[AstraZeneca side-effects mostly found in people of working age]

10 hours ago, rbkk said:

Don't quote me and then put your words into the quote box. You should type your response below the box. It comes across that I said something when I didn't. ????

Sorry, technical mishap. Should be apparent to anybody, anyway.

 

[AstraZeneca side-effects mostly found in people of working age]

On 6/13/2021 at 12:36 PM, rbkk said:

I had insects bites worse than that, as far as itching or swelling goes. Just don't mind it, take a Paracetamol.

 

April 2020 I went to a hospital in Patty to get my jabs for influenza and pneumococci, the good doctor started on advice that I could get... then, having leafed through my yellow International Vaccination Passport (filled front to back, top to bottom) stopped mid-sentence, saying "I stop talking now, you had so many vaccinations, you know what happens." So much for that, never had anything more than what felt like a muscle burn like from working out mildly. And it usually is delivered into your non-dominant arm. Never mind, if you don't think of it, you're not gonna get it.

 

In that lady's case it's a bit interesting how low that splotch is. Depends on the needle (usually 26 gauge, have seen 27 gauge) and injection technique. Injection point for females is obviously higher than the red splotch, short lateral deltoids; or it was a 27 gauge, injected at 90 degrees, where that little red dot is, muscle is long enough for that, still low.

 

"Covid Arm" is a side-effect I haven't seen mentioned in Thailand. I know about it because i have had it for the last 2 1/2 days. It didn't begin until 3+ days (78 hours) after vaccination with AZ on Monday 7th June 3 PM.  It is a hot red rash distinct from the vaccination site (10 cms away)  but on the same arm.[...]

It looked similar to be image below.

 

 

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

1 minute ago, geisha said:

Exactly how many tourists are *stuck* in Thailand ?

Around the first amnesty, or the failed extension offer in March, there were an estimated 400-500k foreigners in Thailand who could not get home or comply to visa regulations because of cancelled flights or closed borders. Not necessarily tourists. That number will have dwindled, but not by that much. Would come as a surprise if there were less than, say, 200k still in the country. Also depends on what you see as tourists, good couple of elderly people in Thailand for month-long stays on Non-Imm "O" visa, doing that habitually every year since who-knows-when.

And, would depend on what you consider "stuck". A lot of of people will have valid reasons for not wanting to go home if they can avoid it, such as leaving their stuff in Thailand, an ongoing rental contract, nothing back home to go to, quarantine regulations with a bill to foot (UK introduced them for Thailand again a week ago). Also, many flights do get cancelled in return for vouchers no one will be able to use in the foreseeable future, and the last thing you want is then being "stuck" for real with a fully drained credit card after two or three attempts, to then turn to your embassy when all options are used up. Example for the latter seems to be Australia who are restricting their own citizens coming home because of a shortage of state quarantine facilities. Call that "sorta stuck", then, not keyed to a sense of entitlement of staying in Thailand, just that universal nerve-wrecking insecurity in this global pickle.

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

4 minutes ago, andux said:

 

What's wrong with the Balkans? 

Precisely nothing. Unless Austria, which would be on my travel route to Germany, has or were to develop a problem with people crossing over from there, even just in transit.

 

Or they have a problem with me. ANY country in the way for transit is a risk, or at least could prove to be. Keep it simple, strange times.

 

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

3 minutes ago, dimitriv said:

 

I know that there are some flights leaving. But what will happen if many people decide this week that they have to leave before July 31 ?  There are flights, but not many. For sure not enough. And the last seats are always very expensive.

 

I suppose, in a pinch, we would have to shell out some 5000 Baht of a fine at the airport for "overstay". If they don't, at the very least, waive that. There are a good number of flights going out, at least to Europe. As long as I do not end up in the Balkans or the UK, I am fine; could even weather it for 3-4 weeks or so in Turkey, until Germany declares end of quarantine for anyone coming from there (would not be the end of the world, even then, I just stay home; oh, and I would legally challenge the self-quarantine requirement, chances are not that slim). I would not know about "the last seats being expensive", airlines tend to only cancel flights if there is a totally insufficient number of passengers to make the flight financially viable. Little chance of that, *IF* it comes that sort of exodus.

