News Forum - Thumbs down for Thailand’s Test & Go Version 2

[Soidog]

7 hours ago, Marc26 said:

Again I don't disagree with any of that 

I don't see the logic in the new 5th day and it definitely may prove too much of a hassle for me

I just simply don't get the anger towards it 

And I'm a hothead!   

Ok mate, well I think we are discussing the finer points of how people react to disappointment. I can’t understand why people get worked up and angry if the bad weather upsets their BBQ. However, I do understand when people get angry because someone forgot to buy the steaks and burgers! One is unavoidable and the other is totally within the capacity of a person to have avoided it. The same situation is happening with Test & Go. There is no scientific basis for the day 5 quarantine. There’s not even any common sense to it. It’s been done at the whim of an individual or a group of individuals sat around a table trying to outdo one another by pushing for more restrictions, especially on foreigners. 
 

I would also add, that for many, myself included, there is an underlying feeling that these decisions are based on a negative bias towards foreigners in Thailand. I know the same rules are being said to apply equally to Thais and foreigners, but I simply don’t buy that the treatment across all measures is not discriminatory. It’s not a proactive or conscious racism, more a general lack of thought, consideration or empathy towards foreigners. This also drives some of the frustration and anger, especially for people with close ties to Thailand. 
 

If I was a simple tourist and looking to make a choice where to go on holiday, then it wouldn’t bother me, I’d go elsewhere and not give it a second thought. I was that type of “tourist” I probably wouldn’t be a member on this forum though would I?  

[LoongFred]

1 hour ago, Soidog said:

Ok mate, well I think we are discussing the finer points of how people react to disappointment. I can’t understand why people get worked up and angry if the bad weather upsets their BBQ. However, I do understand when people get angry because someone forgot to buy the steaks and burgers! One is unavoidable and the other is totally within the capacity of a person to have avoided it. The same situation is happening with Test & Go. There is no scientific basis for the day 5 quarantine. There’s not even any common sense to it. It’s been done at the whim of an individual or a group of individuals sat around a table trying to outdo one another by pushing for more restrictions, especially on foreigners. 
 

I would also add, that for many, myself included, there is an underlying feeling that these decisions are based on a negative bias towards foreigners in Thailand. I know the same rules are being said to apply equally to Thais and foreigners, but I simply don’t buy that the treatment across all measures is not discriminatory. It’s not a proactive or conscious racism, more a general lack of thought, consideration or empathy towards foreigners. This also drives some of the frustration and anger, especially for people with close ties to Thailand. 
 

If I was a simple tourist and looking to make a choice where to go on holiday, then it wouldn’t bother me, I’d go elsewhere and not give it a second thought. I was that type of “tourist” I probably wouldn’t be a member on this forum though would I?  

You do have choices on whether to come or not. You can give advice or complain , but it will only fuel others concerns like stoking the fire. Or,  maybe you just like to talk.

Some people will complain no matter what . Before, I think you said that you wouldn't  ome until the nightlife retur Ed.  Ow, it the 5th day test. 

They've shown a way if you want to come.  Now it's up to you. 

[Willi]

What a nonsense to force tourist to test again on day 5 !

Anyone also Thais might have caught the infektion at any day after their first test. Noone tests the locals permanently...why then the farangs... best tested persons in the Kingdom: before flying, after arrival , on day 5 ...why not test the farangs on day 10 and day 15 also ??

Never seen such a nonsense...

[Oracle]

Thailand can set the rules it wants, same as any other country.  People can choose to accept the conditions and risks, or not travel; there is no entitlement.  I wouldn't travel now, but I'm not sure if it's because of the increased Omicron risk with hospitalization (mandatory if over 60) or if because I wasn't impressed when I did Test & Go in early Dec and found Bangkok just wasn't its vibrant self (though Thais were much more warm and welcoming to the odd visitor).  At least Thailand is open to tourists; what other countries in SE Asia are open (or open with easier entry requirements)?

[Soidog]

3 hours ago, LoongFred said:

You do have choices on whether to come or not. You can give advice or complain , but it will only fuel others concerns like stoking the fire. Or,  maybe you just like to talk.

