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In an international comparison, Thailand has so far done very well in dealing with or containing Covid-19. Overall, there were very few infections and deaths, and there are currently few domestic transmissions.

Current coronavirus cases in Thailand and Koh Phangan

There has been one confirmed Covid-19 case on Koh Phangan.

Infected in Thailand (as of March 21.06.2021, XNUMX): 221306, of which 28383 are cured, 1564 people have died.

Confirmed cases

221306

Dismissed of it

28383

Deceased

1564

Koh Phangan

12

What to do when the visa expires

⚠️ The situation is constantly changing. The fastest I can inform you on Telegram: My Koh Phangan - News or over Twitter. The following is the current situation for the visa extension in Thailand, which has been put together to the best of our knowledge, but of course without guarantee.


Update 1.4.2021: Visa Extension until the end of May

The extension of a visa is possible until at least 31.5. been permitted. This also applies to visas that have already been extended several times. With an extension of another 60 days, you can stay in Thailand until at least the end of July.

Update November 30.11th: Visa amnesty ended!

With the 30.11. the visa amnesty is basically over. This was already on October 31.10. communicated, but already requested extensions only started after this date. So if you want an extension before October 31.10. had requested was allowed to stay until at least November 30th.

So what happens next? In addition to the student visa and the so-called “volunteer visa”, there is of course also the option to apply for an elite visa. Tourist visas can also initially be extended in the country for 60 days, apparently even indefinitely.

Update July 22.7nd: Third visa extension

Who is currently under the visa amnesty in Thailand now needs until 26.9. do nothing. However, you have to leave the country by this date, if you already use a visa extension, a letter from the embassy or a medical certificate will be mandatory.

If you want to stay in the country permanently, you can get an extension in Germany by presenting the relevant documents for Non-O, Non-B and other long-term visas.

Update April 22.4: Second automatic visa extension

The Thai cabinet on April 21.4. a second automatic visa extension for people whose visa has expired or expires after March 26: This new visa amnesty is now valid until at least July 31.07.2020, 90. The XNUMX-day report (Non-B / Non-O Extensions) does not have to be done either!

Update 8.4 .: Visa amnesty decided!

The official announcement is still missing, but the corresponding document was already in the Royal Gazette and is therefore effective immediately. [Which].

As it looks, all tourists will definitely be until April 30.4th. are allowed to stay legally in Thailand, for whom the visa on 23.3. or later expires. More details and whether this applies to all visa types should be announced tomorrow.


Tourists from German-speaking countries arrive in Thailand without a visa: they receive an entry stamp upon entry, which does not constitute a “visa on arrival”! This visa can be extended by 30 days for every domestic immigration. The nearest immigration from Koh Phangan is in Maenam, Koh Samui.

The extension costs 1900THB, there can be very long waiting times (friends told me that they had to come back the next day in early April because not all requests could be processed).

If you have already used this extension of your visa, there is currently the option of an extraordinary extension. For this you need a letter from the embassy or consulate. For the DACH area, these letters are issued by the respective embassies!

Immigration has proposed to the government to grant tourists a visa by June 30, but an official decision is still pending.

On April 8, immigration will come to Koh Phangan to process applications. In the future, this should be done at least once a month until the situation improves.

 

What is Travelers are currently expected in Thailand

⚠️ The situation is constantly changing. The fastest I can inform you on Telegram: My Koh Phangan - News or over Twitter.


Update 9.4.2021: Third wave?

In recent days there has been a new cluster formation and exponentially increasing cases. In order to limit further spread, stricter rules will apply again from April 10th: nightlife and “entertainment establishments” including pubs and bars must close in 41 provinces, including Surat Thani.

The other provinces are: Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Suphanburi Ratchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Ranong, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Udon Thani, Buriram, Loei, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Tak and Phetchabun .

Update 4.4.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX: quarantine shortened, plans for gradual opening! 😍

Since April 1, the quarantine on entry to Thailand has been shortened to 10 instead of 15 nights. A few countries still have 15 nights: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana and Tanzania.

