DivineMadman

Hmm.  Not sure it is a Thai logic issue.  I think sometimes in wars defending forces take substantial damages and loss of lives but that nation will still celebrate and take pride in those defending forces -- despite the casualties and losses.  N'est-ce pas?  In any event, in this particular situation the Thais were the defenders.  The French didn't get what they wanted.  Within a couple of weeks the Franco-Thai War was over and the Thai annexation of territory from French Cambodia was confirmed.  For the government at the time - a win.
But I return to the main point that I think there are probably lots and lots of examples around the world where defending forces take substantial damages and they can still honor and celebrate the defenders in the battle.  Not a particularly Thai thing.   
 

Very quick reports on some recent massage shop visits.  (In no particular order)
I-Come & S'Sense
I-Come is a new (a couple of months) shop on Suan Phlu between s. 6 and s. 8.  It's a nicely done space with the same set up as S'Sense down the street at the foot of s. 8:  ground floor reception, upstairs some foot massage chairs, up some more stairs to massage rooms.  Both have massage tables with face cutouts.  I-Come has showers in the room, S'Sense was a shared shower/bathroom in the hall but I think some rooms may have a shower.  The tables at S'Sense are extra-long, so even the over 6' crowd can easily be accommodated. 
Pictures of the crew are available for both and you can walk in or book ahead.  
S'Sense Line Id:  @nai4795h   S'Sense Facebook   S'Sense Photos
I-Come Line ID: @I_Come  I-Come Facebook 
At I-Come I just took the guy offered.  Massage was ok-ish/soft messy caressy too much oil.  Masseur fully-clothed throughout and no happy ending offered - a bit of a surprise given the name.  So I'm filing them under F for False Advertising.     I may go back again because the guys are very nice and friendly, but I may not because the massage was truly "meh" and no happy ending.  I have to believe that it was just bad luck on the masseur.  He was certainly cute as can be, and having a cute 22-24 gently caress these aching bones is not a hardship.  So I encourage others to go and give the new shop some business and you'll likely have better luck.  But still, with a name like that, every customer should be offered a happy ending.  
Others have reported on S'Sense before.  I booked someone I already knew and got exactly what I was expecting - ok-to-good/messy caressy massage.  Masseur fully-clothed throughout.  I left happy.  
I think at S'Sense and I-Come there just may be some guys who include the happy ending in the massage and some guys who just don't.  I recall across the photo of one guy at S'Sense "No Hanky Panky" is written.  So I guess ask, and if the manager can't confirm one way or the other at booking then skip if you think it's important.  
Prices may change and they're all offering promotions right now, so check their Line for latest prices.  They seem to be roughly (+/-) comparable priced.  I think around 500 for 60 minute oil.  
Somewhere I came across a S'Sense post looking for masseurs, I think it said something along the lines of 25K minimum salary and they could provide among other things  massage training if you worked there 6-12 months.  !!!  From the customer's perspective, ahem, we like to see the training before..... (Of course it's possible I mis-translated it.)
This is in the S'Sense photo's price list, which is sort of cute if it means what I think it means:  

