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Just dump the damn thing. From Bangkok Post The second RT-PCR test required by the Test & Go scheme should be scrapped by March if the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) agrees with the proposal, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said the ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will propose a relaxation of entry requirements by replacing the second RT-PCR test with an antigen test kit, making the request at the next CCSA meeting on Feb 23. If the proposal is approved, the new rule will be applied from next month, he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2266615/tourism-ministry-plans-to-propose-scrapping-2nd-rt-pcr-test

Although I don't recognize the building or the bar, the guy looks like someone I think I saw at Hot Male a few years ago. Sex Worker's Diary appears to be a promotional video produced by a sexual health clinic. If you visit the website, you'll find other videos (with English subtitles) of a similar nature. Although the webpage is mostly in Thai, there are some English topics. Here's a description of the above video: “Toon Pawan” is going to reveal his life starting from studying at a jewelry class all the way to the entertainment business where he proudly presents that he is an MSM (men who have sex with men) sex worker that some of you may already see his story in TED Talks and other news. testBKK is releasing this small 14 mins documentary called “Sex Worker’s Diary” where we going to explore the life of sex workers like no one has ever seen before. https://www.testbkk.org/

From Thai PBS World Thailand to consider cutting second COVID-19 tests on international arrivals Thailand will consider a recommendation from an airline tycoon to reduce the steps required for international entry, by doing away the second COVID-19 test, currently required on the fifth day after arrival. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, who suggested measures to improve the “Test & Go” scheme, specifically the removal of the second test requirement. Anutin said that he has asked the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to consider the idea, as they are concerned with the safety of the people. AirAsia also claimed that many tourists, such as those from Malaysia and Singapore, are interested in coming to Thailand, but are discouraged by the onerous procedures involved. Anutin admitted that they cause inconvenience for foreign travellers, but he thinks there should be a balance between reviving the economy and the safety of the people. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-consider-cutting-second-covid-19-tests-on-international-arrivals/

From CNN CNN)More adults in the US say they identify as LGBTQ than they did a decade ago, according to a new Gallup poll, a trend largely propelled by Gen Z adults. The percentage of adults who told Gallup they identify as LGBTQ has doubled since 2012, per the polling firm, from 3.5% of Americans then to 7.1% of Americans in 2021. The rise can be attributed to Gen Z, according to Gallup -- about 21% of adults born between 1997 and 2003 identify as LGBTQ. Meanwhile, 10.5% of millennials, the generation that includes adults born between 1981 and 1996, identify as LGBTQ, per the poll, and the percentages dwindle among the preceding generations. Among LGBTQ adults in the US, more than half of them -- nearly 57% -- said they were bisexual, according to Gallup's poll. That encompasses about 4% of all US adults. Gallup reported that 20.7% of LGBTQ respondents identified as gay, 13.9% as lesbian and 10% as transgender. Bisexuality is the most common LGBTQ identity among members of Gens Z and X and millennials, Gallup reported, with 15% of all Gen Z adults saying they were bisexual. It makes sense that a greater percentage of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ compared to older generations, said Sharita Gruberg, vice president of LGBTQI+ Research and Communications Project at the Center for American Progress. Gruberg noted that the world in which the younger generation lives is one where same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, as well as one where awareness and visibility of orientations and identities other than heterosexual and cisgender continues to grow. "Gen Z has grown up at a time when stigma around LGBTQ identities is on the decline and rights are expanding," said Gruberg, who was not involved in the poll. "As greater awareness about the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities grows, and as stigma surrounding LGBTQ identity lessens, we're likely to see more people self-identify as LGBTQ." https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/17/us/lgbtq-population-increase-gallup-cec/index.html

