Hat Yai Tourism Update 14 May 2022
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Video Description
I've had some requests for a Hat Yai update, so here it is! Compared to my previous videos, things are gradually improving in Hat Yai. More tuk-tuks have appeared, more shops are reopening and hotels are hiring staff. There are a few tourists around the centre of town, but still not that many. My guess - and it is only a guess - is that the insurance requirement for entering Thailand is deterring quite a few Malaysian tourists. I think that once the insurance requirement is dropped it will make a big difference to Hat Yai's tourism industry.
There are rumours that the insurance requirement will be dropped in June, but - I stress - these are only rumours and hearsay without any official confirmation. If that happens I think it will make a big difference. I'll plan to do another one of these updates in June to see if much has changed. If you want to be notified when that happens make sure to subscribe and click on the bell.
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As a Singaporean...I really miss hatyai...it my first backpacking place that included Penang also....btw miss buying the duty free johnny walker black label for my Thai army frd there...the price is really reasonable compare to SG n Malaysia 😁🤭
I think a lot of Malaysians and Singaporeans miss their little breaks to Hat Yai! Under normal circumstances it's a cheap and easy trip, and it allows people from those countries to experience a very different way of life.
Well done and great to know things are returning to some form of normalcy, albeit slowly. Can't wait to visit again...
It turns out I was a bit naive thinking the lack of tourists was because of the insurance requirement. That is affecting some people, but from the comments I've received there are a host of other problems from a lack of transport to delays with getting passports in Malaysia. This Covid thing has been going on for so long now that it will take a while to get back to normal. Once the infrastructure gets back to normal and Thailand drops the Thailand pass and insurance requirement it will really help. Hopefully, that will happen in the next few months!
Awesome! Love the share👍👍 ciao from italy🇮🇹🇮🇹
Thank you!
Good to hear that its looking like changes are on it's way, the people need a break and start to earn a living again, I think Malaysians will start returning slowly and gradually from June onwards, thanks for the video 👍🙏
It has begun, but there's still a long way to go! I thought it was just a case of insurance, but if you look through the comments there are several reasons. When/If Thailand drop the Thailand pass and all the requirements it will make a big difference, however, even when the tourists start to come back in numbers I don't think it will ever be the same as before.
Hat Yai had already started to change when Central Festival opened in 2013. Many small businesses have closed for good and the atmosphere of the town has changed dramatically. I'll do another video in the coming weeks.
Thanks for the update; I will be going there in Sept-Oct22
Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your trip!
I was in Hatyai on the first day Thailand binned the PCR on arrival test. The process of crossing through Bukit Kayu Hitam Malaysia-Dannok Thailand border was easy. What disappointed me was the lack of preparation by Hatyai Municipal council in anticipation of incoming tourist. Shops, 7 Eleven and massage parlours in vicinity of Lee Garden were closed, leaving the area akin to a no man’s land. I had to go to Haytai Central Mall to find food where the crowd was a lot larger. My guess is tourist number will remain a trickle until all stores and attractions are up running in full throttle. Thai Pass and tourism tax 300 baht should not be placed on Asean tourist if Thailand wants to see the resuscitation of its tourism sector.
That area has been dead since this started and it started dying even before Covid. When Central Festival opened at the end of 2013 many businesses relocated there and moved away from the Lee Gardens Plaza area. It was already dying and Covid was just the final nail in the coffin. Tourism is a massive part of the Thai economy and I agree with you entirely. There should be incentives to encourage tourists to return, not additional expense and bureaucracy which will have the opposite effect. Everything needs to open up again, including those 7-Elevens!
I will never go to Thailand till they do away with the Thailand pass requirement. It’s a pain in the neck.
@@jookhiangtan4838 It sure is. I don't plan on leaving the country until they do away with it because it will be too much of a pain to come back.
Yeh Phil sure still looks very quiet and deserted.I hope it picks up there soon as im coming back in december with my wife who is originally from Hatyai ..i usually love to hang out at the post laser disc and westside saloon so look forward to them reopening .Yes i agree once we see the malaysians and singaporeans flooding back we know it will be all systems go again.So look forward to coming back again..Cheers mate .great work
Thank you! I've made a few of these videos, but the most recent one felt different. The previous ones felt as if there was no end in sight. With this one I felt an air of optimism and anticipation. The taxi drivers and hotels can sense that people will return soon and they are starting to get ready. The big question is when! Some say June. Some say July. Some say August. Who knows? Will there be more outbreaks and more lockdowns? I'm just hoping for the best and I'm sure the situation will be a lot better by December!