I want to change my name to Happy Hand.
Spa Atlantis
Line ID  @spa_atlantis  Facebook
Spa Atlantis has been open about a year and is a short easy five minute walk from the Lat Phrao MRT station.  Everyone is very friendly.  I had a big room with a massage table and private shower.  Everything very clean and nice.  Bathroom in the hall.  I just went with the guy who was offered.  Pictures are available and you can certainly request someone who catches your fancy.  The manager has the pics on his phone if you just walk in.  I would say better than average looking guys.  I am pretty sure there's a face cutout, but not 100% sure.  I thought manager was very nice and very responsive on Line.  Right now I think they're offering a promotion of 60 minute oil massage for 500 or 3 for 1,000 (buy 2 get 1 free?).  Certainly check when booking for promotions.
I've had two massages there.  One regular oil which was perfectly fine (and ended happy).  Maybe a bit too much oil for my taste.  Plenty of butt massage, which I like.  Masseur fully clothed.  But my read on the shop's vibe is that full service is available.  Just not what I was looking for when I've gone.
I have also been to Spa Atlantis for the japkasai or kasai testicle massage - because, why not?   This is the serious sort of massage that the masseur who performs it got a certificate for and sexual release has NOTHING to do with it.   I'll say it was interesting.  I personally prefer that the family jewels be treated gently and with love and respect and I was expecting the more tantric offerings of Dr. Bear and Spa Bangkok, which as Goldmember once observed, is more like 30-40 minutes of edging.  Instead this was rigorous push-pull, on your knees soldier, bordering on painful.  If you like your ball play on the rough side this is for you.  'Nuff said.
So worth checking out and giving these guys business and a perfect place to stop by on your way home after a visit to Chatuchak.
Spa Bangkok
Nothing new to report.  I love these guys.  
Prime
Just got back from Prime and their magical 1 hour foot/1 hour thai massage for 500B.  Cant' beat that.  The masseur was a superstar.  Definitely some pain involved.  But that is just Thai massage at it's best.  No sexual anything, but sometimes perhaps the masseur would be reaching to massage with one hand and the only logical place to rest his other hand would be gently on top of, and cupping, my genitals.  Not it a gay way.  Just in that way guys do.  Nothing sexual about it.  And the gluteus massage was great and there should have been more.  My ass hasn't been man-handled like that since I was in the Boy Scouts.  (Too soon???). Seriously, a great massage and like any good Thai massage your whole body gets the attention it needs.  Glutes and all. 
 

given that it was after the massage, I just assumed it was sign that the massage was truly spectacular.  
 

1.  Don't over-think.  
2.  Be open.
3.  Be kind.
4.  Have fun.
 

1.  Don't over-think.  
2.  Be open.
3.  Be kind.
4.  Have fun.
 

In reality, my spending is more charity than anything else. I will never, ever receive back what I spent. 

I told him what he lost out on. But, have no intent on spanking him. BTW: I didn't consider myself a victim. I knew from the moment he brought up his father's accident 2 days before rent was due where it was going. I gave him the "loan" knowingly and knowing the outcome. It saved me more money in the end as I don't normally like a regular all the time and I didn't know how to let him down easy. Worth it for me!

The auspicious Buddhist holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), also called “Vassa”, will be observed Saturday and Sunday (July 4-5), respectively.
As both are major religious holidays, the sale of alcohol is banned by law across the country on both days. As such, the alcohol ban will start at 00:01am Saturday (July 4) and conclude at midnight Sunday night (23:59pm July 5).
As both holidays this year occur on the weekend, the Cabinet last week proclaimed that the following Monday and Tuesday (July 6-7) will be substitution public holidays.

Tips about zing, ive tried 3 type of room there. The cheapest room is fine and adequate but for just a bit more, the upgraded room is much more convenient, spacious, and comes with a balcony. Ive tried the suite room on the ground floor facing pool, way too big and under furnished. Great to have multiple guys to hang out or orgy party though but for 2 person, it does feels all the space wasted lol but for the price, definitely worth it. Worth to note while booking that there are 2 zing hotels in jomtien, so choose one that is in the jomtien plaza closer to the beach. The other one are on the main road and far away from the scene.

Joking apart,  if you helping the disadvantaged, you are making merit even if you don't subscribe to  Buddhist philosophy. To know that you are needed and are able to answer that need gives meaning to our lives. Thais have given me so much of the decades (including but not only pleasure) that I  "owe" them.  Particularly P!

Reminds me of a lad who asked me for 5000b. to transport his father from the hospital to the wat for cremation.
I later found out his father was alive but the boy was great in bed, just bullshitted endlessly.  I kinda miss him.

It looks as though the next weekend in July will be a four day holiday with two of those days being 'Buddha' days. (Sunday the 5th  Asalha Bucha day and Monday 6th  Buddhist Lent Day).
Almost certainly no alcohol on sale on the Buddha  days and for the religious boys no alcohol (and other things) from the 6th for three months.

Guys - don't feed the troll.
 

