bberg

Not wearing mask - what is the health consequence?  

What happens when / if persons are "found" COVID19 positive on day 1? 

Still punished to 10 days in COVID19 prison at own cost? 

A move in the right direction.

However, 

I will, regardless of COVID19, have insurance anywhere also in Thailand, I don't see much difference here.

The 5th-day test was ridiculous but made revenue - a good business model but left many unwilling to travel to Thailand.

The PCR test before traveling etc is not convenient for most travelers hence most will not bother and wait until all COVID19 related restrictions are removed.  

For me, I will come back to Thailand when its possible to travel without all the ridiculous rules in force to prevent a flue from doing what a flu does every year regardless, make lots of people sick and some people, around the whole world, will not survive the annual flu. 

Worth mentioning as a side comment to unwanted happenings - it's still 59 people every day on average, in Thailand, who pay the ultimate price in a traffic accident - not changed despite COVID19 restrictions.  

I say - let's start focus other issues than the flu which has a vaccine developed. 

I have just returned to Korea, I did 1 week as a must do after nearly 2 years absent including foamily illness. 

Getting the COE was hard because the Thai embassy staff was probably not sufficient or prioritized Thai citizens - it was very stressful seeing the days disappeared but with hours left I managed to get the approval - its was pure luck and endless efforts. 

Thailand is generally not open for regular tourists - full stop, Sandbox programs perhaps but elsewhere not ready yet. 

A 7 days visit has resulted in 5 COVID19 PC test, 3 of the test i have paid 120USD, the two left is by tax people money in Korea. Quarantine hotel in Bangkok was ok but only because so few people travel so the airport organizers can cope.  I read stories of people who have been subjected to positive COVID19 tests, directly or indirectly and will end of paying hundreds of thousands baht unless insurance pay which, I hope for them, is the case. 

I was almost rejected traveling to Ubon from Bangkok but luck on my side the latest PCR test was valid and I was granted boarding. 

I had issues with immigration due to e-VISA, I was the only person in the huge departure immigration last night when I arrived and was called to side due to the e-VISA item which was fast resolved. 

Almost all shops in the airport was closed and boarded up shut, I managed to get a coffee on ground floor next to airport link only. 

I have had 7 visits for hospitals for tests and to claim documentation.

I hope soon the travel restrictions will become better, its a troubled road ongoing and in the immediate future but we will get there. 

For now I will say, based on my experience, if you go to stay in one place only its ok but be prepared to do numerous COVID19 tests at 120USD time upon coming and leaving. If you have a condo or similar and are familiar with Thailand in general its doable but much of the usual services and transport services are simply not there currently. 

Family holiday is not ready yet, unless sandbox perhaps, but I would advice to give it a few more months.

Insurance is more important than anytime before to include all COVID19 related happenings,  flight cancelation and rescheduled flexibility etc. is necessary too. You could if unlucky to be close to a COVID19 positive case face 10K USD a person easily - its a higher financial risk more than a virus risk in my opinion. 

We are getting there, was great to be back and I plan my next trip, hopefully a but longer in February.

Keep it up folks - sunny days will return. 

60K approx. 1.8K USD

The revenue given approx. 200USD for 1 day quarantine including the first COVID19 PCR test + the second PCR test before departure is 120 USD that's 320 USD of the 1.8K USD directly leavening 49K THB to spend on hotels, food, transport etc, etc. over a say 14 days holiday averaging 3500 bath/day. 

Possibly.....   

They just hoped that Jeju Air would fly in from Incheon on Friday.

I can inform traveling from Korea has been nearly impossible due to the slow turnaround of COE and contacting the Thai Embassy is nearly impossible. Assume the lack of possibility to contact is down to many calling for information. 

Let alone, without COE or now Thailand Pass you cannot travel hence nobody can book flight consequently no flight to fly.

Another massive impact is the cost of COVID PCR test - 100USD each time and the uncertainty involved if, if, if etc put people off, add that to the airlines cancellation policies are not aligned to the short 72h timeline to get everything into order most families and typical Asian travelers which is manly long weekends (few days) where you are forced to stay 1 night in quarantine at hundreds of USD and another COVID19 PCR followed by yet another 100USD/person COVID19 PCR before returning to,in this example Korea, what then left of your holiday? 

Its not gonna work for short time visitors which is mainstream Asian market. Until test regimes are different, i.e. cheaper and more on the spot rather than visiting hospitals and clinics traveling cannot work efficiently.  

