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Post by bear on May 3, 2022 8:31:55 GMT 7
The boot's on the other foot for Thai tourists - Cambodians want 7,000 baht for an ATK test After the best part of a year charging foreign tourists for Covid tests the boot is now on the other foot for Thai tourists.
Authorities in Cambodia are charging 7,000 baht for an ATK test that can be bought in Thailand at a 7-Eleven for a fraction of that.
It was the first day of the reopening of Thailand, May 1st.
About 30 Cambodians were coming across an hour.
But few Thais were bothering to go to Cambodia because there were so many restrictions on coming back!
They would have to get a Thailand Pass and that would take 2-3 days so day tripping was out.
Those few souls crossing were going to see relatives or going for work. A few tourists were going but they would be staying a while.
Then the media spoke to one person who was coming back after an aborted trip to the Cambodian side.
They had been told that because they had had only one jab they would have to take an ATK test.
And the Cambodians wanted $200 dollars or around 7,000 baht for that.
They didn't have the cash.
They asked if they could get the test from a Thai convenience store for 50-100 baht.
They were told that was not possible - they had to pay or go back to Thailand.
They went back.
Thirty one border crossings in 17 provinces were finally reopened yesterday after being shut for 2 years because of the pandemic.
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Post by genx on May 3, 2022 9:08:13 GMT 7
What has been happening in Cambodia seems very shambolic. Perhaps corruption is the root cause.
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Post by nomadic on May 3, 2022 20:30:45 GMT 7
Yes, been most years for the last 20 and love it. No better place for a beerlao than beside the Mekong river in any number of places. Friendly people and safe as. Must be a tragic place now with no tourists.
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Post by nomadic on May 3, 2022 20:36:46 GMT 7
What has been happening in Cambodia seems very shambolic. Perhaps corruption is the root cause. The last I read recently I think it is almost back to normal re entry wise. But I'm not going anywhere until I get some 100% certain info that all is back to normal.
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Post by bear on May 6, 2022 19:41:11 GMT 7
Opening of the Cambodian-Thai border boosts tourism.
After the Thai government allowed the re-opening of the border with Cambodia from May 1, 2022, a number of associations and private companies in the tourism sector in Cambodia, Thailand, as well as Vietnam have cooperated to plan to boost the flow of tourists again.
In early May, the Asia-Pacific Tourism Association (PATA) led by Thuon Sinan, President of the Association, traveled through the Cham Yeam International Border Crossing, Koh Kong Province, to Trat Province, Thailand and on to Bangkok to attend the Tourism and Trade Exchange Meeting between Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam from May 5-6, 2022, while a delegation of companies in Cambodia also traveled by air from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. The purpose of this road trip is to study and understand the journey as well as to complete the paperwork at the border checkpoints on both the Cambodian and Thai sides. Thuon Sinan told reporters on April 4 that the opening of the border between Cambodia and Thailand is very good for tourism, transport, trade, as well as other areas that are essential for the continuation of economic development between the two countries. He said that in practice, when the PATA team crossed the Cham Yeam-Khlong Yai border checkpoint on May 3 yesterday, it was seen that the Cambodian side was doing a good job of completing the paperwork according to the guidelines and policies of the Royal Government, including immigration officials, border officials, as well as customs officials. He said the flow of tourists by land would be even greater if the Thai side relaxed some conditions or documents because when he crossed the border, the requirements from the Thai side were still unstable, such as the conditions for driving a private car into Thailand and the problems that the Thai side requested the Cambodian side to conduct a rapid test on guests and passengers. Ms. Viyada Srong, Vice President of the Trat Tourism Assembly, expressed her pleasure at the opening of the border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand. She is optimistic that tourism between Cambodia and Thailand, especially between Cambodia and Trat, will recover after the opening of the Cambodian-Thai border, while tourism in Trat is also getting ready. The deputy chairman of the Trat Provincial Tourism Council confirmed that there is still yet to see a large influx of tourists at the Cham Yeam-Khlong Yai border crossing, however, some resort bookings have already begun. Mr. Thuon Sinan, on behalf of the Cambodian side, and Ms. Viyada, on behalf of the Thai side, and Mr. Nguyen Hong Hieu, representative of the Vietnamese side, will co-chair the meeting, exchange, partnerships, companies, travel agencies and trade exchanges between Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam in Bangkok for two more days to discuss in detail the process of promoting the flow of tourists to the bilateral or tripartite in the near future. According to the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand, passengers traveling from Cambodia to Thailand by air or land are divided into three categories and also subject to different conditions. That includes: * Type 1. Vaccinated Travelers: Register for Thailand Pass before departure (link: tp.consular.go.th) while checking and approving Thailand Pass does not take more than 48 hours. There are Covid-19 medical insurance with a total insurance premium of $10,000. No RT-PCR test required before coming to Thailand. Do your own quick test (ATK) while staying in Thailand. * Type 2. Unvaccinated Travelers: Register for Thailand Pass before departure (link: tp.consular.go.th) while checking and approving Thailand Pass does not take more than 48 hours. There are Covid-19 medical insurance with a total insurance premium of $10,000 Case: Having a negative RT-PCR test result no more than 72 hours before departure can enter Thailand like a fully vaccinated person. No negative RT-PCR test result no more than 72 hours before departure, 5 days of quarantine required, RT-PCR test on 4th or 5th day. Do your own quick test (ATK) while staying in Thailand. * Type 3. Passengers who are residents of border provinces and hold a Border Pass: Thailand Pass registration is not required. No insurance required. Only those who have been fully vaccinated. Travel is only allowed in the areas specified by the Cambodia-Thailand Agreement. Can stay in Thailand for no more than 3 days (2 nights). Thailand’s provinces bordering Cambodia with international border crossings include Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Surin. www.khmertimeskh.com/501069719/opening-of-the-cambodian-thai-border-boosts-tourism/
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Post by bear on May 8, 2022 8:20:43 GMT 7
Laos has announced a full reopening to tourism today that allows vaccinated arrivals to enter the country without any testing requirements.