A Fit-to-Fly certificate is no longer required. Vaccinated travelers are allowed to travel to the following provinces and only have to be in quarantine there for seven days: Phuket, Krabi, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, Phang Nga and S.Urat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao). Attention, this seems to require an international flight directly to the respective province!

Should this test phase prove to be successful, Phuket will next be opened completely to vaccinated tourists in July without a stay at the ASQ Hotel.

The other provinces mentioned above then gradually afterwards. Rumor has it that Koh Samui will follow right after Phuket. The complete opening of Thailand is currently planned for October 1st.

Update 6.12. State of emergency still applies, entry only with quarantine

The initially announced “Special Tourist Visa” (STV) is not available, at least for European travelers. There is again the option to apply for a tourist visa (60 days, extendable once for another 1 days). However, this requires several negative Covid-30 tests, a “Fit to Fly” certificate and a booking in one of the Quarantine Hotels (ASQ) required. Initially, proof of at least THB 500.000 on a bank account was specified as a condition, but this has since been abandoned.

Update 26.7 .: Exceptional state extended again

On Koh Phangan we clearly live in a bubble: life here is almost normal again (more on this below). In other places in Thailand the seriousness of the situation is more clearly visible: Already on the neighboring island of Samui, whole place like Chaweng is a ghost town. In Bangkok and Pattaya there are also more and more controls, for example whether social distancing controls are observed. There is no danger for tourists here: In case of doubt, the operator of the respective location has to pay.
Drinking alcohol remains prohibited after midnight.

The curfew is lifted, the state of emergency remains

From 15.6. the curfew is lifted, hotels and restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol, but the “nightlife” with all its excesses 😅 remains closed for the time being.

In Bangkok, certain shops open that shouldn't be open and try to avoid this by selling food (“we are now a restaurant…”). Maybe this works, maybe not ... but when you visit the police you have to assume that they will interpret it differently for you and that there should be some small change for the nice uniforms.

It is also important to note that things like provincial curfew can be decided differently. That means there could be provinces in which there is still a curfew!

Nationwide, the state of emergency (“Emergency Decree”) remains with all the rights it gives the authorities!

There is also no news regarding possible entry into Thailand for people who are not Thai and do not have a work permit, even if some media have corrected otherwise! 


The number of new infections in Thailand is falling almost daily: the country that was the first to be affected by the corona virus after China could now also be among the first to have the worst behind them. Masks, alcohol bans to prevent gatherings and fever checks, and disinfection options in shops and public places seem to have an effect.

Loosening is gradual, entry is NOT possible

Yes, there are some relaxations, but entry into Thailand is until at least June 30.6th. still not possible and the curfew remains in effect, but has been shortened by one hour (we have to be at home from 23 p.m. 😉). Of course, some things will change here for a long time or perhaps even forever. Many stores currently require a “check-in” to prevent overcrowding and isolate new infections as quickly as possible.

Update April 27.04th State of emergency is likely to be extended

Despite the improving situation, the emergency in Thailand is expected to be extended until the end of May. However, individual restrictions should be lifted. The ban on the sale of alcohol will expire on 3.5. lifted, curfew and ban on meetings still remain in force. Travel between the provinces is theoretically possible again. Individual provinces are still in the lockdown and travel should generally be avoided as far as possible. Restaurants are now allowed to reopen and sell on-site, but must adhere to strict hygiene regulations.

Update April 13.04th: fewer cases every day

The measures seem to be working: fewer cases have been reported every day for five days. The crackdown, including the ban on alcohol sales across Thailand through the Songkran Days and a night curfew, seem to explain the decline in the new Covid-19 cases. The government has now indicated that it is still important to maintain the restrictions for the time being.

Important update 02.04/XNUMX: curfew and entry ban!