Here's a transcript of an entirely made up meeting at the Thai government in mid- to late-March:
Somchai (Junior Official)  
"Boss, I have a great idea,  I know the Cambodian government is asking us to keep workers here, rather than send them back where they won't have work.  And they're worried about sending people back across the borders with COVID-19 now.  And the workers say they would rather be here.
Boss
"Ah, Somchai, of course they would rather be here.  Thailand is envy of the world.
Somchai
"Indeed, Boss.
"And, Boss, I know people are worried about shutting down the economy.
Boss
"And rightly so, Somchai.  The Thai economy is the envy of the world.  
Somchai
"Of course, Boss.
"So I was thinking about the construction industry and the migrant workers from Cambodia who work in the construction industry.  What if we let them stay in Thailand and keep some construction going.
Boss
"Hmmmm.  But Somchai, why can't we say the same thing and keep the malls open?  That will make my mistress -- I mean my wife -- very happy.
Somchai
Oh, but there's a difference, Boss.  The construction workers live together, go to work together, stay on the construction site, and go home together.  The malls are the opposite.  People come from different places, then mix, and then disperse.  So that would be very different for the spread of the disease.
Boss
"Ah yes, Somchai.  And after all, our malls are the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss.
Boss
"But Somchai, the benevolence of the Thai people is the envy of the world.  Won't we seem heartless having our Cambodian cousins working in a global pandemic.  What if they get sick?
Smooch
"But Boss, don't forget, documented migrant workers are eligible for our universal health care system.  Even undocumented migrant workers are eligible.  Not everyone takes advantage, but we conduct active outreach and try to enroll as many as we can, and the Thai universal health care system is there for them if they need it just like the rest of us.
Boss
"Of course, Somchai, you are correct.  I didn't forget that.  I was just testing you.  
"The way Thailand has expanded universal health coverage to documented and undocumented migrant workers is the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss."
Boss
"Well, Somchai, I think I have laid out my brilliant plan to you.  You may circulate it among the ministries.  
"This is the sort of win-win thinking that will only earn respect for our Kingdom!
Somchai
"Yeah, sure, Boss. 
 

On a slight linguistic tangent.  For some reason I am constantly fascinated and amused by how รับ can be used in Thai.
Of course there's the most beloved of all รับ = bottom (has a connotation of accepting or receiving)
So there's "I am+" เป็น+รับ (เป็นรับ)
OR another way to say it is งาน+รับ (งานรับ), where งาน usually means something in the area of "work" or "job".  So work + bottom (งานรับ) means I'm a bottom or my "role" or "position" (hehehe) is bottom รับ.  [Already a bit of a joke, because we all know the tops do all the work.]
But then if you reverse the two, รับ + งาน (รับงาน), it basically means working or technically more along the lines of "accepting work".  So the yummy guy in Hornet who says "รับงาน" is in it for the money. But he may not be a รับ.   A top (รุก) working might say รุกรับงาน (or similar variations).
The basic lesson is that in Thailand it's much easier if everyone is just verse.  
By the way, these aren't the only uses of รับ.  A massage guy will say รับ + massage (นวด) = รับนวด.  But it doesn't mean I'll "accept" a massage.  It means I will perform the massage.  nothing passive about that.

On a slight linguistic tangent.  For some reason I am constantly fascinated and amused by how รับ can be used in Thai.
Of course there's the most beloved of all รับ = bottom (has a connotation of accepting or receiving)
So there's "I am+" เป็น+รับ (เป็นรับ)
OR another way to say it is งาน+รับ (งานรับ), where งาน usually means something in the area of "work" or "job".  So work + bottom (งานรับ) means I'm a bottom or my "role" or "position" (hehehe) is bottom รับ.  [Already a bit of a joke, because we all know the tops do all the work.]
But then if you reverse the two, รับ + งาน (รับงาน), it basically means working or technically more along the lines of "accepting work".  So the yummy guy in Hornet who says "รับงาน" is in it for the money. But he may not be a รับ.   A top (รุก) working might say รุกรับงาน (or similar variations).
The basic lesson is that in Thailand it's much easier if everyone is just verse.  
By the way, these aren't the only uses of รับ.  A massage guy will say รับ + massage (นวด) = รับนวด.  But it doesn't mean I'll "accept" a massage.  It means I will perform the massage.  nothing passive about that.