From Bloomberg News In downtown Bangkok’s Patpong area, most evenings are quiet. Before the pandemic, it was one of the world’s most notorious red-light districts, attracting foreign tourists to its many bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors. With the tourism industry decimated by two years of Covid-19, most of the street’s businesses are locked, with “Closed” signs in the windows. At the area’s night bazaar—for decades the place to buy Red Bull T-shirts, Thai boxing pants, and fake Rolex watches—the vendors are gone. Thailand wants to get them back. Tourism accounted for one-fifth of the country’s gross domestic product before the pandemic, with almost 40 million foreign tourists generating more than $60 billion in 2019. In early February, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha’s government began allowing vaccinated travelers to enter quarantine-free. Like many countries that are now treating Covid as endemic, Thailand is eager to jump-start its tourism industry. But visitors expecting bustling restaurants, bars, and markets may be in for a shock, because many of the small businesses that played major roles in Thailand’s tourism ecosystem closed during the lockdowns and haven’t reopened. And large, higher-end businesses are offering steep discounts and special packages to capture the few visitors who are still traveling, squeezing out the smaller operators that have survived. Thailand’s strict travel regulations, such as requirements to take multiple Covid tests and provide proof of medical insurance with at least $50,000 coverage, will also limit the type of people who come, according to Bill Heinecke, chairman of Bangkok-based Minor International Pcl, one of Southeast Asia’s largest hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle companies. “Now when you travel generally, first and business classes are full, while economy is empty,” Heinecke says. “So the kind of travelers that we’re seeing now are the higher-end travelers who tend to stay longer because of all the hassle you have to go through.” Continues at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-16/pandemic-has-thailand-s-tourists-returning-to-closed-bars-and-empty-streets

From South China Morning Post / BP HONG KONG: Multiple teams in China are studying how to improve the country's anti-pandemic policies, as economic pressure from its zero-Covid approach intensifies, according to one of the nation's most prominent epidemiologists. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said researchers were "certainly able" to roll out new strategies in the near term, while noting they were "actively thinking and planning". Improved control measures would differ from the current "dynamic clearing" policy, but China is unlikely to simply lift all restrictions as some Western countries have done, he said at a forum on Tuesday held by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University. Economists have warned that the divergence in coronavirus-control strategies with Western countries could put China at a comparative disadvantage, both socially and economically, while recent domestic outbreaks have heightened concerns about the rising cost of its zero-Covid approach. He also said that even though the extensive relaxation of coronavirus rules in Europe and the United States had put a lot of pressure on China, it is unlikely to completely follow suit. China on Saturday approved Pfizer's Covid-19 pill Paxlovid for emergency use - seen by some as a turning point in the nation's pandemic strategy. China's aviation regulator said in its latest five-year plan issued in early January that it was focused on restoring international air travel between 2023 and 2025. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2265807/chinas-zero-covid-policy-under-review-as-economic-pressure-mounts

From The Thaiger/ The Nation Thai respiratory specialist calls for total overhaul of how government handles Covid A highly-respected specialist in respiratory illnesses says the Thai government needs to completely change tack in the way it’s dealing with Covid-19. Posting on his Facebook page, Dr Manoon Leechawengongs from Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital has called for an overhaul in how new infections are dealt with and wants expensive PCR tests ditched altogether. The prominent medic says that as it becomes clear the Omicron variant generally results in less severe illness, the government needs to focus on saving money to treat people with more serious diseases. A highly-respected specialist in respiratory illnesses says the Thai government needs to completely change tack in the way it’s dealing with Covid-19. Posting on his Facebook page, Dr Manoon Leechawengongs from Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital has called for an overhaul in how new infections are dealt with and wants expensive PCR tests ditched altogether. The prominent medic says that as it becomes clear the Omicron variant generally results in less severe illness, the government needs to focus on saving money to treat people with more serious diseases. “The government should not focus only on treatment of this disease but it should also take into account its budget and the economic situation.” Manoon points out that deaths from Omicron are 6 times lower than those from earlier variants and its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold for patients who are fully vaccinated. With 70% of Thailand’s population vaccinated, and around 25% having received a booster dose, he says the government must now treat Omicron as several other countries are doing. The doctor goes on to point out that a number of countries have ditched the need for expensive PCR tests, due to the significant costs involved. He believes PCR testing should be reserved for those in high-risk groups who are likely to end up hospitalised with Covid, as well as the elderly population in care homes. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-respiratory-specialist-calls-for-total-overhaul-of-how-government-handles-covid

From The Thaiger / Kapook Over 100,000 square metres of the first floor had already been completed, and it is believed that the supporting structure underneath gave out when the mortar was poured, according to the superintendent of the Lumpini Police Station. An official report on the collapse will be released by the Council of Engineers Thailand after an assessment.

