Things are changing so rapidly here in Thailand, that I'm afraid the COVID-19 situation is all that I'll have to write about for the foreseeable future. Besides, I'm staying home in self-isolation, so there won't be much else to say for a while!
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The other day, the Prime Minister of Thailand held a press conference declaring an official state of emergency due to take effect tomorrow. There's been talk of mandatory quarantine and a curfew, but nothing official has been announced yet. Thailand's number of infections has boomed in the last several days, and is beginning to get out of control. Now, there are over 1000 cases and 5 deaths. Many of the cases can be traced back to a single infected spectator at a major Muay Thai boxing event two weeks ago.
The city has shut down. Supermarkets and convenience stores are still open. Luckily I'm fully stocked at home and work from home, so the only place I ever go is my local convenience store, just a short walk down the block. Most restaurants are still open with deliveries, and even 7-11 has started delivering by motorbike. For me, not much has changed. I already work and study from home, so my life has been going on as usual.
The biggest issue for myself and many other foreigners are our visas. The government has just closed the borders to all foreigners, and those of us who are still here are beginning to worry, especially as our visas get closer to their expiry dates. Thailand is no longer allowing foreigners to enter the country, even if they hold a valid visa.
The US embassy is sending out letters via email to citizens who request them in which the ambassador requests the Thai government to issue visa extensions. Unlike a lot of countries, Thailand hasn't instituted any sort of automatic extension or overstay forgiveness yet. Getting the extension at this time means making a trip to the overcrowded government office where thousands of foreign tourists and expats are being forced to wait for hours trying to get their paperwork. It's getting stressful, and I really don't want to face such a big crowd at this time.
I can wait another week before going in to the government office. I hope that the immigration department will offer more help to stranded foreign residents soon. I will keep you all updated!
Keep calm and carry on!
The US embassy is sending out letters via email to citizens who request them in which the ambassador requests the Thai government to issue visa extensions. Unlike a lot of countries, Thailand hasn't instituted any sort of automatic extension or overstay forgiveness yet. Getting the extension at this time means making a trip to the overcrowded government office where thousands of foreign tourists and expats are being forced to wait for hours trying to get their paperwork. It's getting stressful, and I really don't want to face such a big crowd at this time.
I can wait another week before going in to the government office. I hope that the immigration department will offer more help to stranded foreign residents soon. I will keep you all updated!
Keep calm and carry on!
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