Phuket
Foreigners seeking 60 day tourist visa extensions crowd Phuket Immigration

Many foreigners seeking to extend what some are calling the “Covid visa” crowded Phuket Immigration this morning. The queue stretched from the second floor, out the door and down the stairs at the front of the building. One man told the Phuket News that many were waiting to file a 60 day tourist visa extension.
The visa extensions are intended for foreign tourists who have been stranded in Thailand due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some have actually been unable to leave the country since April 2020 while others are sticking around by choice.
With borders restrictions over the past year, immigration offices have been flooded with tourists during deadlines for extensions. Apparently, around the end of the month is when many are scrambling to extend.
Thailand is still under the Emergency Decree, which was imposed last year to combat the spread of Covid-19. It gives the government sweeping powers to enact disease control measures and regulations. It also gives the prime minister executive power to enact further measures.
SOURCE: Phuket News
Keep in contact with Thaiger by following our Facebook page.
Never miss out on future posts by following Thaiger.
Chiang Mai
Tourism officials slash Songkran travel expectations by half

The TAT, ever the optimists regarding anything tourism related, even domestic tourism, predict that the Bangkok clusters that have emerged in the week before the Songkran break could reduce traffic and spending by up to half.
Today the CCSA is reporting 789 new infections and one additional death. 522 were local infections, mostly walk-ins to Bangkok hospitals, 259 were discovered through track and tracing. The remaining 8 were found in quarantine from overseas arrivals. In Phuket, another 17 cases have been reported today, taking the island’s week total to 43.
GRAPH: Worldometer figures for Thailand, up to April 9
A 68 year old man from Nakhon Pathom province died on April 4 but wasn’t reported until today. The CCSA report that he died from Covid and “complications”. 33 other former patients have recovered and been discharged.
Last week the TAT estimated 3.2 million domestic trips would circulate 12 billion baht for the Thai economy. But the Tourism Authority has now slashed their estimates by half after hotels, airlines and bus companies reported mass cancellations in the last few days. Other provinces are reporting less than 20% cancellations. Although this weekend will see a lot of travel, Songkran doesn’t formally start until next Tuesday and the TAT expect there could be additional fallout as travellers decide to have a staycation for Songkran instead heading home.
Bangkok Post reports that 70% of travellers to Prachuap Khiri Khan and Hua Hin have already cancelled hotel bookings. Similar cancellations have been reported in Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Many other provinces, particularly in the north east and north, are also enforcing quarantine on arrivals or additional paperwork to try and protect their provinces from any of the Bangkok clusters.
8 north eastern provinces rare now requiring 10 or 14 day quarantine periods for anyone arriving from areas where new clusters have been reported. Chiang Mai provincial officials say that tourists from Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi – basically Bangkok and surrounding provinces – must complete a 14 day mandatory quarantine or conduct a test for Covid when they arrive.
The reality is that the travel and quarantine changes are outstripping the ability to communicate them all. Anyone crossing into other provinces in the next few day, especially if you’re travelling from Bangkok and surrounding provincial ‘red zones’ can expect some additional paperwork or a Covid test. Or even quarantine.
Keep in contact with Thaiger by following our Facebook page.
Never miss out on future posts by following Thaiger.
Education
Phuket student protests and is flunked as “not loyal to the nation”

After participating in protests for student’s rights, a Phuket student was barred from graduating 9th grade, moving from middle school to high school, charged with being “not loyal to the nation, institution of the monarchy”. The student had advocated against mandatory uniforms and for student’s liberties. He told reporters that the school started paying attention to his actions last year when he participated in rallies in solidarity with students across Thailand. The school’s student affairs office received a copy of posts he made on social media encouraging others to join the cause. The school ordered a stop to his political actions, but he and his friends disregarded warnings and violated school rules when they handed out white ribbons to classmates. They received a warning from the student affairs office.
Student protests have increased after pro-democracy demonstrations surged in July last year, empowering many Thai people to speak out against injustices, including students’ rights and liberties. People from schools across the nation have been banding together in solidarity to bring their issues to public light.
On graduation day, all the students were promoted into high school, except for the one student protestor, says the Bad Student protest group. The theme of the day focused on dedication to the monarchy, country and religion, and specifically how students should be obedient. The student said he has received support from friends, but his parents remain neutral and his teachers have been completely silent on the matter. He is frustrated that he was punished for his right to express himself. He plans on testing with incoming students to re-enrol in the same school, and if he is not accepted because of the disloyalty charge, he will pursue legal ramifications, suing the school for blocking his right to an education over the student’s protests.
