Is the mandatory possession of a suitable smartphone really a prerequisite to entering Thailand these days?

[OJAS]

According to the London Royal Thai Embassy website, one of the requirements for going to Thailand is the ThailandPlus app suitably downloaded. The Embassy have confirmed to me that this app is required at the airport when you arrive in Thailand (and not for their purposes in considering a COE application).

 

So what would happen if you were to show up at, say, Suvarnabhumi after a long flight clutching an otherwise acceptable COE but with no smartphone with the ThailandPlus app downloaded on to it? Would you be denied entry into Thailand and sent packing back to where you flew from? Or even denied boarding the flight at the airport of origin by the airline in the first place?

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Would you be denied entry into Thailand and sent packing back to where you flew from?

That would not surprise me.

 

OR

 

Immigration will be able to sell you one.

[HappyExpat57]

I found this which would appear a smartphone is needed, but there is no date that I could see:

https://thaiembdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ThailandPlus-Eng.pdf

[Guest TerryS123]

They do not check at the airport.  At least they didn't when I arrived. 

[Denim]

13 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I found this which would appear a smartphone is needed, but there is no date that I could see:

https://thaiembdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ThailandPlus-Eng.pdf

 

After reading that anyone would be forgiven for forsaking a leg over for the simpler to access Bognor Regis.

 

If they think the tourist industry is going to bounce back enforcing such stuff they are mistaken. This addiction to apps and smartphones is just going to put a lot of people off in favor of other destinations.

[3NUMBAS]

i prefer a simple button fone as smartfones take  up too much of ones time

[Farma]

They didn't check when I arrived earlier this year although a smart phone is needed in ASQ as mine used Line to communicate, place menu requests and for me to send twice daily photos of my thermometer readings.

[nrasmussen]

10 minutes ago, Denim said:

 

After reading that anyone would be forgiven for forsaking a leg over for the simpler to access Bognor Regis.

 

If they think the tourist industry is going to bounce back enforcing such stuff they are mistaken. This addiction to apps and smartphones is just going to put a lot of people off in favor of other destinations.

I find it hard to believe that anyone in this day and age would travel anywhere without a smartphone.

[bkk6060]

Maybe they will attach some other tracing/contact device for you to carry.

To add, anyone who does not have a smart phone in today's world must be out of touch with reality.

The app serves several functions including contacting the user if they have been in proximity of Covid cases.  It seems the right and responsible thing to do in these times.  

But, I guess if someone is involved in criminal activity they might be afraid of it.

[Denim]

1 minute ago, nrasmussen said:

I find it hard to believe that anyone in this day and age would travel anywhere without a smartphone.

Plenty of old people are not tech minded and find no need for one. But putting that fact aside, Thais do not have a great track record for designing simple to navigate apps that work seamlessly.

Can you imagine the queues at immigration if they actually implemented this in ernest. And of course it would need to be translated into other major languages.

 

Absolute non starter  and recipe for disaster IMO.

[bbko]

Are these just hypothetical questions or does anyone here really still have just a basic mobile phone?

[david555]

6 minutes ago, bbko said:

Are these just hypothetical questions or does anyone here really still have just a basic mobile phone?

I have both .....the dumb one used as a "excuse phone" on occasion ....when finding it conviniant ????

[nrasmussen]

18 minutes ago, Denim said:

Plenty of old people are not tech minded and find no need for one. But putting that fact aside, Thais do not have a great track record for designing simple to navigate apps that work seamlessly.

Can you imagine the queues at immigration if they actually implemented this in ernest. And of course it would need to be translated into other major languages.

 

Absolute non starter  and recipe for disaster IMO.

I fail to see what age has to do with being "tech minded" or not. To wit, neither of my parents, at 89 and 93 years of age, respectively, have any problems operating computers or smartphones.

[AndyFoxy]

18 minutes ago, david555 said:

I have both .....the dumb one used as a "excuse phone" on occasion ....when finding it conviniant ????

I have a cheap Nokia. Can make calls and receive them. Text too. 

 

[Denim]

14 minutes ago, nrasmussen said:

I fail to see what age has to do with being "tech minded" or not. To wit, neither of my parents, at 89 and 93 years of age, respectively, have any problems operating computers or smartphones.

And so you would conclude from this observation that all old people from whatever country are as equally capable as your parents.

 

The old people where I live have to have help using an ATM machine. 

 

Apparently, when tourism kicks off here again, Thailand is looking to China for the bulk of its tourists. The city folk are tech savy but what about the rest.

 

But forgetting all that for a moment and follow the link given by happyexpat and tell me what your honest opinion is of that app.

[ballpoint]

The whole world is going that way.  I have an APEC business travel card, and was informed a few weeks ago that the physical card was now obsolete and has been replaced by a smartphone app.  I can see the day when your whole passport, and money supply in the form of a digital currency, (and vaccination status, but let's not go there) will also be on your smartphone.