Nice vid Phil! 😊 Pity it's still quiet, seems like only the beaches and islands are picking up slightly? I wouldn't say it's impossible to do anything if unvaxxed in Malaysia 😊. What news have you heard about this? Sad all the 7-11 are shut, I stayed above that one at the end of the video, Center Mansion, nice place, big room, balcony, nice memory 😊. Are vans still running to Sadao? Trains still running to Padang Besar? 👍Thanks for the update!
Train not running from Padang besar
Yep, very quiet still. I wasn't sure why. I thought insurance, but I am hearing about other reasons in the comments.
We have good friends who have just completed a 3 year assignment in KL. They told me that it was almost impossible to enter any place without proof of vaccine. Are you saying that's not correct? There is so much misinformation about everything these days. When I was last in Dannok I saw a van waiting to leave for Hat Yai, but there no passengers. I'm not sure how many are running now.
@@johnrambo5917 this is true ? Im coming to hatyai on 28 May, I planning to take train from padang besar. Please if there any info would gladly help me..
Nice video. I am considering Hat Yai for a few days of my holidays but what are your thoughts on safety? I have read troubling reports about nighttime walking, mugging, terrorism or dengue on the other hand. It would not be my first time visiting Thailand, I have been to Bangkok, Krabi, Udonthani... Btw amazing Thai language! Is your family Thai? I am also travelling to possibly date and even marry later. Any videos about this topic would be appreciated.
Thank you! I'm married with young children and rarely go out at night. I did in my single days and never had a problem. A few Saturdays ago I went out after dark to look around the downtown area and didn't see or sense any problems. Several years ago (16 or 17 years?) there was a problem with young kids riding around on motorbikes at night snatching bags. My girlfriend at the time was a victim, but I haven't heard of any such problems for a long time. I would say just exercise common sense and listen to your gut feelings. Don't get steaming drunk and wander around secluded areas at night. Stay in well lit areas where there are other people and you shouldn't have any problems.
In the past Hat Yai has been targeted by southern insurgents and people have been killed but, again, there haven't been any problems for a very long time. With dengue I have heard of people who have contracted it and at times the local municipality has erected large posters warning of dengue. The Aedes mosquitoes that carry it have distinctive black and white stripes and are active during the daytime. Take the usual precautions if you notice mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and using repellent. The best advice is always to try to avoid being bitten. We get these mosquitoes around the house and I have been bitten, but so far no problems.
I've found that whatever your read in the media is vastly over-exaggerated. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office actually advise people not to come to this part of Thailand unless travel is essential, but that is ridiculous.
My fears? The only thing that really scares me in Thailand is the way that Thais drive. It's bad in the daytime, but it's even worse at night. A young girl at my daughter's school was mown down last week and the security guard at the school had part of his leg amputated after a motorcycle crash. So many lives are lost on Thai roads each year (about one an hour on average, although some say the figure is a lot higher) and nothing is ever done to improve matters.
It amazes me that people talk about mugging, terrorism and dengue etc, but the biggest danger in Thailand, that of Thai roads, is hardly ever mentioned.
Hope that helps! It's just my personal opinion.
Thank you
You're welcome
Thanks for your update on Hatyai. Plan to visit Hatyai end June and from there to Krabi. Can you advise on whether there are buses going to Krabi now and any recommendations? Will be traveling in a group of 10 . Thanks
Yep. There are mininus running from Hatyai to Krabi or Phuket. It takes approx 5.30 hours from hatyai. You can call this number +66 075 620 864.
Call 075 620 864
I can't say for sure 100% because I drive myself, but I think there are buses and minivans. There may not be as many as there were previously, but you should be able to get there without too many problems.
Great clip.
Do you know where I can find complete guide of songthaew routes in Hat Yai?. Will be there in couples of weeks and excited to try them
TIA
I've never actually seen a map showing sawng-thaew routes. In my single days I only used public transport and I used sawng-thaews quite a lot because they are cheap. I had to learn the routes myself. It also helps a great deal if you can read Thai. Sorry.
