My (from USA) repatriation and ASQ experience

[soidog2]

First the basic and very important, I left Thailand in August knowing I will be away a long time.

Before I left I went to immigration and got them to do my extension a few months ahead of time, which together with the reentry permit made my return a lot easier.

I booked a repatriation flight with Cathay Pacific, on the itinerary they list the required documentation, the same as the Thai Consulates:

 

** REQUIRED DOCUMENT LIST **

1.VALID THAI VISA

2.CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY (COE)

3.FIT TO FLY HEALTH CERTIFICATE ISSUED NO MORE THAN 72 HOURS

BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME

4.MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WITH A LABORATORY RESULT INDICATING THAT

COVID -19 IS NOT DETECTED, USING RT-PCR TEST, ISSUED NO MORE

THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME

5.ASQ BOOKING CONFIRMATION ON ARRIVAL DATE

6.STAYING INSURANCE COVERING MEDICAL EXPENSES (INCLUDING COVID-

19) TO THE AMOUNT OF USD100,000

 

Once I had the repatriation flight, the Covid insurance and ASQ booked, I applied on line at the Thai consulate in NY for the COE. The staff is helpful; I received the certificate without any delays or problems.

 

The PCR test and fit to fly certificate is another matter. In NY, rapid RT-PCR tests are available (I received results in three hours) but very expensive. Most places have no idea what a fit to fly certificate is, only a handful of places will issue one, some will allow an on line consultation with a doctor asking a few routine questions then email you the certificate in 15 minutes, also expensive.

 

I bought the Covid insurance from INSUBUY as it was the easiest to deal with if not the cheapest.

 

Going to the airport to check in for your flight, make sure your paper work is 100% or you will not board. They checked everything thoroughly several times before issuing boarding passes. At least one person was turned away.

 

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi:

 

The flight was relatively full, as we disembarked and walked towards immigration, weird rows of plastic chairs were on both sides of the path, it turns out they were for the passengers to sit down while immigration does the documentation precheck.

Two fights came in, everybody sat in groups according to their flights and immigration people walked and checked each passenger’s documents.

Next step is the medical screening after which you will move to another row of chairs to wait for immigration officers to herd you towards their counters. When you finally arrive at the exit counters  you will first pass an area where they will check your passport against the certificate of entry, then move on to your final step; the entry stamp.

 

Walk down, collect your luggage, exit as usual, on the other side the ASQ people are waiting to take you.

 

For me this took about 2.5 hours from landing, there was no chaos but it had a dark militaristic tone with high brass constantly taking pictures of everything , it reminded me of concentration camp movies.

 

I hope this lets people know what to expect, anyone needs tips for where to obtain tests etc in NY, please PM.

I picked the Courtyard Marriott for the ASQ package, so far their service and food is good, the room is comfortable, Netflix & Amazon Prime included.

 

Edited January 1, 2021 by soidog2

[Billpro785]

My same experience except I came from Florida, and flew KLM. Was no more than 45 people if that. Here at the Court Yard too, 7 more days to go. 

[LALes]

Very good info.  Thanks for sharing.  If you don't mind my asking, how much was your insurance and are you

over 70 years old?  TIA

[ChakaKhan]

What is the cost of your ASQ for the 2 weeks?

[PumpkinEater]

I came from USA in Oct.

The entire (expensive) procedure is based on the COVID test “house of cards” which could torpedo the entire journey.

Setting up the Covid test was a horrible experience. Since I had never been sick and was out of State, no one would take me...especially without USA Insurance or provider with my medical history.

I finally went to an urgent care facility where they had no Idea of how long the results would take ($180j.

I left them the fit to fly certificate, and when the result came back, they refused to sign the certificate stating “Your doctor must sign”. i argued and pleaded for an hour.

Mind you drive through testing was free for “in state” residents, but since I was out of State they would not give me that service...

In the end I paid dearly (another $500) to actually fly through JFK and had a medical service come to me at the airport do administer my test. I then flew same day on to Chicago to awaite my Qatar flight. 
My results came back negative and they signed the fit to fly certificate.

keep in mind that to get an appointment for a PCR rapid result test is VERY difficult with online appointments filling up within two minutes of that days opening!

A real F%#K Fest!

Oh and the nurse at first urgent health care facility (That would not sign my fit to fly) gave me a LONG LECTURE on how I should not travel!

 

[PumpkinEater]

Oh I forgot to say...

SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THAILAND!

[soidog2]

2 hours ago, ChakaKhan said:

What is the cost of your ASQ for the 2 weeks?