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

Please find below a transcript of the German Embassy's announcement on Facebook, posted July 14th, around 21:00 titled "Important advice for German citizens as to Thai visa regulations".

Normal rules for translating stuff are "as literally as possible, as freely as necessary". I kept it very literal in this case, without violating the English language, could come across a little awkward. Also, note that Germans have a reputation for being "direct", i.e. no second level of speech, ordinarily. Half of all German Embassy personnel tend to be lawyers, who have a way of expressing themselves, and this is very clearly worded. I included the modalities used (we expect, presumably), in the original German at two key points. Forum rules say otherwise, but that seems to be warranted here, translating that sort of thing is tricky at the best of times.
 

Quote

 

My name is Jan Scheer (not sure about the spelling), and I am the deputy German ambassador in Thailand.

 

Many of you are turning to us these days with questions pertaining to their visa for Thailand. At the moment, we are expecting (“Wir gehen im Moment davon aus, dass…) the exceptional regulations presently in force will end on the 31^st of July.

 

After that, presumably (“vermutlich”), the normal Thai visa regulation will be in force again.

 

We are, hence, strongly advising you to now start caring about prolonging your stay with the Thai authorities, or, before the 31^st of July, commence the journey back to Germany.

 

Many of you are, too, asking us to provide supporting letters for the Thai immigration. Regrettably, the Embassy cannot furnish you with such letters. Which is because the Thai authorities are expecting us to confirm to you in writing that because of the pandemic a return travel to Germany temporarily would not be feasible, for example because no flights were available, or the German borders were closed.

 

Both, alas, is not the case. There are daily flights to Germany. We, therefore, will have to ask for your understanding that we cannot furnish you with that sort of confirmation.

 

You can find up to date information as to the situation and services available at the Embassy on our homepage. Stay healthy.

 

 

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

2 minutes ago, jackdd said:

The letter doesn't have to state this.

Last time they also said they won't issue such letters, and a few days later they did.

The guy (deputy to the German Ambassador in Bangkok) very clearly stated Thai authorities would expect the German Embassy to state in writing their respective citizens could not leave as there were no flights out or Germany's borders were closed. Which they would not be able to do, as both was not the case, said that too, expressively so.

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

Just now, Jajazazajaja said:

Did he actually mention the amnesty, or just say that they won’t be issuing letters?

Both. Definitely, and in clear wordage, just remnants of uncertainty as to the amnesty.

[German Embassy on extension of amnesty: not good.]

The German Embassy today released a statement on Facebook, they were, as things stood, not expecting Thailand to prolong the amnesty (as in: not fully clear about it), so they were advising their citizens to make preparations to leave the country unless able to ascertain to get legal status (extend visa/get a new one), as normal rules would be in place then. They could not help out with any sort of letter stating German citizens could not get back, as there were daily flights and Germany's borders were not closed (which is both true.)

 

Keep calm, everybody, there is still time, they were not "definite" about things. (Video is in German)

 

 (

[Channel 7 report: No tourists and desperate times for vendors/ hotels in Pattaya]

37 minutes ago, freesudani said:

They seriously think that tourists will be flocking to Thailand in October?

Wrong time for travel, certainly by air, if nobody knows what's coming up next, second wave, countries closing borders, quarantines, airlines kicking the bucket, etc.

Bit like our German government with no lack of clarity let on. If I was in my home country, the only places I would go would be either domestic or a neighbouring country, maybe something requiring land transit through Austria or Switzerland. But in all honesty: would very likely not be worth it and too much hassle for too much money and too little freedom of movement even there. Leave it for this year, if enough people even have the money after their local economic crisis.

