Travis179

True enough. I meant "scam" comparatively speaking. That is, the cost of 10 days at a run down hotel with sketchy service, and subpar food. Versus a non-ASQ setting where the free market determines the cost. Few would consider most ASQ's reasonably priced. But just my .2c, I respect differing viewpoints. Cheers!

Smart move. I was in Pattaya for 3 months this year. Did some banking on my MacBook on my ASQ and hotel Wifi. Someone hacked my account, and tried to use my credit card. My bank notified me immediately, and temporarily suspended my card. Which stressed me out big time, as I was using the card for everything. Thankfully I had a back-up debit card, or I would have been screwed big time. Eventually got it resolved, then started using a VPN (Proton). No issues after that. Am returning again soon, will try Nord next time. I've heard Express is great.

Yes, sounds like you may have a different package. I remember ordering a club sandwich for lunch one day. When it arrived I had to laugh. I could fit the entire sandwich in the palm of my hand. I was hungry again a few hours later. The whole ASQ thing is a major scam. I forget the total cost, I think it was about $1,000 for 10 days (30,000 baht?). After I left the ASQ, I moved to a beautiful, serviced apartment, new building, near the beach, it was only 8000 baht for an entire month (plus utilities).

Is this just for the "sandbox" tourists? I'm staying in Pattaya (non-sandbox) and already booked my ASQ. Seems ridiculous overkill to also get swabbed & detained in BKK.

I did my 10 days at the Tropicana too, back in April. All things considered, it was not that bad. I ended up staying 90 days, so it was worth it. I usually have awful jet lag the 1st week or so anyways, so I didn't mind crashing and resting. Rooms are small though. Wifi connection was fine. Balcony was nice. We weren't allowed to use the pool at any time. My only complaint would be the food. The food itself was OK, although carb heavy. Unless you're a 90 lb. woman, you'll find the portion sizes laughable. I ended up ordering extras to make up for the daily calorie deficit. I was chronically hungry, and lost 8 lbs. while there. And I was slim to begin with (5'11", 168). I'll bring a few boxes of protein bars next time. If there's a next time.

Yes, I'm very curious myself. I was going to book a flight for next week. But with these recent developments, I've been hesitant.

Ah OK, I thought that was the case. Thanks for the quick response.

Booked PCR tests? Is that something new? When I went to Thailand in April, only tests I got were during my ASQ, and it was included in the package.

FYI: Some airlines provide free COVID insurance. JAL is one of them, coverage of 150,000 Euros for 31 days from your departure date. Included in your airfare. I used them earlier this year. https://www.jal.co.jp/au/en/info/travelalerts/flysafe/jalcoronacover/

Thai insurance carriers will fight that tooth & nail. Easy money for them when it's mandatory.

Does that apply to unvaccinated tourists as well? That is, you get a negative test result, and no need for further quarantine? Actually, I already paid for 10 days ASQ, and it's non-refundable. I'd hate to lose the $$$, but I'd still rather not do it. If that's what the new directive will be. Already started the COE process, was going to book a flight this week, but might wait a few more weeks until this is clarified.

Hmm...9 pm curfew, no nightlife, costly 2 week ASQ, COVID insurance, masks, endless PCR tests, COE, etc.? Who in their right mind would find that even remotely appealing?

When I arrived in late April, nobody asked to see the app. Or whether I even had a smart phone. Nor at any point during my stay. BKK immigration reviewed my paperwork with a microscope, but never asked to see the ThailandPlus app (I did have it). It wouldn't work at all on any of my Android phones. I could download it, but it kept crashing. Was finally able to successfully install on my Ipad Air, where it worked just fine.

Exactly. My ASQ required us to download the Line app when we checked-in. They used this to take daily meal orders, and twice daily temp readings (10 AM & 2 PM). And if you wanted to contact them for any reason, laundry service, extra water or food (the meal portions were tiny). A tablet or laptop would work equally well, for those who don't have a smart phone. Provided you had Line (or whatever app they require) installed.

Apply whenever you're ready to travel. However, once you do, the clock is ticking. Mine was preapproved within 48 hours. You then have 15 days to upload the following: Flight itinerary, COVID insurance policy, and ASQ reservation. Final approval was almost immediate once that was done. So, the process was quick. I'm guessing not many applications at this point in time, so no backlog to delay things.