A colleague of mine with a family was pointing out how the costs of meeting all these covid requirements can mount up.
He has a property in Spain but just to get the tests required to travel there would cost over 600 euros for three people, and then you have to get back!
Thailand tourism situation
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
TAT expecting 44% fewer trips during long weekend
The damage from the second wave of the pandemic persists for the tourism industry, as an estimate suggests there will be 44% fewer domestic trips during the Buddhist festival holiday which begins on Friday, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the long-weekend holiday starting from Makha Bucha Day is forecast to stimulate 1.09 million domestic trips, a decline of 44% when compared with the same period last year.
The fresh wave of the pandemic earlier this year made people cautious about travelling and spending, with Makha Bucha Day spending this year forecast to reach 3.9 billion baht, a decrease of 38% from last year's level.
The average hotel occupancy countrywide is estimated to reach just 16%, 50% lower than the corresponding period last year.
He said the new wave of the pandemic is also having a direct impact on many tourism-related activities as some provinces have cancelled their religious events which normally attract massive crowds in a bid to curb the virus.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/20 ... ng-weekend
And now for the good news: there will be 44% fewer road accidents this long weekend!
The damage from the second wave of the pandemic persists for the tourism industry, as an estimate suggests there will be 44% fewer domestic trips during the Buddhist festival holiday which begins on Friday, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the long-weekend holiday starting from Makha Bucha Day is forecast to stimulate 1.09 million domestic trips, a decline of 44% when compared with the same period last year.
The fresh wave of the pandemic earlier this year made people cautious about travelling and spending, with Makha Bucha Day spending this year forecast to reach 3.9 billion baht, a decrease of 38% from last year's level.
The average hotel occupancy countrywide is estimated to reach just 16%, 50% lower than the corresponding period last year.
He said the new wave of the pandemic is also having a direct impact on many tourism-related activities as some provinces have cancelled their religious events which normally attract massive crowds in a bid to curb the virus.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/20 ... ng-weekend
And now for the good news: there will be 44% fewer road accidents this long weekend!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
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Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Prayut orders study on ‘vaccine passports’ amid tourism wipeout
The prime minister said on Tuesday he has commissioned a study to look into issuing Covid-19 vaccination certificates for international travellers, as the country seeks to revive a tourism industry battered by coronavirus curbs.
Thailand has been mulling the idea of so-called "vaccine passports", but no target date has been set and tourism operators have complained about lost revenue.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the country will proceed with caution, waiting to see how effective vaccines are first in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
"I have already ordered the study so we can be prepared, but it's also important that we proceed in line with other countries," Gen Prayut said in a post on Facebook on Tuesday.
People in Thailand who are vaccinated would be given certificates, which could be used for international travel, he said.
Authorities will meet next week to discuss procedures to obtain such certificates, as well as quarantine arrangements for tourists with "vaccine passports" entering Thailand.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/20 ... sm-wipeout
You can see how this one will pan out ... general public to get vaccines by 2022, passports by 2023.
The prime minister said on Tuesday he has commissioned a study to look into issuing Covid-19 vaccination certificates for international travellers, as the country seeks to revive a tourism industry battered by coronavirus curbs.
Thailand has been mulling the idea of so-called "vaccine passports", but no target date has been set and tourism operators have complained about lost revenue.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the country will proceed with caution, waiting to see how effective vaccines are first in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
"I have already ordered the study so we can be prepared, but it's also important that we proceed in line with other countries," Gen Prayut said in a post on Facebook on Tuesday.
People in Thailand who are vaccinated would be given certificates, which could be used for international travel, he said.
Authorities will meet next week to discuss procedures to obtain such certificates, as well as quarantine arrangements for tourists with "vaccine passports" entering Thailand.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/20 ... sm-wipeout
You can see how this one will pan out ... general public to get vaccines by 2022, passports by 2023.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Have I read this right. The government is mulling the idea of 'issuing' vaccine passports to allow international travel. That has nothing to do with tourism in Thailand, but allows travel out of Thailand to other countries.
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
At least the airlines might get a few passengers out of it. 
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Phuket to welcome vaccinated travellers by October despite pushback from government
Phuket’s local government will move forward with plans to fully open its doors to vaccinated foreign visitors by October despite pushback from the national government.
In order to achieve herd immunity in time for the reopening, the resort island’s leading business owners have suggested pooling resources together to vaccinate 70 percent of its population, without waiting for the government rollout. Though the idea was shut down by the government earlier this month, Phuket’s tourism operators still believe this is an essential step to revive its economy that is at its “lowest point in history.”
“We will not stop pushing forward [with the reopening]. It’s the only way for Phuket to be able to survive,” Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, told Thai Enquirer by phone.
“I think there must be a solution that balances controlling the outbreak and stimulating the economy.”
In the initiative aptly named “Phuket First October,” the local government proposed vaccinating a majority of its population that is above 18 in time for the high season. This will enable thousands of vaccinated Europeans travellers, who enjoy escaping their winters to bask in Phuket’s sunny beaches, to enter the kingdom.
The island is also looking to waive the 14-day quarantine, a factor that dissuades many foreign travellers from visiting Thailand. For months, the government had maintained that the quarantine is mandatory for all visitors. However, just last Tuesday Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha changed his stance, declaring that a waiver is now being considered.
