MIDNITE HOUR - 01 April 2022

BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -

Bangkok and Thailand are currently in a Covid situation which would have been impossible a year ago We are experiencing a high recorded number of new Covid cases and comparatively high, but plateauing Covid deaths ("from Covid" & "with Covid combined) - all the while, tourism is on the increase - and very noticeably so.. (...cont'd below)

The slow and painful closing down of Patpong 1 Road persists. As other Night Entertainment Areas in Bangkok emerge from the 'cold Coronavirus winter', Patpong 1, with further closures last month, slides further toward the Abyss.

On the surface, rising infections and rising tourism would appear to be contraindicated, however this is due to the fact that the current Omicron strain of Covid-19 - in most cases- is mild, requiring only home isolation, home testing / re-testing and home medication (local herbals included). The net effect of this is the Authorities (much belatedly) have begun to lose their unreasoning, irrational phobias concerning Covid-19 / Omicron, (Coronaphobia), and have started dropping ineffective internal and international restrictions from the books. It is now indisputable: "Lockdowns Don't Work".

The unseen effects of 'herd immunity' have begun to express themselves. Recently, on good authority, we note that the official reporting agency (Moh Phrom from the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health) are no longer capable of reporting all the positive tests, reporting only the PCR tests. The ATK tests, positive or negative, do not get reported, even if the testing is done at a government medical facility. Add to that, a large segment of the population is taking advantage of the off-the-shelf ATK test kits, and testing at home, or in many cases, at the office or shop. These positive tests are not reported and the individual will return home, self-isolate and self-retest until clear. Most resident expats that have contracted Omicron have not reported it, and have chosen home isolation and self treatment. This of course skews the statistics to a large and indeterminate degree. As a result (barring a severe unforeseen Covid blow-out), Bangkok Eyes will no longer be reporting the Corona caseloads in future issues. We will continue to relate relative Covid-related information to those planning to travel within, out of, and into country.

For those planning to travel internationally, The Thai Government (and other Governments in the region - Singapore, for example) are easing restrictions. Effective 1 April (this publication date) a number of changes have been made to facilitate travel to and from Thailand. We have summarized these THREE categories below, and are providing a link to the full text for those wanting to read in detail. While this information is currently in effect, we caution that the 'travel landscape' is changing quickly, with further changes by the Government anticipated after the Songkran Holidays 13-15th April 2022, so prospective travellers should update on a regular basis, both with the Tourist Organization of Thailand (TOT), and your local Thai Consulate.

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.
Thai Consulate <link>.

A Summary of Current Government Guidelines on Covid-19
Bangkok, 1 April, 2022

1.         TEST & GO rules from 1 April 2022

This information has been updated on 31 March, 2022.   The following rules will be in effect from 1 April, 2022, and will also apply to travellers who have applied for/obtained the TEST & GO Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry with scheduled arrivals from this date.   Travellers will be allowed to enter the kingdom without the need to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel.

Points of entry:
1.   By air � Direct international flights to Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai (new) international airports, or transit domestically via dedicated flights.
2.   By land � Via border checkpoints in Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun (new).
3.   By water � Eligible types of vessels include private yachts and ships of Thai government agencies, while Thai crew members on cargo ships will also be allowed to enter Thailand.

Eligible travellers / countries:
1.   For arrivals by air and water:   Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from all countries/territories.
2.   For arrivals by land: Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from neighbouring countries connecting with the reopened border checkpoints (Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun).

Pre-arrival Requirements
1.   All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:
A Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) for arrivals by air and land; or a Certificate of Entry (via a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General) for arrivals by water.
2.   An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000.   Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand�s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
3.   A proof of prepayment for 1 night of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s; such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) on Day 1, which should also include the expenses for 2 COVID-19 tests: an RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 0-1) and an antigen self-test on Day 5.
4.   A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination
5.   A Certificate of COVID-19 Recovery (if applicable)

On Arrival Requirements / During the Stay
1.   All travellers must undergo entry screening including body temperature check, and present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks.
2.   At the point of entry for arrivals on a direct flight to Thailand�s international airport, and for arrivals with domestic connecting flights at either the first point of entry before boarding the transit flight, or at the final airport.
          Also, at the point of entry for arrivals by land and water.
1.   Proceed to the prearranged accommodation or medical facility to undergo the Day 1 RT-PCR test.

