What are the thoughts on Thailand's approach to COVID-19 and its border restrictions?

Oct 12, 2020
4 years ago
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Many have been saying this from the beginning, including myself. I hope that the Thai government reads this.
6,431
views
40
likes
225
all likes
103
replies
2
images
20
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around opinions on Thailand's management of COVID-19, particularly regarding its border restrictions. Commenters debate the effectiveness of lockdowns versus managing border policies, citing potential economic impacts of sustained restrictions. There are conflicting views on whether Thailand's approach has been appropriate, with some emphasizing the challenges of healthcare infrastructure, while others advocate for reopening borders to aid the struggling economy.
Sean *******
Need to follow the American example and make the economy so strong like nobody has ever seen before, etc.
Rob *******
Consider the source, it comes from Rupert Murdoch website.
Ron ******************
Thailand is not in lockdown so what is your point? This article is not about tourism but about restricting movement and activities of citizens inside a country. At present there are no such restrictions. Try again to discredit Thailand as you have fail with this attempt.
Vincent ********
Keep it closed. China will open it
Dlonra ********
It’s all covid 19 ! But the main issue is Thailand economy depend first in export second is tourism ! Boost export is more difficult than tourist because of very slow economy and Europe and America still in pandemic issue but tourism is have a chance to make income to the country as you see less infected that’s why tourist prepare to spend their holliday in Thailand than spend it at home .
Keith ***********
Your a bit fking late why did you not say from the beginning
Peter *******************
#FakeNews... and its even delivered wrongly compared to the actual cited sources...
Dlonra ********
The one to blame is WHO ! World Health Organization . On the first place of infection on Wuhan China they must act very fast ! They must ask assistance to the powerful country like America , Russia , China , Europe and Asia to coordinate together to United Nation to send a specialist team to Wuhan China even China don’t want to ! But we must force them if not embargo will apply . Then help together to produce medicine to help the infected and vaccine later . And the testing of vaccine must very aggressive even not following the protocol and let them ask who will volunteer many people was in prison for death or life sentence you can ask them for help and will pay back to pardon them and reward money . I think it’s more better than let them a death penalty or died in jail and what The Who doing its like nothing . Do you even think that after this people will die for hunger , sickness , because of economy falling down it’s is worst than covid 19 .
George ********
@Aaron ********
America pulled out of the WHO, if you are not allowed in a nation you cannot just enter if you want, side effects of vaccinations do not always reveal themselves the next day, month or year and pardoning and paying murderers for being testing is outrageous. Other than that a great post
Dlonra ********
@George *******
in last three months many have been volunteer in another three months the vaccine is ready to used in another country . In Russia , China they already used and what are you talking slaughter many people died or more than a million already and will be more by hunger and another sickness because no money to pay for medicine Economy is dying . And the death penalty is already a slaughter what are you talking . America is Pull out to who because something smell fishy because who knows they are the one who master mind this for so many reason Lol . I talking humanity is dying especially poor people
George ********
@Aaron ********
you have any difficulty buying tinfoil to make hats out off in Philippines?
Man *****
If every country would have responded to the virus exactly the same way than Thailand did there would be no covid anymore since 4 months.

Anymore questions?
Andrew *********
@Manfred ********
Yes but the economic price was too high
Man *****
@Andrew ********
, the economic price is very high for every country. Many countries suffered even more. Thailand's economy is back to normal more than 3 months now. Only the tourism industry is still struggling. Just imagine Thailand without a lockdown, collapsing health system, high numbers of C cases, travel warnings from all countries around the world.......