The student believes he needs to speak out to prevent school administrators from imposing on more students’ rights. He advocates for diversity in schools and ending prejudices, with increased liberties and freedoms for students.
“Schools must teach children to be able to think by themselves, not force children to think like them. Schools should create opportunities for students to express their ideas more freely.”
SOURCE: Prachatai
Keep in contact with Thaiger by following our Facebook page.
Never miss out on future posts by following Thaiger.
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
16 more Covid infections reported today in Phuket

Phuket is reporting 16 more infections today. It follows visits from Bangkok and last weekend’s Kolour Beachside parties that have resulted in a number of new Covid infections. The number of new infections has reached 26. But deputy governor Vikrom Jakthee says the province has been successful in containing the new outbreak “due to its quick response measures which now include shuttering bars and nightlife venues.
One of the confirmed cases is a male teacher from Headstart International School in Kathu who, after attending the parties on the weekend, was back teaching students on Monday and Tuesday. The school has sent a letter to all parents advising them of the situation and organising testing for anyone who may have come in contact with the teacher.
The closure order in Phuket comes just as the island province was expecting to get an influx of visitors for Songkran, the Thai New Year. Many bar and club owners were expecting some increased traffic during the holiday week. Phuket officials say they will explain to bar and club owners why they decided to close the venues during the critical week for business.
Vikrom previously cited the start of the island’s Covid vaccine roll-out of Covid starting to head towards a herd immunity in time for the province’s proposed July reopening to international tourists. But he admitted that the sudden appearance of the coronavirus on the island again will force officials to reevaluate the schedule for reopening. He also said that almost all cases were in younger age groups of people in their 20s and 30s.
Partygoers who went to any of the Kolour Beachside parties in Phuket last weekend are being asked to visit a local hospital for a Covid test. The parties hosted more than 3,000 people, drawing concern after a musician tested positive for Covid-19, having attended all 3 parties. The Phuket Provincial Government and Phuket Provincial Public Health Office released a statement yesterday advising all partygoers to get tested.
“Those who attended the Kolour parties from April 2 to 3 at Shelter Phuket Dance & Night Club in Patong, Cafe Del Mar Phuket in Kamala and Illuzion nightclub on Bangla Road in Patong are asked to get tested.”
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
Keep in contact with Thaiger by following our Facebook page.
Never miss out on future posts by following Thaiger.
- Bangkok3 days ago
Tourism officials slash Songkran travel expectations by half
- Hot News2 days ago
Condolences from Thailand to UK on Prince Philip’s death
- Thailand3 days ago
Thai Airways cuts another 4,250 staff, offering them early retirement
- Myanmar3 days ago
UN special envoy in Thailand to meet Foreign Minister about Myanmar crisis
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Police chief orders staff to work from home after 42 officers test positive
- Bangkok4 days ago
UPDATE: Thai PM orders closure of bars and clubs in 41 provinces
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)18 hours ago
Top virologist warns of vaccine limitations against South African, Brazilian variants
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Transport Ministry: refunds to cancel travel for Covid-19
Svcoquette
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 2:53 pm
If you apply early for the extension the 60 day extension starts the day you apply not from the date of expiration. Tourists stuck here have learned this the hard way, including us. So they wait until the last day to apply. This is a stupid new policy, at least in Phuket. We ‘ve been coming here on our yacht for many years and extensions used to begin from the date of expiration not from the date you apply. Unfortunately for us, and many others, Malaysia seaports are still closed to foreign yachts so we cannot return and are stuck here. Also many tourists here are over 60 and are afraid to get on an airplane due to the virus. There’s been no word on when they may be able to get the vaccine.
Roger Bruce
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 8:41 pm
OHH so sorry for you old chap … on your yacht …tally-ho and all that!
If you have a bloody Yacht why not sell away dumbo… Why have to use Malaysia seaports the old pirates did,nt
Good luck Thailand
toby andrews
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:17 pm
I sympathize Svcoquette.
Here in Cambodia I lost two days on my last visa because I applied too early.
However apply on the last day and they claim a £10 overstay because they could not process the application on that day.
I am not an easy target and I am already in contact with the Cambodian Corruption Unit.