[richard_smith237]

59 minutes ago, TerryS123 said:

They do not check at the airport.  At least they didn't when I arrived. 

They do !!!....  I’ve entered Thailand via ASQ twice and Sandbox once - They checked. 

 

First two times (ASQ) it was Thailand Plus (entering Bangkok).

Third time (Sandbox) it was Mor-chana App (entering Phuket).

 

The Apps are not checked at departure, but they are definitely checked upon arrival in Thailand (for me at least). 

 

I wouldn’t advise anyone enter Thailand without a Smart Phone - Buy a cheap one in your home country so you are not caught out. 

 

What would happen if you arrived without one - There are shops at and near the Airport. 

Thai’s are very flexible, someone would be happy to sell you their phone !!! more realistically, someone would be available to ‘run out’ and purchase a phone from a nearby shop on your behalf. 

 

If you refuse to buy a smart phone, in effect you are refusing to the 'Terms and Conditions of Entry’ you will be held and returned on the next amiable flight. 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

 

If they think the tourist industry is going to bounce back enforcing such stuff they are mistaken. This addiction to apps and smartphones is just going to put a lot of people off in favor of other destinations.

 

It's not Thailand, these Apps are now required in many countries which hold a greater regard for the general population than the rights of an individual. 

 

Other Airports have a ‘phone counter’ where one can purchase a Smart phone if they don’t have one. 

 

 

Ultimately it's simple: You need a smart phone which can show a QR code. 

If this is too much for you, don’t come - it really doesn’t get any simpler than that. 

 

 

 

 

[Denim]

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

It's not Thailand, these Apps are now required in many countries which hold a greater regard for the general population than the rights of an individual. 

 

Other Airports have a ‘phone counter’ where one can purchase a Smart phone if they don’t have one. 

 

 

Ultimately it's simple: You need a smart phone which can show a QR code. 

If this is too much for you, don’t come - it really doesn’t get any simpler than that. 

 

 

 

 

You seem to be under the impression I have something against smartphones which I do not. In fact I am using one now.

 

My issue is with poorly designed apps. If you are a regular visitor to this forum you will be aware that many people have a low opinion of Thai designed apps that often dont work properly . because they are not well thought out.

 

Again. Look at the link to the provided app and tell me in your honest opinion that it could not have been designed better.

[JustAnotherHun]

I think, Khun Anutin will hand out smartphones to tourists at the airport.

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, ballpoint said:

The whole world is going that way.  I have an APEC business travel card, and was informed a few weeks ago that the physical card was now obsolete and has been replaced by a smartphone app.  I can see the day when your whole passport, and money supply in the form of a digital currency, (and vaccination status, but let's not go there) will also be on your smartphone.

It already is... 

 

A few months ago I went out without my wallet (and no money), I didn’t realise until it was ‘bill time’ at the first Bar...  No problems, PromptPay - was quicker than handing over money !

 

We’re already at a stage where going out without your smart phone is more of an inconvenience than going out without your wallet. 

 

 

 

 

 

[LongTimeLurker]

27 minutes ago, Denim said:

Apparently, when tourism kicks off here again, Thailand is looking to China for the bulk of its tourists. The city folk are tech savy but what about the rest.

The rest will stay on the farm, planting and harvesting the rice.

[richard_smith237]

8 minutes ago, Denim said:

You seem to be under the impression I have something against smartphones which I do not. In fact I am using one now.

 

My issue is with poorly designed apps. If you are a regular visitor to this forum you will be aware that many people have a low opinion of Thai designed apps that often dont work properly . because they are not well thought out.

 

Again. Look at the link to the provided app and tell me in your honest opinion that it could not have been designed better.

 

Do you really think someone is not going to come to Thailand because of an App ??

 

The CoE process itself, while not that complicated (once we’ve gone through the process) is daunting for a newbie, such to the point that it will prevent the tourists who have choice, but an App... no one cares except a few old timers. 

 

Apps are a way of life now.... we have to get used to it, be it ordering on Lazada, Shopee, Grat Taxi, Uber, FoodPanda, GrabFood, Eatigo, mBanking, TV watching, Music, Messaging, Maps...

.... even booking the vaccine... 

 

These days life just gets more difficult without a smart phone... none of the Apps are great. 

 

The Morchana and Thailand Plus Apps aren’t terribly designed, it does what it needs to - I’m not sure what the issue is.

 

 

Now... If you want to discuss Immigration Apps... then I’m right with alongside you on that one !!! terrible. 

 

 

 

 

[gk10012001]

1 hour ago, Farma said:

They didn't check when I arrived earlier this year although a smart phone is needed in ASQ as mine used Line to communicate, place menu requests and for me to send twice daily photos of my thermometer readings.

