COVID 19 Related to THAILAND Posts

[KWA]

13 minutes ago, Zeb said:

Has anyone seen any data (creditable data) on foreigners entering Thailand (after having a negative test prior to travel) and then found to have tested positive to the virus while in a ASQ hotel etc ?

There are figures reported every day but I've never seen the source or an overall summary.  Today's figures were

Quote

The 22 imported cases were quarantined arrivals from Iran (1), Bahrain (1), Japan (4), Germany (1), the United Arab Emirates (12 Thai women), Kuwait (1), Pakistan (1) and Uganda (1).

So probably 10 from ASQ.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2073755/93-new-covid-19-cases

 

[Horizondave]

13 hours ago, Zeb said:

Has anyone seen any data (creditable data) on foreigners entering Thailand (after having a negative test prior to travel) and then found to have tested positive to the virus while in a ASQ hotel etc ?

It would be interesting to see what the numbers look like and relevant to any further attempts to open up etc.

I think those stats come out everyday, many arrivals who had a negative test (if a real one) are tested positive within days of arrival during quarantine.  That is why presently the quarantine is 14 days as tests are done and I think that the contagious aspect drops after about 10 days after being tested positive.

A good read is this link which answers a lot of questions I wasn't aware of:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/if-youve-been-exposed-to-the-coronavirus#:~:text=By the 10th day,and their fever has resolved.

It gives good reason to there being a 14 day quarantine as that time should see even those infected more than likely to be free of getting others infected after they leave quarantine. It does say those that have been infected may get the virus again hence the need to still adopt sensible precautions.

The issue is how these vaccines reduce that possible transmission and this would be important if reducing the quarantine or allowing those vaccinated to be free to arrive without needing to book ASQ etc. I still think vaccination with a covid test before and after arrival could be the way to go during a very reduced quarantine time.

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Horizondave

[Zeb]

9 hours ago, Horizondave said:

The issue is how these vaccines reduce that possible transmission and this would be important if reducing the quarantine or allowing those vaccinated to be free to arrive without needing to book ASQ etc. I still think vaccination with a covid test before and after arrival could be the way to go during a very reduced quarantine time.

A lot of testing and data still needed before quarantine is reduced I think although I still see those vaccinated being .

Yes more work needed including if the vaccines will stop transmission of the virus as well as protecting those inoculated from severe illness/ death.

Pfizer have said their vaccine is effective in preventing transmission citing clinical results plus the vaccine program in Israel.

There appear to be conflicting reports about Astra-Zeneca so more info etc is need on it, although some reports from the UK say it is effective in preventing transmission ?

Until recently, say last couple of months, Australians returning from overseas didn't need a negative test in order to be able to board a flight on the basis that they all went into government supervised quarantine anyway.

But it was found too many were bring the virus back with them and stretching health resources etc, so requirement for negative test prior to traveling back to Australia was introduced. In effect this mirrored the Thai requirement. The result are quite marked.

For the State of NSW, period requiring negative test prior to travel, bordered in red -

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20210224_00.aspx

So - If potential travelers to Thailand can prove vaccination plus test negative prior to travel - there is a way forward to cautiously reopen travel without quarantine.

As much as I want it to be that 'straightforward' I'm sure there will be a curved ball or three somewhere in it all, including some people seeking to game the situation.

Edited February 24, 2021 by Zeb

[Zeb]

12 hours ago, KWA said:

There are figures reported every day but I've never seen the source or an overall summary.  Today's figures were

So probably 10 from ASQ.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2073755/93-new-covid-19-cases

 

Ta.

Those numbers of people testing positive look quite high for a single day for people who supposedly tested negative prior to travel although there is no data on the number of foreign travelers actually in quarantine. 10 in a single day wouldn't look too flash if only several plane loads were involved? Who knows though?

[Horizondave]

2 minutes ago, Zeb said:

Ta.