18 hours ago, bberg said:

Hi - The PCR test is part of your SHA+ / AQ booking. It will be done at the hotel and the transport will be from the airport which is also included in your SHA+ / AQ booking. 

Allow me to correct myself - reading the information I got in my AQ/SHA+ below direct copy/paste:

MEDICAL SERVICE BY PIYAVATE HOSPITAL:
 Transportation pick up from airport to hotel by
Piyavate Hospital on arrival date
 24-hour stand-by nursing at the hotel
 ONE Covid-19 screening testes; at Piyavate Hospital
 Daily telemedicine service 24 hours

15 hours ago, HashBrownHarry said:

Jumping through hoops??

 

It's one test on arrival and a night in a hotel, hardly difficult.

 

If they wish to find another holiday destination that's up to them but that's what it is here.

 

Many people that have holiday'd here for years will return under these rules, for sure!

Give lots of time to make sure the application are being handled in time - that is the key to success. The system COE is not difficult for most but the bottleneck is the system handlers are impossible to get hold of and are notoriously slow in some places.  What Thailand Pass will become remains to be experienced but I doubt it will be a 5 min job all clear away you go job.  

8 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

And there it is. Yes it is a quarantine, and not quarantine FREE.....

....and it will cost you a few hundred USD including PCR test and air port pick in the booking. Be aware they may require a hotel certificate if booking at AGODA etc. Its still unanswered questions and if go, start very early in the planning since it could take a long time to get all the documents to pass.  

3 minutes ago, oscarsmum said:

Can anyone here pls advise where the arrival PCR test is taken? Airport clinic? Planning on arriving in Phuket mid evening. I’ve booked one night at a SHA+ hotel near Phuket Airport. Better plan to book 2 nights? Thank you for input.

Hi - The PCR test is part of your SHA+ / AQ booking. It will be done at the hotel and the transport will be from the airport which is also included in your SHA+ / AQ booking. 

A confirmed payment for a 1-night stay at SHA+, AQ, OQ, or AHQ accommodation, and 1 RT-PCR test.

Be aware this is not necessary 100% true, they may also require a Hotel certificate in addition to the booking if its not a direct booking. I used Agoda and Thai embassy in Seoul in my case rejected the application (COE application) because Agoda booking did not have the actual hotels COVID19 certification approved by Thai government. 

Be also aware contacting any Thai embassy could take days, I have spent today 6h calling Thai embassy in Seoul and had to pretend I was Thai national to get anybody to talk to me, even then they put the phone down on me 3 times, on the 4th call I pretended to be Thai I got some kind of answer followed by a rejection of the application due to missing official certificates from the hotel. I called the hotel in Bangkok, they were very helpful and I received everything within 20min. 

Until I hear a good story regarding this so called opening I will remain in my view, if you don't need don't go. Unfortunately I must go due to family.  

1 hour ago, bberg said:

Friday follow-up; its official and ended in 100% fiasco.

 

We spent 3 hours non stop calling the Thai embassy in Seoul which are handling the COE - more than 200 calls each with same result - not one single answer and the COE has not been approved in Thailand's own systems. 

 

We spent weeks to prepare, ensured sufficient time etc, etc but was dropped dead by Thailands own system - not issuing the COE through, in my case Seoul embassy. 

 

It all baffles me how Thai government asking tourist and international travelers back to the "Land of Smiles" when the system made are impossible to achieve success. I am glad I only booked a single ticket and not extensive travels - knowing the failure rate was so high.

 

Following up to tickets, also Thai airways are impossible to get hold of so I may loose my ticket refund all together - can it all be coincidental?

 

I even got news today from Norway (where I also plan to travel in December - this is another inssane story) the required COVID19 PCR tests are now 400USD/pr test.......its all completely insane.  

 

I did try, I was prepared and prepared to be scammed and receive all the <deleted>, but wanted to honor and to see my dying mother in-law.

 

I have a minimum chance left Monday if Thailand pass is successful - but it probably will be too late for the rest of the requirements to be arranged and practically handled. 

 

Indeed a disappointing experience, but its important to warn others by writing on the forum, avoiding others disappointment. 

 

I have not been to my house in 3 years, not been to my home in 2 years - I can wait another few months or a year longer I guess.        

 

 

As a turn of events - last try calling Thai section of the Korean embassy after a few on hold and a couple rejections finally got through.

My hotel booking was rejected and I booked a new hotel which was on an official list, its 1 day quarantine whatever people might say, at 150USD/night I got a Bangkok hotel which included transport and COVID19 tests as required. 