Government Spokesperson and Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, spoke during an announcement broadcast live across social media.
She said that as the number of Covid-19 cases had significantly decreased, and in order to ensure economic recovery, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the government of Laos had coordinated with a number of sectors to determine new entry measures in line with the global situation.After canvassing public opinion and consulting with experts, the Taskforce has set out the following measures for entry to Laos, effective from 9 May onward: All international checkpoints will be open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors. Citizens of countries that have bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreements with Laos may now enter Laos without the need for a visa. Citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Laos may now apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system. Visa on arrivals will also be reinstated at certain international checkpoints. Fully vaccinated foreigners or Lao citizens carrying a vaccination certificate may enter Laos without any screening or testing for Covid-19 when arriving by land, air, or water. Non-vaccinated citizens of Laos, foreign citizens, or residents aged 12 years and over must take a Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) not more than 48 hours prior to departure and present the results upon arrival. Foreign arrivals in Laos that become infected with Covid-19 must bear responsibility for any and all medical costs involved in treatment. Private vehicles may now enter and exit the territory of Laos via checkpoints as prior to the pandemic. Guidelines regarding this measure will be drafted and publicized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Madame Thippakone said that ministries and tourism departments, as well as tourism businesses, must now be fully prepared to welcome foreign tourists. At the same time, she announced the reopening of entertainment venues and karaoke bars, however, such venues must ensure they fully comply with Covid-19 prevention measures. Note:- Then currently to re-enterThailand you need an approved thai pass, proof vaccination and covid insurance. Without just one of them things get a bit more difficult, though hopefully by 1st June it'll be reciprocal, with no hoops to jump through. Cheers 🐻 laotiantimes.com/2022/05/07/laos-drops-testing-for-vaccinated-tourists-announces-full-reopening/?fbclid=IwAR1fsXWfr6W3RgHtZHNsowP402399JvAS2uG-1DXfEAmxLbdRG9U9KhfjvE
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Post by bear on May 8, 2022 9:53:28 GMT 7
Update:- Tourists now able to cross Thai-Cambodian land borders as check points reopened
A checkpoint on the border between Thailand and Cambodia reopened today in the northeastern province of Surin. A line of cars began crossing the border Friday morning, and the crossing is now open to Thais and foreigners every day from 6am-10pm. This news comes on the same day as three Thailand – Malaysia border crossings have also reopened.
The checkpoint, a major centre for trade and tourism between Northeastern Thailand and Cambodia, has been closed ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Thailand in 2020.
One Cambodian governor requested that Thailand ease its restrictions for boarder pass holders, and extend their stay in Thailand from three to five days. Surin’s governor said the request would be forwarded to the central government for a decision.
Last week, a spokesperson for Thailand’s CCSA said the deparment agreed to reopen 31 land border checkpoints in 17 provinces on May 1, including Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chantaburi, Trat, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ranong, Song Khla, Narathiwat, Yala, and Satun provinces.
To enter Thailand by land, vaccinated Thai citizens and travellers from neighboring countries, including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia, can enter without the need to submit Covid-19 tests or insurance.
Foreigners who desire to enter the country by land are still required to register via Thailand Pass prior to entry and purchase insurance that covers at least $10,000.
Unvaccinated travellers may enter via land, but will be required to provide a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to entering the kingdom, alongside applying for Thailand Pass and purchasing insurance.
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Post by nomadic on May 8, 2022 20:54:23 GMT 7
I'm still a wee bit confused with this Thailand pass. And if I need insurance when been here without it before I depart. I don't have it, then go into Laos for 24 hours and then need it to get back?
