Covid has taken a toll on small bakeries, like many other small shops that have fallen indefinitely.

Good news is Kunming bread-making techniques have evolved over the past decade. Even one particular Jiahua (Joy) Bakery on 光华街 (50 meters west of McDonald's) near Zhengyi Fang are rocking a variety of commendable European bread in taste and texture to compete with Just Hot. Supposedly this Jiahua branch hired a prolific baker from Taiwan to teach the local crew here.

Hema (Hippo Supermarket) bakery at B1 of 顺城 (ShunCheng Shopping Center) consistently churn out multigrain wheat-rye-oats w/ sesame and seeds resembling German bread.

On a related subject. No covid test seems to be what I'm hearing for Chinese travelers returning from Laos via the high speed rail train. Vacation trips to Laos have been buzzing on social media. Only a four-hour trip via the high speed rail from Kunming. Visa on arrival costs over 250 rmb, which is a bit more than applying at the Laos embassy in Kunming (reached via mrt), but the queues may gey hectic at the port.

For DaveKM and AlPage transiting at Bangkok to other destinations should be exempted from providing proof of vaccination and insurance. Though check with your airlines regarding covid testing. The bigger hospitals in Kunming may provide printed English test results if need be.

The Thai Embassy updated the following notice just an hour ago:
www.thaiembassy.com/[...]

"Highlights of New Thailand Travel Restrictions starting January 9, 2023 at 1:00AM

Airline passengers the age of 18 year or older must provide the following:

1. Proof of Vaccination OR a letter from a doctor stating you have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 180 days.
2. Proof of Insurance

(if traveling onward to another country whereupon a PCR or ATK is required for entry).

You can buy the recommended insurance here: Thailand Travel Insurance.

Passengers who are unvaccinated must prepare a letter from a doctor specifying as to why they are not vaccinated.

Exempted persons:
1. Thai Nationals
2. Foreign Nationals with Thai government social insurance required for Work Permit
3. Passengers who are transiting at the airport

More details about the new Thailand Travel Restrictions:

PRE-DEPARTURE TO THAILAND 

> Proof of vaccination required (Thai Ministry of Health Approved vaccine list) or obtain the letter from the doctor i.e. recovery from COVID-19 or medical reason for not receiving a COVID vaccine.

> Recommended: Health Insurance which covers medical expenses while in Thailand.

However, health insurance is mandatory for passengers traveling on to another country where PCR or ATK is required.

> Recommended to take an ATK test prior to your departure and also during your stay if you feel unwell.

Book your hotel stays at SHA+ hotels in Thailand.

DURING YOUR STAY

> Self protection such as wearing masks in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and the practice of social distancing.

> If you feel unwell, please visit a hospital.

Last updated: January 8, 2023 at 3:15 PM"

Here are other websites that posted on the changes of entry rules:

www.bangkokpost.com/[...]

www.straitstimes.com/[...]

"The civil aviation authority also released a list of 16 Covid-19 vaccines that are accepted for entering Thailand as of Jan 6.

They include one dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, two doses of AstraZeneca, two doses of Moderna, two doses of Pfizer or three doses of Anhui Zhifei Logcom."

JanJal is correct. It may depend on airlines. AlPage48, you should check with your airline carrier again a few days prior to your flight to Thailand to avoid complications.

The airlines may also notify you the possible requirements for passengers to show proof of at least two covid vaccinations and health insurance (en route to final destination where PRC is required), along with the 48-hour negative covid test (more so from holders of Chinese passports).

Thailand's ministry of public health seems to be strategically obtuse... safeguarding its borders while treading carefully not to offend China and the influx of Chinese travellers expected to help boost their travel industry.

For those somewhat in the dark, in one Kunming residential compound alone that I know of, 13 have already died from Covid-related illnesses. Major hospitals in Kunming are busy. It takes months just to make an appointment for a CT scan. This is why some nations and companies are playing it safe prior to the lunar new year.

Announced yesterday, for those (like AlPage48) leaving for Bangkok/Thailand for transfers, a 48-hour negative test result (in English) may be required for travellers from Kunming.