“In the past, we had to accept that quarantining was necessary but right now, there are vaccines,” said Bhummikitti.
It is not enough just for foreign tourists to be vaccinated since, according to medical professionals, they may still be carriers of the virus, he explains. Locals must be vaccinated as well.
In order to meet their October 1st goal, the plan must be approved by the government before April. Initial research shows that around 250,000 citizens must be vaccinated a month prior to the proposed reopening to achieve herd immunity. Thus, vaccinations must start by June — for it will take four months to vaccinate around 2,000 locals per day. The island is looking to conduct a more detailed survey in the coming weeks to finalize the exact number of doses needed for the initiative.
https://www.thaienquirer.com/24813/phuk ... overnment/
Phuket’s local government will move forward with plans to fully open its doors to vaccinated foreign visitors by October despite pushback from the national government.
In order to achieve herd immunity in time for the reopening, the resort island’s leading business owners have suggested pooling resources together to vaccinate 70 percent of its population, without waiting for the government rollout. Though the idea was shut down by the government earlier this month, Phuket’s tourism operators still believe this is an essential step to revive its economy that is at its “lowest point in history.”
“We will not stop pushing forward [with the reopening]. It’s the only way for Phuket to be able to survive,” Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, told Thai Enquirer by phone.
“I think there must be a solution that balances controlling the outbreak and stimulating the economy.”
In the initiative aptly named “Phuket First October,” the local government proposed vaccinating a majority of its population that is above 18 in time for the high season. This will enable thousands of vaccinated Europeans travellers, who enjoy escaping their winters to bask in Phuket’s sunny beaches, to enter the kingdom.
The island is also looking to waive the 14-day quarantine, a factor that dissuades many foreign travellers from visiting Thailand. For months, the government had maintained that the quarantine is mandatory for all visitors. However, just last Tuesday Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha changed his stance, declaring that a waiver is now being considered.
“In the past, we had to accept that quarantining was necessary but right now, there are vaccines,” said Bhummikitti.
It is not enough just for foreign tourists to be vaccinated since, according to medical professionals, they may still be carriers of the virus, he explains. Locals must be vaccinated as well.
In order to meet their October 1st goal, the plan must be approved by the government before April. Initial research shows that around 250,000 citizens must be vaccinated a month prior to the proposed reopening to achieve herd immunity. Thus, vaccinations must start by June — for it will take four months to vaccinate around 2,000 locals per day. The island is looking to conduct a more detailed survey in the coming weeks to finalize the exact number of doses needed for the initiative.
https://www.thaienquirer.com/24813/phuk ... overnment/
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Is this not just another selfish plan to resolve a small island's economic woes whilst the rest of Thailand suffers?
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd 
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
I don't see it as selfish, the junta is dragging the chain with vaccines and getting bogged down with bureaucracy while they line their own pockets making deals with whoever suits them. The rest of the planet will be vaccinated while Prayut and his cronies shuffle paper, the general population are not expected to get it here until next year. 
If Phuket (the most affluent province in Thailand) has the finances and ability to fast track vaccinations to revive its economy I say good luck to them - it has to start somewhere.
If Phuket (the most affluent province in Thailand) has the finances and ability to fast track vaccinations to revive its economy I say good luck to them - it has to start somewhere.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
I don't disagree that it has to start somewhere, but TIT. If Phuket suddenly becomes the place where the Farang $ re-appears, there will be a gold rush. Regardless of how many have been vaccinated, the island will become inundated with non-vaccinated bodies. IMHO the initiative should be nationwide. Even if vaccinated, the tourists can still be carrying the virus. How will they prevent tourists venturing into the 'dirty' parts of the country?buksida wrote: ↑Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:10 am I don't see it as selfish, the junta is dragging the chain with vaccines and getting bogged down with bureaucracy while they line their own pockets making deals with whoever suits them. The rest of the planet will be vaccinated while Prayut and his cronies shuffle paper, the general population are not expected to get it here until next year.
If Phuket (the most affluent province in Thailand) has the finances and ability to fast track vaccinations to revive its economy I say good luck to them - it has to start somewhere.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Phuket has already had a 'gold rush' based on tourism, but yes Thais would flock back there to get work (non-existent in other tourism spots).
Agree with the nationwide comments, but TIT - it won't be, and money takes priority over logic here.
They would have to have the whole island as an effective quarantine and tourists would not be allowed to leave it.
It'll be a damn long wait otherwise ...
Agree with the nationwide comments, but TIT - it won't be, and money takes priority over logic here.
They would have to have the whole island as an effective quarantine and tourists would not be allowed to leave it.
It'll be a damn long wait otherwise ...
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
The seasoned Thai travellers would probably be keen to return, but I can't see too many others jumping on a flight, which is likely to be long and expensive and how many open hotels will there be to greet them and at what cost? Lots of ifs and buts at the moment, not least, will the vaccines be administered in time?
Talk is cheap
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
Is that not one of the problems?
Seasoned traveller's will be expecting the Thailand they knew 2 years ago. There have been a lot of changes since that time. It is not the same as they once knew.how many open hotels will there be to greet them and at what cost?
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Thailand tourist slump continues
I'd prefer the Phuket of 30 years ago.