From Bangkok Post The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out plans to target both the international and domestic markets despite a tepid start because of the threat from the Omicron variant. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Thailand needs to turn crisis into opportunity and use tourism to help transform the country after the outbreak. He said the goal is to achieve 2.4 trillion baht in tourism receipts, or 80% of 2019 levels, by 2023. However, this sum is not the priority as the industry shifts to inclusive segments, said Mr Yuthasak. The target segments consist of: wealthy travellers, retirees, remote workers, skilled professionals, millennials and active seniors. Emerging trends could be mined, he said, such as the popularity of so-called "Thai Boy Love TV dramas" in South Korea. Another trend is educational tourism, particularly in the Chinese market, as Thailand still sees 500-700 arrivals per day via business visas and student visas, despite strict border rules in China. Fans of Boy Love TV dramas form part of the LGBTQIA+ community in South Korea and constitute a potential segment, said Mr Thanet. He said soft power from influencers and media such as Boy Love TV series (Y series) could include collaborations between Thai actors or Korean producers to inspire tourists to visit Thailand. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2265555/tat-unveils-ambitious-goals

From Channel 3 news (Bangkok) Google Translation: On February 16, 65, a news report said that at around 2:00 p.m. yesterday (February 15, 65) a support structure for the concrete formwork collapsed while pouring concrete. Within the construction unit of One Bangkok Project, Rama 4 Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, which is operated by Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. From the examination of the information, it was found that 3 people were killed and 4 were injured, all of whom were employees working under the support. All the injured have returned to their homes for treatment. The Bangkok Labor Protection and Welfare Office Area 1 (SorPor.1) and the Safety Center at Work District 11 (Taling Chan) (SorPhor. 11) will inspect the incident tomorrow. One Bangkok Project is a mixed-use commercial development project on an area of 104 rai on Rama IV Road and Wireless Road and is owned by the Crown Property Bureau. Managed by the company Kasem Sapwattana Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of TCC and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Frasers Property) invested 120,000 million baht Started piling in June 2019. It is scheduled to open for the first phase within 2023 and scheduled to complete the whole project in 2027.

From MSN Singapore aims to allow quarantine-free travel for all vaccinated visitors after omicron subsides SINGAPORE — Singapore intends to allow vaccinated visitors from all countries to skip quarantine on arrival when the omicron wave has passed, authorities announced on Wednesday during a virtual press briefing. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said travel rules were meant to prevent infections from being imported into the country, but that category of cases represents only 1% of daily cases and "no longer have a material impact" on Singapore's Covid situation. The focus in future will be on whether visitors to Singapore will fall severely ill and burden the health-care system, he said. "We should actually emphasize less on SHN and tests on travelers, [and] more on ensuring that they are fully vaccinated and boosted," he said. "Instead of having vaccinated travel lanes or VTLs with selected countries that we think are low risk, we should actually allow SHN-free travel for … fully vaccinated travelers from all countries," Ong said, referring to stay-home notices issued to visitors to Singapore. "We should make this transition not now, but after omicron wave has peaked and start to subside," he added. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/singapore-aims-to-allow-quarantine-free-travel-for-all-vaccinated-visitors-after-omicron-subsides/ar-AATVo8q

Bangkok will be officially called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon From Bangkok Post The Office of the Royal Society (ORST) has announced the change of the official name of Thailand’s capital, from Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. However, the name Bangkok is still recognised. The cabinet on Tuesday approved a Prime Minister's Office draft announcement on updated names of countries, territories, administrative zones and capitals, as proposed by the ORST. The new official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, will not come into effect until it is vetted by a committee in charge of scrutinising all draft bills. The cabinet also asked the panel to take into consideration additional observations from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The announcement, approved by the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that the ORST's committee on the dictionary of international geographic names, comprising experts from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, had updated the spelling of countries, territories, administrative zones and capitals to be in line with the current situation. The panel then submitted the list to the PM's Office to issue the announcement. In the ORST's announcement, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon will become the official name of the Kingdom of Thailand's capital. However, the name Bangkok will be put in parentheses. In the same announcement, the ORST also updated the official spelling for other countries, including Rome and Roma for Italy's capital, the change of Myanmar's capital from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw and the change of the Kingdom of Nepal to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Government deputy spokeswoman Ratchda Dhanadirek on Wednesday said nothing had been changed in the naming of the capital. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2265087/bangkok-will-be-officially-called-krung-thep-maha-nakhon