Guidelines for Domestic / International Departure
1.   Domestic departure � Travellers must show proof that they have received a negative result for their Day 1 RT-PCR test.

2.   International departure � It is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure.

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.
Thai Consulate <link>.

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2.      Sandbox entry rules from 1 April 2022

This information has been updated on 31 March, 2022.   The following rules will be in effect from 1 April, 2022, and will also apply to travellers who have applied for/obtained the Sandbox Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry with scheduled arrivals from this date.

Pretravel testing is no longer required, and after completing 5 days within the Sandbox destinations, travellers will be allowed to travel domestically within Thailand.

Points of entry:
1.   By air � Direct international flights to Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai (new) international airports, or transit domestically via dedicated flights.
2.   By land � Via border checkpoints in Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun (new).
3.   By water � Eligible types of vessels include private yachts and ships of Thai government agencies, while Thai crew members on cargo ships will also be allowed to enter Thailand.

Eligible travellers / countries:
1.   For arrivals by air and water:   Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from all countries/territories.
2.   For arrivals by land:   Fully vaccinated Thai citizens and foreign travellers from neighbouring countries connecting with the reopened border checkpoints (Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla, and Satun).

Eligible Sandbox destinations:
1.   Krabi, Phang-Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, and Sattahip � only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray) and Trat (Ko Chang).
2.   Sandbox Extension � Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, and Ko Samui/ Ko Pha-ngan/ Ko Tao.

Pre-arrival Requirements
All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:
1.   A Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) for arrivals by air and land; or a Certificate of Entry (via a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General) for arrivals by water.
2.   An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000.   Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand�s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
3.   A proof of prepayment for 5 nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s; such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) hotel, within the eligible Sandbox destinations.
4.   A proof of prepayment for 2 COVID-19 tests while in Thailand: an RT-PCR test upon arrival (Day 0-1) and an antigen self-test on Day 5.
5.   A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination.   Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with parents, are exempt from this requirement.
(6.)   A Certificate of COVID-19 Recovery.   Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection within a period of 14 days to 3 months and has yet to receive any vaccine post-infection must have a medical certificate of COVID-19 recovery.

On Arrival Requirements / During the Stay
1.   All travellers must undergo entry screening including body temperature check, and present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks.   (Also, at the point of entry for arrivals by land and water.)
2.   Proceed to the prearranged accommodation or medical facility to undergo the Day 1 RT-PCR test.   The trip must be by a prearranged vehicle on a sealed route within a travelling time of no longer than 5 hours.   Then, all travellers must wait for the test result within the hotel only.   *Travellers under 6 years of age, travelling with parents, can have a saliva test.
3.   Travellers must stay at least the first 5 days (nights) within the Sandbox destination/s if planning to continue the journey to other destinations in Thailand.   If staying less than 5 days (nights), the traveller must leave Thailand to another country immediately.
4.   Travellers who intend to stay more than 5 nights and to continue their journey to other parts of Thailand must undergo the self-ATK on Day 5.   After receiving a negative test result, travellers can obtain a �Release Form� and continue their journey domestically.

Guidelines for Domestic / International Departure
1.   Domestic departure � After having stayed the first 5 days (nights) in the eligible Sandbox destinations, travellers must obtain a �Release Form� from their accommodation and from Day 6 are free to go anywhere in Thailand.
2.   International departure � It is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure.

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.
Thai Consulate <link>.

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3.      Happy Quarantine entry rules from 1 April 2022

This information has been updated on 31 March, 2022.   The following rules will be in effect from 1 April, 2022, and will also apply to travellers who have applied/obtained the Alternative Quarantine Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry with scheduled arrivals from this date.

Pretravel testing is no longer required, while the quarantine period has been reduced to 5 days with one RT-PCR on Day 5.