Some people will complain no matter what . Before, I think you said that you wouldn't  ome until the nightlife retur Ed.  Ow, it the 5th day test. 

They've shown a way if you want to come.  Now it's up to you. 

Can you please try to follow the thread if you are going to reply. The way it works is that you comment on my post based on what I was replying to, not in isolation or tangental to the point. Do you understand that Fred? If not, can you please put me on ignore. You did say you were going to. It would help me, and I’m sure many others if you did. Ta! 

[LoongFred]

37 minutes ago, Soidog said:

Can you please try to follow the thread if you are going to reply. The way it works is that you comment on my post based on what I was replying to, not in isolation or tangental to the point. Do you understand that Fred? If not, can you please put me on ignore. You did say you were going to. It would help me, and I’m sure many others if you did. Ta! 

As I said  you like to talk and  complain. Do something Dude.

[LoongFred]

19 hours ago, Bangkok_Gary said:

It's not just the entry procedure that is f----d up. The new procedures for getting a long stay visa are also f----d up. I used to spend all winter in Thailand. It used to be very easy to get a multiple entry tourist (TR) visa. The visa allowed you to stay for 2 months. A border run would get you another 2 months. Another border run would get the final 2 months. Now they need a reason for the multiple entry. So you'd have to say you are going to exit Thailand twice at 2 month intervals and buy 2 air tickets out of the country and show them as proof. Plus now you have to pre-pay a month of accomodation and show proof. The Special Tourist Visa is even worse. They want a police clearance! And proof of fully paid accomodations for the entire length of the stay. That's ridiculous. So I am giving up on Thailand. I will go to Latin America or the Caribbean next winter. Costa Rica for example issues a visa on arrival allowing a stay of 90 days. A single border run adds another 90 days. Nice and easy.

So it's going to be  Senior Gary soon. 

[Danbrooks2k]

I waited 2 years before returning to Thailand. I finally accepted that I would have to use the Thailand pass/ Test and go scheme if I was ever gonna see my favorite place on earth again.

I wake up the 22nd of December to see test and go was suspended... but that I could still fly on December 26th. I pay the 250$ for a same day PCR test the day I flew to avoid Japan sending me back if the test date was 72 hours from my arrival date in BKK ( its documented that they did that ). I got the 50k health insurance, I got the overpriced SHA+ hotel with the ice cold horrible included meals.

When I arrive I find out I have to get a second PCR test on day 6 but nobody knows where I take this test. I emailed my SHA hotel and they said to return on day 6 at 9am. Others that I recognized leaving the hotel on day one were turned away and told to go to Pattaya hospital... I fortunately had an email with the managers name on it so was allowed to stay in test... I forwarded the email to 3 that got turned away and probably pissed of the testing team who were wrongfully turning away hotel guests that were supposed to test there.

An absolute gang of people in hazmat suits in front of treetown yelling over a loud speaker encouraging people to get tested. ( people terrified to be abducted and forced to pay for a 2 week miserable hotel quarantine. I saw police escort thai and farang to stand in line for testing on several occasions...

getting a covid test 24 hours before my flight was infuriating... the lab in pattaya was closed on sunday, Pattaya hospital refused unless I had symptoms. I had to leave my air bnb a day early and taxi to BKK and just managed to grab the last available appointment at the Thai travel clinic. I had my results in 5 minutes but sat there over an hour to get it printed on a piece of paper.

Did I enjoy my trip to Pattaya? Yes... so glad I went... got so see my friends, enjoy massages, cheap thai food and had a blast... Would I do it again... maybe out of desperation in another 2 years... an additional day at SHA+ on day 5 serves no purpose... It seems to only be there to deter visitors from even bothering... why day 5? What an arbitrary number to just pull out of your ass... leave your condo or hotel to travel by taxi across town only to expose yourself to even more people if you are in fact sick... 

I am a paramedic with a lot of training in epidemiology and pathogens and disease control... I work offshore or overseas in remote locations. I understand reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of covid... I believe that the original test and go scheme was well thought out... Be vaccinated, tested, insured and a PCR test on arrival before getting set loose on the public... I didnt love it, but it made sense and was reasonable for travelers but that is where I draw the line... anything more than that just isnt worth the bullshit.