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Post by bear on May 8, 2022 22:13:27 GMT 7
I'm still a wee bit confused with this Thailand pass. And if I need insurance when been here without it before I depart. I don't have it, then go into Laos for 24 hours and then need it to get back? Yep; you got it in one nomadic......only Usd $ 10,000 COVID insurance though; it can be as cheap as Bht 650 for one month. Thailand pass is free and you're vaccinated!! I don't see it so much as a matter of cost; just the messing around obtaining them. Let's wait & see if 1st June brings dropping the pass and insurance requirements. Cheers 🐻 How long does it take to process the Thailand Pass?The process of the Thailand Pass application takes 3 to 7 days. We recommend you apply at least 7 days before your intended departure. Prepare as RequirementPassport
Vaccination Certificate Covid-19 Health Insurance SHA+ / AQ Hotel reservation Register Thailand Pass
Fill in your information Approval Process
After approval, you will receive the email containing Thailand Pass ID (QR code) Get Verified
Arrival and show the QR code
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Post by bear on Jun 9, 2022 18:17:32 GMT 7
Govt ready to scrap last of pandemic-era curbs on tourists
The government plans to end mandatory pre-travel registration for foreigners, rolling back the last of the pandemic-era curbs and betting on global visitors to power the economic recovery.The country’s main Covid-19 task force is likely to consider a proposal to scrap the so-called Thailand Pass requirement at a meeting on June 17, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told reporters on Thursday. The move would go into effect next month and has the backing of the Health Ministry, he said. “Our country has been battered by this pandemic for so long,” Mr Phiphat said. “It’s time to make a full attempt to restore our economic growth with tourism. The removal of Thailand Pass will make it more convenient for tourists to come.” The government plans to end mandatory pre-travel registration for foreigners, rolling back the last of the pandemic-era curbs and betting on global visitors to power the economic recovery. The country’s main Covid-19 task force is likely to consider a proposal to scrap the so-called Thailand Pass requirement at a meeting on June 17, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told reporters on Thursday. The move would go into effect next month and has the backing of the Health Ministry, he said. “Our country has been battered by this pandemic for so long,” Mr Phiphat said. “It’s time to make a full attempt to restore our economic growth with tourism. The removal of Thailand Pass will make it more convenient for tourists to come.” Foreign nationals are currently required to upload details of vaccinations and proof of medical insurance of at least $10,000 before departure to secure the Thailand Pass, which allows Covid-negative visitors a waiver of quarantine on arrival and free mobility in the country. Travel and leisure industry players have been calling for cancellation of the registration program, saying it deterred prospective holidaymakers. Before the pandemic, the overall tourism-related sector accounted for about a fifth of Thailand’s economy and jobs, with nearly 40 million overseas visitors in 2019, according to the central bank. The Tourism Ministry will also propose restoration of visa-on-arrival for travellers from nearly all countries that were eligible before the pandemic, with the exception of some territories that are still battling Covid outbreaks, Mr Phiphat said. The move to lift restrictions on foreign arrivals will boost the prospects for Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, to meet the latest target of attracting 1 million tourists a month from October. Earlier this month, the government allowed bars, pubs and karaoke clubs to reopen in some regions, ending shutdown of more than a year. The measures come amid an easing of local Covid cases and a scramble among tourism-reliant countries to once again woo travelers. Thailand will also continue delaying imposition of a 300 baht entry fee on people who arrive via air travel, Mr Phiphat said. The government needs more time to study whether and how to charge visitors who come through land borders, he said. www.bangkokpost.com/business/2323214/govt-ready-to-scrap-last-of-pandemic-era-curbs-on-tourists
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Post by bear on Jun 9, 2022 21:47:39 GMT 7
A post attempting to deflect the thread topic has been removed.
If the poster wants to start a conversation about the specific topic in their comment, find a link and post it on the appropriate board; "Chinwag." Cheers 🐻
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Post by bear on Jun 17, 2022 17:32:09 GMT 7
Mostly from 1 July; this is a developing story
Excerpt:-One of the most important relaxations of the day is surely the cancelation of the Thailand Pass including:
Revoking the Thailand Pass for international visitors International visitors will only be checked for the vaccination certificate or ATK test result at random. Unvaccinated visitors/not fully vaccinated who are checked at random will need to take an ATK test. This is expected to be lifted when the emergency decree ends, which is staying for the time being.
Removing temperature and respiratory checkpoints at the international entrances.
Changes/Removal to Covid-19 insurance requirements. This is still a question mark as of press time with mixed messages and may need further clarification.
Replacing the Thailand Pass with only a basic Health Declaration Form as needed
Some of the above changes are effective immediately and some will follow after the Gazette is released, according to the CCSA
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Post by nomadic on Jun 17, 2022 20:48:57 GMT 7
I may become nomadic again. Things slowly getting back to pre COVID ways after 2 and a half years. Hope all those on DSP can get IP and join us.
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