The Alternative Quarantine entry scheme is for international travellers from any country and territory around the world, regardless of their vaccination status, who can enter Thailand at all points of entry (air/ land/ water).

Pre-arrival Requirements.
All travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:
1.    A Thailand Pass, which can be applied via https://tp.consular.go.th/. An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000.   Thais and foreign expatriates under Thailand�s national healthcare coverage are exempt from this requirement.
2.   A proof of prepayment for 5 nights of accommodation at government-approved Alternative Quarantine (AQ) accommodation or similar government-approved facility, which can be booked via the following platforms.
      https://asq.locanation.com
      https://asq.ascendtravel.com
      https://asqthailand.com
      https://www.agoda.com/th-th/quarantineth
      http://entrythailand.go.th/en/
Kindly note that foreign nationals must also have proof of payment for a required RT-PCR test on Day 5.

On Arrival Requirements / During the Stay.
1.   All travellers must undergo the �entry screening�, including body temperature check at the point of entry (air/land/water).
2.   Present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks, then proceed through the Immigration procedures.
3.   Then, proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days.   *Travellers under 18 years of age, travelling with parents or guardians, are also required to undergo the quarantine.
4.   All travellers � both Thai and foreign nationals � are quired to undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.
5.   During the quarantine period, all travellers must download and install an alert application, and set it on at all times for the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

While in Thailand, travellers are advised to strictly follow standard, good personal hygiene practices; such as, wear a mask in public, maintain hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser), and keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others.   *Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested.   If testing positive they must get an appropriate medical treatment.   Those with COVID-19 testing appointment must get tested.

Guidelines for Domestic / International Departure
1.   Domestic departure � After having completed the required quarantine period, travellers are free to go anywhere in Thailand.
2.   International departure � It is the responsibility of travellers or their organisations to make sure that the travellers meet the requirements of their specific international destination regardless of the point of departure.

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.
Thai Consulate <link>.

The Covid-19 Certificate of Vaccination for International Travel
(Reprinted by request.)

For Thais and foreigners living in, or otherwise vaccinated against Covid-19 in Thailand, your records have automatically been maintained at the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. Your records can be accessed by you at any time by downloading the Moh Phrom app on your smart phone, and filling in the data - exactly as recorded on your hard copy vaccination certificate given to you at the time of vaccination.

Should you be planning to obtain your "International Certificate" (yellow booklet below) to travel outside of Thailand, open your Moh Prom app and scroll down to the International Certificate box - and click-and-apply. Note: foreigners are given a 13 digit ID number in lieu of the Thai National ID number, which you will find on your hard-copy certificate, and you will be required to use it when applying. You will be able to book an online appointment to obtain your Covid-19 Certification of Vaccination on the app - which, when completed, will usually involve a wait of approximately one week to ten days. When you go to pick up your certificate, bring your passport and hard copy vaccination certificate(s) for verification purposes. The pick up point is at the Bang Rak Hospital Building next to the new Saint Louis BTS station on Sathorn Road. The fee is fifty (50) Baht.. The earlier requirement to present your onward travel documents / airline tickets is no longer in effect, all are welcome to process for the new yellow booklet. We recommend all expats process for this certificate, as the rules and regulations on the international scene are in flux, and you may be required to show the certificate at many and various points of entry, etc, to include getting back into Thailand.

The relative 'plateau' in new cases this month has not triggered panic in Government or medical circles, due to the fact that most cases are of the Omicron strain - which generally does not cause serious symptoms, provides a high degree of immunity, and can be home-treated, much as the winter flu. The death rates have likewise plateaued.

In summation ( Reprint from previous issue.) -
Bangkok Eyes will continue our efforts to encourage tourism by providing updated information on travel and entertainment which could be useful to those wishing to visit Thailand. Travellers to the Kingdom, once through the entry drill for testing, etc, currently have a great amount of leeway in travelling in-country, and visiting Night Entertainment Venues. However there are current regulations for wearing masks in most circumstances - public transportation, public and commercial buildings and other locations accessible to the public. However when in restaurants and pubs, bars, etc, there is no requirement to keep masks in place once seated. Social Distancing is technically still 'on the books' but virtually entirely ignored. Foreigners in Thailand must keep their vaccinations up to date, and should keep proof of vaccination with them when out and about.

