix. Of course, China's lies and mishandling of it are the first deadly sin. But what happened next cannot be dismissed either. It's something akin to a presumed good guy, let's say a cop with a uniform and a badge, assuring you that known (to him) thief isn't really trying to rob you, just relax, he's a friend, doing good work, all while he's going through your jacket searching for your wallet.

As bad as the thief is and he is definitely the perp, the lie that cop told you square in the face arguably caused more harm to you than if he'd just kept his mouth shut. Not to mention how about him instead warning you that guy is a known thief and probably trying to rob you before he gets your wallet, your phone and your Ray Bans.

[LittleBigMan]

The reverse could also happen to the USA. I wonder if Thailand will restrict the United States travelers, so they don't piss off the Chinese and now Hong Kong.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1927132/japan-mulls-easing-entry-limits-for-thailand-3-other-countries-yomiuri

"Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration remains cautious towards softening the restrictions any time soon on China as any early reopening could trigger a backlash from the United States, which has been critical of the mainland's handling of the disease, the report said."As I noted there will be politics involved how much is anyone's guess? When it comes to traveling I feel it is near the bottom of the list the Thai leaders will tiptoe the best they can until a real decision is made? My gut when it comes to the USA With all the things going on if the numbers spike the decision for Thailand is pretty easy even without China interference. The last week China seems to have gone from let's play together to just throwing in the towel and doubling down on their position with Hong Kong and the retraction on phase one of the trade agreement things are starting to heat up.

Outside of this, I continue to keep my option open and track Airline for personal reasons. If my research is correct this might be a factor to consider even when things open back up whether one will travel especially when so much conversation is about prices?

Outside of your post in general, I have been tracking flights and cost it should be noted if one origination point is from Bangkok the price has always been higher than if you originate from the West coast of the USA.

Evaair, in Feb the price for a round trip from BKK-SFO was 23,000 baht, for Sept, that was the same for Feb 2021. April 1st the price went to 37,000 baht. Last night I checked for Sept it has gone to 57,000 baht for Feb it is still at 37,000 baht but it is still too early I suspect it will go up to 57,000 as time goes by. I notice flights are also being cut.

Alternative Airline Cathay BKK-HK-SFO September is at 22,000 baht, and Feb is at 30,000 but I suspect these prices are going to be going up pretty soon. I like Eva but Cathay is also a good choice to SFO I've read the fine print and thinking of making the purchase for Feb 2021 to lock in the price even if I need to cancel and paid the fee I still come out ahead. I understand posters are going to look at this and say too early so and so on and on I fully understand so don't take what I've noted too seriously it is just a pattern.

As for trips coming from the USA SFO / BKK I noticed Eva, in Feb 2020 price was 650 USD now it is 1000 USD.

[LittleBigMan]

Good article June 1st, regarding International travel to Thailand on Bloomberg " Travel bubble " I hoping this is wrong but down deep it is pretty much I think will happen when it comes to USA Britain and Europe that bubble is the end of the year at best?

[Pimpampoumpipo]

"Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration remains cautious towards softening the restrictions any time soon on China as any early reopening could trigger a backlash from the United States, which has been critical of the mainland's handling of the disease, the report said."

No one would understand that China is one of the first countries to which borders are open when the epidemic comes from home and especially that it took a long time before taking sanitary measures and alerting WHO, that during this time Chinese travelers spread the virus all over the world and the information and figures given by the government since then appear to be truncated or even false.

On this issue, the Chinese government no longer has much credibility now.

[MichaelSamuel]

Do any of our governments have much credibility now? The US government response was awful. CDC has been blending antibody tests with covid tests to increase the test numbers. The US government reponse to protestors is at best equal to China's in HK, but in reality probably worse, even China never brought the troops in from Shenzen during last summer and didn't do low helo flyovers of the protestors. I am not a fan of Xi, but he also didn't tear gas and assault his people to take a photo.

Anyway my point is that credibility is out the window for most of the world's governments. Reality is China is the biggest tourism customer for Thailand so they are going to be focus for the TAT. This doesn't even consider the economic links and military links Thailand has with the PRC. I suspect Japan and Korea will be next in line.

As far as the US goes most of the world may wait on the sidelines until November and the Trump issue is decided. There is simply no reason for anyone else to make commitments before then. You also have the factor that all of the world's governments that have international tourism cash outflows would rather keep their people locked in and force that money to stay at home than go abroad. Thailand which has a huge tourism trade surplus is even promoting to their own people to spend in country and not abroad. In the states you have always seen this even at a local level with restricted roads between states or municipalities to try to direct tourism dollars to stay local.

The correct academic approach to this is that for any country that has a tourism trade surplus is to get that flowing as quickly as possible through incentive programs and ease of travel, with a possible move also to restrict your own people to increase that gap. Japan I would think has a deficit but is already announced an incentive program to restart foreign tourism. Without knowing what numbers the TAT is operating on you basically have to assign a value to each countries tourist which would be how much they bring in less their cost and then multiply by average count. Due to raw volume China is clearly #1 even if they only spent 2000 THB a day. This would be the same for Japan and Korea due to numbers. Then you get into "quality" tourists that spend a lot more on average but have smaller numbers like UK, US, AUS. They may beat out India based on the large difference in daily spend. However even that can be manipulated with Visa requirements, like enforcing the provisions to prove a certain cash amount and hotel reservations which would filter out the bottom half of a given population.

Also to be clear this is what every government does or is likely to do. In the USA my PRC friend's visa for 10 years was less than $300, now to do the extension for another 6 months since they can't get a flight home is going to cost near $500. Come spend your money, but do it quickly and leave, if you want to stay is going to cost you a lot more.


No one would understand that China is one of the first countries to which borders are open when the epidemic comes from home and especially that it took a long time before taking sanitary measures and alerting WHO, that during this time Chinese travelers spread the virus all over the world and the information and figures given by the government since then appear to be truncated or even false.

On this issue, the Chinese government no longer has much credibility now.

[MonkeyPaw]

I really hate doing this over and and over again. I've talked with countless of people, and they say from what they heard from the government or what they read, it's not too bad for Thailand. My response is when talking about current situation, imagine it's just like ISG. Avoid those who wear rose colored glasses. Always being optimistic just because, but give you no rationale. They will say "Thailand always recovers." Yeah, but when? And how? And what about other countries since we are talking about international issues affecting Thai people which depends on international dollars.

1. Lots of supposed sex-perts just giving a bunch of opinions.

2. Look at the credentials of who is giving you the opinion.

3. On the ground reporting and in the action supersedes should be the most trusted and look at #2.

Thailand's economy is projected be the worse drop amongst all Asian countries. Thailand is fucked. Why because I am on the ground and I can see the decline and hopelessness in Pattaya. The opening of businesses is doing little to help in Pattaya. For this month, the expenses will be greater than any revenue. It's like opening a restaurant and having little or no customers. You fire staff, and make the few left behind work more, longer, and harder. The service and quality will go down because of tired staff, but you will charge a the same or a higher price because you are short on money. Rent and utilities will be due That is a recipe for doom, but especially on a greater scale. Beach opens in Pattaya. Lots of people, but very few rent chairs or buy from vendors because they like "free. " They bring their own mats and food and leave behind mess and trash. The cost to clean and maintain will be greater than the revenue coming in from opening the beach. The value of the Thai baht is going up, which makes no sense due to state of economy. It's a paradox and that means being manipulated by insider trading and corruption. Your economy is sinking but baht goes up and prices stay same. Not a good recipe. Also as the USA struggles, so will the world and Thailand.

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailands-central-bank-will-act-to-restrain-soaring-baht

https://pattayaone.news/state-of-economy-worse-than-initially-estimated/

[Sky Ryder]

I have been chomping at the bit to enjoy a few days of playing golf and female companionship in the LOS for sometime now. I have been in contact with the agency that normally takes care of the bookings, etc and finally today got some kind of info. While I cannot vouch for the veracity of the info, the answer to my "when" question was they are not expecting to be able to accommodate foreign guests prior to 4 Q of this year. I have inquired about going to Vietnam or Cambodia, but it appears no one wants to be the first. I guess we will see!

[Downandup]

Read the story here as it's absolutely not certain that this will actually happen: https://thepattayanews.com/2020/06/04/thai-covid19-situation-administration-confirms-next-phase-of-considering-reopening-closed-businesses-contains-entertainment-venues-like-pubs-and-bars/.

[Mangera]

I have been chomping at the bit to enjoy a few days of playing golf and female companionship in the LOS for sometime now. I have been in contact with the agency that normally takes care of the bookings, etc and finally today got some kind of info. While I cannot vouch for the veracity of the info, the answer to my "when" question was they are not expecting to be able to accommodate foreign guests prior to 4 Q of this year. I have inquired about going to Vietnam or Cambodia, but it appears no one wants to be the first. I guess we will see!You may be right that no one wants to be the first. However, whichever country is bold enough to be first, will probably have heavy tourism first as well (After 3 months plus of closed Asian destinations, there are many waiting on the sidelines that at this point will gladly go to any of the typical destinations for fun (Thai, Cam, Philly, Viet, Indo, Mal, etc.) I know some may be thing that its not possible because many are hurting financially due to the Covid shutdown world wide. Well, I am just one person, but I know of 3 different friends that are able and willing. So I am sure there are others out there. Once one opens, the others will soon cave in as well. Its going to be interesting to see who jumps in the pool first.

My guess, when big entertainment areas open, they will not open to international tourism for a couple of months after, just to measure and keep track of its impact to the covid numbers. That being said, those owners will be open, but will not have enough customers. That just seems like the last nail in the coffin for many of those businesses. I hope I am wrong.

BTW< thanks for the update with your travel agent. Keep us updated.

[LittleBigMan]

I really hate doing this over and and over again. I've talked with countless of people, and they say from what they heard from the government or what they read, it's not too bad for Thailand. My response is when talking about current situation, imagine it's just like ISG. Avoid those who wear rose colored glasses. Always being optimistic just because, but give you no rationale. They will say "Thailand always recovers." Yeah, but when? And how? And what about other countries since we are talking about international issues affecting Thai people which depends on international dollars.

1. Lots of supposed sex-perts just giving a bunch of opinions.

2. Look at the credentials of who is giving you the opinion.

3. On the ground reporting and in the action supersedes should be the most trusted and look at #2.

Thailand's economy is projected be the worse drop amongst all Asian countries. Thailand is fucked. Why because I am on the ground and I can see the decline and hopelessness in Pattaya. The opening of businesses is doing little to help in Pattaya. For this month, the expenses will be greater than any revenue. It's like opening a restaurant and having little or no customers. You fire staff, and make the few left behind work more, longer, and harder. The service and quality will go down because of tired staff, but you will charge a the same or a higher price because you are short on money. Rent and utilities will be due That is a recipe for doom, but especially on a greater scale. Beach opens in Pattaya. Lots of people, but very few rent chairs or buy from vendors because they like "free. " They bring their own mats and food and leave behind mess and trash. The cost to clean and maintain will be greater than the revenue coming in from opening the beach. The value of the Thai baht is going up, which makes no sense due to state of economy. It's a paradox and that means being manipulated by insider trading and corruption. Your economy is sinking but baht goes up and prices stay same. Not a good recipe. Also as the USA struggles, so will the world and Thailand.

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailands-central-bank-will-act-to-restrain-soaring-baht

https://pattayaone.news/state-of-economy-worse-than-initially-estimated/You are right but you can't blame those looking in hoping that what you are saying isn't correct. Now I'm not running around every day looking for pussy like you but I continue to put in 50 KM's every day on my bike doing what I did before the virus. If you are aware of your surrounding you notice things and if you got boots on the ground you can clearly see something just isn't right. You read the articles and between the lines, they stumble stumbling is the Thai leaders lie trying everything they could to make it sound like they got a handle on things when they really don't. When it comes to the economy one day they put up these numbers that all is good they have tons of reserve the next they are trying to borrow money to stimulate their own pockets. Even before the virus the baht was weakening at the beginning of Feb it was 33.10 since it has dropped to 31.50 anyone that knows anything other than pussy can see their economy has already tanked with so many people each day standing in the sun getting food.

Although they have opened things up the only people spending money in town are the ones stuck like yourself and that isn't going to make their economy. You noted that although Hooters can open they haven't this goes with why so many other business aren't going to do so because if they open those doors they have to start paying rent and it isn't rocket science if you got a business on Beach Road with no tourist you got to be really stupid to open.

