Hello All
Here we are, almost one year since I returned from Thailand, at the start of this virus that has the world in its grip. At this time, I do not know when tourists will be permitted to travel freely, and under what conditions. Many questions remain unanswered...for example....can a person who has received the two vaccinations against the virus travel without quarantine when they go to another country....and upon arrival back to Canada. At this time, no country can answer that question.
I have been doing some work with the Thai Tourism Office in Toronto, (TAT), and, I wrote a letter that was published in The Bangkok Post Newspaper on December 9, 2020. The conditions that existed at that time, in my view, without much thought, were illegal in Canada. For example one needed in effect, two Visas , and in order to get those, one had to provide a recent Bank Statement showing a minimum of funds in that account. This requirement was soon withdrawn. Such requests are illegal in most countries and Canada is one. The Thai requirement to isolate for 14 days in a hotel of the government choice is also being somewhat relaxed.
It is not known when Thailand can open for world tourists as they have recent outbreaks involving thousands, mostly spread by illegal workers from neighboring countries, who are working in Thailand.
On the plus side, my "Thai Family", who reside in the village of So Phisai, (about two hours east of Udon Thani), in north east Thailand have opened a Noodle Shop, which is a common site in Thailand. I sent some funds to get it off the ground, and now it is doing a great business. It is called, Papa Don's Number 1 Noodle Shop.
Looking ahead, it would seem that it will be several months before anyone can plan travel back to Thailand, or elsewhere. I hope to get the two shots for the virus by April, then we will see what the situation is like. With my Thai friends, we will take a two week trip into the province of Kanchanaburi, which has many National Parks, and the site of the famous movie....The Bridge On The River Kwai. We will use the train that now runs the length of that restored railway to the Burma, (Myanmar) border.
Take Care, and staysafe.
