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."

41 minutes ago, BritTim said:

You will also need to develop a thick skin if posting here, as some members consider it terrible that you stay here for fun longer than a few weeks a year.

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.

1 hour ago, shdmn said:

The multi-entry tourist visa is a PiTA to get now.  They want an itinerary for each exit/entry beforehand including pre-purchased tickets.  If you plan to do land border runs I am not sure if attaching a note explaining that would suffice.

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.

15 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

Really?

I am wondering what country you are in, let alone what planet.

????????????

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.

9 hours ago, ChristianBlessing said:

I'm wondering how you're certain that he's on an METV. Although he doesn't state so, he appears to be asking about obtaining a new visa exempt or permission to stay. Additionally the METV isn't exactly cheap. As to your question, I just completed my 2nd exit/reentry. Nothing easier. First was to Malaysia, second to Vietnam, with no complications. Just make sure to scrutinize your stamp to make sure the next expiry is 60 days.

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. .

3 hours ago, Haveasay said:

I posted recently about my border run to Laos, which took an hour that day. I spoke to an agent on arrival who informed me from Pattaya, no mini van visa runs, ATM. Then arranged flights, as dislike long bus trips, to Udon, with a few nights stay, in the event of a forced night in Vientiane. I got strange responses about, over and back, but kept moving, window to window. Luckily had buses leaving both checkpoints. No waiting. 25 baht over, 35 baht back. Good luck whatever you do.

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

39 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Most land borders have reopened already, but with the ones at the Myanmar border, they still seem to be closed (at least to those who haven't obtained a visa to enter Myanmar). Border runs to Laos, on the other hand, work fine.

That's good news. Thank you.

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.

15 hours ago, Cabradelmar said:

The only thing ThailandPass does is enforce an ongoing insurance scam, and last I checked, Thais have never needed to purchase supplemental COVID insurance to enter the kingdom. 

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.

1 hour ago, Emeraldisle said:

I applied for Thailand Pass yesterday evening, 6th Nov. I don't remember what time.

Checked email short time later.

Time of email 5.57 pm. 6th Nov. ( That is 0.57 am Sunday morning Thailand time)

"T.P. system has received your email. Result will be sent within 7 days.

Same time 5.57 pm. 6th Nov. Another email.

T.P. system has approved your registration. QR code attached.

Does anybody really think that someone was working in immigration shortly after midnight on Sunday morning and was able to receive and approve registration at the same time?

 

 

Based on your experience, I suspect these passes are approved individually over a period of hours and then are queued into a single email push. It would be impossible for Immigration to have received your application and approved it at the exact same time.

4 hours ago, ray richards said:

I am also to the stage of applying for the Thailand Pass. 

How can I upload the 3 page declaration form if only 1 page is allowed, or is this not needed, I have filled out the T8 health form, do all these declaration forms need sending for the Thailand Pass.

Any advice please

There is a button on the bottom of some of the upload pages that says something like "Add More". I managed to get all my docs to fit on one sheet by capturing screen shots and stitching them together in Photoshop so I didn't need to "Add More" but someone else may have used that feature, I dunno.

I don't have the list handy (I just tried to find it) but there are quite a few to pick from when the Chiang Mai airport does reopen. I talked at length via email to the "Sleep, Mai?"  hotel near the airport and thought I had gotten a good deal at 1400 baht per night until I realized we were talking about a domestic arrival. They are not set up to do the required secure transport or Covid testing so for me, at this point, it's going to require a layover in Bangkok to do the Covid test.

By the way, I bought US$50K insurance from an outfit called IMG (imglobal.com) that will work for anybody up to age 79. Very smooth service and they have an excellent, easy to navigate website. They have a wide range of deductibles that brought my rate down to $260 for a two-month contract. Documents are sent immediately via email or direct download (or both).

Good luck to everyone. Now, to buy tickets and try to use the Thailand Pass system.

@Wydahoan

Thank you for the information. I purchased the insurance offered by IMG (Imglobal) and it was a very smooth procedure. They provide a confirmation letter and ID card as soon as the contract is paid for (as can be seen in Wydahoan's reply above). They are both in PDF format so I'll have to photograph them for uploading to the Thailand Pass system but that's easily done. I would recommend others under the age of 79 to check out this company.

Now, I'll be able to buy tickets.

Thanks very much to all contributors to this thread.

Wow, thanks to all for the advice. The Imglobal insurance at 8700 baht for 60 days is actually fairly affordable if you select the $1000 deductible option and are under 79 years of age. I'm 78 so that will work for me this time. I'll call them to see if they can supply a certificate that will detail the coverage in a way acceptable to Thai Immigration. I understand they don't accept any PDFs so I'll need to check further with the company.

@Wydahoan Thanks very much for this information. I wonder if you know what sort of proof of insurance your friend received from the company?

8 minutes ago, notrub said:

I will try the number for you.  Also the call centre.  Do you call using skype or some other online calling service?  I took my cover for 1 year at 15,000 THB, why not?  I cannot get any other insurance as I am 73.  I also have an 'O' visa NOT 'O'A.  My visa does not require health  insurance but the OA does.  You cam PM me if you prefer.  It is 10:55 HR here at the moment. 

I called using Skype as I'm in the U.S. right now. The phone at 662 078 5668 rings but nobody answers. I tried the number posted on the website (662 078 5656) but that one is not working. I also sent an email asking for clarification.

As for the 15K baht, that isn't horrendous but it is not clear to me how the price I was quoted makes sense given what you're saying. Also, I'd rather not pay for a whole year until I have to next September. I need coverage for only a couple months at the present time.

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

AFAIK, the Chiang Mai airport is not open for international flights yet. The SHA+ hotels you see listed in Chiang Mai are for domestic travel only.

As for the glitch in the Thailand Pass site when attempting to upload docs, there is a workaround someone posted earlier. I haven't tried it but several people who did report success.

Try this workaround: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-pass-workaround-for