57,000.00 baht that includes a discount for membership in Marriott Buonvoy.

 

2 hours ago, LALes said:

Very good info.  Thanks for sharing.  If you don't mind my asking, how much was your insurance and are you

over 70 years old?  TIA

I am under 70, cost was $811.00 for 6 month coverage.

[soidog2]

23 minutes ago, PumpkinEater said:

I came from USA in Oct.

The entire (expensive) procedure is based on the COVID test “house of cards” which could torpedo the entire journey.

Setting up the Covid test was a horrible experience. Since I had never been sick and was out of State, no one would take me...especially without USA Insurance or provider with my medical history.

I finally went to an urgent care facility where they had no Idea of how long the results would take ($180j.

I left them the fit to fly certificate, and when the result came back, they refused to sign the certificate stating “Your doctor must sign”. i argued and pleaded for an hour.

Mind you drive through testing was free for “in state” residents, but since I was out of State they would not give me that service...

In the end I paid dearly (another $500) to actually fly through JFK and had a medical service come to me at the airport do administer my test. I then flew same day on to Chicago to awaite my Qatar flight. 
My results came back negative and they signed the fit to fly certificate.

keep in mind that to get an appointment for a PCR rapid result test is VERY difficult with online appointments filling up within two minutes of that days opening!

A real F%#K Fest!

Oh and the nurse at first urgent health care facility (That would not sign my fit to fly) gave me a LONG LECTURE on how I should not travel!

 

That's rough, but probably a typical experience, I had no choice in traveling, luckily in NY there are testing options but you need to search real well.

[madmen]

OP Thanks for the drama free trip report. It's so much easier when it's just the facts presented. 

[ubonjoe]

10 minutes ago, soidog2 said:

I am under 70, cost was $811.00 for 6 month coverage.

That is a little more than what the TGIA covid insurance for 180 day would be. Just checked and it is 23,040 ($768).

[Billpro785]

3 hours ago, LALes said:

Very good info.  Thanks for sharing.  If you don't mind my asking, how much was your insurance and are you

over 70 years old?  TIA

58 years old, as I bought the 30 day policy to satisfy the COE requirement of 40k / 40000 K baht coverage. Cost around 175 USD, something like that. As I have Cigna international, it is my primary insurance. 

[Billpro785]

I flew out of Orlando as there is a testing site near the airport that offered same day results and fit to fly. Cost was 75.00 out pocket with insurance , and 155 USD without.no appointment needed. Took the test around  9am and by 5pm had the results by email. Would say the whole process from getting the COE, to the RT_PCR test, and the flights was stress free and no issues. Flew KLM and had a 8 hour layover in Amsterdam the KLM lounge was open couple of drinks, a shower and some sleep was ready for the next flight to Bangkok. 

 45 people on the plane everyone had their own row, arrived in Bangkok, from the time I stepped off the plane  until I was in the hotel shuttle was no more 35 minutes. Day 7 in ASQ and keeping busy,  time is really going quick. 

[JTXR]

Thank you (and PumpkinEater) for sharing your experiences. 

I'll be going to the US in a few months, then returning to Thailand a couple of months later.  It's good to have some idea of what's what. 

The U.S. medical system is so messed up, getting a rapid PCR test and a simply getting a doctor to sign a FtF certificate is much more difficult than it should be.  I get stressed just thinking about how one small hiccup in that dysfunctional system could eff up the whole return.

[soidog2]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

That is a little more than what the TGIA covid insurance for 180 day would be. Just checked and it is 23,040 ($768).

I knew that but i just wanted to be done with it, was finished in 5 minutes with a phone call.

[Isaan sailor]

Thanks for the info.  If you don’t have to go back to America—you’re lucky.  But sooner or later, most of us will.  Just hope the return process gets easier.

[ChakaKhan]

20 hours ago, Billpro785 said:

I flew out of Orlando as there is a testing site near the airport that offered same day results and fit to fly. Cost was 75.00 out pocket with insurance , and 155 USD without.no appointment needed. Took the test around  9am and by 5pm had the results by email. Would say the whole process from getting the COE, to the RT_PCR test, and the flights was stress free and no issues. Flew KLM and had a 8 hour layover in Amsterdam the KLM lounge was open couple of drinks, a shower and some sleep was ready for the next flight to Bangkok. 

 45 people on the plane everyone had their own row, arrived in Bangkok, from the time I stepped off the plane  until I was in the hotel shuttle was no more 35 minutes. Day 7 in ASQ and keeping busy,  time is really going quick. 

