Waiting until my third flight takes off

   After the Thai Royal Government declared an emergency at the end of March this year, almost the entire country went on lockdown. All stores, institutions, and amusement parks shut down their gates, and even alcoholic beverages were banned to prevent gatherings. These preventive measures are aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. 

Upon receiving the news of the lockdown, our plans were thrown into disarray. Academic tasks, deadlines, and other plans were suddenly at risk. Many of my colleagues in the Global Studies Program (GSP) felt compelled to return to their homelands, unwilling to endure the unfamiliar restrictions in Bangkok. 

I hurriedly began to prepare myself to leave for Germany, too, fearing that this situation might last longer than expected. Therefore, I had to book a new flight, which was on March 24th, after the one I had booked, which was supposed to take place on May 12th, was also canceled. 

Shortly after that declaration, I learned that most of my colleagues had left for their homelands, and only three remained in Bangkok, including me. There was a strong hope that my flight scheduled on March 24th would take off, but two days before the departure, I was informed that it was canceled. At the time, most of the airway companies suspended their flights from BKK Airport to other destinations the world over, except for some companies that kept operating, like Lufthansa, Qataraiways, Swiss ...etc. with very few trips, even a large majority of them were also canceled.  

I felt hopeless that Thailand would open up its gates again in a short time. That feeling faded when I learned that departure from Thailand is allowed, but coming to is prohibited. The journey of constantly watching out for flights and calling the airport and the offices of these airlines took me even more frustration, as they needed to give me clear answers about whether a certain flight would fly over or not. Even the authority at BKK airport assured me that there was no confirmation on any flight only the confirmation could be given on the flight that would take off today, "tomorrow no confirmation either, you have to wait until tomorrow, the flight after tomorrow we are unsure though, you have to wait until tomorrow." 

I found myself accepting the fact that "just leave everything as it is." But sometimes, I attempt to resist this fact; there are many plans back in Germany. What is the consequence of calling them off? What about my legal status in the German Federal Republic as a residency holder not allowed to overstay abroad? Shall I go back to my country, Palestine? Would Israelis allow me to travel back to Germany again? But the country there began taking serious steps to thwart the spread of COVID-19. 

Indeed, later on, the news was received that Israel and Palestine entirely went on lockdown as the positive examination of some Corona cases was discovered in the Palestinian Bethlehem city, the first place to have gone through the infection of Corona. As a result, both sides blocked down the borders, internally shut down all institutions and stores, and enforced curfews. 

Amidst this uncertainty, I realized that millions of people worldwide are navigating this unpredictable situation, compelled to adhere to the preventive measures imposed by their governments. This shared global experience was the only way to combat a virus that revealed its malicious intent to indiscriminately claim lives. The toll of this potential catastrophe was evident as the death toll surpassed 300 thousand in many countries, particularly in Europe, with approximately 4 million confirmed cases.  

While I hesitate to label the coronavirus crisis as an 'Apocalypse' at this stage, it does serve as a stark reminder of the 'Black Death' event that ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351. The 'Black Plague' claimed the lives of nearly a third of the European population, with an estimated death toll of 75 to 200 million. I fervently hope that we can avert such a catastrophic outcome and that our world will not be marred by such a devastating event.  

Day in and day out, I decided to stay for a month or more until further notice in Bangkok after renewing my visa at the immigration office. During this period, I learned many stories about people, some of whom I met in Bangkok, stuck in different countries. As a result, even those in Thailand cannot fly back to their homelands because airports have gone into complete lockdown, and how they are struggling with living in a foreign country where they had not planned to live for a while more than they had planned. Under this pandemic, they are challenged by many obstacles and are financially challenged as their budget covers their accommodation for the scheduled period to stay in a foreign country. They consequently are in a challenging situation where they should be careful with managing their budget. Some resorted to their embassies to file cases, but I wonder if any has worked. 

I also began grappling with the travel agency I had booked my flight tickets with. It pushed me to call their office in the USA, which was costly as I used my local number in Bangkok. After long talks, I managed to sort out the reimbursement matter for the two flight tickets on April 20th. But I have just been refunded, despite the travel agency's promise that the money will be returned after two weeks. Understandably, these agencies are under heavy pressure to sort out enormous refund requests from clients worldwide whose flights have been canceled. 

As I prepare to board my next flight, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. I am eager to leave this amazing Thailand and grateful for the experiences and lessons it has bestowed upon me. This is my story so far, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.