US Citizen Questions, Comments, Concerns 2021

[mak]

I will attend a meeting with the U.S Embassy Consul General, Scott Cecil, and I have been invited to ask questions from American citizens in Udon Thani. If you have anything you’d like me to ask, please post or PM me before January 27th. Thanks.

[LoneTraveler]

Hi! Thank you for notification. My question; Is the status of requesting a new passport same as information reported online at TH.USEMBASSY.GOV? And, is the amount of time from mailing to receipt of new passport accurate as reported online?

Regards

[mak]

Yes to the first question.
https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/upl ... ochure.pdf
2-3 weeks turnaround.
I did my last renewal before Covid and it was two and a half weeks.

[leterry60614]

Is there a chance to get the COVID-19 vaccine from the US embassy?

[parrot]

Could a warden in each area serve as a notary public for American citizens?
"The term "notarizing officer" at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate includes consular officers, officers of the Foreign Service who are Secretaries of Embassy or Legation under 22 U.S.C. 4221 and such U.S. citizen employees as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Services may designate for the purpose of performing notarial acts overseas."

[mak]

The above 2 questions have been posted with ACS. We will see what they have to say on Jan. 29.
Thank you and keep them coming.

[FrazeeDK]

detailed explanation of President Biden's announcement that "all international arrivals to the U.S. must undergo 7 days quarantine." Quarantine where? at whose expense?

[mak]

Thanks FDK. I will post this question with ACS.
"In addition to wearing masks, everyone flying to the United States from another country will need to test before they get on that plane, before they depart, and quarantine when they arrive in America," said Biden.

[mak]

detailed explanation of President Biden's announcement that "all international arrivals to the U.S. must undergo 7 days quarantine." Quarantine where? at whose expense?

The answer lies here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nc ... elers.html
Per CDC: "After You Travel

Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel.
Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days."

[Charlieb]

It says stay home. What if no home in US. Any hotel OK.

[mak]

I would imagine yes, but I will ask that question at the Friday meeting.

[mak]

Per CG, there are no federal regulations, so far, concerning where you should quarantine, the state laws should govern this question. It seems to be a gray area. Maybe HS will address this issue in the future.
I imagine that once you land in LAX, or where ever, and pass through immigration, you will be on your own.
I hope to get some feedback from an Udon resident who is on his way to the US.

[Charlieb]

Sounds like Thai traffic laws. Law passed but not enforced.

[leterry60614]

Any official feedback on the question of the US embassy in Bangkok facilitating the purchase of Covid-19 vaccins for US expats?

Thanks

[mak]

The US Embassy says the US will not provide vaccines for US expats in Thailand. US expats will have to get their vaccines through the Thai government or Thai hospitals when the vaccines become available.

[Doodoo]

Well Joe has to save a few bucks somewhere

[leterry60614]

Received loud and clear, thanks!

I might try the Sputnik V vaccine then, it has good reviews too.

[mak]

Regarding the US citizen who traveled to the US from Udon with his Thai wife last month. They received a PCR test prior to leaving. Upon arrival in LA they spent a night at a hotel before continuing their journey the next day. No quarantine required.

[Doodoo]

Yeap
This is the site that lays out entry requirwments for all countries
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

Now back to entry to the USA as to Thailand. Their entry needs might be indicated by them having 531,652 Deaths and 29,500,000 Cases while Thailand having 26,108 cases and 85 Deaths big difference.