Comfortable telling us(me) what the TOTAL cost was of everything to get back into LOS?   Wondering if airlines would let you in with a ONE way tix as Ive always come that way to LOS, saying I would leave LOS after 30 days

[Billpro785]

25 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

Comfortable telling us(me) what the TOTAL cost was of everything to get back into LOS?   Wondering if airlines would let you in with a ONE way tix as Ive always come that way to LOS, saying I would leave LOS after 30 days

Sure, this starting from Orlando, Fl, USA as was the nearest lab to offer same day testing. 

1, One day RT-PCR same day results from Covid 19 LLC lab with insurance, USD 75.00 

2, Hotel room in Orlando area while waiting for test results, USD 55.00 

3, Thai health insurance policy to cover the 40k/400k , and 100k covid requirements 45 day policy,  USD 232.00

4, KLM flight from Orlando ( MCO), to Amsterdam ( AMS) economy one way, USD 1132.00 

5, Access to KLM lounge in AMS , USD 76.00 

6, Courtyard Marriott ASQ package in Bangkok, 52000 Baht, or USD 1733.00 

7, Non o visa and COE from Thai embassy in DC,  USD 0, ( had a non o) before I applied. 

Total cost for me was USD 2171.00 as I did not have to pay for the airfare, I work for the US Gov't and they paid for it. 

Upon check-in, was not asked about a onward ticket. The Thai embassy would not approve my Cigna International insurance, and had to buy Thai based health coverage. The fit to fly paper you download fill in the info, and drop it off when you get the test. The will sign and return to you with the test results via email. 

[ChakaKhan]

4 minutes ago, Billpro785 said:

Sure, this starting from Orlando, Fl, USA as was the nearest lab to offer same day testing. 

1, One day RT-PCR same day results from Covid 19 LLC lab with insurance, USD 75.00 

2, Hotel room in Orlando area while waiting for test results, USD 55.00 

3, Thai health insurance policy to cover the 40k/400k , and 100k covid requirements 45 day policy,  USD 232.00

4, KLM flight from Orlando ( MCO), to Amsterdam ( AMS) economy one way, USD 1132.00 

5, Access to KLM lounge in AMS , USD 76.00 

6, Courtyard Marriott ASQ package in Bangkok, 52000 Baht, or USD 1733.00 

7, Non o visa and COE from Thai embassy in DC,  USD 0, ( had a non o) before I applied. 

Total cost for me was USD 2171.00 as I did not have to pay for the airfare, I work for the US Gov't and they paid for it. 

Upon check-in, was not asked about a onward ticket. The Thai embassy would not approve my Cigna International insurance, and had to buy Thai based health coverage. The fit to fly paper you download fill in the info, and drop it off when you get the test. The will sign and return to you with the test results via email. 

Thanks...good to know and get a idea on the cost and hoops needed to jump thru or sweat it out here...

[ShannanTravels]

@Billpro785 This is helpful to me too. I am retiring now and in the process of selling everything(Highlands county, FL) and want to get out of here by the end of March. I will be out of MCO also and did see the test clinic but didn't know it was that easy, thanks for the run down. I haven't thought about going through Europe instead of the other way through Korea on Delta flights. I may still try to go through Delta because I am a diamond member and wanted to use my miles to get most of the way there via business class and pay the rest of the way from Incheon, Korea cash. Thanks for the details

[Surelynot]

Were you allowed out of the hotel at anytime?

 

I live on a soi with about 5 of these hotels and suddenly we have farang families, quiet an odd sight, wandering about.

 

They don't come into the bars or restaurants and after about 20 mins we see them retracing their steps.....???

[Billpro785]

15 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

Were you allowed out of the hotel at anytime?

 

I live on a soi with about 5 of these hotels and suddenly we have farang families, quiet an odd sight, wandering about.

 

They don't come into the bars or restaurants and after about 20 mins we see them retracing their steps.....???

On the 7th day you are allowed out by the pool and or garden area for 1 hour or longer if less than 19 people. 

[Billpro785]

23 minutes ago, ShannanTravels said:

@Billpro785 This is helpful to me too. I am retiring now and in the process of selling everything(Highlands county, FL) and want to get out of here by the end of March. I will be out of MCO also and did see the test clinic but didn't know it was that easy, thanks for the run down. I haven't thought about going through Europe instead of the other way through Korea on Delta flights. I may still try to go through Delta because I am a diamond member and wanted to use my miles to get most of the way there via business class and pay the rest of the way from Incheon, Korea cash. Thanks for the details

Covid 19 LLC is 20 minutes or so from the airport open 8 to 5 pm seven days a week. You will drive in and will directed to lane one of three lanes. You will stay in your car, and they will ask you want type of test you need. For the COE for Thailand you need the same day RT-PCR test. One sheet of paperwork, and one quick swab and you drive to the waiting area lane. 10 minutes later they give back you ID , and your good to go. From start to finish, maybe 35 minutes. Same day you will get the lab reports emailed to by 11pm. The results are good for 72 hours. 