Going intercontinental at the moment is like "asking for it", same with local travel around here, if that was even possible.

[Immigration confirm Muang Thong Thani office to reopen amid speculation visa amnesty will not be extended]

So far only means they expect a lot of people to show up start of August, not necessarily the 1st.

 

Could well mean what many have been suspecting here, i.e. you will need to show up to get your amnesty extended so they can track addresses and/or maybe pay up for some extension. Nothing more, until now.

[Current status on end of July extension]

Nothing pertaining to your Non O-A, but just back from the German/Austrian Honorary Consulate in Pattaya to get a letter stating I am still alive for my pension.

Our Mr. Hofer explicitly stated that nobody knew what the situation would be come August, so new real "news" in that sense. But he seemed very relaxed about things, laid back as always. They were aware of there still being well over a hundred of our citizens in and around Patty, that is his remit being only a honorary consul, but not a single one in dire straits, long stay or tourist. Stated that flights (to the EU, that is) were available in sufficient capacity, hence anyone really wanting to leave could do that, on the other hand would issue me a statement to the contrary as things were still too muddled up for any reliability. Was not in the least expecting a stampede of sorts at his little office once the Thai government clarifies the situation over the next week or so and not expecting any drastic measures by them to get rid of people, hence more or less advised me be to just stay put. That was only a hunch, but I do believe he has more of a grasp of the situation than us ordinary guys.

[JULY 31st - amnesty program]

Can I, please, ask you to go through the list of topics pertaining to that already on the forum, must be at least a dozen or so?

 

And also, please, don't make your headline read like you had anything new to impart, quite a lot of us are sorta jumpy on the issue.

[How many of us are actually on the Visa Amnesty until July 31?]

3 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

How did you manage to enter April 2020?

 

90 day reports suspended... no worries.

 

For everything else there's always the Samaritans.

I managed to get in from Mukdahan/Savannakhet on April 20th, back to back, on an e-visa to Laos dated April 16th, originally for Vientiane International Airport, and a Thai Non-Imm "O" ME. Scanned it and uploaded it, anonymized, somewhere on this forum. Lao border guy looked at me like he had seen a ghost, then called his general; friendly, big broad smile, I was not his problem anyway. Guys on the Thai border had a giggle, too.

Lasted to June 17th, now on amnesty. There will always be "The Last Of The Mohikans" around here.

[Extension Decision days 14th, or 21st or not?]

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

That sounds like a kid in a nightclub and they say "last drinks" and you say "but I don't want go home" 

Buy an elite visa.

Can't say I disagree with you, but Thailand was more or less inviting people to come here and strike up at least semi-permanent residence, just having the money to live here with a few other preconditions. Try that with any of our western states. Those were the terms that most everyone striking up camp here made serious preparations to go that step, those with a firm intend to stay within the law and play by the rules. I have 3 passports by now with a stellar record of in and outs, no single overstay, never a TR visa, 5 or 6 exempt entries, everything nice and dainty. 

Obviously not talking about the soldiers of fortune who just popped up here and thought staying was easy and they would be dodging their way around, and everybody should have been clear they were here courtesy by the Kingdom and would have to stick by the rules and those could change (have changed, or at least the enforcement) but simply cancelling that sort-of-invitation just like that would leave a sense of betrayal with all the hassle involved to now be here.

Elite Visa would not help anyone at the moment, unless actually in Thailand. Those are off just fine, agreed. Would not have bought one after seeing how things were going a little down the drain since at least 2016, personally, rather decided I would likely be calling it quits around 51, i.e. 2023, but was quite certain that would not be a problem. Till now.

[Amnesty Extension after 31st July - Yes or no?]

8 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I think most of those still here can afford to stay, and are here because they want to be. However, based on previous experience, I bet there are quite a few people here who have not left because they cannot raise the airfare, and are barely surviving.