Do you really think that would have been a better option?
Andrew *********
@Manfred ********
Of course not, the problem has always been the exit strategy from lockdown or restrictions, no country even New Zealand has been successful and seen a resurgence of infections and nobody believes that the Thai rate is zero when you consider the illegals crossing over from Myanmar,Laos , Cambodia and Malaysia.The tourism industry is about 20% Of GDP but that doesn't include the ladies who entertain who officially do not exist, the debt moratorium ends in Dec and hope there is not a run on the banks as Thailands household debt is one of the highest in the world in relation to its GDP.
Jeremy *********
@Andrew ********
actually, New Zealand has been successful, twice. 💪🏼
Man *****
@Andrew ********
, there are a lot of countries lying about their C cases. Somehow I trust Thailand. And I agree with you that the exit strategy can be tricky. But after all the success Thailand had so far I understand that they like to be cautious for now until we have a vaccine, hopefully beginning of next year
Andrew *********
@Manfred ********
There is not going to be a vaccine for a while yet certainly not next year, the Chinese know a lot about this virus which they won't share and if they have a vaccine it will be an immense face saving gesture for them and might even redeem their reputation. General feeling is too many short cuts have been taken in the development of the vaccine there are doubts about its effectiveness and it will not be a silver bullet.I worked in air cargo getting vaccines that need to be temperature controlled and on the scale required has never been done and with so few flights it is an immense logistical challenge assuming manufacturing can be controlled to produce the billions of doses needed.
Denis *****
Not bashing on Thailand, but you do know they only test on arrival?
Andrew *********
Unfortunately the general population has been brain washed into thinking that Covid will overwhelm and kill loads of Thais if foreigners are allowed in. It is going to take a monumental effort to re-educate the Thais about a balanced of risks approach which I think not many government officials can or are willing to grasp.
Hans *********
@Andrew ********
Unfortunaly ,so good as all People incl. Thai, the cam back from wherever, have Covid! So shut up.

Thais are afraid yes bud we Farang the live in Thailand and stay here, live good with this. Its not nice to stay where you dont want bud can you think it want be better to write and think all time only negativ to the Country you want live?
Andrew *********
@Hans ********
You do not have to be rude you ignorant peasant if you have a different point of view put it across do DO NOT tell me to shut up I am mature enough to accept it if your arguement if it is convincing, seems like you have adopted the Thai attitude of if you don't agree with me you are wrong instead of the Lliberal Western country ideas you ard used to.
Hans *********
@Andrew ********
I have been rude because they are rude.

Thailand is Thailand.

Immigrants (all long stay visas) are guests and if they are lucky they have friends, at least I have been for 16 years.

I am German and only have to do with Thai politics to the extent that my wife and I discuss it. Otherwise, I'm fine here.

Of course I don't like everything.

But then I change it without discrediting others.

If I can't change it, it's the same as in Germany or wherever, I don't get upset about it anymore, because I can't change it.

Incidentally, if it restricts me too much, I can leave Thailand at any time, be happy with my wife and elsewhere.

If there is one thing Thais do not like, it is know-it-all and better-makers

constant critic.
Andrew *********
@Hans ********
There is no excuse for bad manners and a gentleman would have apologised for something said in the heat of the moment, obviously my mistake giving you the benefit of doubt and you have clearly shown your lack of basic manners, being in Thailand is no excuse for forgetting how to behave decenly, the Thais do not know any different, but you have no excuse apart from showing your ignorance and lack of how to behave properly.
Hans *********
@Andrew ********
your Mind its enough for you!
Andrew *********
The Army runs the country, government is just window dressing.
Jane ***********
What a patronising attitude towards Thai people
Ադամ ********
@Jane **********
“Describe the Thai government”
Man *****
@Andrew ********
what is the "general population " in your opinion? Do you mean the people without YouTube diploma?
Andrew *********
@Manfred ********
A large proportion of the Thai population DO NOT come into contact with foreigners, apart from the tourist areas, these peopke make up the general population . Do you know anything about Thailand, I bern here for 30 years and run businesses and been a part of Thai life
Tony ********
@Andrew ********
lol they won't need to come into contact with a 'rang to get infected. Its not discriminatory like a Thai national park.
Andrew *********
@Tony *******
It is still a misconception that Covid19 now only comes from foreigners entering the country.
Man *****
@Andrew ********
, if you live in Thailand for 30 years already you should know that it's hard to find a village in Thailand without a farang
Andrew *********
Manfred HoernerYes but majority if people in village have no interaction, one person who spoke a bit of English ,asked about my Covid19 status when we met for the first time!
Mark ********
It's not about a virus it's about obedience and control , the virus is a distraction to what's really going on ...history repeating itself ... and allowing it to happen will ultimately bring chaos and destruction

Ultimately human beings can't live like this
Mark ********
Mate .... so true .... that attitude will ultimately cause society to break and collapse ...
George ********
Steve King sisaket?
George ********
Steve King well Steve, I am glad I am were I am. Sisaket hasn t had a recorded case since May. And I am happy to wear a mask to enter a Tesco if it keeps it that way
George ********
Steve King and bullshit is the go to for those too lazy to work. Nothing has changed so they close the pubs. Makes perfect sense. 459 schools have been affected. Manchester has the highest infection rate in the Uk according to the Manchester Evening News. 1 in every 190 residents according to the NHS. 2,927 new cases in a week. Something has changed my friend.
George ********
Steve King A further 14 people have died across Greater Manchester after contracting coronavirus.