A case as proof I called my son eye Doctor the other day she has a new shop in Royal Garden she indicated the mall was to open June 1st so 2nd I went down couldn't find it called her and she came down and opened to let us in then shut down behind and explained it all to me. Why opened there is no one around turn the lights on and the clock starts on rent.

You drive through town as I've done day in day out for years there are shops pack up and gone never coming back even when they open fully up it will take a vaccine and a year down the road. The beach is opened but vendors aren't allowed to set up chairs etc until this weekend is what is rumor except I heard down the road towards Bang Seang they have already gone mad and the beach is packed with people I did a drive through last Thursday and it was still roped off today I was on the other end towards Sattahip Bang Saray and still no vendors or food being sold. The economy has already tanked I'm waiting for the baht to fall and fall hard 40-1 would be nice for a change?

[Pimpampoumpipo]

My Paris > Bangkok ticket scheduled for mid July has just been canceled by Thaiairways today. Same as March, April, May and June before with Air France. The months go by and look alike. Until about 2 months before there are departures. Then as we approach dates, there are fewer and fewer flights and more and more expensive. Until they are canceled and there are no more flights at all.

I think for the month of July it's dead.

I fear there will be still for a long time. I no longer see the end of this story.

https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/06/tat-outlines-the-realities-of-covid-19-travel/

[XXL]

My Paris > Bangkok ticket scheduled for mid July has just been canceled by Thaiairways today. Same as March, April, May and June before with Air France. The months go by and look alike. Until about 2 months before there are departures. Then as we approach dates, there are fewer and fewer flights and more and more expensive. Until they are canceled and there are no more flights at all.

I think for the month of July it's dead.

I fear there will be still for a long time. I no longer see the end of this story.

https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/06/tat-outlines-the-realities-of-covid-19-travel/Take a look at Lufthansa. They have flights to Europe. I am planning to book one to leave Thailand end of June myself.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Take a look at Lufthansa. They have flights to Europe. I am planning to book one to leave Thailand end of June myself.Yes thank you XXL for information.

Yes I know there are many flights of the Lufthansa group (with Swiss and Austrian). Besides, I like these companies I have often flown with. I think it will be the first who will have many proposals when the borders will reopen.

We can buy tickets but for the moment these flights are not maintained and are canceled when the dates approach.

I think they do like the other companies: they sell tickets knowing that there is a lot of risk that they cannot do them. Then they offer credit notes (but not refunds). This improves their cash flow.

Anyway I take all information to take the flights as soon as possible provided that there is no quarantine and no destination forced upon arrival.

[XXL]

Yes thank you XXL for information.

Yes I know there are many flights of the Lufthansa group (with Swiss and Austrian). Besides, I like these companies I have often flown with. I think it will be the first who will have many proposals when the borders will reopen.

We can buy tickets but for the moment these flights are not maintained and are canceled when the dates approach.

.Good to keep track of the flights in flights trackers to see if the flights take place:

https://www.flightstats.com/v2/flight-tracker/LH/773?year=2020&month=6&date=4&flightId=1038140288

No use buying a flight more than one week in advance.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Good to keep track of the flights in flights trackers to see if the flights take place:

https://www.flightstats.com/v2/flight-tracker/LH/773?year=2020&month=6&date=4&flightId=1038140288

No use buying a flight more than one week in advance.Thanks again XXL. The link is very interesting, I didn't know it.

In a different register, I use this link to check air traffic. For example we can see that at the moment there is a lot of traffic over London, Frankfurt and Zurich. And still little above Paris, Spain and Italy for example. This may be a sign that the Lufthansa group is restarting first.

https://www.flightradar24.com/47.91,6.43/5

[Mangera]

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/bars-massage-parlours-may-be-be-allowed-to-reopen-in-phase-4

[Crocodilexp]

Good to keep track of the flights in flights trackers to see if the flights take place:

https://www.flightstats.com/v2/flight-tracker/LH/773?year=2020&month=6&date=4&flightId=1038140288

No use buying a flight more than one week in advance.This needs to be emphasized. If you have an itinerary with connections, look up each flight on a tracker website. If it's hasn't been actually flying within the last week, do not book it. Many airlines are selling a ticket based on provisional planning, and might not actually fly the routes. At normal times, this is not a problem as they could rebook you, but now they cannot, and chances of cancellations are extremely high (a coin toss basically).

I think it's ok to book about 3 weeks in advance if prices are good, but it might be worth paying a bit more and book a week out for peace of mind.

In case of a cancellation, the airline is unlikely to refund you, and might either give you an option to reschedule (for a specific date in an uncertain future), or a voucher which you would only be able to use within limited time and when paying extra (fare difference).

[MonkeyPaw]

Does this make me cheap? I buy Green tea frappe at Starbucks for 180 baht. I grabbed some napkins and saw they had packets of sugar. I needed some for coconut milk I had to make with the sticky rice and mango back in my condo. I took about 15 packets of sugar.

My favorite market had fish sausage (I don't eat meat) for 50% off because they were within 2 days expiration in the deli fridge section. I took the only packet that was reduced. I then took about 8 more regular price packets which were to expired in 8 days and hid them in the freezer section under the frozen Amy's Pizza for 500 baht, which only God knows who would buy. I came back a couple of days before the ones I hid were to expire and stuck them back into their normal deli section. Next day, they those 8 packets I returned were marked 50% off and I took all 8.

Either I'm bored or getting cheap or both.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

My favorite market had fish sausage OMG. I did not even know that it existed.

[MonkeyPaw]

OMG. I did not even know that it existed.One day when pork is gone and pigs fly. This my the norm.

[Wimble]

Does this make me cheap?
Either I'm bored or getting cheap or both.About 7 month ago, I started to buy expiring stuff because they were marked 90% off to give to a friend. 2-5 days before expiration.

Since then, the market started marking down about 5 days before expiration at around 20%. All items are usually gone nowadays at around 30% off or 3 days before. Others are doing the same. Because most reduced items are gone and very hard to find.

[MonkeyPaw]

About 7 month ago, I started to buy expiring stuff because they were marked 90% off to give to a friend. 2-5 days before expiration.

Since then, the market started marking down about 5 days before expiration at around 20%. All items are usually gone nowadays at around 30% off or 3 days before. Others are doing the same. Because most reduced items are gone and very hard to find.Unless you play hide and seek with them like I did. Then the discounts will always be there.

[MonkeyPaw]

Wait until we find out how many in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the rest of Thailand. Anybody in search of a hotel? Not sure how you will get by with social distancing and the whole different joiner or guest each night.

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/covid-19-crisis-sees-nearly-100-koh-samui-hotels-put-up-for-sale

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Should we understand that Europeans and Americans will be punished ?

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailands-tourism-and-mice-business-will-first-reboot-with-low-risk-countries

[Downandup]

Should we understand that Europeans and Americans will be punished ?

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailands-tourism-and-mice-business-will-first-reboot-with-low-risk-countriesRed China must be appeased at all costs and they make up 27% of tourists, another 26% from fellow ASEAN countries. Further, these are countries with low levels of Covid so that the risk is lower than Europe or elsewhere. No one should be complaining until they can demonstrate that their country has controlled the virus spread.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Red China must be appeased at all costs and they make up 27% of tourists, another 26% from fellow ASEAN countries. Further, these are countries with low levels of Covid so that the risk is lower than Europe or elsewhere. No one should be complaining until they can demonstrate that their country has controlled the virus spread.As Rousseau said: "let's put aside all the facts".

Today the number of deaths worldwide is 397,388 and the number of deaths reported in China is 4,634 ( approximately 1,16 % of cases). Not bad for a country of 1.3 billion people that has imprisoned the person who alerted the Chinese government to covid-19, whose WHO declared the pandemic alert 5 months later and whose statements no one believes in good faith.

And China will be among the first countries that Thailand will declare as "Countries have' manageable 'Covid-19 situations"?

China has started its grip on Asia. Everyone knows it. The problem for Thailand is that it weakens its credibility with that of China. We will see if his bet serves Thailand or not in the future. Thailand makes her choices.

[Beijing4987]

Here they come with their fistfuls of cash and bad manners. Did "Red China" cease to exist with the establishment of the special economic zone in Shenzhen? The CCP did not cease to exist. They founded "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics ". Abundance and wealth was always in the psyche. After a myriad of bumps in the road they are once again hitting their stride. The only problem is the US military surrounding them with bases and allied countries.

[Member #4698]

As Rousseau said: "let's put aside all the facts".

Today the number of deaths worldwide is 397,388 and the number of deaths reported in China is 4,634 And you seriously believe the numbers reported from Communist China?

[Smoothy]

And you seriously believe the numbers reported from Communist China?It's an obvious lie. If they multiply that by 1000, I would believe it.

[Turgid]

Here they come with their fistfuls of cash and bad manners. Did "Red China" cease to exist with the establishment of the special economic zone in Shenzhen? The CCP did not cease to exist. They founded "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics ". Abundance and wealth was always in the psyche. After a myriad of bumps in the road they are once again hitting their stride. The only problem is the US military surrounding them with bases and allied countries.My biggest beef with Red China is their shutdown of Changping. This used to be my favorite mongering destination and for the years it was in full swing I never visited any other Asian country, not even Thailand. There were so many thousands of beautiful Chinese ladies in barbershops, saunas and KTVs. I hate communism. With that crackdown Chinese men started venturing outside of China to monger especially to South East Asia and Germany.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

All in all, it may be a good idea for the Chinese and the Koreans to go to Thailand first.

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/06/10/bars-pubs-soapy-massages-wont-reopen-in-phase-4/

In any case, if it is to see Nana, Soi Cow Boy, soi 6, WS and massages shops closed, I prefer to stay at home.

[Franciscass]

It's an obvious lie. If they multiply that by 1000, I would believe it.Over 4. 6 million deaths? Gee Smoothy that's a hell of a lot of bodies to get rid of without anybody knowing. How did they manage that. No doubt details are available on some alt-right website.

[Rodwint2]

I was informed by my friend who lives in Thailand with his wife and family that there is a reason why there is such a low infection rate reported in Thailand. If anyone wants to get a covid test, any clinic or hospital will do it. If it comes back positive, the patient pays nothing. If it comes back negative, the patient pays 5,000 baht. So anyone with a reasonable mind will not go for testing if they have only minor symptoms which may or may not be the covid virus. Even those with serious symptoms may chose not to be tested. Therefore, with such a disincentive to be tested, the actual number of covid cases in Thailand will never really be known. The only new cases being reported are those who are returning from foreign countries like Korea or Kuwait as they are tested as they get off the planes in Bangkok.

[Mr Enternational]

I was informed by my friend who lives in Thailand with his wife and family that there is a reason why there is such a low infection rate reported in Thailand. If anyone wants to get a covid test, any clinic or hospital will do it. If it comes back positive, the patient pays nothing. If it comes back negative, the patient pays 5,000 baht.And you believe this "friend". This is the dumbest shit that I have ever heard. First of all, most Thai people can just go to a public hospital for 30 baht.

Second, why not just say if your test is negative we will give you 500 baht? They would then stand to earn more by treating all the positive people your friend claims they are missing, than by his dumb explanation of having the negative people pay 5000 baht. I am here. I do not know anybody that has been really sick over the period. And nobody that I know has said that they know somebody that has been really sick. Besides, what good is 5,000 baht going to be to a dead person? These people are over here deathly afraid of catching covid and dying. Funny they are not afraid of having a motorbike accident and dying because they were not wearing a helmet. That has a higher probability than them getting covid.

Third of all, the reason they are starting to make foreigners show up with insurance is because they are putting a strain on the system because they are getting treated when they fall sick, then not able to pay their really expensive bill after a hospital stay of hundreds of thousands and millions of baht. It stands to reason that if a foreigner can get away with this, then certainly a Thai could get away with not paying 5,000 baht for a test.

[Gargano19]

I was informed by my friend who lives in Thailand with his wife and family that there is a reason why there is such a low infection rate reported in Thailand. If anyone wants to get a covid test, any clinic or hospital will do it. If it comes back positive, the patient pays nothing. If it comes back negative, the patient pays 5,000 baht. So anyone with a reasonable mind will not go for testing if they have only minor symptoms which may or may not be the covid virus. Even those with serious symptoms may chose not to be tested. Therefore, with such a disincentive to be tested, the actual number of covid cases in Thailand will never really be known. The only new cases being reported are those who are returning from foreign countries like Korea or Kuwait as they are tested as they get off the planes in Bangkok.It's easy to blame Thailand's lack of testing (which is true) for low numbers of positive cases, but the fact is if there were lot more number of covid patients roaming around un-tested, then their would have been way too many dead bodies to hide. It's Thailand not China, you just can't hide the huge number of dead people from the world.

