Learning
Expat Story: Traveling from the Netherlands to Thailand During Covid-19
Thailand recently re-opened its borders to some foreign nationals after banning a international flight into the Kingdom in April 2020. Expat and health entrepreneur Theo de Vries from the Netherlands shared his story and traveling fro the Netherlands to Thailand during the covid-19 pandemic.
Theo shares his experience in the Netherlands arranging his visa and now being in Alternative State Quarantine Hotel for 8 days in Bangkok, Thailand.
My name is Theo de Vries from the Netherlands, I am 44 years old, married with my Thai wife Panwadee de Vriesfor over 5 years and we have 2 children together. I live permanently in Thailand since June 26, 2014.
When I gave up my shares in my rehab company in ChiangRai in October 2019, because I was on the verge of burn out. After giving up my shares I decided to have a little break and I went to South Africa for 10 weeks to get my energy back.
Opening New Rehab in Thailand
When I came back to Thailand in February, I started the process of getting a NON-O visa because of having a Thai family. The plan was and still is that I would open a new rehab center in Phuket in July – The Diamond Rehab Thailand –and eventually would go for a NON-O visa.
I was in the process of getting my NON-O and then the Country went into lockdown; still having a tourist visa, the Government gave an extension until the end of July.
When I read in the news somewhere around the third week of June that some foreigners were allowed to enter The Kingdom again under specific rules; having family in Thailand, medical tourism etc. I took my chances. I Packed my suitcase and left Thailand on the second of July to fly to the Netherlands.
Thinking “let’s do it now, maybe they will change it again in the nearby future”
The plan was to go directly to the Thai Embassy in The Hague and enjoy 10 days with my family. Then I would return with my NON-O; this way I was secured that after the first of August I would still be able to be with my family in Thailand.
The flight from Thailand to the Netherlands
I flew with KLM directly and noticed at the airport in Bangkok that at least 95% of the flights that evening were cancelled; I was lucky my, KLM was still flying. Furthermore I flew Economy class and had to wear my face mask for the entire 11 hours. In front of me was a plastic bag with some water and cookies and cheese and a sandwich. No other food or drinks would be served on the flight. I was on a repatriation flight without even knowing it.
It wasn’t the most pleasant flight I had, but I thought “it is what it is…”
I arrived on Schiphol airport and rented a car, drove straight to the Embassy in The Hague. Once there they told me I can’t enter the Embassy without an appointment. These were new rules since the coronavirus outbreak. To make an appointment I had to email them and wait.
I went back to my car and emailed them with my request to go back to Thailand ASAP and get a NON-O as well. That same Friday afternoon they emailed me back with a list of things I needed to follow to be able to fly back to Thailand, they call it: Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3; the appointment at The Embassy was set for the following Tuesday.
The first step was to gather the following documents:
1. A cover letter I have to write indicates the necessity and urgency for me to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.
2. A copy of my marriagecertificate.
3. A copy of my passport.
4. A copy of the birth certificates of my two kids together with a copy of their passports.
5. A valid health insurance policy covering all expenditures of medical treatment, including COVIDworth at least 100,000 USD (a statement in English)
6. A filled in declaration form I got in an attachment.
I had all of these documents luckily well prepared in Thailand knowing I would apply for a NON-O visa including a bank statement of THB 400.000 if the account is on my name only, otherwise THB 800.000 if the account would be on my wife’s name together with my name on it.
Tuesday the 7th of July, I went to The Thai Embassy, gave them all my paperwork and Step 1 was officially finished. I now went to Step 2 which meant that all my paperwork would go to the Ministry for consideration and I could not do anything at this stage besides waiting.
Hurry up and Wait
I left my passport for my visa behind and left with the announcement it could take up to 2-3 weeks and they would contact me. I was already a bit shocked with 2-3 weeks because I was planning to stay 10 days maximum in my own head, that turned out a bit different than the reality at the end.