Why just a second test on day 5? Why not a test and SHA hotel every 5 days... you can walk out of your day 5 test and stay and immediately catch covid from your taxi driver... The testing shoul be to make sure only healthy people enter Thailand... masks and apparently no alcohol after 9pm are to prevent the spread once you arrive... all the testing in the world isnt going to stop you from getting it or spreading it the days leading up to your test... its just somebody checking a box... but its pointless.

I planned on buying a condo in Thailand this year if covid restrictions eased up and plan to retire there in 10 years... I am going to travel elsewhere and look for a better alternative... This feels like the new normal... the knee jerk resopnse we can expect for every swine flu, or H1N1 from now until the end of time... and Thailand has handled it in such an uneven and random manner... they finally come up with something tolerable and they screw that up...

No thanks, I can wait... or find another country... This is just my opinion as a health care professional.

 

[DesperateOldHand]

The new and revised Thailand Pass/Test&Go and maligned added policies. 

What's the bottom line and conclusive ends as to what the beloved Thai authorities are looking for? - mismanaging another try at it. 

 

[Mox]

14 hours ago, Marc26 said:

Again I don't disagree with any of that 

I don't see the logic in the new 5th day and it definitely may prove too much of a hassle for me

I just simply don't get the anger towards it 

And I'm a hothead!   

I see that the most feared/hated rule about the 5th day in T&G 2.0 (being quarantined X days if found positive after 5 days) is essentially the same from T&G 1.0. The bigger differences now: a) you have to book another hotel; b) 2nd PCR is not free; c) you will be more easily tracked by the Govt when the hotel+hospital partner gives you a positive result).
In terms of which version is more prone to ruin your holiday, I'd say T&G 2.0, because of my c) point. 
I have a T&G 1.0 pass, so I will be instructed to take the 2nd PCR on day 5-6 for free at a govt designated facility. But considering that on day 5 I won't be in a SHA+ hotel, my hotel won't be connected in any way to any hospital and the govt won't know if I took the test, I'm thinking on skipping the 2nd one entirely. Apparently is the only marginal advantage compared to T&G 2.0, although I don't know if Thai customs (before leaving Thailand) will ask you questions regarding the 2nd PCR, or if you have to show that "pink slip" or whatever proof of what happened on day 5-6. But unless they have a national, real-time coordinated database connected to every hospital reporting every farang PCR, I'm considering not to add such uncertainty to my trip.

[Grant]

Why allow unvaccinated?

more burden on Hospitals if they catch COVID?

why reward these people and allow them the privilege?

They have made this Pandemic last longer?

[LoongFred]

56 minutes ago, Mox said:

I see that the most feared/hated rule about the 5th day in T&G 2.0 (being quarantined X days if found positive after 5 days) is essentially the same from T&G 1.0. The bigger differences now: a) you have to book another hotel; b) 2nd PCR is not free; c) you will be more easily tracked by the Govt when the hotel+hospital partner gives you a positive result).
In terms of which version is more prone to ruin your holiday, I'd say T&G 2.0, because of my c) point. 
I have a T&G 1.0 pass, so I will be instructed to take the 2nd PCR on day 5-6 for free at a govt designated facility. But considering that on day 5 I won't be in a SHA+ hotel, my hotel won't be connected in any way to any hospital and the govt won't know if I took the test, I'm thinking on skipping the 2nd one entirely. Apparently is the only marginal advantage compared to T&G 2.0, although I don't know if Thai customs (before leaving Thailand) will ask you questions regarding the 2nd PCR, or if you have to show that "pink slip" or whatever proof of what happened on day 5-6. But unless they have a national, real-time coordinated database connected to every hospital reporting every farang PCR, I'm considering not to add such uncertainty to my trip.

What happens if your caught? At least a fine and/or a cooler in jail. I wouldn’t brag about it here.

[LoongFred]

On 1/22/2022 at 10:19 AM, Travel101 said:

Whine whine whine... feel lucky it's back and slightly adjusted; a real hardship. 