This month we do a "Change-Of-Pace" - going back to July of 1965 when Thailand's Miss Apasra had the most beautiful smile in the world. Miss Apasra was Thailand's and Southeast Asia's first Miss Universe.

BOOKS ...worth a read !

( Click on book covers to order. )

Advance Notification

MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX

PATPONG & THE CIA ?

-A clipping from April 1965

   READER :     Dear Sirs,

      The more I read on Bangkok's Patpong bar area, the more I see where it supposedly was the CIA stomping grounds in the good old days.   I read where this or that Patpong bar was "their" bar, and on and on.   How much of this is real, and how much is blowing smoke up our asses in an attempt to spice up the Patpong legend?   Frankly, I remain suspicious.
   MIDNITE HOUR:
      While not a FAQ (Frequently Asked Question), we do get quite a lot of discussion on this.   (We've never quite been sure why a large swath of the general public maintains an exaggerated fascination with all things 'CIA'.)
      The (thumbnail) story starts immediately after WWII, when the Western nations began re-engaging with Thailand.   The US almost immediately established a diplomatic mission (1945), appointing Edwin Stanton the 'Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary' in 1946.   He would become the first post war Ambassador in 1947.   However, USIS (now USIA) was, quietly, first off the mark, establishing a presence in Bangkok in 1945.   USIS was initially, by default, also the ad-hoc 'coordination point' to for the US's OSS personnel already in country, and those soon to arrive.   It was also an unofficial coordination point for the Seri Thai (in country, and returning from overseas).   USIS would later establish and maintain an office on Patpong Road for many years.
      Cutting the story very short... the OSS was dissolved in late 1945, and the new Central Intelligence Group was formed (partly, if not largely from the OSS) in 1946 - one part of which would become the CIA in 1947.   The CIA bought out Claire Chennault's Southeast Asia-based Civil Air Transport (CAT) in 1950, renaming it Air America.   By the early 1960's Air America was maintaining an office on Patpong, almost directly above USIS (quite naturally).   See advertisement from April 1965 above.
      By the mid 1960's bars and restaurants were being established on the relatively new Patpong Road, taking some of the business away from the New Road entertainment scene.   With both USIS and the CIA's Air America having offices on Patpong, it is only natural that they were customers in those same bars and restaurants (Max's and Mizu's a longtime favorite of many).   But this was not the only thing going on in the Patpong Road area - other businesses, airlines, etc, were opening offices there.   An ad-hoc Foreign Correspondence Club held regular sessions there, drawing diplomatic presence from the gamut of Embassies (generating even more rumors of spies of all flavors).   -This was the synergy of Patpong Road and it's adjoining roads and sois.
      But to say that either this bar, or that bar, was THE CIA bar is nonsense.   There is ample evidence they patronized several bars in the vicinity, just as did the diplomatic corps from the various embassies, the JUSMAGTHAI military personnel, the Press, the airlines' staff, etc, etc.   This will not set well with the myriad blowhards we have run across over the decades, each claiming to know the real CIA bar.   Some of the erstwhile 'candidates' for the REAL CIA bar have been Lucy's Tiger Den (the original on Silom Rd.), The Cellar (the original on Silom Rd.), Max's (on Patpong), The Texxan (Patpong), the Madrid (Patpong), the 'Foreign Correspondents' Club' (locations), The Sportsman, etc, etc.   When further taking into account the rise and fall in popularity of individual Venues during those years, none can fairly be said to be any more popular with the CIA -or any other organization.

Comments ?-*Click HERE * & Email Us at    bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

THAILAND SLOWLY REOPENS

   READER :   Hi,
      Flying in 15th of April, 2022.   You have any new update?
Thnx

   READER :
      Wha'd you hear about travel to Land of Smiles?   My Pal in the Philippines is thinking about possibly July.   He's a frequent visitor but wonders what the restriction will be...