[MonkeyPaw]

It's easy to blame Thailand's lack of testing (which is true) for low numbers of positive cases, but the fact is if there were lot more number of covid patients roaming around un-tested, then their would have been way too many dead bodies to hide. It's Thailand not China, you just can't hide the huge number of dead people from the world.Fact: Of course the numbers are wrong. I don't expect any government in the whole world to be able to put out the exact numbers of infected, unless 100% of the population is tested. And then there is a possibility of them not telling the truth for whatever reason because, well governments lie all the time, just like you, me, and everybody. This is not an opinion, but a fact.

Opinion: I would say the health of most Asian countries is overall better than most Western countries when it comes to recovery from a case of COVID-19. Meaning, I think there is a good number on Thais who are positive and were told to stay at home and recover on your own inside the home. If you are mildly sick, stay at home. They do not have enough beds to to handle an outbreak in a hospital. Also I think those who have died in their homes maybe been attributed to something else, pneumonia or old age or whatever. They don't have the money to do autopsies on everybody.

So what I'm saying is that most Thais who caught it, are very mild to no symptoms just because they are healthier than in the USA. These are not counted. The ones (Thais) that died at home also "some" not counted. If they were foreign and died at home, which happened, they are counted. So that's why the Thais believe they are a healthy destination. Thailand is not Denmark, Finland, New Zealand when it comes to corruption and government transparency. And those in the rural areas and villages are not the brightest ones to offer dissent. This is still a kingdom, just like the movies.

[GettingFedUp]

If anyone wants to get a covid test, any clinic or hospital will do it. If it comes back positive, the patient pays nothing. If it comes back negative, the patient pays 5,000 baht.Thailand has a set of criteria (such as any one of cough, fever, pneumonia, close contact with known Covid patients) to class people as Patients Under Investigation (PUI). Testing is free for PUI's, whether Thai or Foreign. Since the last identified local transmission of Covid on 25 May approximately 90,000 PUI have been tested (Source: https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php).

Anyone who "wants to get a covid test" (your phrase), as opposed to needs a Covid test, pays (although the charge is waived in the event of a positive). Given the high level of self diagnosis and hypochondria evident in Thailand in normal times (just look at the number of pharmacies, even outside tourist areas) if testing were free for all it would undoubtedly result in a free-for-all which swamped the system, particularly as a negative test is only true for exactly zero hours - you can be infected but the virus load hasn't reached a detectable level yet, as evidenced by the returnees who are negative at the start of quarantine but positive when tested again prior to release from quarantine.

[Rodwint2]

And you believe this "friend". This is the dumbest shit that I have ever heard. First of all, most Thai people can just go to a public hospital for 30 baht.

Second, why not just say if your test is negative we will give you 500 baht? They would then stand to earn more by treating all the positive people your friend claims they are missing, than by his dumb explanation of having the negative people pay 5000 baht. I am here. I do not know anybody that has been really sick over the period. And nobody that I know has said that they know somebody that has been really sick. Besides, what good is 5,000 baht going to be to a dead person? These people are over here deathly afraid of catching covid and dying. Funny they are not afraid of having a motorbike accident and dying because they were not wearing a helmet. That has a higher probability than them getting covid.

Third of all, the reason they are starting to make foreigners show up with insurance is because they are putting a strain on the system because they are getting treated when they fall sick, then not able to pay their really expensive bill after a hospital stay of hundreds of thousands and millions of baht. It stands to reason that if a foreigner can get away with this, then certainly a Thai could get away with not paying 5,000 baht for a test.Considering your lack of real knowledge of the situation that those who reside on a permanent basis and live with normal, every day common people of Thailand, I find your representation that the facts conveyed to me as "dumbest shit" to be rather offensive and rather indicative of your lack of understanding of anything outside of the purchasing cheap sex. I have known my friend for over 40 years and we are both retired executives from financial institutions, so we are not stupid nor state facts that are not true.

What my friend was relating was the fact that the cost of the testing, if not positive, would be prohibitively costly for the normal Thai. The point was the fear of the cost was keeping the number of common Thais being tested very low.

[Rodwint2]

Thailand has a set of criteria (such as any one of cough, fever, pneumonia, close contact with known Covid patients) to class people as Patients Under Investigation (PUI). Testing is free for PUI's, whether Thai or Foreign. Since the last identified local transmission of Covid on 25 May approximately 90,000 PUI have been tested (Source: https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php).

Anyone who "wants to get a covid test" (your phrase), as opposed to needs a Covid test, pays (although the charge is waived in the event of a positive). Given the high level of self diagnosis and hypochondria evident in Thailand in normal times (just look at the number of pharmacies, even outside tourist areas) if testing were free for all it would undoubtedly result in a free-for-all which swamped the system, particularly as a negative test is only true for exactly zero hours - you can be infected but the virus load hasn't reached a detectable level yet, as evidenced by the returnees who are negative at the start of quarantine but positive when tested again prior to release from quarantine.I do not question your statement that those thought to be infected or exposed to the covid virus have been tested at no cost. In many countries, those high risk people and professions have been tested for free in a number of countries. Considering 90,000 tests have been given in Thailand to those PUI must be compared to the size of the total population of Thailand which is 70 million. In that respect, those tested to date represent less than 0. 12 percent of the population of Thailand. My friend's point was that the number of actual infections is really unknown.

[MonkeyPaw]

I do not question your statement that those thought to be infected or exposed to the covid virus have been tested at no cost. In many countries, those high risk people and professions have been tested for free in a number of countries. Considering 90,000 tests have been given in Thailand to those PUI must be compared to the size of the total population of Thailand which is 70 million. In that respect, those tested to date represent less than 0. 12 percent of the population of Thailand. My friend's point was that the number of actual infections is really unknown.True story: I have a Thai acquaintance. Back in May, she came down with symptoms of a cough that progressed to wheezing and a slight fever. She went to the clinic and wanted a COVID test. They told her "no," and go home. They said if it worsened, she could go to the hospital and they may test her. Her symptoms subsided in 5 days. She's fairly fit and only 24 years old. Did she catch COVID-19 and just had mild symptoms? Who knows. I promise you she is not the first, last, or only that was told to do this. However, panic is the worse thing that can happen to any healthcare system that does not have enough doctors, nurses, or beds.

[Mr Enternational]

Considering your lack of real knowledge of the situation that those who reside on a permanent basis and live with normal, every day common people of Thailand, I find your representation that the facts conveyed to me as "dumbest shit" to be rather offensive and rather indicative of your lack of understanding of anything outside of the purchasing cheap sex. I have known my friend for over 40 years and we are both retired executives from financial institutions, so we are not stupid nor state facts that are not true.Mf I have an advanced business degree, speak 5 languages, and I know how to read and research and critically think as well. Don't think that because I come on this one website, its subject is all my life is about.

So unless you are showing us empirical evidence stating that people are being charged 5,000 baht if their tests are negative, then what I have said carries just as much weight as what "your friend" of 40 years has said. Just because you and your friend can count and do not buy cheap sex has nothing to do with having real knowledge of the situation either. Just show us 1 receipt of the negative person being charged this amount since your friend is privy to all of this highly regarded information from all the common folk of Thailand.

LOL. Like you are the only one that has a friend who resides here on a permanent basis and lives with normal, every day common people. Yep. Pretty much impossible for me or anyone else on this website to have normal friends such as the one you boast of having.


My friend's point was that the number of actual infections is really unknown.Well no shit Sherlock. Be sure to thank your friend for the newsflash. This can be said about damn near everything, everywhere! Does god exist? It is really unknown. How many people caught a common cold last year? It is really unknown. How many people are inside of their houses barefoot at the moment? It is really unknown. Get back to us when your friend actually knows something besides that something is unknown. I can't believe you went through all this just to say something is unknown. Most normal people would surmise the information being put out is based on the data that they have gathered or extrapolated, not the data that they have no idea about.

[GettingFedUp]

My friend's point was that the number of actual infections is really unknown.The number of actual infections is unknown in pretty much every country!

Wikipedia lists tests per million of population for each country (although in Thailand's case was using the figure for PUI's not all tests and is more than a month out of date). Only 7 countries have tested more than 10% of their population. UAE (population 10 million), Bahrain (1. 5 million), Iceland (0. 4 million), Luxembourg (0. 6 million), Malta (0. 5 million), Lithuania (2. 8 million) and Cyprus (1. 2 million). Notice that there are no really big populations involved? Statistically significant mass testing to identify every case is simply impossible.

[Franciscass]

The number of actual infections is unknown in pretty much every country!

Wikipedia lists tests per million of population for each country (although in Thailand's case was using the figure for PUI's not all tests and is more than a month out of date). Only 7 countries have tested more than 10% of their population. UAE (population 10 million), Bahrain (1. 5 million), Iceland (0. 4 million), Luxembourg (0. 6 million), Malta (0. 5 million), Lithuania (2. 8 million) and Cyprus (1. 2 million). Notice that there are no really big populations involved? Statistically significant mass testing to identify every case is simply impossible.I feel knowing actual numbers of infections and fatalities in any country depends primarily on extent of testing, number of hospitalizations and accuracy and transparency in reporting same. Some are better than others in doing this.

Firstly in Thailand relatively few people have been tested so it stands to reason the reported infection rate is understated. By how many, it's hard to say.

The number of reported deaths from Covid for people who tested positive and were hospitalized I feel is reasonably accurate. However a question arises about deaths where there was no testing either before or posthumously because the person maybe died at home or for one reason or another was never tested at the hospital. Some Covid related deaths are likely to have been missed here.

Overall though there is little doubt in my mind at least that Thailand has handled the pandemic well enough and those of us who lived through it here are fortunate not to have been in countries who fucked big time.

I am not mentioning any names so as not to upset anybody munching on their cornflakes.

[Franciscass]

I've been visiting Tarntip on 7/1, my straight up massage shop since they reopened earlier in the month.

Normally there are some 15 masseuses on staff there. Now there but 2 and they are lucky to have half a dozen customers come through the door on any given day.

Girls who went home after the shutdown are not yet returning and won't until tourists are allowed back into the country.

I haven't been to the Phrom Phong neighborhood yet but I have a feeling it's a similar story there. A few girls back but little business being transacted.

In a separate post I mentioned how well Thailand has handled the pandemic but they need to reopen the borders soon or they could suffer permanent damage to tourism here.

[MonkeyPaw]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1933192/thailand-says-china-japan-keen-on-travel-bubbles#cxrecs_s.

Reward those who played the game best.

[MonkeyPaw]

Yep, like I wrote previously. This is their short term strategy going forward. It was the plan since March. We want your money, but you are not one of us.

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/no-foreigners-at-wat-pho-bangkok-temple-says-thais-only

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/transport-company-resumes-service-bans-foreigners

[Mr Enternational]

Girls who went home after the shutdown are not yet returning and won't until tourists are allowed back into the country.Totally different scene in Pattaya. There has been an influx of new chicks. In typical Thai fashion they have confused things opening back up with there is money to be made. Some employers have convinced them to come only to be disappointed. On the flip side, others that I know who have stuck it out are now going back home.

[Downandup]

Bar owners were hoping to open on the 15th but that was not part of phase 4 as expected. Members of the government kept on saying that phase 4 was the end of the lockdown and then this week the Royal Gazette published changes without including the bars. Once again the lesson is don't believe what the government says until the rules are announced. The bars may open July 1 but again it has to be in the Gazette.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

From the contacts with whom I correspond by messaging, the girls who seem to pass this test the best are those who have returned to their province. I correspond with a mamasan of soi 6. The bar has agreed with the girls that they will call them back when it opens again. It seems to be a wise decision with the minimum need of organization. I imagine that it must be the case for the majority of bars. Admittedly, she impatiently awaits the moment of opening, but her costs and expenses are under control, she limits the damage. It is the most economical version. They are also surrounded by their families. I think these are the ones that are doing the best.

