Suvarnabhumi, armed with Covid-19 lab, is ready for foreign arrivals

[snoop1130]

Suvarnabhumi, armed with Covid-19 lab, is ready for foreign arrivals

By The Nation

 

Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, Suvarnabhumi’s general manager (left) Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Supakit Khumkun

 

Suvarnabhumi is ready to receive foreign travellers and has put in place facilities under the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s guidelines and the government’s regulations to contain the spread of Covid-19.

 

Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, Suvarnabhumi’s general manager, said the airport has set up checkpoints where passengers will be screened as well as a laboratory to conduct Covid-19 tests.

 

“The lab is equipped to conduct polymerase chain reaction [PCR] tests, which provides up to 95 per cent accurate result within 90 minutes,” he said.

 

“We have also turned the area near gates D3 and D4 into waiting rooms with restrooms and facilities for passengers waiting for test results. Seats have been kept socially distant, while the room will be regularly cleaned.”

 

Thai passengers will also have to undergo measures to contain spread of the disease.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390747

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-07-03

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[CLS]

Good move. Now you can scrap quarantine or how long do you want to keep this SCAM? 

[from the home of CC]

they're going to need it with all the ignorant fools out there..

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-in-alabama-are-throwing-covid-19-parties-with-a-payout-when-one-gets-infected-official-1.5007903

[Brunolem]

Landing at 6.00 am, you will be lucky if you leave the airport at 12 pm!

 

Add to the usual hour to clear immigration an extra hour waiting for being tested, then an hour and a half to get the test results, then an hour to decontaminate your luggage, and there you are...ready to jump in a police van that will transport you to your destination (Pattaya, Phuket or some other tourist trap), which you will not leave under any circumstance!

 

[rooster59]

Thailand's main airport offers rapid coronavirus test for international arrivals

 

A tourist wearing a protective mask sits on a social distancing seat as she waits for her flight at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Thailand, June 3, 2020. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

SAMUT PRAKAN, Thailand (Reuters) - Thailand's main international airport unveiled rapid coronavirus tests on Friday for some overseas arrivals after a three-month ban on foreign visitors was partially lifted this month.

 

All foreigners, except those with work permits, have been barred since March, but after more than five weeks with no recorded community transmission of the virus, Thailand is allowing in some groups of foreigners. [nL4N2BI29I] [nL4N2E61E3]

 

Business travellers, diplomats and government guests staying for less than 14 days are considered "fast track travellers" who will be swab tested for the disease at Suvarnabhumi airport to make ensure they are infection-free before entry.

 

"The test itself takes around one hour and a half," said Suwich Thammapalo, an official of Thailand's disease control department, adding that its use could be expanded in future for other arrivals and tourists.

 

The airport test, costing 3,000 baht ($96) each, is one requirement for fast-track entry without spending 14 days in quarantine, and is required of other foreigners recently allowed in, ranging from those with resident status or family in the country, as well as international students.

 

About 1,700 foreigners have applied to visit Thailand for medical treatment such as cosmetic surgery or fertility treatment after a ban on medical tourism was lifted this month, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the task force on the disease.

 

The government is considering a plan to open more international travel with a "travel bubble" arrangement with some countries in September, he added.

 

As the pandemic hits travel, Thailand is expected to draw at most 8 million foreign tourists this year, down 80% from a year earlier, the Tourism Council of Thailand estimates, although the sector is expected to recover in 2021.

 

Last year, spending by a record 39.8 million foreign tourists accounted for about 11% of GDP. [nL4N2E72QD]

 

($1=31.1200 baht)

 

(Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.)

 

(Reporting by Jiraporn Kuhakan, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-07-04

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[sqwakvfr]

1) A negative COVID 19 Test on arrival does not mean much.  One could have been infected on the flight.

2) Quarantine will be required and at about the 8 to 10 days into isolation another COVID 19 Test will have to be administered.  

3) If one gets two Negative COVID 19 Test results in 8 to 10 days then he or she could be then be freed.  But of course This Is Thailand?????

4) Of course the traveler will have to pay for the following:

 

   COVID 19 Tests($100 USD seems reasonable?)

   Quarantine at a hotel in BKK(I have seen a mid level hotel in BKK advertise $1,000 for 14 days with 3 meals a day)

     

Additionally I checked out a company called Trawick International and they sell an international travel insurance policy that at this time claims to cover COVID 19.

 

I ran the numbers and for my age group (55 to 60) a 3 month policy for Thailand with the trip originating in the USA is approximately $300 USD.  The maximum period for any policy is 180 days.  

        

Trawick International is based in Alabama.  

