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Home » Reader question » Thailand question: How is the situation in Thailand now?
Thailand question: How is the situation in Thailand now?
Dear readers,
A question for the 'mainly' Dutch and Belgians who live in Thailand. Now after the 2 years of corona and economic misery in the EU, how is the situation in Thailand at the moment regarding Covid? Vaccinated mouth mask duty and whether infections? And the daily life and travel prices? Big difference between tourist prices and or for the Thai themselves?
I have Thai nationality but do not speak Thai. Always lived abroad. My first trip back in years! But I plan to travel around Thailand for 4-6 months in the summer. And then all over Asia. I'm hesitating between renting a car, it's expensive of course but insured. Or buy a car (suv / pickup 4×4) there.. second hand is very expensive unfortunately I read. But also wants to drive to neighboring countries or through Asia. If I buy one, I can of course. Or rent one in each country, which is much more expensive.
Anyway, I'm looking at where I'm going and where to stay. If anyone has any tips, I'd love to read them.
Thanx.
Regards,
John
Editors: Do you have a question for the readers of Thailandblog? Use it contact form..
A few notes:
1. forget about crossing the Thai border by car (hire or buy). It is already subject to many conditions and sometimes (temporarily or not temporarily) impossible.
There were a few stories on Thailandblog but I don't know if this is the current situation, which can also easily change.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/lezersvraag/auto-thaise-vriendin-laos/
https://www.thailandblog.nl/lezersvraag/met-de-auto-van-thailand-naar-cambodja/
2. Economic situation: not sure what that has to do with your travel plans. Thaialnd doesn't feel much of the consequences of the war in the Ukraine, but life is getting a bit more expensive, like everywhere else. Some products are more expensive in Thailand than in Europe, but most are cheaper. However, I assume you will be cooking for yourself.
3. The fear of Covid is still in here. Wearing masks in public and in shops has become part of everyday life for Thais. Wearing masks is not mandatory but signifies respect. I have one hanging in my car that I've been using for several months now. Of course it doesn't help against Covid, but it always was. Be prepared that if something happens (e.g. 10 or 20 covid tourists), all kinds of measures will be taken out of the closet again and exenophobia will increase again. Covid is from outside, not Thai.
Dear John,
Corona is no longer a hot item in Thailand. Most people have been vaccinated 3x and you don't actually hear much anymore about large numbers of sick or dead people.
The economy is crawling out of the doldrums again. There are many small businesses that have not made it, but compared to a year ago you see new bars and restaurants opening their doors everywhere.
Prices have risen in two years, just like in Europe.
Especially in the supermarket.
Hotels, restaurants and cafes are still relatively inexpensive.
Travel and fuel has also become more expensive, but still cheaper than in Europe.
Bangkok and Phuket are the most expensive places, elsewhere it is a lot cheaper.
Used cars are indeed quite expensive in Thailand and you rarely know how regular maintenance is going.
I would also inform in advance what the requirements are if you want to cross the border by car.
You cannot expect it to be as easy as it is in Europe in SE Asia.
Thank you for your contribution. I mainly want to stay in hotels. I am going out of my comfort zone and would also like to try some cheap hotels as long as I have sanitary facilities and accommodation to myself. I will be stuck in Bangkok for the next month or two and will take a hotel in a different area every week because of travel times.
No, don't cook street food especially or restaurants yourself.
I hoped that as a Thai myself I could actually buy my own car and explore all of Asia. To have to go to every country and car again and again, but what has to be done. First discover Thailand for months, then travel all over Asia with a car.
Does anyone know the reasons why it is so difficult to cross the border with a car?
Strange isn't it? Or is that my western mentality and way of thinking? Was really hoping to buy a 4×4 and discover all of Asia and maybe also wild camping.
If the car is owned by you, it will be easier to cross the border. You do have to sign some forms, I hear from my advisor.
Since 1.1.2022, this has changed a lot in insurance country.
Please inquire before purchasing an insurance policy.
Lease / bank / or rental car is difficult. (fear of sales)
Hi Ton thanks for your response. that's a different answer than I read above see Chris? that it rent / buy..
my idea is also to buy a car in Thailand once. also want to register me officially in Thailand with the time.
In the future, I definitely want to live in Thailand for months a year or even move permanently with time. and a lot of touring there in Asia. seems best to be able to do it with your own car (or western steering wheel on the left side if possible).
I am also looking at the option online when I am in Thailand to do an installment car (or part payment).
I am inquiring whether I can get a job in Thailand but read and hear that the wages 'even for Western-educated Thai' are very low and work 6 days a week. (as a chef or executive chef).