The Thai government is issuing an entry ban with immediate effect, which will even apply to Thais. The only exceptions are people who “have already received an entry permit”. It is unclear to me whether this means that entry is still possible if a visa has already been issued! The entry stop is initially valid until April 15th. [WhichOn April 3, there was again a denial and the announcement that flights continue to arrive in Thailand. 😅

As of Friday April 3, 2020, there will be a country-wide curfew in Thailand for the first time in almost six years. This applies from 22 p.m. to 4 a.m. Except emergency vehicles and real ones Emergencies, nobody is actually exempt from it. The possible penalties are up to 40,000THB or up to 2 years in prison.

The curfew is valid indefinitely!

Update April 01.04st: Koh Samui Airport closes

Bangkok Airways will operate from 7.4. no longer offer domestic flights. This also eliminates the Samui-Bangkok route. As already reported, trains and buses are also being increasingly restricted. The risk of not being able to get to an international airport (Phuket or Bangkok) from Koh Phangan from next week thus increases.

Update March 30.03th: Phuket Lockdown

From today, entry and exit to Phuket is only possible by plane, land and sea passenger traffic will be until April 30.4. completely set. Tourists with a plane ticket for departure from Phuket Airport will be admitted to the airport. Other provinces and isolated districts all over Thailand are now also taking full barriers to entry.

Update 26.03 .: Entry to Thailand is no longer possible

Thailand closes the borders. An entry. is initially not possible for foreigners. Exceptions to this are diplomats and people with work permits.

Important update 24.3 .: Thailand declares an emergency!

Thailand calls from Thursday, 26.3. the emergency. This entitles the government to far-reaching restrictions, such as curfews, closure of shops and public places, and increased censorship of public media. Exactly what measures are being taken has not been communicated.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has legally called for a trip to the home province. There would be controls and people would be sent back. It can therefore be assumed that travel within the country will soon be severely restricted!


The situation in Thailand is changing hourly, like almost everywhere in the world. Almost all governments, including those in the German-speaking countries, call on their nationals to return to their home country in a timely manner. There is currently one for Thailand no return campaign and there are still several airlines flying to Germany and Europe. However, more and more flights are being canceled and several airlines will soon cease operations, including Ethihad.

Border runs and visar runs are no longer possible. Thai immigration has so far refrained from paying overstay fees (500THB per day)! So it remains the responsibility of the individual to ensure a valid visa or to ensure timely departure.

In addition to the 30-day extension, which is available to each tourist once, a further 30 days can be requested with a corresponding letter from the consulate / embassy. As of 24.3. the German consulate in Phuket issues these letters, although it is currently unclear whether this applies only to non-immigrant visas or also to tourists without a visa, or with a tourist visa and already an extension.

⚠️ Important update! Health certificate required for entry

Thailand has classified ten other countries as high-risk zones. In addition to Germany and the Switzerland Great Britain, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the USA.

For entry there is a Health certificate required that a maximum of three days old may be. This information was also released to the airlines by the CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority Thailand). Therefore, it is to be expected that a corresponding document with immediate effect boarding to be presented!

Incoming travelers from these countries will also have to provide further information upon arrival in Thailand.

We do not yet have any information as to the extent to which this is already being implemented at land borders, for example with the border run. The government has already announced that the borders will be closed completely if Thailand reaches Stage 3 of expansion.

Update 17.03.2020/30/XNUMX: XNUMX new coronavirus cases in Thailand

30 new corona virus cases in Thailand. In addition, starting tomorrow, 18.3. in Bangkok bars, pubs, massage parlors, cinemas etc. until at least 31.3. conclude.

Update 16.03.2020/33/XNUMX: XNUMX new infections in Thailand, Songkran holidays canceled?

33 new Covid-19 diseases in Thailand. The government was also proposedto postpone the Songkran Holidays to limit domestic travel. In addition, universities and schools from March 18.03. conclude. The cancellation of further events is also under discussion. All measures currently have to be approved by parliament. At today's press conference, it was stressed that Thailand is not yet in stage 3 of the outbreak.

⚠️Important note regarding Visaruns / Borderuns: Malaysia closes on Wednesday, March 18.3. until at least March 31.03 the limits! You can get your 3000THB visa by 30 days at KPT School on Koh Phangan or Renew directly upon immigration to Koh Samui (1900THB) if it is your first extension.