I must be the odd one out. I think it's a great start on 1 February and Not 1 July.

Always finding the Upside in any challenge is where the attitude of gratitude begins.

Been to Austria, Germany or Australia lately?

Some people seem to be perpetual mourners and whiners. If you follow there posts, it always something different but always negative. A couple of months ago they complained about bars and entertainment being closed and said they wouldn’t grace Thailand with their presence until things opened up. The claim to be almost permanent residents but then talk about multiple tourist visa. Plus a lot more.

Thailand has said its seeking quality tourists and I’m sure they aren’t included.

[Poolie]

20 hours ago, BIGGLES said:

With such universal condemnation of the New Test and Go requirements, as reported in this very article, what are we going to do as travellers?

More bitching, whinging, role over and have our belly tickeled, and write it off as well, it's Thailand? Or, hit this idiotic government  and provincial governments where it hurts?

For me, it's the latter! I will not give them my money if, as a fully vaccinated individual,  I have to take any mandatory tests and jump through all the other hoops just for a f.....g holiday! 

If everyone did the same, the rules would be scrapped very quickly.

At the end of the day we collectively provide 20% of Thailands GDP. If they don't want that money anymore, then F..K them!

No, you don't. Nowhere near.

They'll do just fine without you. You stay put.

[CJinChiangRai]

The quarantine for the second test is silly, but not the test itself. Letting unvaccinated travelers enter the kingdom is foolish, not only for potentially spreading disease but for forcing travelers to share space with the unvaccinated.

 

[Soidog]

5 hours ago, LoongFred said:

As I said  you like to talk and  complain. Do something Dude.

I give up with you man! 

[riclag]

3 hours ago, CJinChiangRai said:

The quarantine for the second test is silly, but not the test itself. Letting unvaccinated travelers enter the kingdom is foolish, not only for potentially spreading disease but for forcing travelers to share space with the unvaccinated.

Omg ! It doesn’t matter anymore  , the vax or unvax. Everyone at anytime can be a spreader if with covid ! 

[TSS]

the regimeius' says at least eight million tourists 'set/predicted/expected/on track' to arrive this year. Just wait, you'll see.

[Fundok]

8 hours ago, riclag said:

Omg ! It doesn’t matter anymore  , the vax or unvax. Everyone at anytime can be a spreader if with covid ! 

It does matter. Yes, you are right, also vaccinated people can get infected. But there are qualitative differences: they get infected less easy, and the course of the infection is much less severe. Hardly anyone who is vaccinated and gets infected needs intensive care unit treatment. So please do not compare apples with pears.

[riclag]

4 hours ago, Fundok said:

It does matter. Yes, you are right, also vaccinated people can get infected. But there are qualitative differences: they get infected less easy, and the course of the infection is much less severe. Hardly anyone who is vaccinated and gets infected needs intensive care unit treatment. So please do not compare apples with pears.

If one worries about who your sitting next to on a plane( vax ,unvax) , it’s useless ! If one is looking to fault and take animus for the spread thats useless aswell!

I’m Clearly speaking about the spread ,I’m not talking about who has a better outcome ! The spread is the issue ,I was commenting on ,check out my prior comment . 

[Fundok]

20 hours ago, CJinChiangRai said:

The quarantine for the second test is silly, but not the test itself. Letting unvaccinated travelers enter the kingdom is foolish, not only for potentially spreading disease but for forcing travelers to share space with the unvaccinated.

It's foolish to let unvaccinated foreigners in as much as I find it difficult to find a good reason for that 2nd test on day 5 for people who have been vaccinated, especially those who got a 3rd shot.

Surely TH can decide whatever entry rules they see fit. But if they also want to attract more tourists this is not the way to go. 

I understand that the pandemic development is dynamic, but to change the regime with just a few days notice is also counterproductive since a journey such as to Thailand is typically planned several weeks if not months ahead. Changing the rules is like moving the goalposts during the game and certainly adds to the uncertainties.