@@expatlivinginthailand : Understood. I usually use bolt or Grab bike when in thailand (they are all great) but as far as I know, both are not available in HY. Thats's why "songthaew"comes to my mind. Anyway, thank you very much
@@dannyvn2010 I'm not sure. There are Grab taxis and Grab food delivery, but I'm not aware of any Grab bikes. Sawng-thaews are cheap and there is no dual pricing. The fare from the airport into town is only Bt20. I used to use them a lot, but now I'm out of touch.
Malaysian nowadays tends to visit domestic tourist destination first. Its because of covid, they are arfraid to go across border unless its necessary.
Thank you. Since doing this video I have heard many reasons why there are a lack of tourists.
There is a hatyai to golok rail line. And from golok to tumpat and kota baru in north east malaysia.if they repair the rail line between tumpat to golok, this service can be restarted.
Thanks for the info. It will all depend on economics and if there will be enough passengers to justify repairing a train line. Lots of people travel between Hat Yai and Songkhla each day and there used to be a train service, but they closed it some years ago.
@Expat Living in Thailand
I used to stop at Hatyai during my journey from Malaysia to Thailand and Cambodia by land. It was quite a big hassle even preCovid times. I guess it is even more of a hassle now. Anyway, I hope to go back to UK soon. Whereabout UK are you from? My husband is from Lancashire.
Hello Wendy! The additional hassle now is sorting out the Thailand Pass and insurance. I'm from the south - born in East London, but spent my adult life in Brentwood, Essex.
I'm sad for the people working in the tourist industry there. It must be rough to have the tourist drought last so long.
When I talked with some tuk-tuk drivers the other day they were making Bt100 - Bt400 a day. Petrol prices are rising rapidly, as are prices with everything. As you say, when it's been this long it is tough.
Conheci na perfeição está bela cidade
Mudou muito, mas espero que isso tenha trazido algumas lembranças
thanks for the information. is the state railway Thailand from Padang besar operational? do you know?
Not at the moment and they didn't know when it would reopen. Hopefully soon!
Not at the moment and they didn't know when it would reopen. Hopefully soon!
Latest from the CSSA, starting 1st June, the Thailand Pass will be auto generated upon application along with the proof of vaccine, your insurance and passport. Accordingly, its not an application waiting for approval like before but more like a pass making it a check item like the TM6 entry form. The insurance deal is not a big deal as you need your medical and travel coverage. By the way, Thais coming back here are exempted from the Thailand Pass. I will be back in August just for 1 night and the next day got my ThaiViet Air ticket to Suvarnabhumi for only RM42.00 one way. Ticket prices are on the rise but for the KL- Bkk- Kl air fares are still around Rm500.00 if you purchase them early. By July maybe, just maybe the tour buses from Singapore and Malaysia will eventually begin again and by that time, more easing with the Thailand Pass. I tune in to the CCSA announcement and the other TH-camrs who tend to update the latest news. I also took note of Agoda offering hotels in Hat Yai without that SHA + price. Its good to note that Thailand is on its way to ease restrictions. Its good eventually for Hat Yai but hopefully, the things that we the tourist face before the closure of borders will not appear again, you know what I am implying Phil. Thailand Pass is going to stay so no issues then.
Sham, thanks for the update. As I think I've said before, it doesn't affect me so I don't tend to keep up to date. If this is about health, why should Thais be exempted? The virus has nothing to do with what nationality you are. None of this makes any sense, but hopefully it will keep improving.
Latest is that all 9 land border crossings fully opened as stated by the ambassador to Thailand. He did stated that the Thailand Pass and insurance were the 2 factors that Malaysians are yet travelling like before so hopefully the CCSA will take note, not only for fellow Asean tourists but worldwide. Yes, some of the locals in Hat Yai are not affected but the border crossings is a good indication for trade and travel to resume.
Lee garden area recover slowly yet, I remember there used to be a small coconut ice cream shop nearby, now it seems disappear
Lots of little businesses have disappeared over recent years. The Lee Gardens Plaza area had a problem even before Covid. When Central Festival opened at the end of 2013 lots of retail shops and businesses relocated there. Lee Gardens is a mere shadow of its former self. It was dying before Covid and Covid was the final nail in the coffin.
Hey ! Im planning to cross from panning besar to Hat Yai tomorrow. Is the requirement of the insurance still on? Thanks a lot everyone for the helpful info!!
As far as I'm aware, yes. There are rumours that it will end soon, but I've heard nothing official yet.
