cerox

From those who have already travelled to Thailand:

Can I use my existing health insurance or do I need to purchase Thai insurance which would be very expensive because of many cases in my home country?

I applied for the Elite visa on August 4th. Still waiting for the Immigration approval.

I am grateful that it took so long. It seems STV will be easier and new Elite members cannot enter Thailand - so far I have not seen anyone with a new membership who managed to get his visa affixed at some embassy and enter the country.

As far as I understand I need the fit to fly certificate and the PCR test both for departure and for the consulate for the COE/visa pick-up.

So assuming my flight was Wednesday, my journey would start on Monday doing the PCR test, going to a doctor for a fit-to-fly certificate, hoping to get the result on Tuesday morning, driving far away to the consulate, hoping they accept my documents.

Never had so much stress before a long-haul flight. I wait until December hoping they can do it better. PCR test and quarantine are fine for me - I do not like it but I am prepared to do it. But all that logistical effort and risk that I do not get documents in-time is just too much.

Can someone tell me whether I need the covid test and fit to fly in order to collect the COE/visa?

So in that case I would have to do it twice.

2 hours ago, JacksSmirkingRevenge said:

Not likely, but would be nice

It is 80% likely 555

1 minute ago, jbinthai said:

I have had a Retirement Visa for 6 years and lived in Thailand for 19 years.  Had to go to the USA to settle husbands estate in March...and have a re- entry stamp....I am still in the USA...Thailand will not let me back in yet.  Have a house and all my belongings there.  Just does not seem fair to let them in and not let me cone home.

You can apply for a special TV soon, I will do the same ????

Interesting development. A 9 months visa would be perfect for many of us, I go to my home country many months per year too.

For now the best course of action for me and others who already applied for the Elite card, seems to be to wait it out with the payment until the end of September, which is the deadline to get 6 months extra.

It seems with every day, they destroy the economy more and other visa options become more likely. Options that do offer more flexibility as it used to be "pay as you go" with visa matters.

I have been away from Thailand since February. I missed it but not anymore. Too much time has passed now. I will do the quarantine once - if it is still in place after 7 out of 9 months of such a visa, it is time to pack the full bag before leaving next time.

Funny topic.

Just a few weeks ago I mentioned that I doubt Elite staff would be able to meet you and affix the sticker for new members. Many people found this very laughable and said it would be possible.

Now it seems you are not so confident anymore that TH Elite confirmed my doubts.

I am waiting for my approval which I expect in the next few weeks. No doubt I will not pay anything until TE and the embassy confirm to me they can get the sticker in my passport in my country. Also the embassy needs to confirm repatriation flights are possible for us. Every embassy seems to handle that differently for TE.

18 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

What about tourists arriving with one of these??? (sorry, post seems to have duplicated)

Let the airline deny them boarding or even funnier Immigration could deny entry 5555

Could you please post some details?

I have been out of Thailand since February. My Elite application is running and should be approved within this month.

But I am reluctant to pay before confirmation that I can get on a repatriation flight, because my embassy in Germany says they do not issue COE for Elite.

I do not see an issue here. They can drive without a license.

Congratulations. When do they release you from the hotel / time as I would need to travel further to Chiang Mai? Can I check-out on the last morning/day as I please e.g. early morning or any paperwork?

On pictures I saw they use some disinfectant / spray? for you and your hand luggage. How do I protect my valuables as laptop etc.?

They say until September 30th you can set your activation date. Of course it is unlikely we will be in Thailand by then because of delays with the repatriation flight etc.

But with payments until then we get 6 months extra. So if we manage to get in by March, we do not lose anything yet.

I was told the same thing by Elite staff that it is not yet finalized under which conditions we (new members) can enter and the maximum quota.

I already applied because the process could take weeks/months even if faster for some here.

Nevertheless I need clarity before making the payment.

I am still not sure about the arrival process for people who buy Elite now.

Because we do not have the visa sticker in our passports and the whole arrival process has changed - I doubt Elite staff will be able to collect us from the airplane to affix the sticker. I wrote them about it and hope it is possible for new members too.

I wish I had the luxury to think about relocating to Vietnam, Thailand or elsewhere.

I can only hope that Bali does open Sep 11th as they say, so I can finally go somewhere. I have already accepted that Thailand will be closed for me until there is a vaccine. If not, maybe closed for years. Vietnam talked about eVisas for July, seems that did not happen. Would not except them to open at all, same as Thailand.

4 hours ago, The Barmbeker said:

Working in tourism, I can tell you first hand, that we have a bunch of requests for trips to Thailand from October onwards and with increasing numbers, over the coming months!

There is a potential- but if the Thai- government has no intend on AT LEAST signalling a possible opening from October onwards, this bubble will burst!

You have to focus on Thai tourists.

Borders will not open. Foreigners will not be allowed. That is what we all have to accept.

19 minutes ago, garygooner said:

I would have expected a post like this to have been written by someone far younger than 37!!!

Why even post? 

Come here, look around, talk to women, see what you think. Lol. 

Cannot 555

Thailand closed. No plans to open.

Why do we even think about it.

Does not matter if the UK believes Thailands statistics.

We still will not get back to Thailand.

You have good chances in SEA, also in Thailand.

I am around your age, 32, also average and I find it easy to find a younger girl in Thailand - for relationship, some who do not want to work, some who go to university for a good education. All kinds of girls.

I am also from Europe - zero chance to talk to a girl who is 20-23 - I would get slapped right in the face if I were lucky.

But for now, I am in Europe too, we have to adapt. Going to Thailand is not possible for us anymore - it is the past. Not sure what to do either.

Caught in Europe too.

No country will open. We will have to accept that our new life is here in Europe now.

Thailand and Philippines is past life now.

I am caught in my home country too.

Got myself busy with other stuff now. Do not care anymore, Thailand will not open anyway. That is what I accepted.

4 hours ago, Henryford said:

With the Thai baht everyone will soon be leaving.

Not necessary, cannot even enter the country 555