Update 15.03.2020/32/19: XNUMX new Covid-XNUMX cases, further restrictions are expected

On March 15.03th 32 new cases were announced in Thailand, more than ever before in a single day. In addition, there are “only” 9 people who have previously been abroad.

Since Friday, Thailand has added Germany to the list of “high-risk” countries. This means that further restrictions on air traffic are expected in the near future. Currently, there is still only a 14-day self-quarantine and most tourists continue to enter the country without any problems. However, this can change at any time.

The Singapore hub is for travelers with a German passport, also for transit, no longer usable.

 

Update 12.03.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX: banks close exchange offices

  • Three Thai banks (Kasikorn Bank, SCB Bank, Krungthai Bank) have closed their exchange offices nationwide.

Update 11.03.2020: mobile phone number + app upon entry

  • From Thursday, March 12.03.2020th, XNUMX have Enter a mobile phone number with which, in case of doubt, GPS location can be determined. Note: There has been a field for the telephone number on the “Arrival Cards” for a long time. However, this information has not yet been evaluated in connection with the location. [Which] In addition, it should become mandatory to install an AOT Airpots app on the mobile phone. This app should be able to determine the location, but also to inform tourists if, for example, a passenger from the same aircraft receives a Corvid-19 diagnosis. [Which]
  • Thailand just has “Visa on Arrival” and “Visa exemptions” canceled for 18 countries, including Italy. Travelers with an Italian passport now need a visa from a consulate or embassy, ​​probably in conjunction with a health certificate. The other countries are Bulgaria, Bhutan, China including Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopion, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu as well as for Visa Exemptions (entry without a visa, as is also possible for Germans, Swiss and Austrians): South Korea, Hong Kong, and Italy. [Which]

  • Due to the many vacation cancellations, you should consider yours Check domestic flights. Thai Airways and Bangkok Air canceled a lot of flights.
  • Many Major events have already been canceled, including the Songkran Celebrations and the Moto GP in Buriram.
  • Partially at airports and also at the entrance to sights Fever measured. Anyone with a temperature above 37,5 degrees or other symptoms can be taken to the hospital for further clarification. Any examinations are currently to be paid for by the traveler (or his insurance company).
  • South Korea, China, Macau, Hong Kong, Italy and Iran are currently classified as countries or territories with a very high risk. Travelers from these countries must present a health certificate upon entry. The Thai Ministry of Health also recommends travelers from another eight countries at risk volunteers 14-day home quarantine. The Insulation recommendation therefore also applies to newcomers Germany, Japan, Singapore, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States. Germans therefore do not need a health certificate and holidaymakers are not obliged to stay in their hotel rooms.

Covid-19 on Koh Phangan

⚠️ The situation is constantly changing. The fastest I can inform you on Telegram: My Koh Phangan - News or over Twitter.

There has been one confirmed case on Koh Phangan so far. It was a 29 year old stewardess with mild symptoms. The woman was treated at Koh Phangan Hospital, the case was officially confirmed by the hospital on March 19.03.2020, XNUMX. More information here.

At a glance: The curfew has been lifted. Although there are “social distancing” rules and an official mask requirement in public life, this took place again, including the parties. From 10.4. On Koh Phangan, parties and bars, clubs etc. must also close for 14 days.
Flights to Surat Thani and Koh Samui via Bangkok are available again 😊

Those who feel sick or unwell can call the following number free of charge: 1669

Update April 10.4.2021th, 14: XNUMX days no nightlife, Samui starts vaccinations 

To re-spread, especially over Songkran In addition to 40 other provinces, the nightlife including pubs, bars, parties, etc. will be shut down for 10 days from 14 April onwards, too, on Koh Phangan and all of Surat Thani. Restaurants can remain open and there is no advanced curfew. The consumption of alcohol is also still allowed in restaurants.

The first vaccinations are now being started on Koh Samui, and the program will probably soon also be extended to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

Update 17.04.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX: You can help here!

A lot of people on Koh Phangan are 100% dependent on tourists, who of course are almost completely absent at the moment. There have been various aid projects that you support here .