The region's hospital death toll has now reached 2,356, the latest NHS figures show. Probably should phone the manchester newspaper and ask them how they got it so wrong. I mean the 65,000,000 Thais have 60 dead and manchester has 23,500 dead. Sounds like you have no problem at all
George ********
Steve King why don t you correct him? I guess you don't know Helen
George ********
Steve King you should probably phone Boris then as he seems to feel differently. By the way do you know Helen from Bolton? She was a lot of fun back when I was at uni in Scotland.
George ********
@Mark *******
aren t you glad you aren t in northern England where Covid's second wave is hitting or in New York City when the dead were stored in refrigerator trucks. So lucky to have not to face these facts and get to spend the day complaining about having to be obedient
Mark ********
@George *******
Do some independent research , and plain old common sense and you will see through this bullshit .. all this "obedience " and all that comes with it will kill more people than the virus ever will
Paul *********
@Mark *******
You can't get through to George. He'd rather carry on believing the lies than admit they are twats for believing the bullshit from the telly

The pain George feels from others is only a reflection of himself. He will learn soon enough
George ********
@Mark *******
mark I see on your Facebook page you have 4 posts that is marked false news by factcheckers. You have a problem when the truth doesn't suit your needs or are they in the conspiracy as well? Is it only you, tRump and Q of course that know the real truth. Oh forgot Infowars FFS. Independent research, call it what it really is, a half hour on youtube haha
Mark ********
@George *******
Fact checked by who ? why can't people look at any research and make up there own mind ? ...... i've no interest looking on your fb page .... do you need to be told everything try using your OWN brain instead of taking the easy option and being told what to do
George ********
@Mark *******
I did my research, you spout " alternative truths" and not even your own falsehoods, you haven't the brain to come up with new lies.
Frank ******
@Mark *******
obviously the June BTS has not heard your opinion
George ********
Stop lockdowns as a PRIMARY control method. Read the whole sentence. It doesn t say stop lockdowns. FFS you deniers would grab at any straw to appear right.
Greg ********
@George *******
These open the border zealots do not take into account the weak healthcare infrastructure available to ordinary Thais. The system would break down with large numbers of infections. Look at the number of 3 and 4 generation households. It is impossible to separate the vulnerable. Thailand has planned accordingly according to context. The zealots are just selfish bastards who forget they are guests
Greg ********
@George *******
Exactly.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Check all the other sources stating the same thing. 😏
Todd *********
we did - have you heard of copy/paste? Works in journalism also Rick. Try critical thinking in evaluating garbage like this. And keep it off legitimate sites like this
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
,
*****************************************************************************************************
*****
5275.html
Todd *********
@Ri**
love your enthusiasm for shit journalism! Is there a special google setting I can use for that?
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
, I have given numerous sources to support what I have said. You, on the other, have only offered your opinion and that is all it is, your OPINION. You must lead a very easy life if all you do is call every news story that does not follow whatever you believe is the truth, fake news or poor journalism. Given the choice over these news stories and your opinion, I will chose the news articles every time. Next time try to find a corroborating story or two to confirm your opinion.
Todd *********
@Ri**
and yes :) a very easy life indeed. This is a direct result of applying reason and common sense when evaluating subject matter.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
😂🤣😂
Todd *********
@Rick ******
they are not numerous sources, they are opinion pieces based on an interview, and absolute SHIT journalism based on any reasonable person's perspective of the interview. But they fully realize their sheep-like target audience. You have some thoughtful commentary in comments here and a link to the original interview which will allow you the benefit of applying your own critical thinking to the subject. Good luck.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
, yet more opinion on your part. Good luck to you as well.
Todd *********
@Rick ******
yes. My opinion:)And it looks like me and the Thai govt are nicely aligned on this. We fully realize there are some challenged people out there. But to keep life easy, we know how to put them on ignore
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
, so you become your own critic by stating a news story is either garbage or not. That is fine, but I still have a right to post anything right or wrong. I do not beat to your drummer, which is called oppression. I will continue to put news stories and let others decide for themselves.
Todd *********
@Ri**
your parents must be so proud. Send us some Fox news updates too. Always good for a laugh also
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
, leave my family out of this. It is below even your scruples.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
And keep on being the critic for everyone
@Todd ********
.
Steven ****************
we don't have a lock down in Thailand. in fact when we never did have lock downs. Looking back now it was reasonably okay. Restaurants could not have sit in but they were allowed take away. People could travel around as normal without being told to stay in unless necessary shopping but we had to wear masks.