On a slight linguistic tangent.  For some reason I am constantly fascinated and amused by how รับ can be used in Thai.
Of course there's the most beloved of all รับ = bottom (has a connotation of accepting or receiving)
So there's "I am+" เป็น+รับ (เป็นรับ)
OR another way to say it is งาน+รับ (งานรับ), where งาน usually means something in the area of "work" or "job".  So work + bottom (งานรับ) means I'm a bottom or my "role" or "position" (hehehe) is bottom รับ.  [Already a bit of a joke, because we all know the tops do all the work.]
But then if you reverse the two, รับ + งาน (รับงาน), it basically means working or technically more along the lines of "accepting work".  So the yummy guy in Hornet who says "รับงาน" is in it for the money. But he may not be a รับ.   A top (รุก) working might say รุกรับงาน (or similar variations).
The basic lesson is that in Thailand it's much easier if everyone is just verse.  
By the way, these aren't the only uses of รับ.  A massage guy will say รับ + massage (นวด) = รับนวด.  But it doesn't mean I'll "accept" a massage.  It means I will perform the massage.  nothing passive about that.

Spoon may have found it in another source, but I noticed it was in my feed from National Geographic and the piece is at least in part supported by a Nat Geo COVID-19 storytelling grant.

Here's a transcript of an entirely made up meeting at the Thai government in mid- to late-March:
Somchai (Junior Official)  
"Boss, I have a great idea,  I know the Cambodian government is asking us to keep workers here, rather than send them back where they won't have work.  And they're worried about sending people back across the borders with COVID-19 now.  And the workers say they would rather be here.
Boss
"Ah, Somchai, of course they would rather be here.  Thailand is envy of the world.
Somchai
"Indeed, Boss.
"And, Boss, I know people are worried about shutting down the economy.
Boss
"And rightly so, Somchai.  The Thai economy is the envy of the world.  
Somchai
"Of course, Boss.
"So I was thinking about the construction industry and the migrant workers from Cambodia who work in the construction industry.  What if we let them stay in Thailand and keep some construction going.
Boss
"Hmmmm.  But Somchai, why can't we say the same thing and keep the malls open?  That will make my mistress -- I mean my wife -- very happy.
Somchai
Oh, but there's a difference, Boss.  The construction workers live together, go to work together, stay on the construction site, and go home together.  The malls are the opposite.  People come from different places, then mix, and then disperse.  So that would be very different for the spread of the disease.
Boss
"Ah yes, Somchai.  And after all, our malls are the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss.
Boss
"But Somchai, the benevolence of the Thai people is the envy of the world.  Won't we seem heartless having our Cambodian cousins working in a global pandemic.  What if they get sick?
Smooch
"But Boss, don't forget, documented migrant workers are eligible for our universal health care system.  Even undocumented migrant workers are eligible.  Not everyone takes advantage, but we conduct active outreach and try to enroll as many as we can, and the Thai universal health care system is there for them if they need it just like the rest of us.
Boss
"Of course, Somchai, you are correct.  I didn't forget that.  I was just testing you.  
"The way Thailand has expanded universal health coverage to documented and undocumented migrant workers is the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss."
Boss
"Well, Somchai, I think I have laid out my brilliant plan to you.  You may circulate it among the ministries.  
"This is the sort of win-win thinking that will only earn respect for our Kingdom!
Somchai
"Yeah, sure, Boss. 
 

Throughout the last couple of months, the only people I have seen not wearing masks in Bangkok have been a handful of farang! I have absolutley no problem with scanning the QR code when I enter and exit buildings. If that helps tracing should someone with an infection be detected, why on earth would anyone object to it? In desperate times, surely personal privacy has to take a back seat?
Even better than Thailand has been Taiwan where life has been virtually normal throughout the last few months apart from the wearing of masks and use of hand sanitisers. No schools or businesses closed, restaurants and coffee shops open and doing great business,  If Taiwan has avoided the desperate problems facing many countries, what about Vietnam? In early March when I was there, by government mandate everyone had to wear masks and hand sanitiser was everywhere. Result? No deaths. Idiots like Johnson, Bolsonaro and Trump who have rejected scientific evidence and the lessons of past pandemics resulting in vast numbers of their populations being condemned to death should be tried for wilful murder.