There is still a slight hope I will be able to travel next week....what a ride this has been and all common sense tell me to cancel the trip but for the old woman sake I will go if able. 

17 hours ago, bberg said:

Further to my quest to enter Thailand to those who are interested in real life struggles.....

 

I am very fortunate in my work, I have resources to assist and help with my queries - with help we managed to finally get Thai embassy on the phone, we called for approx. 2h over 40 calls joint effort when somebody answered the phone. When asked status on my COE the reply was, yes - aware of the application. Further asking when I could expect feedback - the person said "will do it now". They had been aware for days but not pushed the application on in the system. We asked further what the process was upon the answer was the COE was approved when they replied soonest. 

 

Upon receiving the answer, my next task was to update travel (flight ticket) plus hotel booking, done in 2 min......and send back awaiting for yet another answer from same Thai Embassy. By now the clock had passed midday and they wont be answering anything before tomorrow which is Friday. My COE was still not approved despite what the embassy staff had informed on the phone. 

 

Since I am traveling after 1st November I should not be subjected to 7 days quarantine hence I only booked 1 day in a hotel which is 200m from my condo, for own convenience to walk home after proved COVID19 free, a day locked up awaiting PCR result which I assume is done at airport arrival!

 

I am entering on a VISA, non-immigrant VISA single entry - I don't risk tourist VISA this time, I need to reopen my bank accounts, update my car and motorbike licenses, renew insurances and travel to different provinces due to family illness.

 

Non-immigrant VISA was easy compared to COE!!

 

I am waiting for final COE, I doubt it will be "just like that".....but I might be positively surprised. 

 

Failing COE; my final chance is Sunday 1st November 9am when the new Thailand Pass supposedly is available. 

Failing that - my travel must be rebooked or cancelled.

 

Its been an absolute hell ride which is not over yet. The easy answer is "Don't travel to Thailand just yet". I do it because family is literarily on the last leg and this would be my only chance to see her alive, the next visit will be a temple visit that we, as a family, know.

 

Keep in mind - I have everything in place, resources, insurances, house registration - the lot, still I am struggling due to system inefficiency.  

 

  

 

 

    

Friday follow-up; its official and ended in 100% fiasco.

We spent 3 hours non stop calling the Thai embassy in Seoul which are handling the COE - more than 200 calls each with same result - not one single answer and the COE has not been approved in Thailand's own systems. 

We spent weeks to prepare, ensured sufficient time etc, etc but was dropped dead by Thailands own system - not issuing the COE through, in my case Seoul embassy. 

It all baffles me how Thai government asking tourist and international travelers back to the "Land of Smiles" when the system made are impossible to achieve success. I am glad I only booked a single ticket and not extensive travels - knowing the failure rate was so high.

Following up to tickets, also Thai airways are impossible to get hold of so I may loose my ticket refund all together - can it all be coincidental?

I even got news today from Norway (where I also plan to travel in December - this is another inssane story) the required COVID19 PCR tests are now 400USD/pr test.......its all completely insane.  

I did try, I was prepared and prepared to be scammed and receive all the <deleted>, but wanted to honor and to see my dying mother in-law.

I have a minimum chance left Monday if Thailand pass is successful - but it probably will be too late for the rest of the requirements to be arranged and practically handled. 

Indeed a disappointing experience, but its important to warn others by writing on the forum, avoiding others disappointment. 

I have not been to my house in 3 years, not been to my home in 2 years - I can wait another few months or a year longer I guess.        

8 hours ago, bberg said:

COE is a problem, personally I have applied after already been given a non-immigrant VISA but don't get answer on the COE I cannot plan or book the remaining.

 

I have applied in South Korea, Thai embassy are impossible to contact by phone, they never answer, they do answer on emails but it takes days/weeks.

 

Unless I get answer by Friday (tomorrow), my intended travel is 3rd November being a Wednesday (mid week to have a chance to get PCR test provided in time - 72h before) and depart also on a Wednesday for same reason, getting the PCR test in time before travel, I will have to gamble on the new Thailand pass opening 1st November 9am Thailand time or cancel the trip altogether or postpone until later when its possible to obtain all the documentation required to travel. 

 

If Thailand want tourists and visitors coming the systems must be achievable.

 

Another issue is the high added cost to your travels, for me I expect approx. 800USD in added cost to the travel which is basically 5 PCR tests, extra hotels, extra flight and added insurance - to my usual travel expenses. This is per person - for a family it would for most people by impossible. 