One problem is where to buy the insurance? And what's the cheapest one?... The cost of insurance for a single person might not be much but imagine a family of five... There was news on Facebook last few months saying that the insurance cost RM500... And they had to spend RM1k because of the quarantine (back at the time quarantine is required)... But, I can say lack of information is why there's less Malaysian tourist...
Many thanks for your comment. The feedback I've received has been fantastic and has given me a much better insight as to why tourists aren't coming. As you say, there is a lack of information and also misinformation. Some people have said insurance is cheap, but it is a problem for other people. If people only cross the border for a few hours the insurance is very expensive and if they have large families the cost soon adds up. The sooner that all these requirements end, the better.
Is there still a soapy massage upstairs in Leigh garden plaza?
Was there ever?! Occasionally I did go for massages at the massage shop in Lee Gardens Plaza, but it was all legit and I wasn't aware that any extra services were provided. What I can tell you is that in the past there were at least half a dozen soapy massage places in Hat Yai, but they've now all gone. Maybe there are some still open, but I don't know where.
Hi Phil, isn't the Hatyai folks speak the same thai national language? I guess with some local accent.
There are northern, northeast and southern dialects (maybe more) which get spoken in those regions, but many Thais can also speak the central dialect, which is a kind of lingua franca in Thailand. I speak the central Thai dialect with my wife, but she speaks the southern dialect with her family. It sounds like a different person speaking when she switches dialects and I understand very little of the southern dialect.
I often have problems communicating with rural and/or older people in the south, who only speak the southern dialect. My wife's parents would be examples of this. Older southern Thais who have only worked in the countryside and didn't have much education struggle with the central dialect.
It's a bit more than just an accent. The tones are different and the southern Thai dialect has its own words. I've been told that even Thais from Bangkok and the central region have problems with the southern dialect. This isn't a problem unique to Thailand. Back in the UK I struggle with heavy scouse, Geordie and Glasgow accents!
Is d van service from Padang Besar to Hatyai running? Oh the one stop shops for the hotels, tours, money exchange and transport are no longer operating. Yes Hamid is more touristy, another popular Halal spot is Gai Tod Decha near Hoimook Alley if i remember correctly.
Van still running, but frequency less
I can find out about the vans next time I'm near the bus station. Thanks for the info about the one-stop shops. Yesterday I was scratching my head as to why there were so few tourists, but I'm finding out a lot from the comments.
Hat Yai is famous in Thailand for fried chicken and Decha is the best known place of all. There are several branches, including one on the airport road quite close to my house!
@@expatlivinginthailand thanks but Rambo has confirmed it, so no need to trouble you. Currently in Malaysia they are offering services at MYR200 for visiting Hatyai which includes d Thailand Pass registration and insurance, which could be putting ppl off travelling to Hatyai.
@@davidteoh7080 Rambo has been very helpful answering questions in the comments so thanks to him! The form filling is a hassle, especially for old people, and I can understand people paying for a service, but MYR200 seems a little steep. I've been told that insurance can be bought for MYR30, so that's MYR170 just for filling in some Internet forms.
Covid has been bad for most people, but a few people have made a fortune from it. This is a strange stage as we transition out of Covid, but I believe it will get better very quickly.
I on the way back to Malaysia
When cross border everything easy, but the pedestrian bridge close, so you might need taxi ride to the KTM station, the rest quite simple
After this can you please film the mini van that run from hatyai bus station to pdg besar..
mini van depart daily, and nothing much to film actually, the fares now 60 baht, last time, before covid, mar 2020, my last rider was 50 baht, everything still the same, you buy ticket at counter, then wait,that all
If I'm passing the bus station I can do this, but John Rambo has provided good information about the vans. (Thanks again, John!)
anyone has info on the train from padang besar to hatyai ? I planning to go on the 26 May. Need some info.. excited to cross border until i read these comments.
Currently train not in service, however it might change , as the date I left 15 may, the train service still not resume
But the van service is available, at Padang Besar, fares 60 baht
Thanks again John for helping out in the comments section.
สวยงาม
สวยมาก !
Planning to go at the end of the month, think d thing thats putting the usual malaysian and singaporean off is the Thailand pass. As the market for hatyai is most likely d older generation who are not computer savvy and those that are looking for "company". Most are there for short stay less than 5 days, d insurance also does not help.