From Vietnam News Vietnam agrees with proposal to reopen int'l tourism from March 15 HÀ NỘI — The Government has agreed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s proposal to fully reopen international tourism activities in the new normal, starting from March 15 after two years of COVID-19-triggered border closures. In the latest announcement issued on Wednesday regarding the Tuesday meeting on the reopening, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam urged the tourism ministry to promptly finalise and make public a plan for resumption of tourism and provide detailed instructions for localities to implement the plan. He tasked the ministry to issue protocols for welcoming back foreign tourists. Đam also asked the ministry to work with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other ministries, agencies to design a new visa policy applicable to foreign tourists and report to the Government for consideration and approval. With the new tourism resumption plan, incoming tourists may only be required to have proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 and negative test result certificate issued within 24 hours (rapid test) and 72 hours (RT-PCR) before departure. Foreigners entering Việt Nam are expected to pay US$30 per person on average to enjoy the insurance benefits worth $10,000 for COVID-19 treatment in Việt Nam. In case a foreign tourist tests positive for the virus, the accommodation establishment will be responsible for working with health facilities and local authorities on quarantine and treatment for him/her. https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1155355/govt-agrees-with-proposal-to-reopen-intl-tourism-from-march-15.html

From Richardbarrow.com THAI NEWS REPORTS: The infection rate of all travellers entering Thailand by air: · November: 0.13% · December: 0.45% · January: 3.73% · February: 2.82% · Test & Go: 0.86% · Sandbox: 5.27% Quarantine: 2.75% 89,858 international arrivals in February.

From The Thaiger Retiring in Asia is a dream for many, with fond memories of short or longer travel to some of the humid and exotic countries in the region. All that exquisite cuisine, diverse sceneries, fascinating histories, intriguing temples, tropical adventures, colourful nightlife, and markets and malls for shopping. Lots of shopping. So it’s easy to become enamoured with all things “Asia.” But living for a longer time, or retiring, is an entirely different proposition. Whilst we can recommend some good and bad points about some of your Asian retirement candidates, some things you simply won’t know until you give your prospective retirement choice a proper test drive — go and live there for a few months as a ‘local.’ All locations have different requirements and rules that make the paperwork either more difficult or easier. But once that’s over there’s a lot more to consider as regards renting properties, driving, cost-of-living, your adaptability to a different culture and opportunities to make new friends or establish a relationship. Asia is broken up into a lot of separate countries, each with their own culture, food, history and religious practices. It’s also grouped into different regions. Although there are noticeable similarities among them, no two Asian countries are the same and you would be well advised doing plenty of research — and travel — before making your final decision. That said, all the locations on our list fall within Southeast Asia specifically. In all cases there are visa agents who will prepare a lot of the paperwork and short-circuit the process of gaining an appropriate and legal visa. You should meet with these agents on one of your visits to go through the fine print of retiring or long-term stays in any of these countries. It’s best to get a recommendation for these services as the internet is littered with scams for visa services. To view the country list https://thethaiger.com/travel/best-places-to-retire-in-asia-2022

From Bangkok Post Highly contagious subvariant forms 18% of Omicron cases The faster spreading BA.2 subvariant of Covid-19's Omicron variant accounted for 18.5% of Omicron cases examined over the past week, the Department of Medical Sciences reported. Director-general Supakit Sirilak said on Tuesday that the department examined 567 Omicron cases from Feb 5 to 11 and found 18.5% were of the BA.2 subvariant and the rest BA.1. "There are some signs that BA.2 spreads faster than BA.1 looking at cases in other countries but there has not been any significant difference from BA.1 when it comes to severity and vaccine avoidance," Dr Supakit said. The department also found BA.2 in 19% of 42 imported Omicron cases sampled for examination over the same period. According to the director-general, BA.2 has been detected in 57 countries and is likely to replace BA.1 in India, Denmark and Sweden. BA.2 has already superseded BA.1 in Denmark and could replace BA.1 in Thailand given its faster spread. BA.2 was first recorded in Thailand among visitors early this year. Today there are rare cases of other variants of Covid-19 in the country. From Jan 30 to Feb 4, Omicron cases formed 94.2% of Covid-19 cases in Thailand and Delta the rest, 5.8%. Omicron was found in 99.4% of infected arrivals over the same period. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2264583/highly-contagious-subvariant-forms-18-of-omicron-cases

Try your luck at the outdoor tables at Starbuck's on Surawong (opposite the Patpong area). I've also spotted young African men at the coffee shop at bit further down the road (Coffee Club?). It's easy to start a conversation over a cup of bold brew. Look for the solo guys alone at a table. Or just look for solo guys walking around the Silom area. If they're interested, they'll make it known--not unlike the Thais.