Those numbers of people testing positive look quite high for a single day for people who supposedly tested negative prior to travel although there is no data on the number of foreign travelers actually in quarantine. 10 in a single day wouldn't look too flash if only several plane loads were involved? Who knows though?

Thais on all flights do not need a covid test just a Fit To Fly note.  I suppose there are quite a few places passengers could catch a virus on the way from their home all the way through the flight prior to testing in Bangkok.

[Krapow]

From the BBC - 

Thailand begins vaccination rollout

EPACopyright: EPA

Thailand has started its vaccination programme, with five Cabinet ministers among the first to receive a dose.

A report from Japan's Kyodo news agency says the vaccination drive has been overseen by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He has been unable to get the vaccination himself however, as the Sinovac vaccine used is offered to those aged 18-59 and he is 66.

He thanked all those receiving the vaccine and urged fellow Thais to do so.

Frontline medical staff will be vaccinated from Monday.

Thailand has ordered two million doses of Sinovac and 61 million Oxford-AstraZeneca doses

[bexwell]

I had my first Jab in the UK yesterday, I feel terrible today, Like I have Flu and bizarrely I have acute Tinnitus in my left ear, not sure what that's all about.

[roomark]

2 hours ago, bexwell said:

I had my first Jab in the UK yesterday, I feel terrible today, Like I have Flu and bizarrely I have acute Tinnitus in my left ear, not sure what that's all about.

Which one was it?

Had mine Friday (Pfizer) and haven't had any as of yet.

My Dad have the Pfizer and had none either, but my Mum had the Astra Zenica and had flu symptoms for around 3 days .

 

[Horizondave]

12 hours ago, roomark said:

Which one was it?

Had mine Friday (Pfizer) and haven't had any as of yet.

My Dad have the Pfizer and had none either, but my Mum had the Astra Zenica and had flu symptoms for around 3 days .

 

I think people react in different ways. I had the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab and had no side effects at all, I know one of my friends who also had the same jab with no ill effects..

It was said though that getting effects from any jab is a good thing as it proves it is working, I suppose I could read into that view that my jab was ineffective lol

[thumper63]

I had my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine on the 27th. First shot had no side effects at all. Second was received on Saturday at 11:45am with nothing happening for the rest of the day. But Sunday woke up with a very sore arm am feeling a bit wacked out and really really tired. So went back to bed to rest and read. Ended up sleeping till 7pm. Got up and felt fine and the sore arm thing was totally gone. So not bad as far as side effects go.

[bexwell]

On 2/28/2021 at 9:13 PM, roomark said:

Which one was it?

Had mine Friday (Pfizer) and haven't had any as of yet.

My Dad have the Pfizer and had none either, but my Mum had the Astra Zenica and had flu symptoms for around 3 days .

 

The Astra Zenica one, I felt ill for 3 days very ill for two of them and the injection site burned the whole time. I feel fine now. In a way I feel reassured that I got symptoms it means that my immune system reacted to it. 

Edited March 4, 2021 by bexwell

[Horizondave]

Seems to be a few articles now in the media about the pressure to open up borders from start of 3rd quarter (01 July) to those who have been vaccinated and have a travel passport.

My Google starting to show me various journal media reports such as Bloomberg/Independent etc so there is pressure and supposedly Prayut is looking at the situation. History shows that Thailand doesn't always do what is popular but with other countries wanting to open up in May/June to vaccinated travellers and gathering tourism and service industry pressure being applied it could herald a change to the quarantine system on entry.

I would go to Thailand if the quarantine is dropped but interested to see any articles that show what might happen if vaccinated travelers are actually allowed in but more importantly what might be the procedure for taking my daughter with me.  Obviously she can not be vaccinated but hopefully would be allowed in with maybe a covid test, will be good to see some updates if this early 3rd quarter opening gains some mileage.

[Krapow]

11 hours ago, Horizondave said:

Seems to be a few articles now in the media about the pressure to open up borders from start of 3rd quarter (01 July) to those who have been vaccinated and have a travel passport.