Steven ****************
Rick I realise it's a close down but I think WHO is more towards closing local lock downs now rather than countries. They all realise they have fkd up and the only way out of the mess is saying "we have a vax, we have the cure, we saved the world". let's hope next time we all learn a lesson. This is a social media virus 1000%
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ***************
, you are in denial if you don't think closing the borders is a lockdown.
Greg ********
@Rick ******
So you think if Thailand opened its borders visitors would practice social distancing, all wear masks and practice good hygiene? That is what he has been advocating. We have seen from other countries people do not practice these basics, UK and USA for example. Isolate the vulnerable? Just how many 3 and 4 generation households are there in Thailand? Achieving that here is another impossibility. Thailand is handling this well. No need to dramatically change course.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
, how long do you think Thailand can continue the current border restrictions without negatively affecting the population? This has already begun if you open your eyes for a moment, and the economy has already been gravely damaged.
Greg ********
@Rick ******
Parts of the economy have been greatly effected. Plenty other parts just humming along as before. Thailand does not have the healthcare infrastructure to care for large numbers of cases. Its current strategy fits this context. Well done Thailand.
Tomi ********
If you spend few hours searching for information you’ll find out that hospitals haven’t been full ANYWHERE in the world. In fact they been So empty due to these lockdowns etc. that there’s lot of hospital going bankruptcied because of this. 😅
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
,
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
%3D%3D#aoh=16024891852511&referrer=https%3A%2F%2F
**************************
%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2F
***********
%2F2020%2F05%2F29%2Feurope%2Flockdown-skeptics-coronavirus-intl%2Findex.html
**********
*****
*****
*******
/29/europe/lockdown-skeptics-coronavirus-intl/index.html?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQCrABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16024891852511&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F05%2F29%2Feurope%2Flockdown-skeptics-coronavirus-intl%2Findex.html
Greg ********
@Rick ******
And there are greater numbers of experts saying the opposite. The Barrington group are Fringe players. Did you see how many homeopaths and other snake oil salesmen jumping on their bandwagon?
Tomi ********
@Gr**
, u don’t seem to know shit mate. There’s also top of the top docs & scientist, all the way up from nurses to a Nobel prize winning scientist! What u should do is start to question things and search for answers from somewhere else than the corrupt MSM. The truth is already undeniable.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
,
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
%3D%3D#aoh=16024894985922&amp_ct=1602489511095&referrer=https%3A%2F%2F
**************************
%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.sky.com%2Fstory%2Fcoronavirus-lockdown-may-have-indirectly-caused-16-000-excess-deaths-study-12044923
**********
**********
*****
923?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQCrABIA%3D%3D#aoh=
*****
*****
5922&amp_ct=
*****
*****
095&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.sky.com%2Fstory%2Fcoronavirus-lockdown-may-have-indirectly-caused-16-000-excess-deaths-study-
*****
923
Greg ********
@Rick ******
Wasting your time posting articles as I am not going to read them. I can do my own research thank you. Your sources are piss poor too.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
, so far you have only posted your opinion which you seem to think is correct, while I have posted articles with expert studies and statistics. I guess you are the know all of know alls. Why don't you just come up with a cure for Covid-19 while you are at it. I don't listen to individual opinions. You have already made up your mind like any other egotistical megalomaniac.
Greg ********
@Rick ******
Go away open the border zealot. If you qualify you can come in. I know at least a handful who have. It is up to the Thais to decide not some yank sitting overseas. It is their sovereignty. The majority of Thais do not want borders fully open. Suck it up.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
, and just keep sticking your head further in the sand. You have no clue who I am and my experiences in Thailand. I will be coming back soon to my Thai family and know more about the culture than you will ever experience. Funny how you think you know everything there is to know, but yet belittle those who have spent more time in country than you ever will. Do me a favor and quit answering my posts.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
, the economy will only get worse as time goes on. We shall see what happens down the road.
Greg ********
@Rick ******
Opening the borders will have to be actively managed according to context. Safe travel bubbles first from low risk countries. Mainly Asia to start and probably mainly business travel to begin with.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ***************
, it is the lockdowned borders that I am talking about...
Steven ****************
@Rick ******
I took it more as the WHO telling governments not to lock people down at home rather than international travel at the moment.
Jane ***********
@Steven ***************
Actually it's about both but primarily closed borders: "Dr Nabarro’s main criticism of lockdowns involved the global impact, explaining how poorer economies that had been indirectly affected.