 

Also; the added risk of somebody in m vicinity during my travel will be found COVID19 positive I will be subjected to 14 days quarantine at my own expenses and my whole travel ruined altogether. 

 

Its seems, ironically, the least of anybody's worries these days is the virus it self but the bureaucracy and penalties of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time. 

 

I travel because of close family illness with days left to live I hope to be able to see before departing this planet.     

 

 

Further to my quest to enter Thailand to those who are interested in real life struggles.....

I am very fortunate in my work, I have resources to assist and help with my queries - with help we managed to finally get Thai embassy on the phone, we called for approx. 2h over 40 calls joint effort when somebody answered the phone. When asked status on my COE the reply was, yes - aware of the application. Further asking when I could expect feedback - the person said "will do it now". They had been aware for days but not pushed the application on in the system. We asked further what the process was upon the answer was the COE was approved when they replied soonest. 

Upon receiving the answer, my next task was to update travel (flight ticket) plus hotel booking, done in 2 min......and send back awaiting for yet another answer from same Thai Embassy. By now the clock had passed midday and they wont be answering anything before tomorrow which is Friday. My COE was still not approved despite what the embassy staff had informed on the phone. 

Since I am traveling after 1st November I should not be subjected to 7 days quarantine hence I only booked 1 day in a hotel which is 200m from my condo, for own convenience to walk home after proved COVID19 free, a day locked up awaiting PCR result which I assume is done at airport arrival!

I am entering on a VISA, non-immigrant VISA single entry - I don't risk tourist VISA this time, I need to reopen my bank accounts, update my car and motorbike licenses, renew insurances and travel to different provinces due to family illness.

Non-immigrant VISA was easy compared to COE!!

I am waiting for final COE, I doubt it will be "just like that".....but I might be positively surprised. 

Failing COE; my final chance is Sunday 1st November 9am when the new Thailand Pass supposedly is available. 

Failing that - my travel must be rebooked or cancelled.

Its been an absolute hell ride which is not over yet. The easy answer is "Don't travel to Thailand just yet". I do it because family is literarily on the last leg and this would be my only chance to see her alive, the next visit will be a temple visit that we, as a family, know.

Keep in mind - I have everything in place, resources, insurances, house registration - the lot, still I am struggling due to system inefficiency.  

CEO is a problem, personally I have applied after already been given a non-immigrant VISA but don't get answer on the CEO I cannot plan or book the remaining.

I have applied in South Korea, Thai embassy are impossible to contact by phone, they never answer, they do answer on emails but it takes days/weeks.

Unless I get answer by Friday (tomorrow), my intended travel is 3rd November being a Wednesday (mid week to have a chance to get PCR test provided in time - 72h before) and depart also on a Wednesday for same reason, getting the PCR test in time before travel, I will have to gamble on the new Thailand pass opening 1st November 9am Thailand time or cancel the trip altogether or postpone until later when its possible to obtain all the documentation required to travel. 

If Thailand want tourists and visitors coming the systems must be achievable.

Another issue is the high added cost to your travels, for me I expect approx. 800USD in added cost to the travel which is basically 5 PCR tests, extra hotels, extra flight and added insurance - to my usual travel expenses. This is per person - for a family it would for most people by impossible. 

Also; the added risk of somebody in m vicinity during my travel will be found COVID19 positive I will be subjected to 14 days quarantine at my own expenses and my whole travel ruined altogether. 

Its seems, ironically, the least of anybody's worries these days is the virus it self but the bureaucracy and penalties of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time. 

I travel because of close family illness with days left to live I hope to be able to see before departing this planet.     

Hi,

A few emails back and forward with AXA Thailand. 

After I sent my VISA application papers, flight tickets, marriage documents, proof of residence and additional letter to Thai embassy where I applied to AXA Thailand they have accepted to cancel the insurance and refund 13500 baht within 30-45 days back to my credit card. 

Check carefully the policy you enquire coverage and raise the question with regards to cancellation would be by good advice. 

I may got luck in my enquiry for cancellation aftercall.  

Hi,

I recently applied to Non-immigrant O visa and was granted the visa. One of the requirement was COVID19 insurance covering 100K USD. 

I bought 6 months insurance at 15K baht. 

The application for Non-immigrant passed and was received.

Due to changes in work schedule I could no longer use the VISA for the intended travel,

I have tried to cancel the insurance which was bought at AXA, to my surprise they refuse to cancel the visa and refuse to follow their own cancellation policy.   

I will have to accept my 15K baht insurance is lost unless AXA changes their attitude towards "valuable customer" as they refer to in their advertisements.  

