Expats Trapped Outside Thailand Can Now Return Home

Expats trapped outside Thailand by the anti-coronavirus measures have been exchanging information via their own Facebook page.

Now that the long wait is almost over, Western expats with jobs as well those with Thai wives and families will be permitted to return to their homes. Some have been trapped outside the country since the first measures to control the pandemic were introduced almost six months ago, guilty of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Facebook ‘Farangs Stranded Abroad Due to Lockdown in Thailand’ has been a lifeline for thousands, sharing information and helping those worried about their families during the long months.

Expat professionals, teachers, mothers, fathers and husbands from across the world were affected, separated from those they love and also from their jobs. Some were in transit from other expat hubs such as Dubai, and worried their new jobs in Thailand wouldn’t materialise due to the pandemic. Over 2,700 stranded expats used the site to catch up on the latest news and share announcements from worldwide Thai embassies. As from last Monday, the wait is now almost over, as this group is part of a list of foreigners who can now return to their homes.

The only positive in their long wait was that the Thai government pulled out all the stops to prevent the pandemic from ravaging the population as it has in many countries including the USA and UK, homes to many of the displaced expats. At least they were able to believe their loved ones were safe and well, with Thailand’s military government making all the right moves to eradicate the virus before it got totally out of control. As of writing, 36 days have now passed with no local infections, giving expats about to return home the security of knowing their families are safe and well.