I do not have a smart phone.  I understand the usefulness of it, traveling and being able to access maps,maybe check ones email, or do some important time critical financial things, plus a myriad of other things.  I did buy a moto G7 Power.  Big sucker.  But I have not chosen a data plan yet.  I see several places in the current COVID situation where Thailand strongly induces one to have a smart phone and related connectivity.  I don't like it.  I don't need a smartphone for daily life.  Everything I have needed, I say needed, not wanted, can wait and I have been able to do from home on my PC.  

 

  I do think it is funny that the hotel wanted photos of the thermometer readings.  It seems pretty easy that one could just wait a few moments for the temperature reading to go down, or for you to take the temperature of something that was a proper temperature, maybe run the shower a bit until you get the temperature right and then take a reading?

[Eff1n2ret]

I didn't have a smart phone until early last year when it seemed rather tedious (and pointless) writing down my name and phone number every time I went into Tesco - downloading the ThaiChana app and scanning a QR code seemed much less fuss. Now I wouldn't be without a smartphone, which amongst many advantages now carries the MorProm app showing my Covid vaccination.

Incidentally, has anyone been pinged as a result of scanning the ThaiChana QR thing? Does it actually work? Signing/scanning yourself into our local Tesco these days seems as much honoured in the breach as the observance. Perhaps the real point of smartphones is the illusion of being in touch.

[473geo]

It's £100 for a reasonable phone that will do the job and hold copies of your paperwork. Really is a sound investment, given the current procedures.

I downloaded the app never been requested to show it at the airport on entry or elsewhere. 

Good point about line communication in quarantine too.

[jazzdog32095]

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Do you really think someone is not going to come to Thailand because of an App ??

 

The CoE process itself, while not that complicated (once we’ve gone through the process) is daunting for a newbie, such to the point that it will prevent the tourists who have choice, but an App... no one cares except a few old timers. 

 

Apps are a way of life now.... we have to get used to it, be it ordering on Lazada, Shopee, Grat Taxi, Uber, FoodPanda, GrabFood, Eatigo, mBanking, TV watching, Music, Messaging, Maps...

.... even booking the vaccine... 

 

These days life just gets more difficult without a smart phone... none of the Apps are great. 

 

The Morchana and Thailand Plus Apps aren’t terribly designed, it does what it needs to - I’m not sure what the issue is.

 

 

Now... If you want to discuss Immigration Apps... then I’m right with alongside you on that one !!! terrible. 

 

 

 

 

No cellphone in 10 years. I intend to bi-pass the smart phone for the soon to be mandatory micro-chip embedded in the frontal lobe.  

[EricTh]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

Plenty of old people are not tech minded and find no need for one. But putting that fact aside, Thais do not have a great track record for designing simple to navigate apps that work seamlessly.

Can you imagine the queues at immigration if they actually implemented this in ernest. And of course it would need to be translated into other major languages.

 

Absolute non starter  and recipe for disaster IMO.

Totally agree. Young people are the ones who design software nowadays, they think that everybody has 10 years exposure to computer like they do when they were kids. 

 

Little do they know that most elderly people have never touched a smartphone nor computer in their youth.

 

The menus in the apps can be so confusing and difficult to navigate because the designer didn't design it properly.

Edited September 7, 2021 by EricTh

[richard_smith237]

13 minutes ago, jazzdog32095 said:

35 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Do you really think someone is not going to come to Thailand because of an App ??

 

The CoE process itself, while not that complicated (once we’ve gone through the process) is daunting for a newbie, such to the point that it will prevent the tourists who have choice, but an App... no one cares except a few old timers. 

 

Apps are a way of life now.... we have to get used to it, be it ordering on Lazada, Shopee, Grat Taxi, Uber, FoodPanda, GrabFood, Eatigo, mBanking, TV watching, Music, Messaging, Maps...

.... even booking the vaccine... 

 

These days life just gets more difficult without a smart phone... none of the Apps are great. 

 

The Morchana and Thailand Plus Apps aren’t terribly designed, it does what it needs to - I’m not sure what the issue is.

 

 

Now... If you want to discuss Immigration Apps... then I’m right with alongside you on that one !!! terrible. 

 

 

 

 

Expand  

No cellphone in 10 years. I intend to bi-pass the smart phone for the soon to be mandatory micro-chip embedded in the frontal lobe.  

You'll need a smart phone to adjust the settings....  ????

[richard_smith237]

23 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

I do think it is funny that the hotel wanted photos of the thermometer readings.  It seems pretty easy that one could just wait a few moments for the temperature reading to go down, or for you to take the temperature of something that was a proper temperature, maybe run the shower a bit until you get the temperature right and then take a reading?

haha - thats quite funny.... and I know why they’d do it !!.... I just made up my Temp half the time... couldn’t be bothered checking it morning and night.