Xmas

In Australia trying to return, due to age generally return using Travel insurance. As Australian government warns about travel to Thailand at present cant find an insurance company that will provide necessary insurance cover to meet new Thailand Pass requirements. now they are insisting on general health as well as Covid cover.

When only Covid cover was required it was available from Thai companies at a reasonable price. 

To risky ,numbers excalating through - out Thailand. We dont see all the info. Just heard about 100 staff infected in Chiang Rai General Hospital. How many are really infected in Phuket. Althogh anxious to return home I will not take the risk for a couple of months at least. See how they travel. I wish all the best of luck.

As the final details of the opening are not as yet published Consulates around the world will not be approving any COE's. People will be waiting to see how it works before commiting. Insurance is a problem, expensive and much dearer than Thai people pay in country. Somewhat a rip off. A lot of countries still require quarantine on return from foreign parts so hardly worth a 2 week holiday with that restriction. Many countries have restrictions on people leaving. I think the Sandbox may attract expats trying to return home to families etc.

But I have know idea how these people have a clue of how many visitors there will be. I suggest the Thai Government consider a more acceptable price for insurance as the type of travellers that may come would be aiming to stay in Thailand for weeks after Phuket. 

Very confusing with different stories almost daily. Thailand must ramp up its vaccination program now or they will have no chance attracting visitors anyway, whether opening Phuket or other areas.

People are not going to risk travel for a 2 week holiday. Opening Phuket without quaratine may attract expats who have been waiting to return home to Thailand , but others I think is doubtful. Just get on with the vaccinations !!!

Farang friends with pink ID cards in the north have managed to register and book appointments for early June. So system appears to be working there. We will hope for a good outcome.

I suggest reading the IATA website re their Travel pass APP. Many airlines are signed up to trial it. Singapore Airlines are using it on one of their routes. Others trialling as well. Some airlines such as Qantas are already saying this pass could well be a necessetity to allow travel on their airline. This may well happen as we attempt to re start travel. Thai also state they are trailling it. Good chance it may be adopted by many carriers. Seem to me a good way to get international travel started. Could then be relaxed as we return to normal - "If ever"

Cant understand why someone would take a survey at this point in time. Its meaniless.

Thailand is experinacing a 3rd, wave due to a government not taking drastic measures early. Songran holiday a super spreder, should have been cancelled. Vaccine roll out far to slow, falling behind our neighbours. Priority now is lock down vaccinate the populus. And some financial assistance to the general population.

For myself I would like to see the 90 day reporting abolished. It was ok when the online capability worked. As to the Visa situation I would to see that made easier and the insurance sitution improved. Very difficult for older persons to find health insurance to meet some Visa requirements. I am hoping for some postive news.

Wont be any travel bubbles with Thailand now Covid is spreading quickly again. Was looking promising earlier but next wave starting. Songran travel a big risk. The Government needs to speed up the vaccine distribution and restrict social gatherings, make mask mandatory and encourage social distancing. The best way foreward. The pourous borders are also a big problem. Hoping for the best need to come home.

It has been proven in NZ and Aus that you need to test thousands of persons, restrict insterstate/province travel , limit crowds etc.etc.

In Thailand

We now see cases spreding from entertainment venues in BK etc to other provinces. This will start a new wave in many areas. Efficient contact tracing is a must. I think Thailand should restrict travel during Songran and make a special effort to roll out vaccines to the general population. If they dont get their act together now we will not be able to ramp up business and some tourisim.

If they can make it work, good on them. All I see is critics. 

UK , Europe, America have made a right F**up of there attempt to control the pandemic. Keep shutting and relaxing and things get worse and worse at least Thailand has been fairly good keeping things in check. 

I myself would be happy to return to my home in Chiang Rai via a short stay in Puket without Quaratine etc.etc. after getting the Jab.

I think compared to most European Countries , Americas and many African states the Thais have done a reasonable job. England has been an absolute disaster. At least this latest news improves the postion of many of us that want to return to our Thai homes and partners. A step in the right direction , lets hope for success.

Used the pink card in Chiang Rai park, charged the same as Thai People. 

Aussies cannot leave the country without special permission. There are no flights to Thailand, only repatriation flights for Thai Citizens, I think they have these twice a month. No information as to if seats are available on these flights. Australia will not review their border closure until 17th. December. We are all locked in.

Was the above piture taken at the Chiangrai immigration office?

Thank you for the info. Motdaeng it seems from your post that 2 months is the official position. I wonder if anyone has tested this recently?

Read a statement from the Thai Immigration Chief that for Visa Renewal you need to have 800k in a Thai bank 2 months prior to renewal application.

Some say it is 3 months before application. Does anyone have recent experience to clear up this issue? 

I am sure many of you have been through this process.

I will be seeking a retirement visa in the near future and will be locating to Chiang Rai.

I am aware of the financial requirements but a bit unsure of some details.

1. I understand that a non immigrant O visa is first required, and I am told you have to obtain this in country - is this a fact?

2. On entry to the Kingdom would a return ticket be required ?

Would appreciate if someone could assist me with the details of this process.

Thank you

Thanks to all for the advice, most helpful

I am looking for advice regarding shipping household goods/furniture etc. from Sydney to Chiangrai.

Wondering if any members have gone through the process and can recommend a shipping agent etc.

Want someone to handle the shipping door to door. Do not want to collect items in Bangkok.

Not sure if the whole exercise is viable.

Any advice would be most appreciated.