My Google starting to show me various journal media reports such as Bloomberg/Independent etc so there is pressure and supposedly Prayut is looking at the situation. History shows that Thailand doesn't always do what is popular but with other countries wanting to open up in May/June to vaccinated travellers and gathering tourism and service industry pressure being applied it could herald a change to the quarantine system on entry.

I would go to Thailand if the quarantine is dropped but interested to see any articles that show what might happen if vaccinated travelers are actually allowed in but more importantly what might be the procedure for taking my daughter with me.  Obviously she can not be vaccinated but hopefully would be allowed in with maybe a covid test, will be good to see some updates if this early 3rd quarter opening gains some mileage.

Same, monitoring the situation.

I do think the 'situation' will be doable for tourists by end of the year, if not before.

[Horizondave]

8 hours ago, Krapow said:

Same, monitoring the situation.

I do think the 'situation' will be doable for tourists by end of the year, if not before.

I could go anytime but not willing to book until quarantine is reduced to no more than a 3-7 days before laying out the shekels.

Thing is that Porn will probably be working soon so I am more than likely to travel with Kataleya only to let her visit her grandparents and for me to attend a friend's 70th birthday bash so I am seeking updates/confirmation of how children can travel if restrictions are lifted for me as a vaccinated tourist.

Rumour for some European countries are that kids should be able to travel without issue or with only a negative covid test, hopefully Thailand will adopt similar entry requirements for kids otherwise there will be a barrier to families going anytime soon.

[Stillearly]

From Richard Barrow 

BREAKING: A government spokesperson has just said it has been approved to reduce quarantine to only 7 days if the foreigner has a vaccination certificate. If not and they can produce a negative #COVID19 test, quarantine is reduced to 10 days. The tweet also mentioned that travellers from Africa have to do the full 14 days. More details soon. 

As with anything, it’s not law until it’s published in the royal gazette. So don’t celebrate yet if this is good news for you. There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow and so we should get more details soon. For example, dates and if it’s restricted to certain countries and/or vaccines. 

 

[Horizondave]

14 minutes ago, Stillearly said:

From Richard Barrow 

BREAKING: A government spokesperson has just said it has been approved to reduce quarantine to only 7 days if the foreigner has a vaccination certificate. If not and they can produce a negative #COVID19 test, quarantine is reduced to 10 days. The tweet also mentioned that travellers from Africa have to do the full 14 days. More details soon. 

As with anything, it’s not law until it’s published in the royal gazette. So don’t celebrate yet if this is good news for you. There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow and so we should get more details soon. For example, dates and if it’s restricted to certain countries and/or vaccines. 

 

I know a few who would be on the first flight after their 2nd vaccination if it was reduced to 1 week. 

Me, again I would go in the summer with my daughter but looks like under the proposal we would have to do 10 days even though 'I' would have a travel passport by then.  Still the proposal is going in the right direction.

Just want to see things in black and white as other proposals are out there for reducing the quarantine to zero for vaccinated passengers.

Edited March 8, 2021 by Horizondave

[Krapow]

17 minutes ago, Stillearly said:

From Richard Barrow 

BREAKING: A government spokesperson has just said it has been approved to reduce quarantine to only 7 days if the foreigner has a vaccination certificate. If not and they can produce a negative #COVID19 test, quarantine is reduced to 10 days. The tweet also mentioned that travellers from Africa have to do the full 14 days. More details soon. 

As with anything, it’s not law until it’s published in the royal gazette. So don’t celebrate yet if this is good news for you. There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow and so we should get more details soon. For example, dates and if it’s restricted to certain countries and/or vaccines. 

 

Step in the right direction, but still not really feasible for 3 week tourists like myself.

Still, it'a a start!

[Phantom51red]

42 minutes ago, Stillearly said:

From Richard Barrow 

BREAKING: A government spokesperson has just said it has been approved to reduce quarantine to only 7 days if the foreigner has a vaccination certificate. If not and they can produce a negative #COVID19 test, quarantine is reduced to 10 days. The tweet also mentioned that travellers from Africa have to do the full 14 days. More details soon. 