Excellent points. It's just unnecessary bureaucracy and on-line stuff can be daunting for older people. The insurance isn't that expensive, but it's yet another issue and I don't believe it is necessary for people spending just a weekend in the country. I think next month will be better and that it will continue to improve every month.
Another factor could be pyschological, as d world has been in lockdown for a better part of 2 years. There is hesitancy to travel whether its due to the logistic issues or fear of C19. As d younger generation might prohibit their parents from travelling, for fear amd d inconvinience if positive in Hatyai.
@@davidteoh7080 That's a very valid point. The UK government appointed a group called SAGE to advise them on how to use psychological techniques to frighten the population. I have ignored every piece of propaganda ever since it all started and don't believe anything that governments or media say, but there are many people who are genuinely afraid.
@@expatlivinginthailand Malaysia as a whole we don see that much of so called propaganda as the govt is basically regurgitating whatever news that is put out.
@@davidteoh7080 This is the problem with the media now. There's a narrative for every story and news outlets just regurgitate the narrative with a complete lack of any investigative journalism or critical thinking. The major media channels are the worst culprits, mainly because of who controls them. The only real analysis comes from some small, independent channels. There are a few on TH-cam, but they run the risk of being banned if they go against the narrative. WION, the Indian channel, has run some good stories. They have a pro India, anti Pakistan, anti China agenda, but they also report on things that the Western media won't touch. We are living in dangerous times and the media is the main enemy. Unfortunately, many people can't see this and simply believe all that they hear or read from the legacy media.
Hi... Am going to hat yai in Jan next yr and an very worried about the bombing incidents going on in Southern Thailand .. any views on this ?
I can't guarantee anyone's safety, of course, but I have never been concerned about the southern insurgency problems while living in Hat Yai. Incidents tend to occur outside of Hat Yai and although Hat Yai has been targeted in the past, I haven't heard about any incidents for several years. For a number of years, security in Hat Yai has been taken seriously in order to prevent incidents. Finally, if anything were to happen you would have to be very unlucky to be in exactly the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. You asked for my view and that's it. Have a fun trip and don't worry!
@@expatlivinginthailand thanks for your reply! Is the security still as tight nowadays?
@@crystallball6794 It's not as tight. The last major incident I remember was the Lee Gardens Plaza blast in 2012. For months after that security was very tight. Of course, as time passed without incident people got more relaxed and now it isn't as tight. All department stores have security guards checking the people going in. They have airport style scanners at Central Festival and the train station. To enter all car parks you have to show some ID. As I said previously, no one can guarantee your safety wherever you go in the world, but I honestly wouldn't worry too much. I don't. The only thing that scares me here is Thai driving. Seriously.
@@expatlivinginthailand that's great information. Thank you so much. Like what you said, I shall stop worrying and enjoy my holidays... ☺️ Looking forward to explore Hat Yai!
we msian will go to thailand back as tourist but we want thai govn to waive all the rediculous law n we want normal procedure as before pandemic...tq
I'm hearing this from so many people. Hopefully, the government is listening too!
I was there about 3 weeks ago. I was at the McDonald’s next to the Centara hotel and I was the only one there. 👍😁
It's been like that for a long time! Whenever I go out I rarely see another farang. Many places are still quiet, with the exception of Central Festival, which is crazy at weekends. I was at Lee Gardens Plaza a few hours ago and I didn't even notice whether McDonald's was open or not! That branch has been closed for a long time, but the other three branches in Hat Yai have remained open.
My wife is from Hat Yai so I often visit Hat Yai. Great to see the Vlogs 👍😁 I will be back again in about 12 weeks for a quick visit with my wife to see her family
@@southernfarang6792 You have good taste! My wife is from Nakhon Sri Thammarat original but she and her entire (large) family have lived in Hat Yai for a long time. Thanks for stopping by the channel and commenting. Much appreciated!
The covid insurance that is holding Malaysia to come actually...for example like me who live near the border we usually spend only a few hours in Hatyai then come back to Malaysia...so its not worth it to pay for the insurance
that not true
for those living near boarder, you can use boarder pass (blue color book) and for those thais live boarders, they boarder pass green color, you no need apply thailand pass, and no insurance require.
That's what I thought initially because for vaccinated people the only difference between now and pre-Covid is the insurance requirement. However, there have been quite a few comments on the video describing other reasons, eg, a lack of transport, one-stop tour companies closing down, difficulties for older people doing the Thailand pass on-line etc. The insurance requirement is still one of the issues, but it's not the only one!