On the other hand, for those who stayed in Pattaya, the testimonies that I receive are more difficult. Often they found themselves stuck in Pattaya when transport was prohibited throughout Thailand, staying was not necessarily a choice. They earn no more money in any case much less than before COVID. But the costs remain the same and are high compared to the rest of the country, I am thinking particularly of the price of their rooms. Those who have it live on their savings, and some do not even dare to leave their homes because they are afraid of the virus. Finally, if it is to make rare and hypothetical solicitations sold off at 800 baths, it is not sure that the best solution is to stay in Pattaya.

[MonkeyPaw]

Bar owners were hoping to open on the 15th but that was not part of phase 4 as expected. Members of the government kept on saying that phase 4 was the end of the lockdown and then this week the Royal Gazette published changes without including the bars. Once again the lesson is don't believe what the government says until the rules are announced. The bars may open July 1 but again it has to be in the Gazette.Most major bars and night clubs and entertainment venues are "tourist traps. " Yes, even the most Thai girls that frequent those places are still using tourist dollars. I often see a group of GoGo bar girls celebrate a birthday party at Hollywood or Bone in Pattaya. They are not spending their own money that the generated from the rubber plant in Pattaya. It came from tourists. You can just, pause take a minute, and do a back trace on money found in their purses. Where did it most likely came from? Also, ask yourself who owns the bars? With the curfew lifted, most Thais can simply buy some beer and SangSom (rum, not sure why the call it whiskey) and hang out at home. They are more simple compared to most and do not need to splurge. The girls tell me they eat off 100 baht total per day. That's like the cost of just my casual dinner of shrimp fried rice and bottle water at Treetown. The problem with bars, clubs, and entertainment venue is "rent and utilities" versus "expected revenue. " The revenue will not be there with few tourists here, just like it was the few weeks leading up to the shutdown. So these wealthier owners have pretty much paid off the government to keep them closed until the tourists are able to come back. Remember government officials are just "puppets" of the very very very wealthy and powerful or the 1%, as I like to call them. Government officials are paid to take the blame and the heat off of the 1%. It makes no sense for any GoGo bar to open. 3 customers and 18 girls total, at Sensations at 10 pm, is a very sad sight. And I saw that. I wish I was wrong. But it is what it is. Keep in mind, most of those (who I know) and work these tourist traps are part of the HAVES in terms of the money they made as compared to the girl working at the bank. So don't feel too sorry for them. They can always rent out the house that was bought for them by their customers.

P.S. Thailand is taking a big hit on its economy and GDP. They don't want their own people to spend their money stupidly like that, especially if the bars are foreign owned. Oh yeah, COVID is not done with the world just yet.

[Chacal60]

Totally different scene in Pattaya. There has been an influx of new chicks. In typical Thai fashion they have confused things opening back up with there is money to be made. Some employers have convinced them to come only to be disappointed. On the flip side, others that I know who have stuck it out are now going back home.My experience is that many girls who would have gone home for Songkran took advantage of the interprovincial travel to finally go see families. My regular gal is back because her massage shop reopened. Another has a little more financial independence (courtesy of Chacal's benevolence) and she's upcountry only now until end of June.

[Mr Enternational]

My regular gal is back because her massage shop reopened.That is what I was referring to. These massage shops have told chicks to come back because they can open. However they still have no customers to make money from.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Yes these new cases are because of the salmon imported from abroad. Just like in the beginning, the virus came from the American military. No China. There are only 4,634 covid-19 deaths in China.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1191404.shtml

Thailand can open its borders to China (because it is a safe country which takes all health measures). And must close it to Europeans and Americans.

The whole world believes that.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Bad news for Thailand seems to be piling up https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1934596/keep-foreign-tourists-out-poll.

[MichaelSamuel]

Haha. Thanks for that. I needed a laugh.


Yes these new cases are because of the salmon imported from abroad. Just like in the beginning, the virus came from the American military. No China. There are only 4,634 covid-19 deaths in China.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1191404.shtml

Thailand can open its borders to China (because it is a safe country which takes all health measures). And must close it to Europeans and Americans.

The whole world believes that.

[GettingFedUp]

Bad news for Thailand seems to be piling up https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1934596/keep-foreign-tourists-out-poll.I think you must mean bad news for those who want to come to Thailand.

Good news for those of us on the inside looking out. And also good news that there is a determination amongst the population to avoid the carnage which the virus has wrought in certain countries.

[EihTooms]

I think you must mean bad news for those who want to come to Thailand.

Good news for those of us on the inside looking out. And also good news that there is a determination amongst the population to avoid the carnage which the virus has wrought in certain countries.Yes, I agree. And I think that will be the case for the next few months. Even after incoming international flights resume I suspect it will be a while longer before significant numbers of sex tourists can and will start showing up.

Meanwhile, I live in Bangkok and for the first time I recently looked into getting testosterone treatments in order to better capitalize on my situation, at age 67, of being a relatively rare potential customer for the slowly increasing influx of aspiring P4P girls.

I have been getting along just fine with an "every other day" session+pop routine. I can session+pop every day. But I get diminished pleasure returns on that program. Every other day feels much better.

However, under the current circumstances my repeats, regulars, non P4P GFs plus new P4P encounters while there are very few other customer/partner options for the girls have wreaked havoc on my every other day plan.

Therefore, I will be checking out what a 3 month testosterone treatment does for my level of hornyness on a daily basis. I would hate to have these unusual circumstances pass while significantly more and less costly session+pop(s) can be had with the same level of hornyness and pleasure reward as my every other day routine has provided for the past 2-3 years.

[GettingFedUp]

I posted the following in the Bangkok thread in response to an OP who thought he was going to visit in August http://www.internationalsexguide.nl/forum/showthread.php?2677-Bangkok-Reports&p=2458829#post2458829 , but it is equally relevant to Thailand as a whole (no need to read it twice if you've already seen it).

Apologies for the omitted "o" in ". Far too early to contemplate".

[Pimpampoumpipo]

I think you must mean bad news for those who want to come to Thailand.

Good news for those of us on the inside looking out. And also good news that there is a determination amongst the population to avoid the carnage which the virus has wrought in certain countries.Ahaha yes. When the mongers will come back they will be very hungry and will take all the girls. And you won't have any more. Tranquility will be over.

Over too the girls of Baccarat and other gogos at 1000 baths only.

I think expatriates are among the people who don't want tourists to come back to Thailand.

But soon they will come back. Since 1 July shengen will again authorize travel abroad. And probably USA and Canada too. By the time the planes resume their slots and the flights will resume very quickly. Almost all the companies offer flights in August from Europe: Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM, Air France, Austrian and also British Airways, Finnair, Qatar, Emirates, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific and all the others. Even Thai Airways will start flying again.

Ahahahahahahah.

[Christian G]

But soon they will come back. Since 1 July shengen will again authorize travel abroad. And probably USA and Canada too.Soon? If Schengen countries will authorize travel abroad this not mean that will Thailand will let them to come in.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1933192/thailand-says-china-japan-keen-on-travel-bubbles

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1935168/restrictions-will-limit-foreign-tourists

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Soon? If Schengen countries will authorize travel abroad this not mean that will Thailand will let them to come in.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1933192/thailand-says-china-japan-keen-on-travel-bubbles

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1935168/restrictions-will-limit-foreign-touristsOf course. Embassies of Shengen countries and other embassies around the world have already filed applications with each other. There will be "travel bubbles" between the countries as everyone now knows between the countries considered to have mastered their pandemic.

These agreements will be reciprocal. If one country imposes too strict conditions, the other country will impose the same (see for example between Schengen and Great Britain which mutually impose a quarantine 14 days). We will see what agreements will be made between Schengen and Thailand. Anyway, July will probably be a warm-up. We will see how it will evolve for August, September and October. But travel will resume before the end of the year. I already have a safari in Kenya scheduled in November with a very reliable travel agency (photo safari of course). This means that mass travel will have started to leave by then. I have already canceled 4 trips to Thailand and 1 trip to the Philippines since the begining of pandemic (since march until july). I have been monitoring the availability and cancellation of tickets almost every day for 4 months now. I can see that the conditions are starting to be different now. Anyone can check it on comparators and contact travel agencies.

All entry conditions, however strict they may be, can change overnight (especially in Thailand, which tends to change its mind abruptly without we can always knowing why). All countries want to get out of the economic disaster as soon as possible. Countries now know how to identify and manage epidemic clusters. If a region has another wave, it is immediately quarantined (see what's going on in Beijing right now and in Cebu which has been community quarantin since today but not AC if my locals informations are corrects). Measures to limit the spread of the virus are integrated into the behavior of populations and tests will probably be implemented on departure and arrival to avoid quarantine.

Only a second major coronavirus wave can reverse this trend which is still possible.

PS : other local information (to be confirm) : some bars will open on Soi 6 next month. It will be possible to drink but not listen to music. Which means they start waiting for tourists.

[EihTooms]

Of course. Embassies of Shengen countries and other embassies around the world have already filed applications with each other. There will be "travel bubbles" between the countries as everyone now knows between the countries considered to have mastered their pandemic.

These agreements will be reciprocal. If one country imposes too strict conditions, the other country will impose the same (see for example between Schengen and Great Britain which mutually impose a quarantine 14 days). We will see what agreements will be made between Schengen and Thailand. Anyway, July will probably be a warm-up. We will see how it will evolve for August, September and October. But travel will resume before the end of the year. I already have a safari in Kenya scheduled in November with a very reliable travel agency (photo safari of course). This means that mass travel will have started to leave by then. I have already canceled 4 trips to Thailand and 1 trip to the Philippines since the begining of pandemic (since march until july). I have been monitoring the availability and cancellation of tickets almost every day for 4 months now. I can see that the conditions are starting to be different now. Anyone can check it on comparators and contact travel agencies.

All entry conditions, however strict they may be, can change overnight (especially in Thailand, which tends to change its mind abruptly without we can always knowing why). All countries want to get out of the economic disaster as soon as possible. Countries now know how to identify and manage epidemic clusters. If a region has another wave, it is immediately quarantined (see what's going on in Beijing right now and in Cebu which has been community quarantin since today but not AC if my locals informations are corrects). Measures to limit the spread of the virus are integrated into the behavior of populations and tests will probably be implemented on departure and arrival to avoid quarantine.

Only a second major coronavirus wave can reverse this trend which is still possible.

PS : other local information (to be confirm) : some bars will open on Soi 6 next month. It will be possible to drink but not listen to music. Which means they start waiting for tourists.Commerce considerations might be paramount in almost every country of the world. And it will be a significant consideration in Thailand. But it won't be the first and most important consideration in Thailand due to a factor that is taken more seriously in Thailand than any other major country that I know of, including the U. K.

If any high ranking member of a particular Family in Thailand whose name will not be uttered here should get seriously sick or, buddha forbid, die as the result of Covid-19, do you want to be the government official that loosened the restrictions on international tourist travel?

How about if sometime down the road such a tragedy befalls a member or two of that particular Family and through the ongoing Check In and Check Out contact tracking/tracing system it is suggested, however remotely, that the bug that caused it took a circuitous route from the airport to a hotel, then a mall, passing through a couple of go-go bars and then took a weird couple of hops right into that Family member's tea cup?

Again, do you want to be the freedom loving crusader in the Thai government that first gave the ok to allow flights from the usual suspect countries and/or to reopen the go-go bars, beer bars, BJ bars, karaoke clubs and discos that attract them?

If the worldwide consensus is that virus has pretty much been eradicated, controlled or been vaccinated out of any serious threat to anyone, that will be an easy call to make. Until then, anyone in a position of responsibility in a country where not taking responsibility for anything negative is a cultural mandate is going to need uncharacteristic brass balls to open the gates and thereby expose everyone in that extraordinarily revered Family to any harm whatsoever, much less death.

It will happen. Incoming flights full of tourists will be allowed to resume. But there are more powerful emotional and cultural forces against it happening "too soon" in Thailand than in any other major country, imo.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Commerce considerations might be paramount in almost every country of the world. And it will be a significant consideration in Thailand. But it won't be the first and most important consideration in Thailand due to a factor that is taken more seriously in Thailand than any other major country that I know of, including the U. K.

If any high ranking member of a particular Family in Thailand whose name will not be uttered here should get seriously sick or, buddha forbid, die as the result of Covid-19, do you want to be the government official that loosened the restrictions on international tourist travel?

How about if sometime down the road such a tragedy befalls a member or two of that particular Family and through the ongoing Check In and Check Out contact tracking/tracing system it is suggested, however remotely, that the bug that caused it took a circuitous route from the airport to a hotel, then a mall, passing through a couple of go-go bars and then took a weird couple of hops right into that Family member's tea cup?