 

Edited July 4, 2020 by sqwakvfr

[hotchilli]

30 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Thailand's main airport offers rapid coronavirus test for international arrivals

Another reason for tourists to stay away unless they really want to come here, forget families with kids in tow !

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:

1) A negative COVID 19 Test on arrival does not mean much.  One could have been infected on the flight.

2) Quarantine will be required and at about the 8 to 10 days into isolation another COVID 19 Test will have to be administered.  

3) If one gets two Negative COVID 19 Test results in 8 to 10 days then he or she could be then be freed.  But of course This Is Thailand?????

4) Of course the traveler will have to pay for the following:

 

   COVID 19 Tests($100 USD seems reasonable?)

   Quarantine at a hotel in BKK(I have seen a mid level hotel in BKK advertise $1,000 for 14 days with 3 meals a day)

     

Additionally I checked out a company called Trawick International and they sell an international travel insurance policy that at this time claims to cover COVID 19.

 

I ran the numbers and for my age group (55 to 60) a 3 month policy for Thailand with the trip originating in the USA is approximately $300 USD.  The maximum period for any policy is 180 days.  

        

Trawick International is based in Alabama.  

 

In regard to the health/travel insurance, a couple of TV members (incl. me) tried to complete the on-line application form but one of the boxes seems to be locked there cannot complete and submit the the application form. 

 

 

[dallen52]

18 hours ago, CLS said:

Good move. Now you can scrap quarantine or how long do you want to keep this SCAM? 

UK has already announced the end of quarantine and open up to 50 countries..

[Mavideol]

12 minutes ago, dallen52 said:

UK has already announced the end of quarantine and open up to 50 countries..

wouldn't expect anything less from ""smarty"" BJ.... let's wait a couple days/week and see the outcome. His first approach to the virus with herd immunity  was fantastic (sarcasm intended)

[klauskunkel]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

polymerase chain reaction tests

I wonder if the good Wing Commander can say that fast three times...

[sqwakvfr]

Scorecard, did you use this https://portal.trawickinternational.com/quote/product/84?agent=1&_ga=2.199246446.1765667258.1593695343-1333853067.1593695343

 

I just went into TrawickInternational.com and was able to get the page that wanted my credit card(I am not ready to buy yet).  I used all US based information for the input pages(US Address and phone number).  I will have to consider this insurance when I get back to California in a few months and attempt to get back into LOS.  

 

From my perspective the following will be the requirements to get back into LOS this fall or even early next year:

 

1) COE-Certificate of Entry from the nearest Thai Consulate or Embassy

2) Health or Fit to Fly Certificate

3) Covid 19 Negative Test Result(S).  I believe  “results” because the Embassy/Consulate will want one and the most current one can only be 72 hours before departure(this is ridiculous but TIT)

4) The $100,000 Insurance.

5) A Covid 19 Test upon arrival at BKK

6) 14 Days or less Quarantine at your own expense

7) A second Covid 19 Test that will “set you free”.

 

If these requirements are still in place months from now then who will want to come to LOS???

 

[american2]

I think people should just stay put until there is a confirmed vaccine

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:

Scorecard, did you use this https://portal.trawickinternational.com/quote/product/84?agent=1&_ga=2.199246446.1765667258.1593695343-1333853067.1593695343

 

I just went into TrawickInternational.com and was able to get the page that wanted my credit card(I am not ready to buy yet).  I used all US based information for the input pages(US Address and phone number).  I will have to consider this insurance when I get back to California in a few months and attempt to get back into LOS.  

 

From my perspective the following will be the requirements to get back into LOS this fall or even early next year:

 

1) COE-Certificate of Entry from the nearest Thai Consulate or Embassy

2) Health or Fit to Fly Certificate

3) Covid 19 Negative Test Result(S).  I believe  “results” because the Embassy/Consulate will want one and the most current one can only be 72 hours before departure(this is ridiculous but TIT)

4) The $100,000 Insurance.

5) A Covid 19 Test upon arrival at BKK

6) 14 Days or less Quarantine at your own expense

7) A second Covid 19 Test that will “set you free”.

 

If these requirements are still in place months from now then who will want to come to LOS???

 

Thanks.

[AgMech Cowboy]

20 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

they're going to need it with all the ignorant fools out there..

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-in-alabama-are-throwing-covid-19-parties-with-a-payout-when-one-gets-infected-official-1.5007903

Seems like a good plan to me. Get and get over with it (die or not).  BIG spike and then little or nothing.  American Football is saved!!!

[AgMech Cowboy]

20 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

they're going to need it with all the ignorant fools out there..

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-in-alabama-are-throwing-covid-19-parties-with-a-payout-when-one-gets-infected-official-1.5007903

"This is not political. This is a public health issue. People are dying and there is no cure. We have to do whatever we can to save as many lives as possible, City Councilwoman McKinstry said."

