@Steve ********

Hi Steve, Didn't they totally close their borders? I'm curious because I usually fly via Sydney when I want to chill in Hawaii. But when I left Thailand during lockdown, they wouldn't let me. THAT'S WHY I ENDED UP IN NYC. So, its a very sore point for me: Hawaii was/is total cool. Also, are they still closed? PLSreply if you know for sure. Thx.

@JD *******

Interesting point. But they talked about "herd immunity" as a hope for NYC until @ June. Then they realized it 'ain't happenin''. Haven't heard that term since. Please note that I am simply reporting -I do not understand the mechanics of herd immunity. More relevant (& supporting of your point: I read that 'Herd Immunity" doesn't work when you have constant int'l arrivals, like NYC (trust me, screening is a joke -my daughter came from Canada over xmas college break and they didn't even ask her for her test results (not PCR-cheapo drug-store kit). But honestly, it's an inane point: we are truly powerless to change anything.

@Rima ***************

1. No. I was in Thailand at the time: lockdowns started on March 29th -my departure date. When I arrived NYC - everything had been closed for weeks. 2. Do lockdowns work? Off-topic and an inane subject (inane because we have zero input-zero). But we are here to generate traffic for Zuckenberg, so I'll answer it: some argue that Thailand success was due to closing its borders (as you mentioned). In the USA/Canada, you can still enter without a PCR test and they expect arrivals to religiously follow quarantine rules - which goes against behavioral theory. Nobody has provided another explanation for why we have experienced the most severe lockdowns in the world from March to present yet we still have highest infections rates. But like I said, we have no choice and the Lockdowns, effective or not, make people feel more secure & protect the politicians.

@Lance ********

Yes, I always gets that wrong. Hoping on a plane expecting to land in ColOmbia and ending in a hell-hole like Vancouver would indeed be truly be disappointing. I'll be careful.

@Alison **********

I will consider telling you the full story. I writing it now to send it to my best buddy Phil since my kids & friendsvdon't care about what my daughter calls "Your Tropical Troubles" Its a tragic tale, you'll cry for sure. Thx.

@Ross *****

1. I have never & never will pay for sex (I don't pass judgement on those who must -"do whatever you need to do if ya can't chat them up -it ain't easy!"). 2. Holy F*ck man....the Middle East? No gawdamn, f*cking way. My roommate in college was Iranian & I went to his wedding in Dubai (or was it Qatar?-whatever) years ago (1999 I think). Couldn't wait to leave! As you know, non-Muslim men must always defer to Muslims. I simply cannot do that. It was a miracle I wasn't arrested. I recently heard that my buddy's family (Iranians who hate Arabs) still talk about me -it was that bad. On day 3, my buddy's cousin was assigned to keep an eye on me & he kept me on his villa by the pool (he had Canadian beer!) My friends who live there fascinate me...sure the money is great- but it can't be worth it. Thanks for the advice though. Wait, "Ross Rowe" ??-I think I met you.....did you move to Ao Nang in early Feb 2020?

@Brendan *******

Ya I know. But policy is dynamic in response to changing events. I just can't risk & neither should anyone else who is a Phuket lover. I must add that I am happy that you are promoting Thailand & Phuket. I am disappointed that more people are not. For example, there is no reason why Qatar/Emirates don't stop in Phuket on the way to Bangkok to give people another choice for ASQ. I even wrote a whole article on how Phuket can get at least some short stay tourists (repeat ShortStay-ie 2weeks). When one of my sources for the article (a UK expat Hotelier in Karon) asked "What is the subject for your article?" he responded: "Ha. I can tell you that mate, different groups own the hotels in BKK versus Phuket. And the BKK people dominate Thailand." (I should add that nobody bought the article!) Enjoy the clear water/quiet roads/awesome food & all the little things, buddy. Thx for reading.

@Karim **************

Let me put it this way: I've been to Phuket twice for months at a time: Went to Patong once (ended up punching out some 70 yr old Dutch pervert wierdo-almost got arrested!), never been to Bangla, never been UKexpat capital Rawaii. But I've done lots of mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and most important: swam everyday for 2hrs and chilled on the beach for unknown hours. THE POINT: I really, really wanted to go now because biking is easier & friends tell me that the water has NEVER been as clear! I respect people who enjoy the urban stuff & yes, they should stay away, but it ain't me! Thx (my whole family except me was born in Naples -I wish they never immigrated!) Thx

@Reiner ********

Whoa. I thought you were German. I don't get your point since NYC has had the world most extreme lockdown for the longest time, yet we have the highest infection rate in the world. But 'whatever', I'm 50 yrs old...time for me to leave society to focus on my music & artwork along with banging' welfare moms..

@Garrett **********

I think walking around with a pretty Columbian girl was an issue. Plus it was back in the early 1990s. Not worried at all, like I said I'm a New Yorker. FYI, of all the places I've been, Kingston, Jamaica was the only place I felt 100% on guard. I was working as a diver there for 4 months, so it got really tedious after a while. ...but that was in early 1990s also.