Again, do you want to be the freedom loving crusader in the Thai government that first gave the ok to allow flights from the usual suspect countries and/or to reopen the go-go bars, beer bars, BJ bars, karaoke clubs and discos that attract them?

If the worldwide consensus is that virus has pretty much been eradicated, controlled or been vaccinated out of any serious threat to anyone, that will be an easy call to make. Until then, anyone in a position of responsibility in a country where not taking responsibility for anything negative is a cultural mandate is going to need uncharacteristic brass balls to open the gates and thereby expose everyone in that extraordinarily revered Family to any harm whatsoever, much less death.

It will happen. Incoming flights full of tourists will be allowed to resume. But there are more powerful emotional and cultural forces against it happening "too soon" in Thailand than in any other major country, imo.You are right, it is not I who make government decisions. I am content to restore what I see or what I learn. I'm just trying not to give an interpretation of the facts that might suit me or prove me right. There may be errors and it is certain that things will change. It's just a matter of looking ahead and expressing a trend with a minimum of facts. And it is not easy at the moment with a new virus in a rapidly changing global context.

We will see what will happen next and nothing is certain. Everything can evolve in any direction.

Now if you ask me for my own opinion, I would say that the virus is still around and it will be around for a long time. What do we have to do? All I know is that most of the choices we make, personal or not, at whatever level they are, are the benefit / risk balance. And zero risk does not exist, nowhere.

Here no one says that the virus will not cause a new wave but that this risk can be controlled. The entire French population has been quarantined to save groups at risk. But can we eternally impact 95% of the population for 5% of complicated cases? These risk groups are now identifiable, it is easier to intervene and make decisions. Quarantine lifting and lowering devices seem to be fairly well mastered and populations are exercised now.

Finally, let us not forget in perspective that the damage caused by the freezing of the economy is considerable and that countries may be ready to take risks to get out of there, if these risks are calculated and correctable. Behind the economic considerations there are people who can also suffer: unemployment, bankruptcy, poverty and even hunger. What do you do with these people (including in Thailande) ? I think countries are mature enough now to draw a ridge line between the impact of the virus and the economic collapse.

Staying in quarantine will allow us to avoid covid-19 but we risk dying cured and healthy.

[Turgid]

I've recently read that countries with the most flu vaccines administered in the third quarter of 2019 have had the most deaths from Covid-19.

Is this true?

[GettingFedUp]

I've recently read that countries with the most flu vaccines administered in the third quarter of 2019 have had the most deaths from Covid-19.

Is this true?Turgid, it may well be true. However there's a huge difference between correlation ("Alpha" shows a similar pattern to "Beta") and causation ("Alpha" is caused by "beta") This is a difference often overlooked by lazy journalists and "know it all" social media posters, which may or may not include me. Who am I to judge?

Autumn (fall) is when flu vaccines are rolled out in western Europe and North America. These are the worst hit areas. But they are also areas with high co-morbidity (e. G. Hypertension, diabetes, being old, obesity, reduced kidney function). Unravelling all these factors to establish the probability of a causal link to a high degree of certainty would require a huge amount of the kind of detailed data never available to mere mortals.

Two further thoughts to explain:

1. Western Europe (by which I mean EU, UK, EEA) and North America have far higher rates of car (automobile) ownership than the former Soviet Union, Asia, Africa and South America. Possible correlation, but anyone who says that "cars cause Covid to be fatal" is IMHO, and to use a technical medical term, a nutter.

2. Brazil seems to be copping the Covid at the moment. I don't know for certain, but I'd be surprised if there's a mass flu vaccination programme in the flavellas of Rio and Sao Paolo.

[Turgid]

Turgid, it may well be true. However there's a huge difference between correlation ("Alpha" shows a similar pattern to "Beta") and causation ("Alpha" is caused by "beta") This is a difference often overlooked by lazy journalists and "know it all" social media posters, which may or may not include me. Who am I to judge?

Autumn (fall) is when flu vaccines are rolled out in western Europe and North America. These are the worst hit areas. But they are also areas with high co-morbidity (e. G. Hypertension, diabetes, being old, obesity, reduced kidney function). Unravelling all these factors to establish the probability of a causal link to a high degree of certainty would require a huge amount of the kind of detailed data never available to mere mortals.

Two further thoughts to explain:

1. Western Europe (by which I mean EU, UK, EEA) and North America have far higher rates of car (automobile) ownership than the former Soviet Union, Asia, Africa and South America. Possible correlation, but anyone who says that "cars cause Covid to be fatal" is IMHO, and to use a technical medical term, a nutter.

2. Brazil seems to be copping the Covid at the moment. I don't know for certain, but I'd be surprised if there's a mass flu vaccination programme in the flavellas of Rio and Sao Paolo.http://www.brazil.gov.br/about-brazil/news/2018/05/health-ministry-to-increase-influenza-vaccine-production-by-33-in-2019

[GettingFedUp]

http://www.brazil.gov.br/about-brazil/news/2018/05/health-ministry-to-increase-influenza-vaccine-production-by-33-in-2019Interesting, but it should be noted that the Brazil flu vaccination season is April to June. I chose Brazil "off the cuff" without research. It's a large number of years since I was there. My bad.

However, my point about the difference between correlation and causality stands. The internal combustion engine (or hybrids or EV's) do not cause increased morbidity (although people using them may cause increased spread when they step out of the car). Nor do 5 G telephone masts.

[Zeus9]

Yes, I agree. And I think that will be the case for the next few months. Even after incoming international flights resume I suspect it will be a while longer before significant numbers of sex tourists can and will start showing up.

Meanwhile, I live in Bangkok and for the first time I recently looked into getting testosterone treatments in order to better capitalize on my situation, at age 67, of being a relatively rare potential customer for the slowly increasing influx of aspiring P4P girls.

I have been getting along just fine with an "every other day" session+pop routine. I can session+pop every day. But I get diminished pleasure returns on that program. Every other day feels much better.

However, under the current circumstances my repeats, regulars, non P4P GFs plus new P4P encounters while there are very few other customer/partner options for the girls have wreaked havoc on my every other day plan.

Therefore, I will be checking out what a 3 month testosterone treatment does for my level of hornyness on a daily basis. I would hate to have these unusual circumstances pass while significantly more and less costly session+pop(s) can be had with the same level of hornyness and pleasure reward as my every other day routine has provided for the past 2-3 years.So if you have your testosterone levels checked, and they are normal for your age; then I wouldn't bother doing any Testosterone therapy. But if it's low, then you could probably benefit quit a bit. I just don't think you will be able to quit once you start. Your libido would crash if you stopped taking it. It's just something to think about before you jump into it. I'm sure the doctor will tell you the same thing.

[XXL]

So if you have your testosterone levels checked, and they are normal for your age; then I wouldn't bother doing any Testosterone therapy. But if it's low, then you could probably benefit quit a bit. I just don't think you will be able to quit once you start. Your libido would crash if you stopped taking it. It's just something to think about before you jump into it. I'm sure the doctor will tell you the same thing.One piece of advice for those contemplating TRT. Give DHEA a try first. It can be taken orally, nothing like the life-long slavery of injecting. DHEA is relatively harmless.

With TRT there's the unsolved issue of balls (and penis?) shrinking on top of all other issues. Those testosterone male super models look good to women until women see them naked. I'm in no hurry to jump on that wagon.

Mesterolone (Proviron) is non-anabolic and libido-enhancing. Difficult to source in any country from what I've heard. I'd look into it before going for TRT if sex-drive is the issue and not building muscles. Mesterolone boosts dehydrotestosterone (DHT), not testosterone. Testosterone is the muscle-building hormone while DHT is the sex-drive (and balding!) hormone.

[EihTooms]

So if you have your testosterone levels checked, and they are normal for your age; then I wouldn't bother doing any Testosterone therapy. But if it's low, then you could probably benefit quit a bit. I just don't think you will be able to quit once you start. Your libido would crash if you stopped taking it. It's just something to think about before you jump into it. I'm sure the doctor will tell you the same thing.No, the Dr. didn't tell me my libido would crash if I stopped. And I have not seen that to be a red flag warning side effect of this treatment in my research on it.

Of course, if I don't find myself clawing at the earth with hornyness to fuck every day instead of every other day by the end of this first 3 month trial I won't bother to continue.

My testosterone nanograms per decilitre (ng/dl) level is 590.77 with normal levels for age 50+ being in the 193 - 740 range. The Dr. said this treatment would likely take it to 700.

It is a single injection of 1000 mg/4 ml solution of Nebido, Bayer brand. That single injection in the butt supposedly lasts 3 months.

[Red Kilt]

One piece of advice for those contemplating TRT. Give DHEA a try first. It can be taken orally, nothing like the life-long slavery of injecting. DHEA is relatively harmless.

Good advice, but it's not a 1. 5 hour effect like sildenifil (in case anyone was silly enough to think this).

It needs to be taken steadily over an extended period. I have been taking 1 capsule of 50 MG DHEA every day for the past 2 years but I have no idea whether it is "working" other than to say that I am still active at least once per day at age 70+.

No way that its effects can be measured since variables are impossible to control. I also take a number of vitamin supplements along with a daily Zinc tablet too so that might work synergistically or even antagonistically. Who knows?
I guess I could have had a testosterone bench mark test before I started but it's too late now to know if DHEA has any direct effect.

[EihTooms]

Good advice, but it's not a 1. 5 hour effect like sildenifil (in case anyone was silly enough to think this).

It needs to be taken steadily over an extended period. I have been taking 1 capsule of 50 MG DHEA every day for the past 2 years but I have no idea whether it is "working" other than to say that I am still active at least once per day at age 70+.

No way that its effects can be measured since variables are impossible to control. I also take a number of vitamin supplements along with a daily Zinc tablet too so that might work synergistically or even antagonistically. Who knows?
I guess I could have had a testosterone bench mark test before I started but it's too late now to know if DHEA has any direct effect.In my case the Dr. said not to expect to notice any effects for about 2 weeks.

Where do you usually purchase your DHEA? Somewhere in Bangkok?

[Turgid]

Interesting, but it should be noted that the Brazil flu vaccination season is April to June. I chose Brazil "off the cuff" without research. It's a large number of years since I was there. My bad.

However, my point about the difference between correlation and causality stands. The internal combustion engine (or hybrids or EV's) do not cause increased morbidity (although people using them may cause increased spread when they step out of the car). Nor do 5 G telephone masts.Your point about the distinction between correlation and causation is well taken. Scientific research is necessary to prove causation. I have a natural disinclination to vaccines which is my reason for the question. It may very well be that in the not too distant future we would all be required to take the anti-covid 19 vaccine for international travel, I anticipate such a requirement with great trepidation.

[John Clayton]

...I have a natural disinclination to vaccines which is my reason for the question...Does that include polio, smallpox, yellow fever, measles. ?

How about rinderpest -- opposed to that?

[HorseTrader]

My testosterone nanograms per decilitre (ng/dl) level is 590.77 with normal levels for age 50+ being in the 193 - 740 range. The Dr. said this treatment would likely take it to 700.My urologist said that increasing levels above about 200-300 makes no improvement in how you feel. I am the same age as you.

I had a brief period of time while starting testosterone that my level got above the normal range, I can say that it turned me into a real SOB. I did some things outside of my normal character and really pissed off some people. Life for me was miserable for the weeks while my testosterone was above about 800. Be very aware of what this stuff does to your mood. It is very powerful.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[Turgid]

Does that include polio, smallpox, yellow fever, measles. ?

How about rinderpest -- opposed to that?I actually got those when I had no say in the matter. Nevertheless, today I suspect people in authority of being quite nefarious.

[Franciscass]

My urologist said that increasing levels above about 200-300 makes no improvement in how you feel. I am the same age as you.

I had a brief period of time while starting testosterone that my level got above the normal range, I can say that it turned me into a real SOB. I did some things outside of my normal character and really pissed off some people. Life for me was miserable for the weeks while my testosterone was above about 800. Be very aware of what this stuff does to your mood. It is very powerful.

Let us know how it works out for you.Another item to add to the conversation on maintaining libido is Ginseng. Been taking it since the first signs of decline in my mid 50's and while difficult to associate its effectiveness with horniness and performance I do feel it's been influential in keeping me in the saddle. I take 400 MG daily of the KGC red ginseng extract. There are cheaper alternatives but this is regarded by most people as the gold the standard.