[fondue zoo]

 

2 hours ago, Billpro785 said:

The Thai embassy would not approve my Cigna International insurance, and had to buy Thai based health coverage.

 

So Immigration does not accept any insurance coverage sourced from outside Thailand?

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by fondue zoo

[ubonjoe]

22 minutes ago, fondue zoo said:

So Immigration does not accept any insurance coverage sourced from outside Thailand?

It was a embassy that did not accept it. A embassy is not part of the immigration bureau.

He did not explain why it was not accepted. But he might not of had the required proof for it such as a overseas insurance certificate.

[Billpro785]

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

It was a embassy that did not accept it. A embassy is not part of the immigration bureau.

He did not explain why it was not accepted. But he might not of had the required proof for it such as a overseas insurance certificate.

My Cigna International Insurance was not accepted by the Thai Embassy in DC even though it covered way above  the 40K and 400 K in and out patient and the 100K for covid 19. Due to the " New standard procedure " enacted in late Dec, the 40k\400k has to be with a Thailand based Insurance company. Bought a policy online and submitted to the Thai Embassy and was approved for the COE. Keep in mind when I applied for the COE I had a Non 0 multiple  reentry visa. I could have bought the minimum 30 day policy to just to satisfy the COE requirements, but opted for the 45 day policy. As I will be staying longer I will use my Cigna policy for any accident/ health issues.  I chose the Thai company AXA as I could get a quote and buy online in 30 minutes. Plus If not accepted  by the Thai embassy was refundable. AXA Ins .pdf

[ubonjoe]

19 minutes ago, Billpro785 said:

My Cigna International Insurance was not accepted by the Thai Embassy in DC even though it covered way above  the 40K and 400 K in and out patient and the 100K for covid 19. Due to the " New standard procedure " enacted in late Dec, the 40k\400k has to be with a Thailand based Insurance company.

The embassy website still states this.

"The applicants must submit the following:

• Health insurance policy document issued by a Thai or foreign insurance company, stating that the applicant is medically insured for the period and with coverage as mentioned above:
  (a) In case of a foreign insurance company, the applicant must submit the original insurance policy document with 2 copies;"

Source: https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/17/nonoretirement/

[Billpro785]

14 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

The embassy website still states this.

"The applicants must submit the following:

• Health insurance policy document issued by a Thai or foreign insurance company, stating that the applicant is medically insured for the period and with coverage as mentioned above:
  (a) In case of a foreign insurance company, the applicant must submit the original insurance policy document with 2 copies;"

Source: https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/17/nonoretirement/

That is it. Did submit my Cigna policy but was rejected. A Cigna Rep told me the hospitals in Thailand accept Cigna International, which is true used it before but the Thai Embassy's in the states will not for a COE. She said they had received numerous calls about this. 

[ubonjoe]

5 minutes ago, Billpro785 said:

That is it. Did submit my Cigna policy but was rejected. A Cigna Rep told me the hospitals in Thailand accept Cigna International, which is true used it before but the Thai Embassy's in the states will not for a COE. She said they had received numerous calls about this. 

The 40k/400k is not required for a COE. It might of been a problem with the $100,000 covid 19 insurance needed it for the COE.

[Billpro785]

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

The 40k/400k is not required for a COE. It might of been a problem with the $100,000 covid 19 insurance needed it for the COE.

Was not a issue with the 100K Covid 19 , see attached , 90 sure percent was because I have Non 0 visa and the coverage was for that. In the reason for rejecting the COE the first time was " please upload the insurance policy for the 40L/400K for in and out patient ". See attached . 

[Mai mee]

Wow, that sure looks like it complies with the Thai requirements, specifically stating coverage for Covid-19...

But they wouldn't accept it? Whew.

 

I bought an AXA policy for 11,232 THB (90 days) specifically because I figured they'd always be happy with a Thai company. I didn't even try to get that letter from my US based insurer.

 

My visa came back 2 days ago, but I've not received the COE. I'm going to email them today. I depart Jan 20.

 

Yep a complex set of hoops expensive, and as always, anything can blow you out of the game.