   MIDNITE HOUR:

            Thanks, gentlemen, for writing in.   The quick answer is things are opening up.   The authorities are, slowly but surely, making it easier to visit Thailand.   The new 'rules' effective 1 April this year are covered in detail above.   The authorities have slated more meetings - and possibly further easings after the Songkran Holidays (Thai New Year 13-15 April).   A wait-and-see item, all those contemplating travel to the Kingdom should regularly check in at Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.

Comments ?-*Click HERE * & Email Us at    bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

Thanks for reading and for writing in.

Don't hesitate to send your questions and comments - always welcome.

Note: Text may be edited for brevity and/ or clarity.

'Reader's Corner' moderator -

'Boge' Hartman
Historical Research

* Zootramp Publications

Let the Follies begin-

Bangkok, 01 April 2022

The previous month saw a slight increase in the number of Nitespot Venues on Patpong 1 Road - to a total of six - counting the Shenanigans pub (which actually faces Surawong Road), - which gave us a glimmer of hope that a revitalization of the Night Entertainment Area might be in progress. This month, however, we noted additional closures, bringing the total number of open Nitespots down to two. We again express our concern that if a major intervention of new blood isn't accomplished soon, the once famous Patpong Road will be relegated to the dustbin of history - if in fact, it is not already so relegated....(Video filmed 31 March 2022.)

Venues in transition March 2022 through 1 April 2022 :

         *    King's Castle - REMAINS OPEN

         *    King's Castle I - RECLOSED

         *    Tip Top - - RECLOSED

         *    Noi Bar - - CLOSED

         *    Shenanigans - REMAINS OPEN - (On Suriwong Road)

         *   Unnamed massage parlor - RECLOSED - Upstairs above Thigh Bar.

Bada Bing remains open, to include, recently, A Go-Go girls - the non-dancing kind. We note : that a few of A Go-Go bars around the Capitol are using their bikini-clad girls at or near the doorways to attract customers inside - but actual stage dancing is still verboten due to the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions. - Which, we might add, is actually better for the customer - instead of the A Go-Go girls thronging up on stage and shuffling endlessly (as done in many A Go-Go bars pre-Covid), they actually have to sit with, and converse with the customer... Just sayin'...

The Patpong Museum (Annex) - the one located 3rd level above the Bar Bar near Silom) has reopened - and hosts functions as-and-when. Keep your eyes open for art exhibitions, etc...

Venues in transition March through 1 April 2022 :

         *    Patpong Museum Annex - REOPENS

         *    Tavern Three Saloon - REOPENS

         *    Triple 888 Massage - REOPENS - 3rd level, on The Ramp.

         *    Chicken Divine bar beer - REOPENS - On The Island

The East End completed renovations during March (see last month's note) and has opened for business. They offer live music. However, we would caution Nitespots in general if they are going to have live music, they should have the musicians audition for determination of a capability to actually play music... Just sayin'... Wish East End luck as they throw their hat in the ring...

Fanny's has reopened after the 'Long Covid Winter'. They appear to be full-tilt status quo ante... Welcome them back to the vicissitudes.

The Dollhouse, already previously opened, has upgraded their signage - some of it electronic... Keep on rolling...

Venues in transition March through 1 April 2022 Soi Cowboy,:

         *   East End - NEW .

         *   Oasis - REOPENED

         *   Fanny's - REOPENED

         *   Crazy House - REOPENED - Facing Soi 23

Rainbow 3 has re-imagined itself on the 3rd level in the Covid-closed Enter digs. May they continue to rock...

Venues in Nana Plaza that have transitioned in March 2022 through 1 April 2022:

         *   Rainbow 3 - NEW - 3rd level, in Covid-closed Enter digs.

         *   Random 2 - REOPENED - Second level.

         *   Billboard - REOPENED - Third level.

         *   Taxi Bar - RECLOSED - Second/ third level.

Last month we included a pic of the then-under-renovation Kicking Donkey at the Soi Nana - Soi 6 junction. Since that time they have opened as a thriving pool bar. Welcome them as they step into the line of fire...