AlaskaDave

There are some new entry requirements for entering Thailand. As far as I can tell, proof of vaccination is again required and, in certain cases, Covid-specific health insurance. As usual in Thailand, however, the details vary depending on where you read it. Here's the latest news I can find. Proof of vaccination is definitely required but, again, this is the norm in Thailand, there's some confusion about the insurance. Quoted from an article in Wion on Jan 7: "Country’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob in a statement said that the restrictions would start from Monday, during which people would be asked to proof of at least two vaccinations or recovery from the virus since July. Those who have not taken any vaccines would need a medical report justifying their lack of inoculations, a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand posted on the site said. The rules apply until Jan. 31. Moreover, visitors from countries that require Covid tests for arrivals from Thailand must have health insurance during their stay, the ministry said." Apparently, if the country you're coming from doesn't require Covid tests for Thais that enter it, then you don't need insurance to enter Thailand. Needless to say, these rules are subject to change (cough, cough). The restrictions could be extended or even dropped in coming days. Clarification from Asian News Network - Jan 8: "Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a press conference after the meeting that in addition to the vaccination requirement, tourists from countries that require negative RT-PCR results on their return must have insurance covering Covid-19 testing and treatment before entering Thailand."

I honestly don't care if those members approve or not. I love being in Thailand and hope Immigration will someday wise up and allow people like me to stay for six months without such a big hassle.

Yikes! Sounds like a slightly different take on the horrendous Thailand Pass system we had to deal with last year. Let's hope this ridiculous requirement goes away soon too.

Huh? I use a motorcycle to ride all over Thailand, which has some of the best motorcycling in the world. But that's totally beside the point. I'm asking about visa runs, not whether you consider motorcycling a worthwhile pastime in LOS.

It is indeed a Multi-entry permit with three Tourist Visas I'm talking about. I figured that would be obvious from the wording in my original post. My usual method involves getting three two-month Tourist Visas and a 1900 baht Multiple Entry Permit and then using all three visas consecutively in order to stay in Thailand for 6 months total. I'm looking for a way to do that scenario by land, not air, and preferably in northern Thailand rather than the far south or Issan. .

More good information. I'm looking to find an "open" border crossing closer to Chiang Mai, and also to know the official Thai Immigration position on these Tourist Visa renewals (renewals-via-border-run) we used to take for granted. I appreciate your input. Everything I get on this forum is a help. Thanks

That's good news. Thank you.

I guess that answers one question I'm asking. I noticed in another post that Vientiane was apparently open. That inspired me to put the question out to the forum. I guess we'll have to wait and see if Thai Immigration will reinstate the old system eventually. @problemfarang, you should realize that not everyone has the kind of money it requires to get a "proper visa" and that people who make visa runs on multiple entry Tourist Visas aren't intentionally abusing the system. They only want the same things most expats want from living in Thailand, friendly climate and people, good food, and good motorcycling.

Back before Covid closed the borders, I used to get three 2-month Tourist Visas for my annual 6 month visit to Thailand. Every 2 months I would (do a "visa run") cross the border into Myanmar (Mae Sai) or Laos (Vientiane) and return to Thailand to begin the next 2-month segment. Is it possible to do that now? Thanks.

Insurance for foreigners may indeed be a scam but Thais already have free medical care. It ain't great insurance but it's built into the current system. If one of us gets ill, we can't use that medical system in the same way. External insurance is one way to be sure foreigners won't put a strain on an already marginal system.

My friend got his result in just a few minutes. All the test kits I've ever seen recommend waiting 15 minutes before reading the result yet he was in and out in less than that amount of time. There will possibly be times when you might be forced to wait in a queue for the test but he didn't have to do that.

I posted this one on another subforum but it might be better posted here. An American friend recently departed Thailand for the U.S. and had to comply with the U.S. requirement for a negative Covid test within 24 hours of boarding. This presents a problem if a PCR test is needed because it is a lab test and results take a while unless you're willing to pay dearly for a quicker turnaround. However, he was able to get a Rapid Antigen test at Suvarnabhumi for only 250 baht. He was flying on ANA and was allowed to board and allowed entry to the U.S. based on his negative test result. He was not asked for any proof of Covid result when he entered the U.S. That means the airlines are forced to do the dirty work of checking travelers' test results. Apparently, even though the U.S. is being a stickler about requiring a test within such a short window of time, the Rapid Antigen test is quick and easy and it served to fulfill the requirement. There are two separate testing facilities on the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi, one at Door 8 (250 baht), another at Door 3 (500 baht). I hope this helps those of you who are heading to the U.S. I can assure you, it took a big load off my mind. I expect international travel will get easier going forward but I fear pre-flight Covid testing will be something we have to deal with for a long time yet.

An American friend recently departed Thailand for the U.S. and had to comply with the U.S. requirement for a negative Covid test within 24 hours of boarding. This presents a problem if a PCR test is needed because it is a lab test and results take a while unless you're willing to pay dearly for a quicker turnaround. However, he was able to get a Rapid Antigen test at Suvarnabhumi for only 250 baht. He was flying on ANA and was allowed to board and allowed entry to the U.S. based on his negative test result. He was not asked for any proof of Covid result when he entered the U.S. That means the airlines are forced to do the dirty work of checking travelers' test results. Apparently, even though the U.S. is being a stickler about requiring a test within such a short window of time, the Rapid Antigen test is quick and easy and it served to fulfill the requirement. There are two separate testing facilities on the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi, one at Door 8 (250 baht), another at Door 3 (500 baht). I hope this helps those of you who are heading to the U.S. I can assure you, it took a big load off my mind. I expect international travel will get easier going forward but I fear pre-flight Covid testing will be something we have to deal with for a long time yet.

Legalizing marijuana would not be a reason to come here and I doubt tourism will be hugely affected by legalization. But it would mean that people who use the plant occasionally as I do when I'm in Alaska or Oregon won't end up in prison for it. Imprisoning marijuana users is not only stupid, it's criminal. It's a goddamn plant after all. Also, Thai growers could rake in some real money if it's legalized. There is simply no downside to legalizing cannabis. Period.

I came through Narita last Friday and it was simple and straightforward. Same thing at Suvarnaphumi. I was pleasantly surprised at how well organized that was. I spent less time going through the Immigration line than I ever have before. Of course, the number of tourists entering the country now is low too. The hardest thing for me was waiting without the ability to check on the progress of your documents through the Thailand Pass system. That and the 72-hour window for obtaining a Covid test result in Oregon (USA) where my flight originated from. There was the option of buying a 2-hour turnaround for a Covid test result but at US$300, that was not an option I liked. Both of those waiting periods were hellish. Anything they can do to streamline this ugly process will be a help. However, hands down the biggest and best thing they could do is to scrap the whole thing