Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing the notion of a "Quarantine Waiver". This is conceptually something that is a little different than what we have been seeing in the discussions about changes to quarantine policy here in Thailand. In a lot of the discussions they are taking it from the standpoint of this "Sandbox model" where there is these areas that folks can come to if they have been vaccinated they don't necessarily need to be quarantined. This model in my opinion looks like it might be a little bit more feasible just from a practical standpoint. Also I think it would have some broader implications.  

In a recent article from the Bangkok Post, that is bangkokpost.com, the article is titled: Mass Jabs Eyed in Hua Hin Ahead of Tourism Return. Then further, the byline is: Vaccinated travelers may get quarantine waivers. Quoting directly: "A National Tourism Policy committee meeting decided that major tourism provinces such as Prachuab Kirikhan, Phetchaburi, Buriram and Bangkok should pilot tourism reopening plans from October 1 to overseas visitors who hold valid COVID-19 vaccination papers." I have to tell you I don't love the, this is just a personal note, anytime I hear "papers" in the context of travel, that just has it dystopian ring to it. Quoting further: "said Krod Rojanastien, a Board of Trade of Thailand (BTT) Executive and President of the Thai Spa Association. He said those with Vaccination Papers should be able to forego mandatory quarantine." 

Well first of all vaccination papers, we have discussed this. This is your vaccine card and they have also discussed it in the context of a vaccine passport which is not all that dissimilar from the old yellow fever vaccination booklet that people would have. Long story short they are talking about this notion of a quarantine waiver and it seems to be in the context of documentation proving vaccination history and then being allowed to come into Thailand and not needing to quarantine; so it is a waiver in a sense. A different terminology for things we have been talking about for some time. I think it is notable that there seems to be discussion on this in the context of having this without the "Sandbox model" we have been seeing.

So it will be interesting to see moving forward if that will indeed be the case that they do these quarantine waivers rather than then doing the "sandbox method". It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. We will certainly keep you updated on this channel as the situation progresses.