And we’re back!
From our New Years Holidays! So let’s kick this new year off! Already we woke up with a lot of 2020… with what else Covid! Now I’m not going to start off with you about vaccination. Although I will mention I have had my vaccination and booster, however I’m on the fence about vaxxing my kids. So I can totally see both sides of this argument. I just don’t want to argue, so shall we start?
From West to East
We are really so lucky. Yes, we got to travel this year as much as preCovid times. When we were in Europe we drove to destinations so that made it easier. However since we moved to Singapore, the Singaporean government has opened up VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lanes). These VTL’s allowed us to go to our ultimate family vacation place. We have been going to Thailand for many years and it’s our favorite spot.
different approaches
After moving to Singapore from Europe, also I’m American so I can definitely see the different handling of Covid. In Asia we still have so many restrictions. I personally don’t agree with some, I am all for freedom and for choice. However since I am merely a resident and not a citizen, I am obligated to follow these rules. Thailand allowed visitors without quarantine by applying for a Thai Pass. Whilst in Thailand certain requirements and code of conduct were necessary upon approval of this pass.
Bringing west to east
I did see some things that really disheartened me from western travellers to Thailand. First of all the mask is not a political issue in Asia. I was born in South Korea, I remember first using them age 3! It’s about respecting someone else’s space and them respecting your space. It’s like a form of social distancing that encourage positive social behaviours. By applying to visit Thailand you had to adhere to taking these precautions seriously. What I saw was a bunch of Westerners bringing all their Covid baggage when they are just temporary guests.
Their lives
Now hear me out I am not trying to be judgmental nor am I trying to make other people feel bad. Thailand is a country where so many citizens everybody work in the tourism sector. They were so pleased to have us there, because they needed this for their economy. This is how they make a lot of their money. However many of the people live at a level where healthcare is expensive and becoming sick keep them from working. Also if they get sick they could possibly get their family members sick. Much of 2020/2021 they couldn’t work but there was no unemployment or stimulus checks to get them through.
silent type
If you don’t know this Thai people are very passive, quiet and extremely kind. You aren’t even allowed to honk the car horn in Bangkok because it’s rude. Thai people will agree with you because they’re not the type of people to make waves. However I can tell that around foreigners without masks they felt really uncomfortable to be put in that position. What does that say about these people? They come to Thailand, agree to a pass that says they will wear masks, then try to justify not wearing them because the people need money and are too scared to ask you to put it on. Thai people don’t like confrontation.
Respect People
This is all of them to just have the opportunity to make some money for their families. It makes me sad that my fellow Americans don’t want to respect their feelings. How they won’t give the same respect by bringing all their old stuff that they do in their country to another country. When will people start realizing in another country we have none of the same rights as we do in our home country. Please respect yourself and others. Me, I am so embarrassed, I have started telling people I’m from Singapore.
Why it won’t last
So for those of you who want to go away. Due to numbers rising from western travellers, the Thai Pass is no longer available. As we were leaving, we saw that the cases of Omicron were rising rapidly. I spoke with Thai citizens and they were very worried. Unlike the West they actually close their schools. I know many parents who did over a year of homeschool! However what they’re worried about the most is making money, they need to eat. Their families need to eat.
So you want to come to Paradise? Follow the rules so the locals won’t get sick and continue to stay open.