“Just look at what’s happened to the tourism industry in the Caribbean, for example, or in the Pacific because people aren’t taking their holidays,” he said".
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jane **********
, you are on the right track. Are closing borders the cure? Of course not since that negatively impacts the world economy which leads to more death. That is why the article stresses not using lockdowns as a primary defense for Covid-19. People will be revolting soon unless governments start to allow others into their country. It is a balancing act that the world needs to learn.
Jane ***********
@Rick ******
I wasn't stating my opinion or inviting your commentary on whether it was - in your opinion - the 'right track' or not. I was merely pointing out what the author (who BTW is NOT the WHO as the title implies but merely someone who contributes to them) said.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ***************
, your interpretation.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Head in sand....
Todd *********
Not many reading fake news sources mate. This is news for fools only. Not an official W.H.O. news release.
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
*********************************************************************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
977/backflip-who-condemns-coronavirus-lockdowns-just-doubling-global-poverty
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
%3D%3D#aoh=16024851834637&referrer=https%3A%2F%2F
**************************
%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2F
**********************
%2Fhealth%2Fhealth-news%2Fshould-melbourne-take-heed-of-the-whos-backflip-on-coronavirus-lockdown-recommendations%2Fnews-story%2Ff28cc2c4a4101cd86fe6faf5ccd71cff
**********
*****
*****
4637&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bodyandsoul.com.au%2Fhealth%2Fhealth-news%2Fshould-melbourne-take-heed-of-the-whos-backflip-on-coronavirus-lockdown-recommendations%2Fnews-story%2Ff28cc2c4a4101cd86fe6faf5ccd71cff
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
,
***************************************************************************************************************************
%3D%3D#aoh=16024851834637&referrer=https%3A%2F%2F
**************************
%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2F
**************
%2Fnews%2F2020-10-12%2Fworld-health-organization-coronavirus-lockdown-advice%2F12753688
**********
*****
688?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQCrABIA%3D%3D#aoh=
*****
*****
4637&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2F2020-10-12%2Fworld-health-organization-coronavirus-lockdown-advice%2F
*****
688
Todd *********
@Rick ******
thx. Will file those under articles the poster neglected to read or apply critical thought to. 👍
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
, your call. Stick your head further down in the sand..
Todd *********
@Ri**
see Ivan’s thoughtful comments for a brief reality check. At present it would appear only sigmoid colon in within your viewpoint. Your choice also
Steven ****************
the WHO ffs Michael. The people that are paid billions a year and they don't even know if a virus is spread if masks should be used or not. Surely, something that simple should be first day of WHO school?
Ivan ************
@Ste***
it's a new virus. No one, no matter how expert, knew everything about it from the start. How could you.
Steven ****************
@Ivan ***********
I'm specifically talking about how a virus can be passed on. If someone gave me a billion dollars + a year, I would check how viruses can be passed on to the next person and look for ways in advance how to advice to stop or slow it down. WHO have said, don't wear masks, do wear them....
Steven ****************
@Ivan ***********
you missed my point. Surely a virus is passed only in a couple of ways. One through the air, one in droplets (I've learnt this in 6 months), surely the WHO knew that?
Ivan ************
@Ste***
there are many viruses that are passed in neither of those ways, HIV would be an obvious one. Hepatitis and Polio are spread through the fecal-oral route.

Early on in this it was thought that one of the main ways this could be spread was through touching virus left on surfaces. Hence all the emphasis on not touching stuff and handwashing. That seems less likely to be the primary vector now, although still possible.

It certainly wasn't known if it could be spread through the air. In fact that was initially thought unlikely, droplets were seen as much more likely.

It's new, I mean it's STILL an active area of research, scientists still have different ideas about it. Expecting them all to know everything about this in January is not reasonable.
James ******
Just another dirty stupid fallang.... what does he know.

That’ll be their opinion if they ever read this.
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else