As with anything, it’s not law until it’s published in the royal gazette. So don’t celebrate yet if this is good news for you. There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow and so we should get more details soon. For example, dates and if it’s restricted to certain countries and/or vaccines. 

 

I hope they reduce it to 10 days before I'm out ! Might even get some cash back......then again,but positive stuff hopefully.

Edited March 8, 2021 by Phantom51red

[Horizondave]

This info is now on Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-to-reduce-quarantine-period-for-vaccinated-travellers-idUSKBN2B00VB

This bit for me stands out and may be a bit lost in translation as it is quite restrictive for those who may want to book for a winter's holiday if they have been vaccinated back in May/Jun etc.

Vaccinations must be administered within three months of the travel period and visitors will still be required to show negative COVID-19 test results within three days of their departure, Anutin Charnvirankul told a news conference.

[forcebwithu]

38 minutes ago, Horizondave said:

This info is now on Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-to-reduce-quarantine-period-for-vaccinated-travellers-idUSKBN2B00VB

This bit for me stands out and may be a bit lost in translation as it is quite restrictive for those who may want to book for a winter's holiday if they have been vaccinated back in May/Jun etc.

Vaccinations must be administered within three months of the travel period and visitors will still be required to show negative COVID-19 test results within three days of their departure, Anutin Charnvirankul told a news conference.

Another version of the same Reuters story mentions this starting in April. If this comes to pass then I would expect as we approach the 4th quarter and next high season the period of time from vaccination to travel will lengthen. Of course that assumes no upticks in new infections between now and later in the year.

https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-to-cut-quarantine-for-vaccinated-foreigners-to-7-days-from-april-idUSL4N2L628A

[Horizondave]

14 minutes ago, forcebwithu said:

Another version of the same Reuters story mentions this starting in April. If this comes to pass then I would expect as we approach the 4th quarter and next high season the period of time from vaccination to travel will lengthen. Of course that assumes no upticks in new infections between now and later in the year.

https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-thailand/thailand-to-cut-quarantine-for-vaccinated-foreigners-to-7-days-from-april-idUSL4N2L628A

Yes I see that it mentions from April which is good news for many yearning to travel shortly after their soon to have vaccinations and for them it is great news if willing to do a 1 week quarantine.

The bit I am confused with is that many will have completed their vaccinations soon, possibly in April/May/June or July yet may want to travel for the winter period in November/December. I don't see how that fits in if they have to have their vaccinations 'within 3 months' of departure.

[Bazle]

This 3 month thing is confusing! I assume that it is 3 months because that is how long, by current knowledge, the vaccine lasts. Hopefully, in time, it will be extended when/if it is found the vaccine lasts longer.

But, on that reasoning, shouldn't it be linked in to the time someone is allowed to spend in the Kingdom? 

[biggles]

Has this been approved by the PM and cabinet or is it just another kite flying exercise by a minister? 

[Bazle]

1 hour ago, biggles said:

Has this been approved by the PM and cabinet or is it just another kite flying exercise by a minister? 

To quote the article: Health Minister Anutin Charnvirankul said on Monday.

I would expect a Minister to speak for the government. It's not like TAT, or a Covid advisory board, or the Phuket local government.

Edited March 8, 2021 by Bazle

[Horizondave]

1 hour ago, Bazle said:

This 3 month thing is confusing! I assume that it is 3 months because that is how long, by current knowledge, the vaccine lasts. Hopefully, in time, it will be extended when/if it is found the vaccine lasts longer.

But, on that reasoning, shouldn't it be linked in to the time someone is allowed to spend in the Kingdom? 

I assume it won't matter how long they stay as even if the vaccine only lasts 3 months they will have had a covid test prior to departure and there are few/if any persons in Thailand (outside of quarantine) that will make them catch the virus and therefore cause them to become asymptomatic or requiring hospitalization should the vaccine lose it's efficacy.

Probably got a few more tweaks to go but it is a start.