Robert Bruce you are not in the Far East.
All you are is tourist sometimes so keep your stupid comments to yourself.
Issan John
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11:58 pm
I have to agree, Roger Bruce.
The idea that many tourists have been “unable to leave the country since April 2020” is starting to wear a bit thin, however much Thailand may probably be happy that any tourists are better than none however little they contribute to the economy.
Crispy
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:47 am
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2088963/no-quarantine-plan-for-foreign-visitors-to-phuket-from-july
How long until other towns and cities can follow suit?
Is the PCR test pre flight or on arrival?
If it’s on arrival, travelers would need to quarantine for 2-3 days to get results.
Are you required to fly direct or can you transfer at BKK and if so how does that work?
Are you restricted to Phuket and for how long? Can you move to CM after a certain time?
Who can take advantage of the program come July?
B Group
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:56 am
Amnesty From Extend Is Fitting With Pandemic …
While Ministry of Health Ban Entry From City To City Covid19 Matter
Prime Minister Ban Gathering
Easy Smooth Warm
All Know Kingdom People …
Many Select Kingdom
Some Old some Professor some volunteer
Some Designer some player sport Some art …..
Many Before Fish Market December last
Year Was Living in Dual City
Like Ayutthaya BANGKOK
Lopburi BANGKOK
…..
Reason Pollution Go Up Almost 7 month
Poor air quality
Atmosphere Ancient city Perfect for sports ….
Visit Immigration To Apply regular Visa
One Year Have To Be Very Smooth …
Already You Offer in Embassies nine months Stv
Extend Is Opposite To Decision
Ministry Of Health
And Order Prim Minster
No Gathering
Amnesty Added Value For Kingdom
Moral Matter …
Boost Hotel Occupied
Many Officer Ask Hundreds of questions
Embarrassed The Side Of Stranded
Dealer now Stranded Because No Visa
Offered From Ministry of Interior
By Any Case
All Greet Decisions makers what ever
Good or bad For Us …
Our position is not Perfect
Yes This is
Pandemic time
Pandemic time not usual time
James R
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2:01 am
Unable to leave the country?
I stayed from January until August last year ‘surfing’ on the free visa extensions, I could have left at any time but I decided to stay on.
When I decided to go I flew back to the UK as easy as pie.
There must be lots of places the very few yacht people can sail to, the rest can just get on a plane like the rest of us did.
Oh yes, yet more people bunched together like the tens of million of others in shops, restaurants and bars and magically yet no further virus cases, it must be down to magic blood in Thailand, I can’t for the sake of me think of any other reason what the cause of such magical low numbers.
Maybe it is something to do with not telling the truth? 🤣
Issan John
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 12:31 pm
“… it must be down to magic blood in Thailand, I can’t for the sake of me think of any other reason what the cause of such magical low numbers.
Maybe it is something to do with not telling the truth? ”
Alternatively maybe it’s the same reason as Taiwan, New Zealand, and Australia, amongst many others, as has been explained at length several times and the only reason you “can’t think of any other reason” is because you have a brain the size of an extremely small pea.
J West
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Quite a coincidence that many Russian Covid “ refugees” have been using falsified bank docs and arrests made? I think not. The fraudsters kept passport details of their ‘ customers’. If you’re Russian here on a fake application, you should get out fast before you’re arrested.
Things are changing.
https://www.legal.co.th/resources/visa-immigration-law/thailand-immigration-law/will-covid-19-mark-end-fake-tourists-thailand/
Joe
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:17 pm
James R if there really were a lot of covid cases in Thailand then we would definitely know about it, look at some of the other seriously affected countries where hospitals and cemeteries are totally full, you can’t hide something like that. Like some scientists have said I think that this virus has been present in the environment of South East Asia for a long time and the people here are somewhat immune to it, the bats in Thailand have it, it’s around.
James R
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:42 pm
Issan
But you pea can not seem to tell you that the other countries you mentioned did it by very strict lock downs, not the free movement and party atmosphere Thailand continues to show.
Must be magic blood.
Thais could bottle it and sell it to the rest of the world.
James R
Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 7:55 pm
joe
120,000 people have died in the UK due to the virus, I saw on the news here the hospitals were full at one point because of the virus but I never went to a hospital or cemetery so I only found out from the news on the TV, it will be the same for you in Thailand except you are not being told.