jacko

It is interesting to log onto flightradar and see the comings and goings over my home... I see the odd plane as it throttles down for a descent into U-Tapao. It sort of reminds you it isn't yet a 100% lock-down.On my phone I look, in comes Qatar from Doha, there is the Emirates from Dubai, wow an A380 heading to India from Singapore. Hmm, a flight coming in from China, what is that doing there? Many fewer than in the past of course..... I worry for people who are not 'home', can they get there? I remember being stranded many years ago due to 9-11, I was quite worried, thank heavens for a Texas sports bar and beer, and Delta who took my BA ticket. I now have a similar underlying dread I had then. But this time I will remain put and hope Thailand remains a good host.

Snatch their bloody hand off....... do you really think things will settle down that quickly. I believe you will need health certificates to enter Thailand by then, there is even some confusion over whether it is a requirement at the moment..... likely it is still for China, HK, Taiwan, Italy, S,Korea etc. (There is even a risk of a complete ban) https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/ind_outbreak.php https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154034-all-visitors-to-thailand-require-medical-certificate-insurance-and-monitoring-system/

Coincidentally I received an email from them this morning moving a return leg from Bali by a day. Seems odd they are still even considering flying at all. I tried to cancel the whole booking but am unable to online and I am not inclined to go to one of their offices as they suggest. We are in a meltdown.

A J Class ticket might stand a better chance of a refund... I will get nothing back mine in Economy (Saver H I think). But to be honest, lost purchases on flights etc are likely the least of our worries as financial markets collapse and many corporations go bankrupt.

The Thin Red Line.

And I thought it was because I topped off the pool.

I got a strange SMS message to my phone with a link offering Coronavirus insurance, which I deleted. Who the hell is giving out my phone number?

Yes although I have no experience of doing this.... Thailand Visas are obtained on-line in the UK from The Embassy or I believe from Consulates by mail or collection. Also (which I failed to mention) a booking into a hotel for a few days can get the TM30 report done and hence get the Tourist Visa Extension done, I believe there are no questions asked wrt 'where have you been staying since you landed up until now'..... Correct that 2 land crossing Visa Exempts are allowed per calendar year and 30 days are given for each, it is a long time since the 15 day limit was changed. I did quite a few of those Cambodian Visa runs, in my early Thailand days I did use Triple Entry Tourist Visas and Multiple Non-Imm-Os, neither of which is available from the UK nowadays. There are still Visa run outfits that do a day run to the Cambodian Border and back from Pattaya. I was at immigration a few days ago to get a Re-Entry permit, it is always a busy looking place but in effect I was dealt with in 20 minutes or so.

A Non-Imm-O Visa allows for a 90 day stay, which cannot be extended unless you have a Thai dependent, or apply for a long term extension (- 1 year).

I have received 3 emails from airlines in the last 24 hours all claiming they will re-book flights at no cost (free changes) at this time, no mention of refunds though..... and nothing from the airline I have a flight booked with this month.

Empire of the Sun.

Still Soi Watboon for me to avoid that junction that is all dug up. But yeah, I always went down to Beach Road due to the next available U-Turn being a long way down Jomtiem 2nd Rd.

It is mostly farangs throwing water in what seems a malicious way, and they are out of control. Although on the actual last crazy day they are joined by gangs of Thai youths which is seriously a group to avoid.

Looks like the long way around via Soi Watboon for immigration!

As many likely say, it would be great if it was the only day and easily avoided by my fellow grouches. I just don't expect those infantile ones who regularly enjoy 4-5 days of getting drunk and throwing water about as holding off. Surely most bars profit from the increased numbers in town. We shall have to see..... this virus is going to keep the Europeans, Koreans and Japanese away at least.

Today's rates.

I have quite a few friends who seem happy in The View Talays located on Thrappaya near the Threppasit junction, the ones on the seaside of the road with access towards the Beach. View Talay 5 and nearby buildings. Baht bus, proximity to Jomtiem and the airport bus is cited. Older than you specified though.

No Country for Old Men.

See comments in quote box.

It is another option but Extensions of Tourist Visa and Visa Exempt Entries are usually straightforward in Jomtiem, and if you are in Pattaya or Jomtiem area it is an easy place to find. Just a government office and a bit irritating.

They can also be found on the Thai Visa Forum and printed off.

Only the Brave.

I thought they had a 2 year ban!

Yes in the last week is recommended. Give yourself time, there is a slight chance they will ask, if they do not have, a TM30 record for you. A TM30 is usually submitted for you by your hotel .... where will you be staying? Other than that, the fee is 1900 baht, you need to fill in a TM7 Form. I would expect the usual copies to be required of Main Passport Page, Visa, Entry (Permisssion of Stay) Stamp and TM6 Entry Card and a passport picture of yourself.

So they have started digging at the Amari which is pretty much the end of Beach Rd, but I get the impression the other end of the snake is still way back up by Pattayalands or even the sewage pumping into the sea plant? I have avoided the Beach Rd for so long now!