 

And yet, people used to die daily of the flu and pneumonia, but now it's only COVID19.

[AgMech Cowboy]

1 hour ago, american2 said:

I think people should just stay put until there is a confirmed vaccine

Like the Coronavirus common cold...

[Burma Bill]

6 hours ago, rooster59 said:

The airport test, costing 3,000 baht ($96) each, is one requirement for fast-track entry without spending 14 days in quarantine

So, without paying this fee, one has a "slow-track" entry into Thailand????

[Cake Monster]

6 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

1) A negative COVID 19 Test on arrival does not mean much.  One could have been infected on the flight.

2) Quarantine will be required and at about the 8 to 10 days into isolation another COVID 19 Test will have to be administered.  

3) If one gets two Negative COVID 19 Test results in 8 to 10 days then he or she could be then be freed.  But of course This Is Thailand?????

4) Of course the traveler will have to pay for the following:

 

   COVID 19 Tests($100 USD seems reasonable?)

   Quarantine at a hotel in BKK(I have seen a mid level hotel in BKK advertise $1,000 for 14 days with 3 meals a day)

     

Additionally I checked out a company called Trawick International and they sell an international travel insurance policy that at this time claims to cover COVID 19.

 

I ran the numbers and for my age group (55 to 60) a 3 month policy for Thailand with the trip originating in the USA is approximately $300 USD.  The maximum period for any policy is 180 days.  

        

Trawick International is based in Alabama.  

 

I always thought that any Travel Insurance Policy automatically became nun and void for any Country that had declared a State of Emergency.

[SunsetT]

2 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

Seems like a good plan to me. Get and get over with it (die or not).  BIG spike and then little or nothing.  American Football is saved!!!

So you dont have any friends or relatives over 65 or with existing health issues that you care enough about to try to enable them to stay alive and live longer?

[samsensam]

4 hours ago, american2 said:

I think people should just stay put until there is a confirmed vaccine

 

unfortunately it's very possible there will never be a vaccine.

 

what countries have to do is risk assess their health care system's ability to cope with the virus and the R number against the negative effects to the economy. most european countries have decent healthcare systems and are well organised in dealing with the virus so have the confidence to start opening up.

 

thailand does not feel confident either because the country has been, or is being, more severely effected by the virus than the government is letting on, or they care more about protecting their health service than the potential negative effects of closing down around 20% of their GDP by not allowing tourists into the country.

 

it is worth noting thailand has been sensitive about its healthcare system for a number of years, hence the oft discussed potential requirement for tourists to have mandatory health insurance, something i've never encountered in any of the 50+ countries i've visited.

[RichardColeman]

6 hours ago, dallen52 said:

UK has already announced the end of quarantine and open up to 50 countries..

But oddly not the covid free miracle of Thailand.

 

 

[Elkski]

I wonder if those younguns at the covid parties  see this as a way to kill off all the old dinosaurs who have screwed up this World so badly?  Pass the jobs and inheritances on faster.   

I'm afraid I just don't see a fast way out of this situation.   USA just getting started in first wave.    if there is a vaccine will it be effective enough to instill  confidence?  how long will it take to get 3-5 billion  people  treated.   can your lungs still transport the virus?  It seems logical to me that one could breathe in many virus molecules even if they've had the vaccine and before their body can attack those molecules they can discharge them to other people.  

 

It's a scary thought to consider families having to get PCR test upon entry in a country and then quarantine, then another test,  and  test(s) prior to travel. 

 

but in 1995 there were no security checks to board airplanes.  And I'm old enough to remember smoking sections on planes. 

I'm figuring it will be another  12 months till I see my thai gf again.   

Edited July 4, 2020 by Elkski

[elliss]

 

Keep foreigners away . We must protect ourselves from Covid-19 .

 

 

[Woolsgibb60]

Must be the 6 million tourist they are expect they already had 6 million going through the airport already they will be hitting the 40 million by the end of year 

[mjakob007]

 what would be the fate of a passenger testing positive at suvarnabumi upon arrival?

[torturedsole]

Just now, mjakob007 said:

 what would be the fate of a passenger testing positive at suvarnabumi upon arrival?

Maybe further physical probing techniques.  Doesn't bear thinking about.  

[Elkski]

2 hours ago, mjakob007 said:

 what would be the fate of a passenger testing positive at suvarnabumi upon arrival?

good question.   free care?

off to top health care of the World to use your insurance you purchased?

I dont think there is going to be much travel  except out of necessity.   husbands getting  to family.   rich people fleeing poor situations.  

who would travel  for work  with this risk.   it's more dangerous than???

 

Hazard pay?