[EihTooms]

My urologist said that increasing levels above about 200-300 makes no improvement in how you feel. I am the same age as you.

I had a brief period of time while starting testosterone that my level got above the normal range, I can say that it turned me into a real SOB. I did some things outside of my normal character and really pissed off some people. Life for me was miserable for the weeks while my testosterone was above about 800. Be very aware of what this stuff does to your mood. It is very powerful.

Let us know how it works out for you.Yes, I will. Each injection every 3 months, if I do it more than once, requires a blood check first to monitor the level and make sure it is not rising above normal. And from what I read here and elsewhere I probably should give it at least 6 months to see how it goes.

In my case, I don't expect a night vs day difference. I am not suffering from serious hypogonadism symptoms where an effective treatment might produce dramatic results. I still get morning erections, still have plenty of sexual thoughts, can still be sexually active for as long as either me or the girl would want every day. It is only that I get noticeably more pleasure out of it when I skip a day in between now.

Problem is it is getting more difficult than I predicted at this time of my life to maintain that "skip a day in between" plan, a plan that already got broken here and there anyway. Not a bad problem to have, I know. Best case scenario for me is a session every day becomes as desired and pleasurable as my (intended) every other day schedule is now.

[XXL]

In my case the Dr. said not to expect to notice any effects for about 2 weeks.

Where do you usually purchase your DHEA? Somewhere in Bangkok?Dr Olivier in Jomtien.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

Interesting article from IATA if you need to adapt your ticket purchasing strategy for your next long distance flights. Today there are relatively inexpensive tickets for BKK (probably from all destinations in the world). I think there is no point in rushing to buy tickets today. Unless you wish to use the possibilities of obtaining a credit or a travel deferral offered by the airlines. On the other hand it can move very quickly and strongly as soon as the countries will announce the "travel bubbles" from July, especially if the entrance conditions are favorable. But it is not sure because people seem very wait-and-see (cf the 2 graphics).

The current context allows to think the borders will soon open. First for certain categories of people in July (business, ....) then for tourists (probably since August). In France (therefore for Schengen I presume) from July 1 there will be a list of around 50 countries whose trips may be authorized as a destination. Thailand could be an eligible country because they have figures which show that they have well mastered the epidemic. Obviously it will be necessary to see what will be the conditions required by Thailand. There will be conditions of reciprocity which will undoubtedly be calibrated on the highest bidder.

In the article you will also see that the entrance conditions are becoming more precise and that there is a strong demand for homogenization of the processes with more or less rigid options. But we can see the trends (mainly recommendation to quit quarantine, statements of negative to covid or tests for departures and arrivals, masks, social distancing.... and maybe additional like health insurance).

These are just projections. They nevertheless seem to clarify and converge now.

https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/16/demand-for-long-haul-travel-remains-close-to-zero-iata/

invalidated in the event of a new wave of covid-19.

Other opinions?

[Downandup]

Dr Olivier in Jomtien.https://www.dr-olivier-clinic.com/

[Franciscass]

Interesting article from IATA if you need to adapt your ticket purchasing strategy for your next long distance flights. Today there are relatively inexpensive tickets for BKK (probably from all destinations in the world). I think there is no point in rushing to buy tickets today. Unless you wish to use the possibilities of obtaining a credit or a travel deferral offered by the airlines. On the other hand it can move very quickly and strongly as soon as the countries will announce the "travel bubbles" from July, especially if the entrance conditions are favorable. But it is not sure because people seem very wait-and-see (cf the 2 graphics).

The current context allows to think the borders will soon open. First for certain categories of people in July (business, ....) then for tourists (probably since August). In France (therefore for Schengen I presume) from July 1 there will be a list of around 50 countries whose trips may be authorized as a destination. Thailand could be an eligible country because they have figures which show that they have well mastered the epidemic. Obviously it will be necessary to see what will be the conditions required by Thailand. There will be conditions of reciprocity which will undoubtedly be calibrated on the highest bidder.Right now Thailand is saying it will not open up to countries where there are relatively high levels of infections. If this remains in force it will be a long time before visitors from most Western countries are allowed in. It will not be possible for these countries to get to a situation where they are infection free for a period of time and will not happen until there is a widely available proven vaccine which means 2021. That's the current mind set but what happens when other countries are opening with less stringent conditions, countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar Malaysia Indonesia. The pressure on the uniforms will then grow to the point where they will have to change. Now the question becomes when will this happens? My own guess for what it's worth is October.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

".... As a result, a large meeting has been scheduled with all relevant parties and the CCSA tomorrow, Sunday June 21,2020. This meeting is expected to directly address when and how entertainment venues can re-open. ".

Oh oh so soon we will maybe know: https://thepattayanews.com/2020/06/20/ccsa-to-meet-with-leading-nightlife-entertainment-bar-alcohol-industry-representatives-and-musicians-on-sunday-to-discuss-unlocking-entertainment-venues/?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=350cadceefd087833b484b1a6b4590cc00577ac9-1592628182-0-AUkQ7D15dBrEAmq4u3j7YbHpheAi4NBIkeY7yO8cR_yGcrSXi4kxI-L1w50DaOHY0d7xTjhm-nHjkHjNXR5e7VgR57c2tOnSwCMTY31aC9S-JerluT6dn8oZMOlbpBoMtGkqFvIlfiRLoJg_tDYlaK1xQp2bftNoeyQPoiapzXK0LlmWvsdUNCwAKzHwIWGhdvNwBrXCV3mw5ijTIyTuH0EHSjOo22croZTDsEAIzU0tJCrqRLTSfmFFf7dwmoZcRCASF9tiBpuNr4byDCUWHiR4G099L6KE1U8V-EnP9FAYFflXy5cR9BdLeJSau69IigYEOsNftb-z-PR03z8HiULSABx8F0K0GASKQ8AKjeC6Zd4_cIO_oZB4YByQ3nBHs8poOXQRnj3G49pUoYkOWf0OfPbPV_bKZreWi1gKsgs0g_6j3rZlLeFwqz22ysseRmQ-0M5IxoXGpHC05uVQlvFZZ9uqGYargVsizBx1AynpASbMYX5zZhVi-dLTaMnJ57pud1PqDl6qRSBVfft4zWZirIZ_kjIADqdH8B8dj4i5HA2kEam3w9IX6qHkvfQY32nuDXq.

Note that for the moment there are still no tourists in Pattaya (no "customers" to be more precise). It therefore remains possible that if this announcement is confirmed it will converge with the opening (more or less) of the borders.
(invalidated in the event of a new wave of SARS-CoV-2)

[Downandup]

Note that for the moment there are still no tourists in Pattaya (no "customers" to be more precise). It therefore remains possible that if this announcement is confirmed it will converge with the opening (more or less) of the borders.It would not be possible for bars to stay in business if they continue to be closed until after tourists are allowed to return. It's looking like only a tiny number of people will be allowed into the country for the rest of the year.

In any case, this is for all of Thailand not Soi 6, Pattaya. I'd guess that almost every bar in Thailand is for Thai's and a very tiny proportion is for expats or tourists.

[Mr Enternational]

In any case, this is for all of Thailand not Soi 6, Pattaya. I'd guess that almost every bar in Thailand is for Thai's and a very tiny proportion is for expats or tourists.People are forgetting the 66 million Thais that live in Thailand. Today the beaches of Pattaya were full of Thais. I do not even want to think how many went over to Koh Larn today. I have never seen so many cars parked around Bali Hai Pier in my life. All the traffic is back to normal here with the exception of not having tour buses.

[Kerfuffle]

Interesting article from IATA if you need to adapt your ticket purchasing strategy for your next long distance flights. <snip>

https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/16/demand-for-long-haul-travel-remains-close-to-zero-iata/

invalidated in the event of a new wave of covid-19.

Other opinions?My two baht: Not to be a bummer, but IMHO, save for any "travel bubbles" in the short term that you mention (and even those are uncertain, and if and when ever put in place, could be rescinded at a moment's notice, IMHO), I'm of the view that until there's a coronavirus vaccine, then things on the travel front (internationally for sure, as well as on a country-by-country domestic basis), will simply be upended.

Additionally, looking ahead to November 2020, as this article focusing on the IATA does, is of no utility, IMHO (note that the IATA is an organization representing and promoting the interests of the global travel industry rather than those exclusively of public health, and that this article is but a momentary snapshot representing the IATA view that more of an IATA public relations exercise pushing resumption of air travel with lessened quarantine restrictions at arguably the expense of public health, and consequently IMHO isn't much in the way of real news), because even in countries that have made relatively good progress in flattening the curve of new coronavirus infections, there are continuing and periodic flareups currently, and notably, looking down the road to November, the northern hemisphere winter (geographic source of many international travelers) beginning around November is predicted by public health experts to be a time when new virus flareups (corona and common influenza) can be expected, and countries that are not allowing entry of most if not all travelers from other countries at this moment would consequently be hard-pressed to justify entry of those same travelers during a heightened infection northern hemisphere winter virus season, IMHO. The only predictable thing will be that things will be unpredictable, save for the aforementioned "likely" northern hemisphere winter flareup thing in the immediate short / medium term, until vaccines or miracle drugs are confirmed and become widely and easily available. Peace out.

[Franciscass]

".... As a result, a large meeting has been scheduled with all relevant parties and the CCSA tomorrow, Sunday June 21,2020. This meeting is expected to directly address when and how entertainment venues can re-open. ".

Oh oh so soon we will maybe know: https://thepattayanews.com/2020/06/20/ccsa-to-meet-with-leading-nightlife-entertainment-bar-alcohol-industry-representatives-and-musicians-on-sunday-to-discuss-unlocking-entertainment-venues/?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=350cadceefd087833b484b1a6b4590cc00577ac9-1592628182-0-AUkQ7D15dBrEAmq4u3j7YbHpheAi4NBIkeY7yO8cR_yGcrSXi4kxI-L1w50DaOHY0d7xTjhm-nHjkHjNXR5e7VgR57c2tOnSwCMTY31aC9S-JerluT6dn8oZMOlbpBoMtGkqFvIlfiRLoJg_tDYlaK1xQp2bftNoeyQPoiapzXK0LlmWvsdUNCwAKzHwIWGhdvNwBrXCV3mw5ijTIyTuH0EHSjOo22croZTDsEAIzU0tJCrqRLTSfmFFf7dwmoZcRCASF9tiBpuNr4byDCUWHiR4G099L6KE1U8V-EnP9FAYFflXy5cR9BdLeJSau69IigYEOsNftb-z-PR03z8HiULSABx8F0K0GASKQ8AKjeC6Zd4_cIO_oZB4YByQ3nBHs8poOXQRnj3G49pUoYkOWf0OfPbPV_bKZreWi1gKsgs0g_6j3rZlLeFwqz22ysseRmQ-0M5IxoXGpHC05uVQlvFZZ9uqGYargVsizBx1AynpASbMYX5zZhVi-dLTaMnJ57pud1PqDl6qRSBVfft4zWZirIZ_kjIADqdH8B8dj4i5HA2kEam3w9IX6qHkvfQY32nuDXq.

Note that for the moment there are still no tourists in Pattaya (no "customers" to be more precise). It therefore remains possible that if this announcement is confirmed it will converge with the opening (more or less) of the borders.
(invalidated in the event of a new wave of SARS-CoV-2)Opening borders and opening entertainment venues I feel are separate issues. Agree it's pointless opening bars and gogo's in Pattaya unless you also open borders as there will be few customers for these business's but the majority so called entertainment venues are local. I can see pretty much everything back to the new normal in the country by July but with most western visitors still waiting for restrictions to ease.

[GettingFedUp]

Interesting article from IATA if you need to adapt your ticket purchasing strategy for your next long distance flights. Today there are relatively inexpensive tickets for BKK (probably from all destinations in the world). There may be tickets, but will there be flights? I've read plenty of accounts of people booking fights out only for them to be cancelled time and again (I think LittleBigMan had a relative who suffered this). Refund? Six months the airlines say.


The current context allows to think the borders will soon open. First for certain categories of people in July (business, ....) then for tourists (probably since August).There is a saying about the way things operate differently in Thailand "TiT" (This is Thailand).

Firstly you have a nation where from an early age the population are indoctrinated (some would say brainwashed) to be massively patriotic (some would say xenophobic) - as an example it is a mantra of many Thais that their country has never been invaded, conveniently overlooking the Burmese-Siam wars in the mid-18th century and events of December 1941. As an aside the English often claim not to have been invaded since 1066, overlooking the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688.