Two weeks and 2 days later the Embassy called me and asked if I would be available on a repatriation flight with KLM back to Bangkok on the 7th of August. I said “yes I am” they told me it could also be on the 14th of August with EVA air; they weren’t sure yet. They would let me know later. That same day I got an email that the 7th of August was confirmed and I now went to the third Step and needed to gather the following document:
The ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine) hotel reservation, arriving on August 8. They also told me in the email that they would contact me later about the ticket, visa, fit to fly and covid-19 test.
I emailed all 26 (at that time, now there are more) Alternative State Quarantine Hotels immediately and 24 of them were full, only two of them had 1 room left. By the time I wanted to book my first option that room was already sold, so I quickly called the second option – Anantara Riverside Bangkok – and paid as soon as possible 77.000 THB to make sure I had that room.
I knew before I left that I had to stay in an ASQ hotel and I expected that and was actually looking forward to two weeks of ME time.
Emailed the embassy that I had an ASQ and again I had to wait.
I spent time with my family and I started to get a bit nervous, thoughts like: “what if I have Covid, that means I can’t fly back…” around this time I also heard that the Government in Thailand was so nice to give foreigners longer time in Thailand until the end of September and I started to doubt my decision in my head; the decision to fly all the way to Holland for a NON O and all the money that this costed me as well while I could have stayed in Thailand until the end of September and who knows what plan would pop up than to renew my visa?
The third Step requires the following documents:
1. A proof of confirmation that ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine) has been arranged.
2. A confirmed plane ticket (if your flight is cancelled, you will need a new COE (Certificate Of Entrance), you may need a new fit-to-fly health certificate if the one you have no longer meet the 72 hrs requirement.)
3. A fit-to-fly health certificate issued no longer than 72 hrs. before departure.
4. A COVID-Free Health Certificate issued no longer than 72 hrs. before departure.
This is where it all got a bit tricky in my head. First of all, I already paid the ASQ hotel but they would not refund me if I would cancel less than 72 hours before arrival. The Covid test and Fit to fly test needed to be done within 72 hours before departure, so if I came back positive, I would have lost my money that I paid to the ASQ and had to go through the same process again with more costs as well.
I called the Dutch Government for a free Covid-19 test, but they wouldn’t give me the result through email, only through the phone, this meant I had to do the test at KLM Health services for Euro 149.- Secondly I did not have a GP in Holland that could give me a Fit to Fly document so I called my parents GP and she was so friendly to sign off on the document for free.
Testing for Covid-19 Before Flying to Thailand
The 72 hours before departure were hectic, I had to go to Amsterdam to get a Covid-19 test, I had to go to The Hague to get my passport back with my NON O stamp in there – they would only do one entrance at the moment instead of multiple entrances and I had to see the GP of my parents for a fit to fly document as well, besides that I had to book my ticket through a travel agent approved by the Thai Embassy.
It was stressing waiting for the result of the KLM Covid-19 test and the next day (36 hours before departure they called me and told me they lost my test somewhere and if I actually showed up yesterday…?
I got totally stressed and I could hear the woman on the phone got stressed as well and she told me she would call me back and hang up the phone without telling me when she would call. I waited like 1,5 hours in the car but it felt like a day and she called back and said “I have double good news; we found your test and you are negative”
I send all the documents to The Embassy and they replied with a last email with an attachment “Certificate Of Entrance” and that I needed to take the following documents to the airport:
-Certificate of Entry.
-Covid-19 test result. (English)
-Fit to fly document from the doctor. (English)
-Insurance letter indicating that Covid-19 is covered.
-My ASQ confirmation.
I printed out everything and on the 7th of August my father brought me to Schiphol to catch the flight back to Bangkok and knowing I wouldn’t return to Holland for at least 6 months I felt a bit emotional.
When I arrived at the airport of Bangkok on the 8th of August around noon, I was lucky I could leave the plane as one of the first people. I walked out of the plane and what I saw was surrealistic, like being in a movie. Men and women in fully covered white suits and over 300 chairs lined up for the passengers to sit on and wait.
