Answered6 years ago
How are expats feeling about being stuck in their home countries during the 2021 winter due to COVID-19?
What a difference a year makes, 2020 Thailand winter sunshine.
2021 stuck in the UK due to COVID pandemic, winter snow.
2021 stuck in the UK due to COVID pandemic, winter snow.
Answer summary
In 2021, many expats expressed their frustration about being stuck in their home countries, particularly the UK, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation reflects on the stark contrast between enjoying Thailand's winter sunshine in 2020 and facing winter snow in the UK a year later. Many participants shared their experiences with quarantine regulations in Thailand, discussing the challenges of ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine) and their desire to return to Thailand when it is quarantine-free. Some mentioned their long-term stays in Thailand and the visa types they hold, highlighting the desire for a return to normalcy and the difficulties posed by travel restrictions.
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Paul ********
Me2 First time in 22 year's
Barry *******
@Jim *********
Bali is all closed up and covid is rampant.Jim **********
@Barry ******
Don't know where you heard that, but I think you are thinking of Jakarta and rest of Java. C19 is not rampant here...not even close. People go freely with masker and hang out. Many places still open...discounted prices everywhere. Been here for 11 months and been all over the island and totally enjoyed it. Christmas and NYE were great too! Sing ken ken (no problem).😎Derek *******
@Jim *********
I have the exact same impression Jim **********
@Derek ******
My impression (right or wrong) is that the Indonesians in general have been a little bit more "accepting" of the numbers here and willing to let life go on fairly normally, while some other countries (e.g., Thailand) would be in almost total lockdown mode if they had the same numbers there.Derek *******
@Jim *********
oh you might be right about higher numbers, but otherwise life is surprisingly open and semi-normal here 😊Jim **********
@Derek ******
Honestly I haven't seen actual infection numbers for Jakarta and Java in general for months, but I know the rumor mill and belief among the Balinese has been and continues to be that C19 is much worse over there (but maybe not really the case in fact). Derek *******
@Jim *********
I’m in Jakarta and mostly everything is open and life is pretty normal (except masks everywhere)
Gene **********
Yep
Bob *******
Me to
Jackie *********
Me to. 1st winter in U.K. for 25 years
Jackie *********
We have our own condo and are retired but won’t get a retirement visa
Liam ***********
@Jackie ********
how long do you go to Thailand for Jackie *********
@Liam **********
***
months every year. Sometimes longer Jackie *********
@Liam **********
we get a OA nonimmigrant. For one year. Liam ***********
@Jackie ********
how do you get a visa for that long 
John *********
It's my first winter in the UK for 16 years or more and my last brrrr
Brian *********
@Jackie ********
it sure sucks not being in the nice warm Thai sunshine Jackie *********
@Brian ********
just sucks being in ukBrian *********
@Jackie ********
100%
Mountain ******************
me to
Stéfan ********
When it snows, you go skiing
Brian *********
A mate of mine just done ASQ he said never again,I for one wouldn't do it either ,he's on koh Chang now very quiet now
Paul *****************
@Brian ********
I travel to Thailand again when Quarantäne free. Never Pay 2000$ for sit in Hotel Room alone in Quarantäne. Not wasting my Time and Money for nothing.
Ron ******************
@Paul ****************
see you in 2030. Ron ******************
@Paul ****************
enjoy your stay. Bye.Paul *****************
@Ron *****************
I no need Thailand. Asia is big. Thailand need Tourists. Philipiens Boracay nice , 7 days Quarantäne only. John *********
We all know it is quiet in Thailand i would rather be there than the UK but I have too much to do here at the moment
Ronald *********
OP@John ********
I would rather be there also, but no way am I going to pay for quarrantine.
Richard *****
@Brian ********
chrissy would moan about everything ffs
Alan *********
@Brian ********
I done it back in August and want do it again trust me. Ronald *********
OP@Brian ********
, My friend also came from Switzerland and is going to Koh Chang, that is his choice of location in normal times.Brian *********
@Ronald ********
and mine ,I should have been there end of November till end of February, I also left a 5,000 baht deposit on a bungalow last year lost that now ffs
Thomas ********************
Ah! I have been there twice but didn't recognise it. Looks a lot nicer now 😅
Jim ********
@Thomas *******************
ive been about 50 times and never seen it so nice. No tourists equals no boats and jet skis polluting the sea so now it’s blue clear water 👌Jim ********
@Derek ******
Pattaya is the worst water I’ve ever experienced in Thailand. Phuket is beautiful I think Derek *******
@Jim *******
sounds nice still 👍🏻 I spend most of my time in Hua Hin where the water is awful! Jim ********
@Derek ******
not loads dirtier but usually only slightly clear but now crystal clear blue sea so idealDerek *******
@Jim *******
never been there, is the water usually much dirtier?
Chinems ************************
@Jim *******
beautiful viewJim ********
@Chinems ***********************
I booked this hotel for 11 nights and then was going to move somewhere else inland more permanent. 35 days and counting and I just can’t leave this view hahaChinems ************************
@Jim *******
the view worth holding on to 😃. have funJim ********
@Thomas *******************
I’m in Patong, Phuket 👍Thomas ********************
@Jim *******
Where away? 
Bob **********
Same here , what a drag 😂😂
Steve *********
I know how it feels m8
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