Secondly you have the structure of Thai society. Money and the power over decision making is vested in the military and a small cabal of "old money" families. The term "Elite" is often used, but I refuse to because the word means superior, and some of them are real buffoons. So what influences the decisions of these rich and powerful people? More money and more power! Both "old money" and "new money" people are tolerated so long as they play the game. If they buck the system they become persona non grata.

What do the above mean for travel? The first point is to illustrate that whatever becomes the "new normal" for International Travel, Thailand in so many ways didn't even conform to what westerners would view as the "old normal". The "never invaded" mentality will IMHO be applied to the virus and those in power will preen themselves at having seemingly prevented invasion by Covid, and will keep the drawbridge up and the portcullis down to keep it that way. Thai citizens are being repatriated slowly. I read that they have weekly flights booked for at least the next month from Egypt, so how long until the exercise is completed globally? Who knows. Then there are the foreign holders of marriage visas who are stranded abroad. Borders in the rest of the world opening up? Never mind, "TiT".

The second point is to emphasise that tourism, even though it is often cited as 18% of the economy (not all of that is International tourism), is not a huge earner for the decision makers. Far more to be made on infrastructure projects and monopolistic utilities. Just have a look at the ownership of the companies making up the consortium for the $9 billion UTapao airport expansion (which seems to be a Public Health project) and the hurdle being placed by the Navy who would have to provide most of the land for it and will demand a sizeable sum which is unlikely to be spent on ordinary seamen's salaries, ships or submarines.

Those in power have also seen that the drive for mass tourism from China brought relatively little money into Thailand, and particularly into their personal coffers. So much of it was so called "zero dollar" tours where the Chinese operator sells an all inclusive package and then screws down hotels, restaurants, bus and guide companies on price, particularly once they have become reliant on these tour groups for a high proportion of their business. Again no huge appetite to rush to open borders.

Another aside. Some use the volume of visitors from China (and particularly Wuhan) as a reason why Thailand "must" be lying about infection numbers, overlooking (or being completely ignorant of) the situation where Chinese tour groups generally only get near enough each other, hotel staff, tour guides and bus drivers to pass any lurgy that they are carrying. There were cases of infection in the last two of those categories. Get more than 5 metres from the guide with a flag on a radio aerial or umbrella? Nah.

So to summarise, IMHO inbound mass tourism, with the possible exception of countries with zero or near zero recent infections and with significant hurdles, is not on the Thai agenda for the next 3 months. For those willing to pay significant amounts for testing, quarantine, etc things may be different (Cambodia this week announced a $3,000 deposit from which will be deducted testing fees, transport fees, hotel & meal fees whilst awaiting test results and you still have to have $50,000 of medical cover for Covid on top). Beyond that? My view is that hard hit countries (of which sadly there are now so many) will not be visiting before high season (say November) and it may be far longer than that.

I don't claim to fully comprehend the Thai psyche and culture. However, I have learned enough to understand that I will never fully comprehend the Thai psyche and culture!

I understand your keenness to get back to Thailand, but you really cannot apply the world view of IATA to this country, now or ever. After all, "TiT".

And finally. Your biggest mistake? You asked for opinions! "Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it".

[GettingFedUp]

back to the new normal... This sounds like a complex grammatical scenario of getting back to how is didn't use to be. Rather like the passage in The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy dealing with the grammatical problems of time travel. Extra participles are needed to describe things that one has already done but in a future time and also things that one has not yet done but when one does them they will be done in the past.

Sorry, I digress.

Bars and nightlife to open 1 July, subject to endorsement from the full CCSA (for which read the PM) next Friday, and also subject to the proviso that Provincial Governors still have the option to tighten restrictions beyond the National rules. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1938576/ccsa-promises-reopening-of-nightlife-venues . And of course a lot can change between now and then.

Public health guide for the wearing of masks in entertainment venues attached (and no, I don't have her contact details to pass on).

[Stykler]

Public health guide for the wearing of masks in entertainment venues attached.And that's a very thoughtful gesture indeed!

[Ed Setra]

I don't claim to fully comprehend the Thai psyche and culture. However, I have learned enough to understand that I will never fully comprehend the Thai psyche and culture!

I understand your keenness to get back to Thailand, but you really cannot apply the world view of IATA to this country, now or ever. After all, "TiT".

And finally. Your biggest mistake? You asked for opinions! "Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it".Can't argue with any of that GFU. Good assessment. Even November / December is overly optimistic for Farang visitors IMHO. Hope I am wrong.

[Franciscass]

This sounds like a complex grammatical scenario of getting back to how is didn't use to be. Rather like the passage in The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy dealing with the grammatical problems of time travel. Extra participles are needed to describe things that one has already done but in a future time and also things that one has not yet done but when one does them they will be done in the past.

Sorry, I digress.

Bars and nightlife to open 1 July, subject to endorsement from the full CCSA (for which read the PM) next Friday, and also subject to the proviso that Provincial Governors still have the option to tighten restrictions beyond the National rules. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1938576/ccsa-promises-reopening-of-nightlife-venues . And of course a lot can change between now and then.

Public health guide for the wearing of masks in entertainment venues attached (and no, I don't have her contact details to pass on).Agree using the phrase getting back to something new is an obvious contradiction in terms. Lets leave it as just getting to whatever the new normal is. Incidentally I was also a fan of the The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy science fiction at its trippy best.

[Mr Enternational]

The second point is to emphasise that tourism, even though it is often cited as 18% of the economy (not all of that is International tourism), is not a huge earner for the decision makers. Listen man. You said that shit. I am at Jomtien Beach right now. I have never seen so many damn people here. Cars are lined up end to end on the street and people are lined up from end to end on the beach. (I do mean end to end because I drove the entire length.) And it was the same at Pattaya Beach before I drove over here.

Now I see why they were worried about people crowding the beaches if the had stayed open. I never saw near this many people when the place was open to foreigners. They have the banana boats and jetskis out for rent and the water is full of people. For mfs that think people are starving around here and these people can not make it in life without their money, then congratulations on fooling yourself.

[GettingFedUp]

Listen man. You said that shit. I am at Jomtien Beach right now. I have never seen so many damn people here.Indeed MrE. They are probably here because Bang Saen beach towards Laem Chabang is too busy. Did you see the photos from there the weekend after the beach closures were lifted?

There are a lot who post on here and other forums who quote the 18% figure for tourism as justification why borders have to be opened. They overlook the big numbers of Thais who migrate down here pretty much every weekend (under anything resembling normal conditions). Most of them don't spend huge bucks, although there are a lot of Bangkokians (both middle class Thai and Expat) who bring the family to the beach at least a couple of times a month and stay in mid-range hotels, both in Pattaya and particularly to Hua Hin. The sheer numbers make the spend significant. I recall seeing a figure of 45% of Pattaya tourist gross revenue is domestic, which those who rarely, if ever, venture beyond the area encompassed by Dolphins Roundabout, the sea, Soi Buakhao & Bali Hai pier just laugh off as nonsense.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

1 - Beach road last Tuesday with traffic jams on beach road and the beach full of Thai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JWUhWbBRGU.

2 - Beach road in January 2020 before the covid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S12TlrYveiQ.

Everyone will make their own opinion.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

I understand your keenness to get back to Thailand, but you really cannot apply the world view of IATA to this country, now or ever. After all, "TiT".
Thank you for your opinion.

Everyone doesn't care what I think. Because it is not the subject. The subject of my post is about people who are waiting to know when they can get plane tickets and how will happen their arrival in Thailand.. That's all.

For my part, I like the facts. Not generalities that have no meaning in the context of the covid in June 2020, some of "I think that" or "IMHO".

When I post I try to shore up either with articles from relevant organizations, with newspaper articles or with images. Eventually I try to identify a trend. With material that I think is credible. I don't just say "I think the farangs can come back in November, December, 2021 or with my crystal ball".

If you think IATA advice is worthless, please prove it with real and detailed arguments. I can receive them without any problem.

[Franciscass]

Listen man. You said that shit. I am at Jomtien Beach right now. I have never seen so many damn people here. Cars are lined up end to end on the street and people are lined up from end to end on the beach. (I do mean end to end because I drove the entire length.) And it was the same at Pattaya Beach before I drove over here.

Now I see why they were worried about people crowding the beaches if the had stayed open. I never saw near this many people when the place was open to foreigners. They have the banana boats and jetskis out for rent and the water is full of people. For mfs that think people are starving around here and these people can not make it in life without their money, then congratulations on fooling yourself.Pattaya, Jomtien, Samui, Phuket, lower Sukhumvit are on life-support. Sure locals visit beaches at weekends, Jomtien and Bang saen are particularly popular but they don't spend a whole lot. Most take lunches and drinks with them, chill in groups till the sun goes down and then head home. There is I believe real hardship for workers still around as evidenced by the length of daily queues for food handouts. Sure some girls are getting by turning cheap tricks, sure the smarter ones are doing better than some others but overall for most of them it's pretty dire and will be until tourists in numbers are allowed back in.

[GettingFedUp]

For my part, I like the facts.Not a problem, facts wanted so facts you shall have:

Fact 1 IATA is the International Air Transport Association. It is a trade Association not a national government.

Fact 2 IATA has no control over national borders anywhere so their view of the outlook is an opinion not a fact.

Fact 3 As a trade Association their opinions may "possibly" be influenced by the vested interests of their member airlines (they'd be a crap Association if they campaigned against their members) . Their opposition to quarantines in the article you quote is a case in point. They make no public health claims to counter their imposition, just stating "Quarantine is a major deterrent for air travel".

Fact 4. The article you quote has precisely zero references to Thailand. It also has zero references to July and / or August. So your statement in the Thailand General thread that "The current context allows to think the borders will soon open. First for certain categories of people in July (business, .) then for tourists (probably since August)" is at best speculation not fact, at worst a complete non sequitur.

Fact 5. The situation here appears very different to many countries, both from personal "boots on the ground" experience and postings on this and other forums. I only recall one instance of a contributor on here giving details of a death which they felt had been covered up (an American gentleman in Buriram around 9 April if I recall) and a few minutes digging into the available data identified a likely match which the the contributor was satisfied with. Definitive matching simply not possible given anonymity both on here and in the published data.

Fact 6. You explicitly asked for opinions. You got them (together with the warning about being careful what you ask for, which you seem to have ignored), perhaps with my opinionated insight / thoughts about how Thailand works differently (and members of the jury save me the response that it rarely works at all). Now you only want facts.

The case on the factual evidence for the defence rests, M'Lud.

Closing statement. Ladies, gentlemen and persons who because of their gender identity it might breach site rules to mention explicitly, of the jury. The defence has, as requested by the plaintiff, laid out a factual rebuttal to their case. On these factual matters your duty is to determine whether the defendant, Mr GettingFedUp is liable for a breach of duty in providing opinions as requested for the travel outlook to Thailand. That the plaintiff didn't like those opinions and so squealed like a pig is should not cloud your judgement. Thank you members of the jury, thank you M'Lud.

[GettingFedUp]

The subject of my post is about people who are waiting to know when they can get plane tickets and how will happen their arrival in Thailand.. That's all.Buying plane tickets is easy. Getting to your destination is a whole different ball game.

Look back to New Year and there was a 3 line item at the bottom of page 31 that some people in a Chinese city very few people had heard of had coughed and some had died. That's 6 months ago. Things have changed that quickly.

The outlook? Anything is speculation. Particularly in Thailand. As an example Government sources were quoted that the booze ban would be lifted for a 3 day window to allow restocking for home consumption before the Buddhist and public holidays in early May, then it was announced that the ban would stay in place. What happened? The ban ended on 3 May which had barely been whispered as an option.

The reality of the situation under the emergency decree is that until it appears in the Royal Gazette it's just hot air. Even once it does appear in the Royal Gazette the Provincial Governors can impose stronger measures. So Chonburi (Pattaya, Jomtien, Bang Saen and Bang Saray amongst others) shut beaches, Prachup Kiri Khan (Hua Hin) didn't.

The only certainty about the future available in Thailand or anywhere else is that everything is uncertain (although there used to be the get-outs of death and taxes).

[GettingFedUp]

There is I believe real hardship for workers still around as evidenced by the length of daily queues for food handouts.I don't dispute that there's hardship. There's two places that do the handouts either side of my condo that have big queues every time. There's also a big parking problem every time because most of them come on their scooters. I know of another big donor that does handouts of many food parcels rather than meals daily about 500 metres away. They all do it at different times in the afternoon.