Although the intended move affects those covered by the government health insurance system, and not international tourists, it illustrates the lack of an integrated approach how Covid cases is treated across the board. The multiple agencies with jurisdiction over the disease promulgate rules and regulations that frequently conflict with one other. In this case there is even in-fighting within the same ministry. From Bangkok Post Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted on Monday on moving ahead with a plan to change the conditions for Covid-19 treatment, saying the decision was in line with a policy to downgrade the coronavirus. He reaffirmed his stance after his deputy, Sathit Pitutecha, on Sunday called on him to delay the March 1 implementation for another month. He was worried about Omicron case surges in recent days. The Public Health Ministry plans to remove Covid-19 treatment from the list of conditions covered by the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) scheme from the beginning of next month. The change means people who test positive for the coronavirus but do not need critical care have to go to the hospital where they are registered under their welfare scheme, to be covered for the cost. Only those with a critical, secondary infection brought on by Covid-19 will be covered by the UCEP. The UCEP allows patients to seek treatment at any hospital free of charge for three days and then they are transferred to their registered hospital. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2263951/anutin-confirms-covid-19-will-be-removed-from-emergency-treatment-list

From The Nation Thailand will go ahead with the controversial 300-baht “tourism tax” for international tourists, but implementation will be delayed until June, Tourism and Sports Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday. The National Tourism Policy Committee resolved last week to go ahead with the plan despite calls from the tourism and hospitality industry to drop the plan. Phipat said his ministry was working out details of the plan with relevant government agencies after which the matter will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Once given the go-ahead, the regulation will be published in the Royal Gazette and go into effect 90 days later. He said the entry fee is in line with the 2019 national tourism policy and will initially only be applied to people arriving by air. The minister explained that of the 300 baht collected, 20 per cent will be spent on insurance, which will provide a 500,000-baht coverage in case of an accident and 1-million baht in case of death. The compensation will be provided within 45 days. The remainder of the fee will be split between airlines and the national tourism policy fund, which will spend the funds on infrastructure for top tourist destinations and basic facilities like public toilets. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012326

From The Nation As part of moves to develop the capital’s canals and improve the lives of residents, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is getting ready to launch an electric boat service in the Saen Saep canal. The new boat service will run from Wat Si Bun Rueang to the Minburi district office is expected to be launched this month. BMA has procured 12 electric boats for the project and has rebuilt eight damaged piers. The service will run from 5.30am to 8.30pm daily from Monday to Friday, with boats departing every 15 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes otherwise. The last boat will leave the pier at about 7.30pm. On Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, the service will be provided from 6am to 7pm, with boats departing every 30 minutes and the last boat leaving at about 6.30pm. The piers served by these electric boats are: • Wat Si Bun Rueang • Phrommitpittaya School • Seri Thai Pier 26 • Khlong Ras • Rom Sai Village • Red Mosque • Lo Lae Yai Community • Minburi Market • Minburi District Office https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40012274

From Channel News Asia PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is powering up its new National Internet Gateway, a move activists say will allow the government to further silence the country's embattled opposition voices. UN rights experts warn the gateway, which will funnel all web traffic through a state-controlled entry point from Feb 16, will have a "devastating" effect on privacy and free speech. It is the latest move by authoritarian ruler Hun Sen to clamp down on dissent in a country that has arrested dozens for online posts in recent years, critics say. Internet gateways are the points on a network where a country connects to the worldwide web. Once fully operational, Cambodia's new National Internet Gateway will channel all traffic through a single entry point controlled by the government. Internet service providers will be ordered to block websites and connections that adversely affect "national revenue, safety, social order, morality, culture, traditions and customs". UN rights experts warned earlier this month that the sweeping new powers will further shrink what is left of the space for dissent in Cambodia, where Hun Sen has buttressed his 37-year rule by steadily rolling back democratic freedoms. The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) says the new gateway will give the former Khmer Rouge cadre yet more ways to silence opposing voices. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/cambodia-new-internet-gateway-surveillance-2496616