Here's a transcript of an entirely made up meeting at the Thai government in mid- to late-March:
Somchai (Junior Official)  
"Boss, I have a great idea,  I know the Cambodian government is asking us to keep workers here, rather than send them back where they won't have work.  And they're worried about sending people back across the borders with COVID-19 now.  And the workers say they would rather be here.
Boss
"Ah, Somchai, of course they would rather be here.  Thailand is envy of the world.
Somchai
"Indeed, Boss.
"And, Boss, I know people are worried about shutting down the economy.
Boss
"And rightly so, Somchai.  The Thai economy is the envy of the world.  
Somchai
"Of course, Boss.
"So I was thinking about the construction industry and the migrant workers from Cambodia who work in the construction industry.  What if we let them stay in Thailand and keep some construction going.
Boss
"Hmmmm.  But Somchai, why can't we say the same thing and keep the malls open?  That will make my mistress -- I mean my wife -- very happy.
Somchai
Oh, but there's a difference, Boss.  The construction workers live together, go to work together, stay on the construction site, and go home together.  The malls are the opposite.  People come from different places, then mix, and then disperse.  So that would be very different for the spread of the disease.
Boss
"Ah yes, Somchai.  And after all, our malls are the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss.
Boss
"But Somchai, the benevolence of the Thai people is the envy of the world.  Won't we seem heartless having our Cambodian cousins working in a global pandemic.  What if they get sick?
Smooch
"But Boss, don't forget, documented migrant workers are eligible for our universal health care system.  Even undocumented migrant workers are eligible.  Not everyone takes advantage, but we conduct active outreach and try to enroll as many as we can, and the Thai universal health care system is there for them if they need it just like the rest of us.
Boss
"Of course, Somchai, you are correct.  I didn't forget that.  I was just testing you.  
"The way Thailand has expanded universal health coverage to documented and undocumented migrant workers is the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss."
Boss
"Well, Somchai, I think I have laid out my brilliant plan to you.  You may circulate it among the ministries.  
"This is the sort of win-win thinking that will only earn respect for our Kingdom!
Somchai
"Yeah, sure, Boss. 
 

Here's a transcript of an entirely made up meeting at the Thai government in mid- to late-March:
Somchai (Junior Official)  
"Boss, I have a great idea,  I know the Cambodian government is asking us to keep workers here, rather than send them back where they won't have work.  And they're worried about sending people back across the borders with COVID-19 now.  And the workers say they would rather be here.
Boss
"Ah, Somchai, of course they would rather be here.  Thailand is envy of the world.
Somchai
"Indeed, Boss.
"And, Boss, I know people are worried about shutting down the economy.
Boss
"And rightly so, Somchai.  The Thai economy is the envy of the world.  
Somchai
"Of course, Boss.
"So I was thinking about the construction industry and the migrant workers from Cambodia who work in the construction industry.  What if we let them stay in Thailand and keep some construction going.
Boss
"Hmmmm.  But Somchai, why can't we say the same thing and keep the malls open?  That will make my mistress -- I mean my wife -- very happy.
Somchai
Oh, but there's a difference, Boss.  The construction workers live together, go to work together, stay on the construction site, and go home together.  The malls are the opposite.  People come from different places, then mix, and then disperse.  So that would be very different for the spread of the disease.
Boss
"Ah yes, Somchai.  And after all, our malls are the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss.
Boss
"But Somchai, the benevolence of the Thai people is the envy of the world.  Won't we seem heartless having our Cambodian cousins working in a global pandemic.  What if they get sick?
Smooch
"But Boss, don't forget, documented migrant workers are eligible for our universal health care system.  Even undocumented migrant workers are eligible.  Not everyone takes advantage, but we conduct active outreach and try to enroll as many as we can, and the Thai universal health care system is there for them if they need it just like the rest of us.
Boss
"Of course, Somchai, you are correct.  I didn't forget that.  I was just testing you.  
"The way Thailand has expanded universal health coverage to documented and undocumented migrant workers is the envy of the world.
Somchai
"As you say, Boss."
Boss
"Well, Somchai, I think I have laid out my brilliant plan to you.  You may circulate it among the ministries.  
"This is the sort of win-win thinking that will only earn respect for our Kingdom!
Somchai
"Yeah, sure, Boss. 
 