Now how people afford fuel but not food is way beyond my pay grade, and judgement of whether the recipients are the local community as intended or doing the rounds to Hoover up what they can I leave to others. But surely these good samaritans could co-ordinate so they hand out at the same time and everyone gets fair dibs?

[Franciscass]

I don't dispute that there's hardship. There's two places that do the handouts either side of my condo that have big queues every time. There's also a big parking problem every time because most of them come on their scooters. I know of another big donor that does handouts of many food parcels rather than meals daily about 500 metres away. They all do it at different times in the afternoon.

Now how people afford fuel but not food is way beyond my pay grade, and judgement of whether the recipients are the local community as intended or doing the rounds to Hoover up what they can I leave to others. But surely these good samaritans could co-ordinate so they hand out at the same time and everyone gets fair dibs?I cannot say I'm surprised but I am always disappointed and saddened when welfare programs for the poor are seen through a lens of abuse by a minority rather than the overwhelming need of the majority who use and need them to get by.

[Mr Enternational]

There is I believe real hardship for workers still around as evidenced by the length of daily queues for food handouts. When has a line for free stuff ever been any indication of how people are doing? Where I am from we have a saying, "If it is for free, then it is for me. " I guess you are one less person I have to worry about in front of me when the free pussy line comes.

[TheBronx]

I had originally planned my second trip to Thailand this past February but because of the pandemic, I had to cancel those plans which I sure many of you had to do as well. Who knows when this virus will be under control (if that's even remotely possibly) but it seems like there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Phase 4 seems to be on track for this July so I've been looking into hotels to see what is available. Looks like many others are having the same idea because just about all dates that I look into in late Oct, Nov, and Jan are booked solid for the places that I have been looking into. I figure that there would be a rush but damn. The plan is to go to Phuket, BKK, and Pattaya for about a week each and trying to stay close to the action such as Bangla, Nana, Cowboy, and Walking Street. Just about every site I've used says "Property booked. Choose other dates". I would but at the moment these are the only windows of opportunity that I have. My question is, is it too early to start booking hotels or am I already too far behind to book the hotels I want on the dates I would like? Seems like everyone is eagerly looking forward to the virus subsiding and to places like Thailand opening back up that hotels are getting booked far in advance. I bet many are just booking hotels with free cancellation options to see what is going to happen. I suppose I could go that route but don't really want to spend more money to secure a what if scenario stay. I would appreciate any advise. Thanks in advance.

[Franciscass]

When has a line for free stuff ever been any indication of how people are doing? Where I am from we have a saying, "If it is for free, then it is for me. " I guess you are one less person I have to worry about in front of me when the free pussy line comes.Standing in line for food "where you cone from" you know Mr E now that I think about it that doesn't surprise me.

[Franciscass]

" I guess you are one less person I have to worry about in front of me when the free pussy line comes.No need to worry about me Mr E, I hate queues but more relevant I believe in paying my way.

[Strikesfun]

The small hotels from my research continue to be closed due to social distance and cleaning requirements. I was considering travel from US in September however, the possible entry visa exempt does not appear likely. I beginning to wonder if January next year is possible.

[GettingFedUp]

Looks like many others are having the same idea because just about all dates that I look into in late Oct, Nov, and Jan are booked solid for the places that I have been looking into.TheBronx,

I doubt that, with a few exceptions, hotels are booked out for all three of those months. Without knowing specifics of which places and which channel you are looking at (hotel website, online agency or one of the comparison sites like Trivago) it is difficult to say, but I can think of 3 reasons why you see no availability.

First, some hotels have used the lockdown to bring forward refurbishment plans. Get the work done while there's no customers.

Secondly quite a few hotels (I am not saying a huge proportion) have not reopened yet as the inbound flight ban means no customers. No staff to input availability / rates on the system. Conversely hotels which show availability may not be open. When the closure order came down from the Government in April they just shut and laid off the staff. They didn't remove availability from systems so Expedia / Agoda et al showed availability for closed hotels. I know of a couple who arrived in Pattaya from Bangkok in April to find the hotel they'd booked the previous day for a 4 week pre-paid stay had been closed a week as were all of the local hotels of that particular company.

Finally, given the uncertainty about inbound travel (read elsewhere) hotels may simply not be taking bookings that far ahead. Bear in mind that there is zero certainty of what the inbound travel arrangements from 1 July are, let alone 4 months hence.

I had a quick look on Trivago for November availability. Plenty of hotels get listed. January 2021 should also not be an issue as the spike in visitors for Chinese New Year falls in February.

The most important advice I can offer (if you really feel you have to book now) is not to book a non refundable, non changeable rate. If travel restrictions haven't eased the hotel is likely to say "tough" when it comes to refund. I don't think I personally would be booking a room which required pre-payment now, as even if it can be cancelled you have to prise the refund out of them.

Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware).

[Goferring]

TheBronx,

I doubt that, with a few exceptions, hotels are booked out for all three of those months. Without knowing specifics of which places and which channel you are looking at (hotel website, online agency or one of the comparison sites like Trivago) it is difficult to say, but I can think of 3 reasons why you see no availability.....4/ don't forget that the hotel often may not want to release all its rooms to the aggregators (with their conditions, commissions etc) just as the aggregators may not want to publish rooms that they will not sell.

It's common for hotels to still have rooms available when Agoda et al are showing none available.

Cheers. G.

[Mens2]

If you are not sure about availability.

Ask them directly on their socials.

1) It's much cheaper.

2) You get accurate information.

Right now hotels are just very unsure about the future.

Some don't even know if they will be open next week.

[Turgid]

..............The case on the factual evidence for the defence rests, M'Lud.

Closing statement. Ladies, gentlemen and persons who because of their gender identity it might breach site rules to mention explicitly, of the jury. The defence has, as requested by the plaintiff, laid out a factual rebuttal to their case. On these factual matters your duty is to determine whether the defendant, Mr GettingFedUp is liable for a breach of duty in providing opinions as requested for the travel outlook to Thailand. That the plaintiff didn't like those opinions and so squealed like a pig is should not cloud your judgement. Thank you members of the jury, thank you M'Lud.Hmmmm, you are either an English trained attorney or a regular watcher of Law & Order: UK.

[GettingFedUp]

Hmmmm, you are either an English trained attorney or a regular watcher of Law & Order: UK."I could have been a Judge, but I never had the Latin for the judgin'. I never had it, so I'd had it, as far as being a judge was concerned. I would much prefer to be a judge than a coal miner because of the absence of falling coal". Peter Cook, Beyond The Fringe.

[MonkeyPaw]

Take away the import tax exemptions on 3 be worth of goods, and they will find a way to fuck you up. Keeps getting more interesting for Thailand as being the pawn of the Chinese. Not looking good for those in the USA wanting to get back, on top of the price of Jasmine rice in the USA going up. Sucks for those trapped in the USA who eat yummy for your tummy rice. Meanwhile, the morning view is still nice, drinks are still cold, pussy still warm, and the beach has gone to the dogs in Pattaya. Keep those eyes peeled on the news.

https://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-u-brazil-protest-thailands-081547305.html

[Pimpampoumpipo]

"Premises offering a bath-sauna-massage service will reopen on the condition that customers and staff wear face masks and observe social distancing. Except during "bathing time", Dr Taweesilp said. ".

I like the expression "bathing time".

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1940316/all-business-to-resume-on-july-1

P.S. : the attached photo was sent to me by a massage shop contact in Pattaya.

I think everyone is anxious for everything to go back to the way it was soon. Except maybe the farangs who are already there lol

Pray that there is no 2nd wave of virus in the fall as I hear here or there.

[LittleBigMan]

Everyone has their opinion and everyone will decide for themselves? For the last week, I've been trying online to purchase a ticket on Cathay Pacific but have been unable so I made a short trip Monday to Bangkok from Pattaya to their reservation office. While processing my booking making small chit chat with the agent he told me July they will expand their flight schedule although I heard there weren't flights into Thailand he said they have been operating one flight to and from Hong Kong and will open to 3 in July, although confirm that they have been operating one flight to SFO a week although I heard it was only to L. A.

In anticipation of prices going up, I decided to make my purchase regardless of Cathay's financial situation since Eva prices for the same time early next year are much higher. Today I decided to check some prices for Cathay for the middle of July from BKK-SFO and departure from SFO / BKK insane isn't the word but I don't think these PRICES WILL REMAIN I just hope not.

Who will pay these prices AND WE ARE TALKING ECONOMY BKK-SFO brace yourself, 152,000 baht! SFO-BKK $ 5,200.00 sample dates July 8th - 22nd.

[Turgid]

Anyone in NYC now? I've noticed a huge increase in the quantity and variety of escorts over the past couple weeks. Unfortunately, not so much the quality. I suspect that when this covid pandemonium is over there will be a release of energy similar to what occurred a century ago after world war I when we had the roaring '20's. This will be a worldwide phenomena with mongering gone wild. Lots and lots of working girls plying their trade with punters going crazy spoilt for choice. Be patient, you heard it first here.

[GettingFedUp]

Who will pay these prices AND WE ARE TALKING ECONOMY BKK-SFO brace yourself, 152,000 baht! SFO-BKK $ 5,200.00 sample dates July 8th - 22nd.LBM,

I had a quick look on Kayak website where it's possible to put dates in + / - 3 days. Using the sample dates you suggested Cathay show 2 flights outbound (5th and 10th) and 3 options back (20th, 22nd & 25th). All 6 are priced in the range of THB 24 - 27,000 economy return.

Of course restrictions both ends should be considered before booking.

[GettingFedUp]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1940340/50-000-select-foreigners-to-start-arriving-next-week

60% of this number are for "medical / wellness" visitors (which I am guessing doesn't mean "health massage" and extras).

"Tourists who would arrive under the travel bubble scheme could be allowed in on Aug 1 on condition they undergo "Villa Quarantine", meaning they stay in their accomodation and do not travel. ".

Don't shoot the messenger.

[Pimpampoumpipo]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1940340/50-000-select-foreigners-to-start-arriving-next-week

"Tourists who would arrive under the travel bubble scheme could be allowed in on Aug 1 on condition they undergo" Villa Quarantine ", meaning they stay in their accomodation and do not travel.

The arrivals were expected to boost investment and tourism income, he said. ".

Hahaha yes I am sure he will get there like that.

I wish Dr. Taweesilp lots of courage to go and explain this to Soi Buakhao and soi 6 and to all Pattaya.

And ? Things can change 200 times by August 1. Me and most other mongers abroad have the advantage of being able to be extremely mobile to go anywhere in the world. This is not the case for the farangs stranded in Thailand lol.

For my part I will observe this from where I will be. But under these conditions, it will not be in Thailand. Especially if Thailand remains as sad and depressing as the images and reports I see. I'll leave it to others. I'm not going to let myself die waiting for the Thai government deigns to let me in.

My first destination will be the first country with working girls (i can't write whor***s grrrrrr) who will open its borders seriously. I remain prosaic. I already have other projects. I have no concerns about the candidates. There will be some. Some countries have already started to open their borders. And that's just the beginning. It's time to travel to other countries.

Happy hunting everyone.

[LittleBigMan]

LBM,

I had a quick look on Kayak website where it's possible to put dates in + / - 3 days. Using the sample dates you suggested Cathay show 2 flights outbound (5th and 10th) and 3 options back (20th, 22nd & 25th). All 6 are priced in the range of THB 24 - 27,000 economy return.

Of course restrictions both ends should be considered before booking.Thanks, I always go through the airline directly through their website but after seeing those prices which I've seen Cathay do in the past but nothing so crazy when as you noted websites like Kayak are offering prices more in range of the norm. Due to the Virus and it affects I might need to start checking websites.

[Dena0]

...Meanwhile, the morning view is still nice, drinks are still cold, pussy still warm, and the beach has gone to the dogs in Pattaya. ...Add another four words about food (say, "food is still spicy") and this becomes the compleat reportcovering all the bases! TY for the updates.

[Turgid]

.............My first destination will be the first country with working girls (i can't write whor***s grrrrrr) who will open its borders seriously. I remain prosaic. I already have other projects. I have no concerns about the candidates. There will be some. Some countries have already started to open their borders. And that's just the beginning. It's time to travel to other countries.

Happy hunting everyone.Mexico's borders are already open.