Hope they have the shooters' address abroad. They don't want to run into the same dilemma they had with Red Bull heir who remains at large. From Pattaya News A ‘Red Notice’ arrest warrant is being issued for two wanted alleged foreign shooters who are accused of killing a Canadian-Indian national at a Phuket villa in late January, the Royal Thai Police reported yesterday, February 12th. National police deputy spokesperson Kissana Pattanacharoen told the Associated Press that the identities of the prime suspects had been identified as Canadians Gene Karl Lahrkamp, 36, and Matthew Leandre Ovide Dupre, 26. An arrest warrant, issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, stated that they were facing charges of premeditated murder. The two were reportedly identified through confessions of some gang members who were previously arrested as well as GPS tracking from the suspects’ rented car and forensic evidence from the guns that were dropped in the sea. The Thai National Police now had coordinated with Interpol to consider issuing a red notice to inform all 195 member countries to help with more information regarding the wanted men. Their current exact whereabouts are unclear but Thai authorities felt confident they would be able to capture the men. https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/13/interpol-red-notice-being-issued-for-two-alleged-foreign-shooters-who-killed-another-foreigner-at-phuket-villa-royal-thai-police-report/

It's not Barry Kenyon's knowledge of the trends in the Pattaya expat population, it's the manner in which he roundly characterized fellow expats. It's a condescending attitude that some well-to-do expats exhibit from time to time when they refer to their less wealthy contemporaries. In his case it was the use of bald heads and expanding waistlines that served to belittle those long-time retirees. I think if he had to do it over again, he'd reconsider that description.

From VN Express Vietnam will remove limits on the number of international flights coming and going from all markets starting February 15, restoring frequency to pre-pandemic levels. Dinh Viet Son, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, said Vietnam will end restrictions on international flights starting February 15, allowing flight frequency restoration to pre-pandemic levels. Son said other countries have acknowledged the new policy and only China has not agreed to resume commercial flights with Vietnam. On February 11, the Ministry of Transport assigned the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam to hold discussions with aviation authorities of other countries and territories on resuming regular international passenger flights with markets that had direct flights to Vietnam before the pandemic. Vietnam had already begun a gradual resumption of international flights from the start of this year while easing quarantine requirements. In particular, vaccinated passengers now only need three days of self-quarantine. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/vietnam-to-lift-covid-19-curbs-on-international-flights-4427004.html

There's much at stake going forward. If tourists lose confidence in the testing infrastructure, it will be a challenge to win it back. Under the original format, I don't recall any controversy. When it went into effect on Nov. 1, Omicron was not yet so dominant a factor. And although Thai authorities are not saying what percentage of new infections are the result of the Omicron variant, we know from trends in Europe and North America that it quickly became the dominant factor there. Testing positive for Delta was a legitimate cause for concern commensurate with the signs and symptoms exhibited by the individual. What's different with Omicron is that all international tourists who enter under Test and Go and the Sandbox are fully vaccinated. And although break through cases can and do occur, the symptoms--if any--are generally mild and consistent with a common cold. Yet health authorities continue treating Omicron infections among international tourists in the same manner that they did with Delta. This goes against a government doctor's advice this week that Thailand has to learn to live with virus. Public must be ready to 'live with Covid' The Public Health Ministry is preparing to propose a relaxation of measures to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) this week, to encourage people to live with the coronavirus as opposed to imposing lockdowns during outbreaks. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the ministry's Department of Disease Control (DDC), would not go into detail about the measures to be eased. However, he said Thailand was moving in line with trends elsewhere. "The global situation of Covid-19 seems to be moving in the same direction. Many countries have started to ease measures despite spikes in daily infections," he said. The ministry believes Thailand should no longer impose lockdowns as people need to learn to cope with Covid-19, which will reach an endemic stage soon, Dr Opas said. Despite the high transmission rate of the Omicron variant, its effects are less severe than those of Delta, he said. "We need to get people to understand that the number of daily new cases is nothing to worry about," he said. "We've lived with the disease for two years already, so it's about time to move on together." https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2259687/ministry-to-propose-relaxation-of-virus-curbs