Totally agree, just what I was saying, if you had quoted that post of mine in full. I don't envy anyone finding themselves in "a situation" like you mentioned, and I don't doubt for a moment there is a sizable number of them around.

[Amnesty Extension after 31st July - Yes or no?]

59 minutes ago, Max69xl said:

Just because you can't catch a flight to Australia, it doesn't mean you can't go to for example Europe or the US. There's been flights available for many weeks. 

It isn't that easy, for most of us. You don't just "hop countries", just like that. We are not 20-y-o students dragging a little trolley behind them to go studying abroad for a term or two, no commitments, no nothing.

I have been living in Thailand for 6y now, I have no fixed address in Germany, sold my car, cleared out my flat in order to let it...

I absolutely can afford living in Thailand, and not on the cheap, go back to old DE about once a year and shell out the dough for a new shiny Non-Imm "O" ME that will allow me to do border runs or border hops as I please, all within the law without ever having the slightest bit of trouble ever at any border, but I have no money to throw around.

 

If I had to return to Germany, I would be gone for good. Would have to say goodbye to a lot of stuff I bought over here to furnish my apartment, have to find accommodation back home with a deposit, get a little used car on the cheap (my home city is not suited to walk or bike, way too hilly), and that would work up to a temporary level of borrowing prohibitive to just coming back here if the situation seems to have settled in 6 months or so, to then find myself in a possible 2nd Covid spike or whatever. Too much risk and effort.

Yes, I could catch a flight and go back. I just don't want to, for valid practical reasons. And I want to stay within the law over here, staying.

[Amnesty Extension after 31st July - Yes or no?]

2 hours ago, itsallmine68 said:

Why would they want to get rid of people? Tourists certainly arent coming in so why give people the opportunity to leave???

Most everyone still here can afford it; not broke, not working under the table, no pressing commitments at home, wherever that is.
Hence, valuable assets for the last open businesses in dire times when thousands are queuing up for food handouts. Some stragglers who ran out of money and might not have been supposed to still be here by March 26th, likely running into the hundreds given the numbers we are talking about with foreigners in Thailand, but that is it. Would be a daft move to push us all out.
Want 1900 Baht for it? I'm in, would have cost me that any-roads. 

[Amnesty Extension after 31st July - Yes or no?]

7 minutes ago, scoupeo said:

how can people cannot understand something so easy ?!

it's a clear that they will extend your former visa on which you were allowed in the country when amnesty was decided !

not difficult, really !

But of course you will have to visit immigration and pay the usual fee...

 

Along those lines, possibly. Most peoples' visa, if not "O-A" or work, will have run out for good by 31st for up to 3 months, hence cannot be "extended", but that is a technicality. Could be a temporary special visa type, or maybe they will call it visa exempt, or "O", the "O" in the Non-Imm "O" visa is for "other" reasons anyway and always has been.

[Amnesty Extension after 31st July - Yes or no?]

19 minutes ago, lkv said:

The 31st of July deadline was to give people more flexibility to leave.

It was because of immigration offices being totally overwhelmed. Said nothing about leaving, anywhere, when that was just impossible for some people, too insecure for the rest, and infeasible on the whole for such masses for an unforeseeable span of time, as of back then.

[Is this a sign they not gonna extend the visa amnesty ?]

2 minutes ago, Phillip9 said:

It seems impossible that they would make everyone leave by July 31st, the day before state owned Thai airways starts to fly again.  Thousands of people could never use their return tickets and Thailand would just keep their money.  The press would horrendous.

 

Just remain calm.  They will announce an extension of amnesty or some special paid extension in a few days.

Nothing keeping anyone from booking single flights, as far as those are affordable for some of us. But, in a nutshell, yes. Logistically infeasible, especially with Covid extra precautions.

[Is this a sign they not gonna extend the visa amnesty ?]

German Embassy to Thailand says: Nothing.

 

That is a good sign.