[dirkzett]

On 1/21/2022 at 10:03 PM, Thaiger said:

Test & Go V2.0 hat von Thaiger-Lesern und -Zuschauern einen allgemeinen Daumen nach unten erhalten. Oder schnell überall sonst im Online-Kommentarbereich. Die neu gestartete und etwas kompliziertere Test & Go-Option, Teil des dreiteiligen Online-Wiedereintrittsprogramms von Thailand Pass, wurde am Donnerstag für Reisende, die nach dem 1. Februar ankommen, neu gestartet. Ursprünglich am 1. November eingeführt und eine beliebte Option für Reisende Sowohl im November als auch im Dezember letzten Jahres wurden bei Test & Go einige Änderungen vorgenommen, bevor angekündigt wurde, das Programm am Donnerstag neu zu starten. Jetzt heißt es Test & Go, dann nochmal testen, dann los… hoffentlich. […]

The History Daumen runter für Thailands Test & Go Version 2 , wie auf Thaiger News zu sehen ist .

Lesen Sie die ganze Geschichte

 

 

Bon voyage Thailand, on your way 

That's it with us.
 I had no desire to wait until these nonsensical rules are abolished.
 You did not want me, well other countries also have beautiful daughters.
Since November I am in the Dominican Republic.
Necessary was for entry:
Test or vaccination, a health insurance, an onwardticket for the "return flight" and a Dominican address. All this you enter yourself in the e-ticket, show only this at the entry ... that's all.
No visa run needed, you pay a penalty fee equal to the extension fees when you leave the country, no tests in the country,
Mask requirement only in public buildings and transportation.

No one is imprisoned for passing one of these error-prone tests or for drinking the wrong drink from a paper cup in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 And the beaches are full, the bars are full, the restaurants are full.

I'll be back, maybe if it's held the same way in Thailand, Otherwise, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica and the rest of the Caribbean islands are quite nice.

 

 

 

Edited January 24 by dirkzett

[Marc26]

1 hour ago, dirkzett said:

Bon voyage Thailand, on your way 

That's it with us.
 I had no desire to wait until these nonsensical rules are abolished.
 You did not want me, well other countries also have beautiful daughters.
Since November I am in the Dominican Republic.
Necessary was for entry:
Test or vaccination, a health insurance, an onwardticket for the "return flight" and a Dominican address. All this you enter yourself in the e-ticket, show only this at the entry ... that's all.
No visa run needed, you pay a penalty fee equal to the extension fees when you leave the country, no tests in the country,
Mask requirement only in public buildings and transportation.

No one is imprisoned for passing one of these error-prone tests or for drinking the wrong drink from a paper cup in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 And the beaches are full, the bars are full, the restaurants are full.

I'll be back, maybe if it's held the same way in Thailand, Otherwise, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica and the rest of the Caribbean islands are quite nice.

Looks like you are in Sosua 

 

That's kind of a shithole, IMO

 

The beach next to it, Caberete, is really nice

Has great restaurants set up on the beach 

[Vince]

8 hours ago, dirkzett said:

Bon voyage Thailand, on your way 

That's it with us.
 I had no desire to wait until these nonsensical rules are abolished.
 You did not want me, well other countries also have beautiful daughters.
Since November I am in the Dominican Republic.
Necessary was for entry:
Test or vaccination, a health insurance, an onwardticket for the "return flight" and a Dominican address. All this you enter yourself in the e-ticket, show only this at the entry ... that's all.
No visa run needed, you pay a penalty fee equal to the extension fees when you leave the country, no tests in the country,
Mask requirement only in public buildings and transportation.

No one is imprisoned for passing one of these error-prone tests or for drinking the wrong drink from a paper cup in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 And the beaches are full, the bars are full, the restaurants are full.

I'll be back, maybe if it's held the same way in Thailand, Otherwise, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica and the rest of the Caribbean islands are quite nice.

Well done! And absolutely brilliant answer to the uncertainty of Thai policy:

"Living well (in the DR) is the best revenge (against Thailand)"

Everyone who wants to protest Thailand policy should follow your example. 

[Stonker]

On 1/23/2022 at 5:05 PM, Oracle said:

... hospitalization (mandatory if over 60)

65.