Thailand opens for fully vaccinated Tourists - but only from a few Countries

China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and USA - tourists from these countries can visit Thailand from 1st November without quarantine. This has been announced by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. So it will happen. In his Television adress to Thai people he did not mention other countries, but said, the opening would start with a list of at least ten countries.

Who comes from China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and USA, will have to provide the certificate, that he is fully vaccinated, will have to make a test within 72 hours before the flight and make a test after arriving in Thailand and have to stay in a so called SHA plus hotel until the the negative test result arrives. Afther that he will be able to travel around in Thailand, but has to follow the provincial guidelines for entry, which are published by the domestic airlines. Read the speach of Prayut Chan-ochas here.

Who comes from other countries, has still to go for 7 night to a quarantine hotel or can avoid this by flying directly to Phuket or Koh Samui and take part in the Sandbox model. This means: Fully vaccinated, test before flying, test after arrival, stay one night in hotel until the test result arrives, then can move freely in Phuket or Koh Samui area. Read:
How to use Phuket Sandbox: Now 7 Days on Phuket or in Phang Nga, Krabi or on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao
Samui Plus (สมุยพลัส): The Rules for International and Domestic Travellers visiting Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao - Changed on 1st October

Eastern & Oriental Express derails - and State Railways of Thailand now is plannung an insurance, that covers murder too

Picture by David Jones
The Eastern & Oriental Express train at the Bridge over the River Kwai

Two Japanese women were injured, when the Eastern & Oriental Express train derailed on Sunday 27 July 2014 at a curve in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi province, near Sa Kosi Narai station, reports Khaosod. The train was traveling to the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi province. Five out of 18 carriages have jumped off the tracks, as Bangkok Post notes. Officials from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said acoording to Khaosod that heavy rain may have caused the train track to sink and widen, causing the derailment. But an investigation is ongoing. The railway line was closed and reopened on Monday after repairs.

But tourists should be aware, that derailment is common on Thai railways, due to old facilities and a lack of proper maintenance. The State Railway of Thailand is now preparing to provide accident and life insurance to railway staff and passengers, as Bangkok Post adds. The insurance will also pay, when someone is murdered on the train. This after the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl, a passenger on an SRT train, has sparked public fear about railway services. She was attacked by an SRT worker on a night train from from Surat Thani to Bangkok earlier this month.