Update 8.4 .: Hotels have to close!

Hotels or rather all companies that offer accommodation in any form have been asked to close. This affects the entire province of Surat Thani, including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

Hotels that still have guests can remain open as long as they do not accept new guests.

No more 24-hour supply! 😳😃

I have only seen it 4 times so far: During the protests in 2010, during the curfew after the coup in 2014 and (temporarily) after the bombings in Phuket ... closed 7-11 in Thailand!

As of tomorrow, in the province of Surat Thani, which also includes Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, everything will have to close again after midnight, including the 7-Eleven and Family Marts on the island. No shops are allowed to open from 24: 00-5: 00. In addition, all stores have to close all day, with the exception of supermarkets or, more generally, companies that sell food. Banks, pharmacies, companies that sell mobile phones and SIM cards or internet credit are also excluded.

Update March 24.3.2020th, XNUMX: PLEASE WEAR A MASK!

The administration of the island has decided that all public buildings, 711, Family Mart, supermarkets and banks must provide gels for disinfection. You are also asked to put on a mask before entering. I would therefore like to ask you to do the same! Once again, the reminder: The mask primarily serves others, not yourself, and is intended to prevent the people around you from becoming infected if you unknowingly carry the virus. If so many tourists continue to ignore this request, we will soon have to expect that we as “Farangs” will be denied access to certain buildings.

Update 18.03.2020:

As of today, bars and “entertainment venues” must close for at least 14 days in the entire province of Surat Thani, which includes Koh Phangan as well as Koh Samui and Koh Tao

Update 16.03.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX: More parties canceled

More party organizers cancel their events. That’s part of it Halfmoon festival (Last event on March 16 for at least three months) Bizarre bazaar / Seaboard and OxA BeachSamsara Art of Living and more.

It is expected that all major events on the island will be canceled until further notice within this week.

The Full Moon Party has been canceled since the beginning of March. During the last full moon in March (the cancellation was made only a few days earlier), a lot of people still Haad Rin beach were and celebrated together, this will look different at the next Full Moon on April 7th.

 


How you protect yourself and your fellow human beings

The infection occurs via droplet infection, i.e. sneeze and cough. The incubation period is five to six days, in individual cases up to 24 days. Symptoms are difficult to distinguish from normal flu, with fever and muscle aches, a dry cough and shortness of breath. However, there also seem to be mild and even disease-free courses without symptoms.

Covid-19 is a respiratory disease that can develop with severe course Pneumonia and respiratory failure can lead. However, over 80 percent of cases are mild and those affected are on their feet within two weeks. If the course of the disease is severe, which also requires intensive medical measures, recovery takes up to six weeks.

 Wash your hands

  •  Often and thoroughly, at least 20 seconds hands with soap to wash. Especially before and after contact with other people.
  • Do not sneeze and cough in your hand, but in that Armpit.
  • A distance hold from one to two meters to possibly sick people. Hugs and shaking hands should be avoided.
  • Contact to consciously reduce people at risk of becoming infected. This particularly affects old people or people with chronic illnesses.
  • If you think you have SARS-CoV-2, please call the hotline of the "Department of Disease Control". DDC hotline: 1422

Wearing mouth and nose protection is common in Asian countries. In times of the corona virus, it is expected that the Asians will do the same. In this case it is more a matter of courtesy, because these masks do not protect against infection. Mouth and nose protection however, it helps to reduce the transmission via the hands, as you cannot touch your mouth or nose directly.

 

mouthguard

Travel health insurance: Corona virus insured?

It is now urgently advisable to do much more than usual good international health insurance complete! at the Insurance to inquire about any contingencies related to the corona virus.

You should also be informed about when your travel insurance will be available. In principle, you are insured if you get infected at your holiday destination. However, if you travel to a country for which the Federal Foreign Office has issued a travel warning, you are usually not insured. What if you are refused entry or you are quarantined? What regulations apply to travel cancellation insurance? Most providers have clearly visible answers to the most frequently asked questions on their homepages.

Our recommendation: Take out travel health insurance here!

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