I agree with you though. Even if it is cheap (I've been told 30 Ringgits) it's still a lot if you only visit for a few hours. I'm sure that all these problems will go away soon and things will get better!
@@johnrambo5917 thats true if you were born in that border area...then u can apply for the border pass...im living in the border area but not born there so border pass cannot be obtain....
@@muhamadfadzilbinhassan2133 not really, i not born in the boarder state, but i live in the boarder state, i have boarder pass and also passport
Covod Insurance is one problem for Malaysians as most will stay for a minimum of two nights.minimum insurance in Thailand is three months. Next is vehicle insurance which is compulsory as most malaysians will drive their cars or bikes across the border. Before covid you could buy vehicle insurance for two weeks minimum. Now it is three months minimum. Third is Malaysian Government insists on 72 hours Rapid Antigen Test.for Malaysians returning from Abroad to malaysia.. On arrival in Malaysia. You must have a document to state you had a RPK test 72 hours before, otherwise you will be subjected to testing and USD 25.will be charged to Get the test.
To get the test done in Malaysia is cheaper USD 12.00 compared to Thailand. However at the border it is USD 25.00 charges. In Thailand you have to go to a private hospital to get the test done as government hospitals are for thais only. Private hospital will do it for Bhat 2000 to 2500 with official certificate and receipts. So now Cambodia and Vietnam as well as Indonesia are open without restrictions and no covid insurancend . many malaysians are rushing to those countries.. Thailand will loose out a million visitors a month from malaysia who will spend hard currency on shopping, food and entertainment.
I disagree with you
Malaysian who back from Thailand, no need ATK test at all, and Malaysia govt already update the SOP, you can check with latest KKM guidelines
For Insurance Min is 30 days, some even offer 7 days
Thanks for the information. Certain people are making huge profits from the testing requirement. My wife has been buying test kits on-line for about Bt50, although I think you can get them cheaper. However, if you need an official certificate you need to pay significantly more. The difference in price, just for an additional piece of paper, is pure profit. I didn't know about the car insurance, so thanks for the update. For Malaysians, a weekend break to Hat Yai used to be so easy and so cheap. With all this bureaucracy and additional expense I am now starting to understand why so few people are making the journey.
Yes, thats the right info with regards for Malaysians returning abroad. You just need to self monitor at home.
Can you show us night time activity for may 2022
I can't promise anything. I'm married with two young children and don't normally go out very late. Even when I was single I was never into nightlife. I try to honour requests on this channel, but I'm not sure if I can honour this one. But who knows? Maybe ...
Cheers for the vid
Still quiet then.
Yep. It's getting better, but there's still something keeping the Malaysians away. In addition to the insurance issue I was told that Malaysians are being advised by their government not to travel. Also, Malaysian government workers need special permission to travel and this permission is being denied. I don't know how true this is, but this is what I was told. Anyway, still quiet but I think it will pick up a lot within the next couple of months.
@@expatlivinginthailand I'll pop to hat yai in August.
Im sure or hope things will be better then.
@@gangsom I think they will be.
No, our Prime Minister visited his Thai counterpart a few months back and both nations agree on certain land border crossings. Eventually, the border crossings in Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis began full reopening ( there are 9 in total ). I have yet to read any restrictions for Malaysians to travel except for the travel advisory on hot spots like Sri Lanka or Ukraine. Other Asean nations have earlier eased their entry requirements except for Mynmar which still need you to quarantine in a hotel. Air fares are getting pricier so people will choose and pick their destination.
Most of Hat Yai bussiness running by tourism industry.especially tourist from SG,MY.So that's why rightnow the whole town still is ghost town.be patien everyone.
I wouldn't say most. In some Thai tourist resorts the predominant business IS tourism and those places have suffered badly during the course of the last two years. However, Hat Yai has a huge amount of business that isn't tourism related. Yes, there is a tourist industry that caters to Malaysians and Singaporeans, but it's not the main industry in Hat Yai.
let me shares my experience
last friday i was travel the first train to padang besar, at the last station, left me and one thai uncle
he was attending his nephew stuff in USM, Penang, then on the way back to Songkhla
so, when reach Padang besar, nobody there, just me+him, no police, and also no taxi, so, i wait 2-3 mins, taxi came, and he offer 10 ringgit per person, from Padang ktm to checkpoint
the process quite smooth, we just go thru the imigration post, until the gate, then we enter the thai immigration
he was stuck at there, as he also don't know even thai need to apply thailand pass when enter thailand
so, i wait him, as he said, he drive to padang, and willing to fetch me back to hatyai
then he park his car at in front of the immigration, wheel locked by immigration officer
so, we wait about 15 mins the office came, then the rest just normal ride from padang to hatyai
You were lucky to get a lift! Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for answering a lot of questions in the comments.