Sometimes even with making things clear, it is not clear. Translation apps do not work well. Things get lost in conversations. I can't tell you how many times I ask top, bottom or both and they have no idea of what I am talking about. Zero. It takes a few times. I travel to Brazil and it is easy, Passivo, Activo, Total. But, harder on the apps here. At least for me. When I had a BF to travel with me they would always get it right as they would talk and tell them the expectations. Now, that he is gone, there is more confusion.  And, partly my fault.

Anyone who is reading the news expecting a government announcement now -- or in the near future -- of any sort of international travel plan that will get Thai tourism back to the old normal or anything even approximating the old normal soon is a bit like Charlie Brown asking Lucy to hold the football for him.  (Cartoon below). Expect frustration and disappointment.
As much as we may think tourism is the most important thing to Thailand, it's not.  The usual number for GDP international tourism is roughly 12%, and roughly 6-7% for domestic tourism.  That leaves roughly 88% non-tourism.  That 12% International tourism is juicy and sexy and fun for us -- and 12% is nothing to scoff at -- but it is by its nature much riskier as far as COVID-19 is concerned.  The 88% non--tourism is more important, by far.  The Thai government, and the Vietnamese government, and the Laos government, etc., etc., have to look to overall safety of their people and to their economies overall.  Another serious wave of COVID-19 could well mean another shut down of construction and of the factories, etc.  And that would be bad.  
It is eminently reasonable for governments to be exceedingly cautious as far as opening their borders is concerned.  I don't think one can truly, fairly say that the Thai or Vietnamese (or Australian or New Zealand) governments are being unreasonably cautious.  We are less than three months from the global shutdown because of COVID-19.  There is no vaccine.  It has been brought under control successfully in some places, but not in many other places.  It is still a global pandemic, getting worse in many places.
Ironically, it has been brought under control in Thailand, but we don't seem to be showing respect for the Thai government's approach to COVID-19.  I confess I find that baffling.  In the same way that we can be against police brutality in the U.S. and still pro-police, we can decry all the many legit failings of Uncle Tu and his government, but also give Thailand a "win" on COVID-19.  
Also, the recent polls taken in Thailand have shown (1) the majority of the Thai people are still very concerned about COVID-19 and (2) the vast majority of the Thai people do not want the country to rush to open the gates to international tourists.  I haven't come across any suggestions that these polls were rigged or are inaccurate.  Thus, another thing that we can do is give a nod of respect to the sentiments expressed of the Thai people in these polls.  (The 30% who want the tourists back may well be the 30% employed in the tourism sector, but the 70% saying don't rush can have their voices heard as well.)
If there's wisdom in crowds, one might notice that Thailand is not alone in still trying (struggling) to come to terms international travel in the age of COVID-19.  At this point I'm not aware of any government that has said "here are the easy answers." 
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I feel as bad as many here about not being able to get back to Thailand when I want.  I'm paying rent on a condo I can't use and I certainly miss my friends, etc.  And daily reading of the rumor mill is excruciating.  In part this is because it is usually imprecise and occasionally downright inaccurate - as all sorts of ideas are floated in public.  Maybe it would be easier if it was all kept secret until there was a final government-approved plan.  Compared with many neighboring where there is no such openness, I keep coming back to the mantra:  "wait until there's an actual plan."  Because the openness and [comparative] press freedom is a good thing.
I personally do not expect a plan that will be particularly "open to tourists" until October at the earliest.  It's disappointing, but because I honestly and truly am able to say to myself, "OK.  It may not be what I want, but I understand there is reasonable decision making that goes into the decisions, even if I disagree,  ... so be it."   If I were in the government I absolutely would be advising the government to go slow-slow-slow until October.  The way to protect the high season is to be cautious from now until then.  
If there are "low hanging fruit" of rich people who will happily spend a week or two at a resort on an island, where the risks can be contained geographically, then go for it.  And if they do go for it, I certainly won't be criticizing them for taking only this small, cautious step.  But broad-based travel now?  The world isn't ready.  
Today's English language press briefing in Thailand gave the astonishing statistic that currently there are about 10,000 people in quarantine in Thailand.  I think it's worth letting that sink in before we wonder why the government isn't rushing to open the gates.  
YES, this is hard on the many people employed in the tourism sector.  Each month I give a bit of the money that I might otherwise have spent on "entertainment" to charities in Thailand that I've posted about previously:  SWING (direct help to sex workers) and Duang Prateep Foundation and COVID Thailand Aid.  Highly recommended.

