Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the resumption of the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme, the reopening of Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox destinations, and the reintroduction of the Sandbox Extension programme effective from 1 February, 2022, from 09.00 Hrs, Thailand time.   

   The Thailand Pass system reopens for new TEST & GO applications from 1 February, 2022, 09.00 Hrs. Thailand time, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance.   While other previous rules under the scheme remain unchanged, the CCSA approved additional requirements to ensure stringent COVID-19 precautions:

   All new TEST & GO applications must submit a proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at government-approved hotel/s, such as, SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5, and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5.   The prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel.

   Travellers can book 2 different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5.   However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result. The second RT-PCR test will not be required if the traveller’s length of stay is less than 5 nights, or his/ her scheduled international departure date out of Thailand is on Day 5 or before.   For example if the traveller plans to stay in Thailand for 3 days, then he/she does not have to undergo the second RT-PCR test, but he/she must leave for another country immediately.   However, whether the traveller will be required to take another RT-PCR test depends on the airline and the final international destination.

   Meanwhile, travellers who have applied/ obtained their Thailand Pass QR code before 22 December, 2021, with scheduled arrival dates in Thailand from 24 December, 2021, onwards, are still required to undergo their second COVID-19 test using the RT-PCR technique at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6 of their stay in Thailand, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost).

      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.

      This month we took a closer look at foreign entertainers performing in Bangkok's bigger Nightclubs - and were surprised to find, among the long list of those we had never heard of, a number of internationally recognized artists.   We also found a few unusual clippings of Bangkok Venues that deservedly became a 'part of the fabric' of that era.

Graffiti #1312
My Green Top
8 ft high x 12 ft

Graffiti #1313
Delta Town
8 ft high x 29 ft

Graffiti #1314
Heebie Jeebies
8 ft high x 13 ft

Graffiti #1315
Krathing Daeng
5 ft high x 10 ft

Graffiti #1316
Light Foot
3 ft high x 4 ft

Graffiti #1317
Upper Layer
8 ft high x 19 ft

Graffiti #1318
No Text
5 ft high x 12 ft