No problems Phil
I want to meet you as well but due to time constraints but I able to meet ah Toy, we meet at Starbucks just to chill and chat, I plan to re-visit Hatyai maybe next month
Possible bring some marathon runners to attend event near PSU
Coming months August might be registered for Songkhla Marathon
@@johnrambo5917 There are quite a few marathons, half-marathons, fun runs, etc organized in this area. Let me know when you'll be in town and maybe we can get together. I have time constraints too, but both kids went back to school today after a couple of years of studying on-line at home so I 'should' have a bit more free time.
@@johnrambo5917 Hi John, you mean PSU Hatyai Nature Run? Any update for this year run? Check in FB no news yet for 2022 edition. I registered for this year Hatyai Marathon on 29/5/22 but don't think I will go due all the health requirements/conditions,etc. Tq.
@@expatlivinginthailand Hatyai Marathon on 29/5/22, registered (postponed from 2019 edition) but most likely will not go due to health requirements/conditions...☹️😢
From Hat yai Songkhla
ผมด้วย!
He's speaking Central Thai ,in the South its a different dialect. That's why you can have trouble with the communication, although they are taught Central Thai at school.
When foreigners learn Thai it is normally the central dialect. As you say, many Thais in the south speak the southern dialect - including my wife - and it might as well be a different language. This is just one of the problems with Thai - there are many others!
From Thailand
ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ช่อง 🙏🏼
missing hatyai
คิดถึง !
Travel insurance FWD or similar with covid cover only around sin$18 per trip (basic).
Starr insurance sin$10 (Brone plan).
Let the Malaysian Tourist Bus flow in & out again, you will see lot of Malaysians & some Singaporeans and even foreign tourists in HY again..in & out of Sin/Mal no more test/insurance by land...
When I spoke to the Singaporeans today they told me it was 23 SGD, so it's not a great deal of money. But what else can be deterring people from visiting? The vast majority of Malaysians will already be vaccinated because it was almost impossible to do anything or go anywhere in Malaysia during Covid without being vaccinated. The only difference now compared to pre-Covid is that visitors (provided they are vaccinated) need to have a minimum 10,000 USD health insurance cover. Are there some other reasons that are deterring Malaysians from visiting? Are Malaysians worried about the health risk? Compared to a few years ago there are virtually no Malaysian tourists in Hat Yai at the moment and there must be a reason for it.
@@garychan846 Thanks for the info. That's a lot cheaper than I imagined.
@@expatlivinginthailand I believe most Malaysian will want to travel to one of their favourite cheapest overseas destination after more 2 years of covid. With covid test and the stupid Test & Go out, Travel Insurance should not be a big financial issue as it cost around $10 to $25 (Rm30) as discussed before. Although, the Thailand Pass is also a small pain in the ass, the main problem for them now to visit HY now is the good old bus transportation in/out of HY/Malaysia especially for those staying in Northern Malaysia. Try Google more than a week ago after 1st May Thailand opening, cannot find any bus transportation information from Malaysia or even from my Singapore. For the Malaysian tourist now in HY should either fly in or Drive in car or van. I may be Wrong....
Anyway, start these bus operation again, there will be bus load of tourists in each one in HY, and it will be back to OLD familiar destination I visit at least once yearly since 1991 less the 2 covid year...
@@garychan846 Great information. Thank you. I had no idea about this. I was a bit confused - the only thing I could see that was different to the past was the insurance requirement, but it's not a lot of money. I didn't know about the lack of transportation, but the fact that the Konsortium travel agency in Hat Yai has closed should offer a clue. Now that things are generally looking a lot better I suspect that the bus companies will start ramping up their services soon. I'll do another one of these updates in a few weeks to see if anything has changed. Many thanks for giving me a perspective from the other side of the border that I wasn't aware of.