Being German I do trust my embassy, other than other nationals who seem to keep ranting about theirs, including the one British guy I lend a hand getting out of Thailand when on overstay and out of funds, and was totally dumbfounded when upon me calling them and stating his case phoned him within 10 minutes, when he had been expecting them to take weeks to do so. Nope, actually quite helpful.

 

With land borders closed and everything being in the flow, not least the practicalities of getting back into Thailand after a maybe possible visa-run to Vietnam (by end of July or so) or elsewhere, I am banking on the German embassy presently not foreseeing the sort of problems brought about if Thailand were to *not* prolong that amnesty, possibly under conditions and some fee and showing up personally at some immigration bureau, at such a short notice, i.e. Monday 13th or so. Number of flights outbound are limited after all, with restricted seating and whatever, by next week's cabinet decision we would have a mere 3 weeks to get out, with all the preparations that takes for some of us (like rental contracts, bikes, packing valuable belongings).

 

As they have not, as of today, put up a warning flag by way of travel advice, prominently so, on their website like: "Everybody still in Thailand, please prepare to come home!"
 I am seeing some viable solution coming up next week. No guarantees whatsoever, but I am seeing things that way.

[Question about masks]

On 4/27/2020 at 6:53 PM, Gulfsailor said:

Wait, you are seeing hospital workers in shops with valved N95 masks? Great way for them to spread the virus to others. 

From what I know the valves (don't know about "N95") are for air-intake, possibly with a tiny amount of filtering not amounting to a certified protection factor with the inherent air resistance, and will close when there is a positive pressure on the inside, i.e. the wearer is exhaling, letting that out through the fabric and the sides of the mask where it does not fully seal against the skin of one's face. Which, like your paper, cotton. or linen masks, will to a certain probability catch larger aerosole particles containing larger amounts of whatever contaminants might be in there. Effectively, they are doing their job protecting others as much as the ones we can get our hands on right now as much as those would do or would not, but are more comfortable to wear. 

[Emergency extended for one more month, night curfew to remain]

1 hour ago, eyup said:

It's been available all day at least as a their suggestions for easing lockdowns.  BUT. as far as I know nothing has been made official yet and it may vary from region to region governor to governor and even areas in regions with different colour coding .

 

Unlikely to be anything more than wild speculation. Don't know about that colour coding, but you'll get no one to specify that sort of date when the whole situation is still in the flow, furthermore with state of emergency by central government or not still standing, too much is to decide for provincial governours.

 

Small outdoor stores and vendors are open as of now, always have been, like your mom&pop stores and bbqs, so much for "May 4th"

Genreal stores, aircon or not, always have stayed open, but mostly limitied to selling food and household goods, don't know where they draw the line here. Tesco, Big C, Foodland..., that was that "Phase Green"

 

Food markets are open, e.g Pattaya's fish market and the open air ones, take away only, parks... have not been to said fish market and the greens near it, only know about closed beaches, so are malls and department stores as far their supermarket (i.e. food) section is concerned. 

 

So, to hold any water, that nice graphic is way too concrete on the one hand, too little precise on the other. 

 

 

[Question about masks]

Health workers wear different masks with a certified protection factor. That protection factor implies a higher level of filtering, which makes them more difficult to breath with, they are hence only worn for a limited amount of time at a time by people trained and used to wear them. Try that as a farang when temeperatures in Thailand are 32 Celsius or something.

 

Otherwise, health workers wear your run-of-the-mill paper masks on general principle, as they are more prone to having caught something themselves, unnoticed, so they don't go around spreading it to the dozens of patients they see every day. Same lack of protection for themselves, but more comfortable than those make-shift cotton ones you could buy over the first days of the shortage that would get soaked in your sweat within 10 minutes, the linen ones you can get now are far better, comfort-wise. I have not been able to get my hands on the (not-certified) ones with the valves I see the hospital workers around here waer when doing their shopping over break time.