The forgotten expats

When I saw the headline “Thousands of foreigners to be allowed entry” I had a feeling of optimism I hadn’t experienced for months. Then I read: The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has approved the entry of foreign business reps, specialists, diplomats, migrant workers, exhibitors, film crews, medical tourists and Thailand Elite card members. In disbelief, I reread the article. My heart sank. How can I possibly make sense of this? These people are all visitors to Thailand. But what about people who actually live there and cannot return to their homes.

One month ago two aircraft chartered by the Thai embassy left London for Bangkok. On board were Thais returning home. Foreigners who also live in Thailand were not allowed to take these flights. Why not, I ask? I had retired to Thailand years ago and left there in February on what I expected to be a short trip away.

My return flight was cancelled because of Covid-19 and since then my retirement visa and my re-entry permit have both expired. I read that foreigners stranded in Thailand are given visa extensions yet there is no such consideration given to us, the forgotten ones.

What can we do? Some people in my situation have Thai families. I myself give support to two Thai families who are struggling to survive, as well as putting over one million baht into the Thai economy every year. It is impossible to do this while also trying to finance oneself away from home. I left home with a few essentials for a short visit so have had to buy clothes and pay for extended living expenses.

If we are tested before we fly, are tested on arrival, and pay for two or three weeks state-supervised quarantine, what can possibly be the problem? Are state authorities aware that we exist — many hundreds of us? They talk about returning Thais and now about these groups of foreigners but not about foreigners who live in Thailand. We are in a category that has never been recognised.

KEITH BARLOW