 

Anyone who is reading the news expecting a government announcement now -- or in the near future -- of any sort of international travel plan that will get Thai tourism back to the old normal or anything even approximating the old normal soon is a bit like Charlie Brown asking Lucy to hold the football for him.  (Cartoon below). Expect frustration and disappointment.
As much as we may think tourism is the most important thing to Thailand, it's not.  The usual number for GDP international tourism is roughly 12%, and roughly 6-7% for domestic tourism.  That leaves roughly 88% non-tourism.  That 12% International tourism is juicy and sexy and fun for us -- and 12% is nothing to scoff at -- but it is by its nature much riskier as far as COVID-19 is concerned.  The 88% non--tourism is more important, by far.  The Thai government, and the Vietnamese government, and the Laos government, etc., etc., have to look to overall safety of their people and to their economies overall.  Another serious wave of COVID-19 could well mean another shut down of construction and of the factories, etc.  And that would be bad.  
It is eminently reasonable for governments to be exceedingly cautious as far as opening their borders is concerned.  I don't think one can truly, fairly say that the Thai or Vietnamese (or Australian or New Zealand) governments are being unreasonably cautious.  We are less than three months from the global shutdown because of COVID-19.  There is no vaccine.  It has been brought under control successfully in some places, but not in many other places.  It is still a global pandemic, getting worse in many places.
Ironically, it has been brought under control in Thailand, but we don't seem to be showing respect for the Thai government's approach to COVID-19.  I confess I find that baffling.  In the same way that we can be against police brutality in the U.S. and still pro-police, we can decry all the many legit failings of Uncle Tu and his government, but also give Thailand a "win" on COVID-19.  
Also, the recent polls taken in Thailand have shown (1) the majority of the Thai people are still very concerned about COVID-19 and (2) the vast majority of the Thai people do not want the country to rush to open the gates to international tourists.  I haven't come across any suggestions that these polls were rigged or are inaccurate.  Thus, another thing that we can do is give a nod of respect to the sentiments expressed of the Thai people in these polls.  (The 30% who want the tourists back may well be the 30% employed in the tourism sector, but the 70% saying don't rush can have their voices heard as well.)
If there's wisdom in crowds, one might notice that Thailand is not alone in still trying (struggling) to come to terms international travel in the age of COVID-19.  At this point I'm not aware of any government that has said "here are the easy answers." 
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I feel as bad as many here about not being able to get back to Thailand when I want.  I'm paying rent on a condo I can't use and I certainly miss my friends, etc.  And daily reading of the rumor mill is excruciating.  In part this is because it is usually imprecise and occasionally downright inaccurate - as all sorts of ideas are floated in public.  Maybe it would be easier if it was all kept secret until there was a final government-approved plan.  Compared with many neighboring where there is no such openness, I keep coming back to the mantra:  "wait until there's an actual plan."  Because the openness and [comparative] press freedom is a good thing.
I personally do not expect a plan that will be particularly "open to tourists" until October at the earliest.  It's disappointing, but because I honestly and truly am able to say to myself, "OK.  It may not be what I want, but I understand there is reasonable decision making that goes into the decisions, even if I disagree,  ... so be it."   If I were in the government I absolutely would be advising the government to go slow-slow-slow until October.  The way to protect the high season is to be cautious from now until then.  
If there are "low hanging fruit" of rich people who will happily spend a week or two at a resort on an island, where the risks can be contained geographically, then go for it.  And if they do go for it, I certainly won't be criticizing them for taking only this small, cautious step.  But broad-based travel now?  The world isn't ready.  
Today's English language press briefing in Thailand gave the astonishing statistic that currently there are about 10,000 people in quarantine in Thailand.  I think it's worth letting that sink in before we wonder why the government isn't rushing to open the gates.  
YES, this is hard on the many people employed in the tourism sector.  Each month I give a bit of the money that I might otherwise have spent on "entertainment" to charities in Thailand that I've posted about previously:  SWING (direct help to sex workers) and Duang Prateep Foundation and COVID Thailand Aid.  Highly recommended.