Maybe the sponsor of the Forum could share some insight on my experience and whether other insurance buyers have experienced same treatment being refused cancellation and consequently paying for nothing!  

On 7/10/2021 at 4:07 PM, Rhacsyn said:

Just to clarify a couple of points and continue my post from yesterday. I am a sandboxer in day 8.

 

There were 142 passengers on the flight in question (2 first class, 30 business and 110 in economy). Therefore not ALL passengers were transfered to ALQ.

 

My AXA insurance would NOT cover me for ALQ unless i had tested positive. It is Covid specific insurance.

 

The 12 who tested negative but were part of the travel group and put in ALQ are returning to UAE and have been given a full "refund". This news is just appearing on Phuket News / Times. I do not know yet if there will be any other form of compensation (TAT have apparently offered some form of holiday voucher but I am too scared to write that...)

 

 

Hi,

Slightly of topic but a warning using AXA Thailand insurance. 

I recently applied to Non-immigrant O visa and was granted the visa. One of the requirement was COVID19 insurance covering 100K USD. 

I bought 6 months insurance at 15K baht. 

The application for Non-immigrant passed and was received.

Due to changes in work schedule I could no longer use the VISA for the intended travel,

I have tried to cancel the insurance which was bought at AXA, to my surprise they refuse to cancel the visa and refuse to follow their own cancellation policy.   

I am aware I am not following your question fully but I want to send a message of do not use AXA Thailand insurance, they have been rude and ignorant in answering and refuse to follow own cancellation policy. I will have to accept my 15K baht insurance is lost unless AXA changes their attitude towards "valuable customer" as they refer to in their advertisements.  

Hi,

I recently applied to Non-immigrant O visa and was granted the visa. One of the requirement was COVID19 insurance covering 100K USD. 

I bought 6 months insurance at 15K baht. 

The application for Non-immigrant passed and was received.

Due to changes in work schedule I could no longer use the VISA for the intended travel,

I have tried to cancel the insurance which was bought at AXA, to my surprise they refuse to cancel the visa and refuse to follow their own cancellation policy.   

I am aware I am not following your question fully but I want to send a message of do not use AXA Thailand insurance, they have been rude and ignorant in answering and refuse to follow own cancellation policy. I will have to accept my 15K baht insurance is lost unless AXA changes their attitude towards "valuable customer" as they refer to in their advertisements.  

My message is : DO NOT USE AXA THAILAND INSURANSE 

About the Honda VTR 250cc : http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php/20...Powerful-V-Twin

Has anybody more information about this bike included when it's avaliable in Thailand.

The price is expected to be 144 000 baht and avaliable early 2010, anybody with more and more exact information?

lopburi3:"You are aware that you do not give your passport to Immigration during the processing time? You are free to travel with a re-entry permit as long as you can return by the reporting date. It is not ideal but it is not like you have no passport."

I was not aware of this, thanks.

ubonjoe: As far as Singapore I have never failed when applying and my first application was in 2002 when it was free and my last VISA obtained was 2008 when it was a bit more documentation but I had no problems at all, 24hours later I had the VISA in my hand showning bank statements from my Norwegian bank (not verified even by the Norwegian embassy!). There might be changes this year of course and that is the core of the issue I am trying to get across on this forum today, the neverending changes obtaining a rightfully VISA.

I lived in Ubon for 5 years ahead of coming to Pattaya and over those years I could never get a bank account in my name. I had a joint account in Krung Thai Bank. I could not show a work permit so the banks refused me an account in my name only. After I came to Pattaya it was easy to get a bank account but the law of the land is still the same (as in Norway, UK with others) you must have a work permit to obtain a bank account. Based on that I see my bank account illigal and my trust in the Thai society having seen money being withdrawn from close friends bank account etc I will not deploy a bigger amount then I can afford to loose so to speak. I transfere monthly to my bank account so solve this issue. I am aware that I would make my application issue so much easier to deploy 400 000 THB into my account and I might just do that if no other options are avaliable.

My point is though: There are other options but when you ask the immigration you always get different answers and why should the prossess be so difficult?

I don't think there is so much more to add other then we all know about the difficulties living correct in Thailand and it does come to a high price as well, a price many might see as too high and too much problems attached and in the end enough is enough.....like me!

I will be leaving tomorrow for work and I will come back but when and on what VISA I don't know yet! One thing is for sure and that is that the balanse between living in Thailand or live elsewere is in favour of elsewere this moment in time!

It's frustrating more then anything.

Again thanks for all your comments.