I was sitting on the front row and immediately a woman covered in a white hazmat suit came to me and asked me for all my printed documents. The next step was to go to the next hall were we had to sit in lines of 5 people to get another check, than we had to go to immigration.
After two immigration officers were finished doing my passport check, I went to the arrivals area to collect my suitcase. Eight minutes later I was in a hospital van with drivers also in white hazmat suits that brought me to my hotel.
The New Normal in Thailand
When we entered the hotel, it was the same story everything went like I was in a movie; nurses checking my temperature, the reception taking my credit card, the doorman cleaning my suitcase, I had to put on a plastic cover around my shoes and they brought me to my room.
I first took a shower then lay on my bed overlooking the Chao Phraya River realizing the impact of the new Covid-19 normal. Even more reflecting on the total cost of my trip – over 300.000 THB. Besides that, I had been away from Thailand for a total of almost 8 weeks. The realization really kicked in and I was missing my wife and children.
On the third day I got a Covid-19 test in the hotel and that was negative. I was allowed 1.5 hours to go to the relaxation area of the hotel. I walked for an hour to get the blood flowing and had drink a soda water. Alcohol was forbidden to drink in the ASQ hotel, which I totally understand.
I get three meals a day and can order room service if I want to. My room get cleaned every 3 days by a cleaning lady in a white suit which looks like she is cleaning an ICU room.
I read books, watch a bit of Netflix and call with my wife and family to keep me busy. It is challenging I can say, but I noticed that once I accepted the fact that there is no other way, it became easier being in a 35sqm room 22.5 hours per day.
Tourists cannot go through the same Covid-19 process
I also have a lot of time to think about the future. On one side I am very proud of Thailand keeping Covid-19 outside the Country, the other side in me says its a little over kill. Furthermore I was planning to open my rehab in July, now it will definitely not be before January or maybe even later.
I am completely dependent on foreign patients that travel to Thailand to get help.
How is the future going to look like even when they open the borders again? I noticed that as a frequent flyer, flying wasn’t fun anymore. We can’t ask tourist to go through the same process as I did to enter Thailand.
I don’t think they will come if we do that. I can’t ask my patients to do so, that’s even dangerous looking at the aspect of detoxing as well.
Then I think to myself, I am still lucky to have my wife and kids, also some money on the bank to survive. A new visa, and new rehab that will open in the future. Above all I’m healthy and I am certain that in the end everything will be Ok, because if not, it’s not the end…
By Theo de Vries
Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.
Understanding Your Financial Position
The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:
1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.
2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.
3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.
4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.
Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.
Deciding What You Want
Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:
1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.
3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.
4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?
Starting the Property Search
With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:
1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.
2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.
3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.
Making an Offer
Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.
2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.
3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.
The Legal Process
If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:
1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.
2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.
3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.
4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.
5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.
Moving In
Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:
1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.
2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.
3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.
Settling In
Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.
Here are a few final tips:
1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.
2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.
3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.
Conclusion
Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!
SEE ALSO: Conquer the Chaos: Hacks to Clean Your Home in Half the Time
There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!
Smoother Skin
One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.
After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.
Softer Skin
After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.
Healthier Nails
After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.
Increased Blood Circulation
While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.
Reduced Infections
A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.
These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.
For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.
The Importance of Professional Installation
When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:
- Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
- Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
- Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
- Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.
Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation
When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:
- Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
- Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
- Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
- Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.
Choosing the Right Installation Service
Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
- Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.
In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.
Conclusion
Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.
SEE ALSO:
-
News3 years agoLet’s Know About Ultra High Net Worth Individual
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Mabelle Prior: The Voice of Hope, Resilience, and Diversity Inspiring Generations
-
Health3 years agoHow Much Ivermectin Should You Take?
-
Tech2 years agoTop Forex Brokers of 2023: Reviews and Analysis for Successful Trading
-
Lifestyles2 years agoAries Soulmate Signs
-
Movies2 years agoWhat Should I Do If Disney Plus Keeps Logging Me Out of TV?
-
Health3 years agoCan I Buy Ivermectin Without A Prescription in the USA?
-
Learning2 years agoVirtual Numbers: What Are They For?