With regard to Malaysians using their own cars, I've also seen very few Malaysian licence plates recently. They are very different to Thai licence plates and therefore quite conspicuous. In the past there were lots, but nowadays I see very few.
Ok...good...
Thanks
Rumours says in August It will come back to normal in Thailand before covid 19 pandemic.
I've heard rumors of June, someone earlier said July and now August! I wouldn't take any bets at the moment!
@@expatlivinginthailand pardon me buddy, yeah in July
Border pass only 3 days, should 5days would be better.
Definitely.
I at hatyai now
This city still a bit slow compare to previous
Depends what you mean by previous! Compared to three years ago it's deathly slow. Compared to last year it's actually picked up quite a lot! We're on the final straight now. Once they drop all the requirements I think it will start to pick up very quickly. With all these lockdowns and travel restrictions over the past 2.5 years there must be millions of people who are desperate to travel!
Ya, slightly better
Now I m on the way back to Malaysia
Maybe I come back again June
@@johnrambo5917 I think it will get better every month from now on.
I taking public transport
I talk to the seller in hatyai
It seem many seller don't really understand how the Thailand pass works
They think Malaysian come in need a lot of money 💲 but the actual fact, no need
Some seller told me, one visitor need to pay 8000 baht to go in Thailand
At the Malaysia site, media also giving an expression, visit Thai need a lot of money
And I felt this is not true
@@johnrambo5917 That's very interesting, thanks for the info. Yes, there do seem to be a lot of misunderstandings. One massage girl I spoke to yesterday thought that everyone had to quarantine. The only thing I could think of was the insurance requirement, but actually it's quite cheap. Someone else in the comments told me that there is a shortage of tour buses at the moment. Lots of misinformation and misunderstandings. I'm sure this will all get sorted out in a month or two!
I think expenses is too high for Malaysian due to lower currency. So better travel locally.
This certainly doesn't help. It used to be a straight Bt10 for one Ringgit, but the Baht has been strong for a long time and when it's only just over Bt7 that makes a big difference.
Look nothing at day time,but looks different when night,it Hadyai
If I get time I'll do a night time video. However, a lot of night time venues have closed in recent years.
@@expatlivinginthailand tq for your info
ดูหาดใหญ่เวลานี้ดูแล้วซีดๆจางๆไม่มีชีวิตชีวาเอาสะเลย
คุณพูดถูก
All Asians, Europeans or Africans look different !
That's right! We're all different, but there are similarities. For example, could an Asian person tell the difference between people from European countries? I never understood how Thais could instantly recognise Malaysians and Singaporeans, but there are differences ... and it's not just physical appearance!
Well Phil, I was in a few situations where I was chased away from the immigration line for foreign arrivals at Suvarnabhumi, paying the local admission price to the zoo or aquarium due to the fact that I looked local. I was okay though, just be polite about it and stay humble. Thailand is just under 2 hours and still the nearest week end break for us next door!
@@norhishamothman4152 Hello Sham, I am never mistaken for a local!
The main tourists whom are keeping Hatyai n most southern provinces alive is Malaysian . The much hassle entry requirements especially thailand pass with it's expensive n ridiculors covid insurance has kept Malaysians away ! The stupid insurance made travellers to purchase minimum 30 days policy . who goes to Thailand for a month ? On average , most Malaysian will spend 3 days n 2 nights in Hatyai for entertainment , shopping .
Agree 100%. Predominantly Malaysians, followed by Singaporeans. Regrading the insurance, if you are healthy when you travel and only visit for 2 or 3 days what are the chances of you having to be hospitalised? Even if you are, it will be a private hospital where you pay the bill yourself. I'd be interested in how much money has been paid out in claims for this insurance. Hopefully, all these regulations will end soon.
ขอบคุณครับ.ขอเพิ่มเติมคับรอบในมันเงียบบ้างเพราะย่านนั้นของนักท่องเที่ยว.แต่รอบนอกการขยายบ้านห้างหรือคอนโดมีตลอดคับการคมนาคม.การศึกษา.การพยาบาลและธุรกิจมีหมดcenterต่างๆก็เกือบจะมาอยู่ที่นี้ทั่งหมดคับ
ถูกต้องครับ ทุกอย่างที่เกี่ยวกับข้องกับการท่องเที่ยวเงียบ แต่มีธุรกิจที่ไม่เกี่ยวกับข้องกับนักท่องเที่ยวมากมาย