Editors Pick SURVEY: When are YOU coming back to Thailand?

[Grecian]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Richard, 

I have some step by step instructions Which simplify the process. I can PM you if you like? 
 

Hi Richard, 

I'm British and wouldn't mind a simple set of instructions if you don't mind.

I worry on losing money on flights, hotel etc if that pre departure test is positive!

[sawadee1947]

Still enjoy Andalusia. Return in 22 or never. ,

[CygnusX1]

When travel’s as it was in 2019, except for needing proof of vaccination. No masks, no PCR tests. I’m well aware that means I’m probably never returning to Thailand - and I own a condo there and have 17 years to go on an Elite visa.

[Citzofwrld2]

Amazing what people, foreigners, will do to go back to, stay in a country that really doesn't want them, so makes it as difficult as possible.

[Thingamabob]

6 hours ago, tonray said:

For those on one year extensions...going home for a short visit means potentially an expensive policy unless you want to lose your extension and start over again

That's why I'm not going anywhere.

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, dontpanic said:

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

PCR testing before departure from Thailand is not needed for all countries (I.e the UK)

Arrival PCR (day 2) costs £35

Pre-departure (<72 hrs) PCR also costs £35.

 

Insurance- we (family) have it anyway.

Hi, could you tell me where you get the pre departure PCR test in the UK for £35 please 

 

https://covid.randox.com/pre-departure/

 

If you are not near a test facility you can book and collect the test kit from a nearby ‘location’ (i.e. customer service centre at xx shopping centre etc), self administer the test, and drop off at a specified ‘drop off location’ 

 

OR, for £43 you can have the test kid mailed to you, self administer the test and then can drop it off at a ‘drop off centre’ (within a reasonable distance).

 

OR... you can get to the airport 3 hours before you want to check in and can get a PCR test there. 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 11, 2021 by richard_smith237

[richard_smith237]

4 hours ago, generealty said:

I would appreciate any easy to follow advice. I am currently in the UK wishing to return to my Thai wife. 66 years old, fully vaccinated and funds in bank. Appreciate simple instructions

 

Here you go....  Individual status may vary depending on the visa you have etc (application for Visa is separate from CoE) - Below instructions are for Entry as a Spouse of a Thai national, but the steps are very similar for other ‘classifications’ of application.

 

Documents required: 

1)    Colour Scan of Passport ID Page

2)    Copy of Marriage Certificate

3)    Colour Scan of Insurance Document which states you are insured to US$100,000 in the event of complications due to Covid-19 

Insurance needs to cover the duration of your stay (until the end of your visa or end of extension of stay).

4)    Copy of 7 Day SHA+ Booking SHABA Certificate (it has to be Plus, not just SHA)

5)    Copy of RETURN Flight Booking / Confirmation (return if visa exempt arrival) – Flights need to be ‘direct to Phuket’ 

6)    Copy of PSAS PCR test booking

 

Securing Documents: 

1)    Hotel Bookings – Book the hotel (can be booked via Agoda etc - the hotel may require the Agoda booking receipt (if they do request this e-mail agoda for their specific receipt of payment < [email protected] >.

2)    The Hotel will E-mail the SHABA Hotel Booking Certificate which is required for the PCR Booking (there is a SHABA ID / Code i.e. 35243BXM)

3)    Next Step: PCR Booking Web page: https://www.thailandpsas.com .

4)    Register and log in, submit the SHABA ID number (from the hotel SHABA certificate).

5)    Register flight arrival (there will be PCR test on arrival).

6)    Register PCR test on Day 5 (Nearest – You will have a choice of nearest test center).

7)    Pay online for the 2x PCR tests. 

8.)   Download the PSAS PCR Booking receipt (this will need to be submitted with the CoE application).

 

 

Process: 

1)    Log onto the following Website  https://coethailand.mfa.go.th

2)    First Page: 

        -       Country you are flying from: i.e. UK / France etc

        -       Embassy Selection – Select your local Embassy in the country from which you are applying (i.e. London / Paris)

        -       Types of Permitted Persons: 3 Spouse (If using marriage)

        -       Entering – Sandbox.

        -       Which Sandbox – Phuket (if entering Phuket Sandbox)

3)    Next page: No need to add name of agent etc  - leave this blank.

4)    Sign in with Name / Passport # etc.

5)    Contact details outside of Thailand (home address etc).

6)    Contact details inside Thailand (address of Wife etc & number).

7)    Contact Person in case of Emergency (Wife / friend etc).

8.)    Vaccine Info: You will need your Vaccine certificate 

        -       Thai issued vaccine certificate or Vaccine Passport (if issued in Thailand)

        -       Overseas vaccine certificate (if issued overseas)

9)    Attach documents:

        -       Passport ID Page 

        -       Extension of Stay Permission (scan of page)

        -       Insurance  Certificate  

        -       Marriage Certificate

        NOTE: (after drag and drop you have to click the upload icon on each image)

10) Attachments for further consideration (can leave this blank).

11) Submit all the info: 

12) You will receive an e-mail from the Thai Embassy informing you that your application for CoE has been confirmed, you will be given a 6 digit pin.

13) You will next receive an e-mail from the Thai Embassy, informing that you your application for CoE has been Pre-approved.

14) Log in to the Website  https://coethailand.mfa.go.th – upload travel Data section,  use your PIN to log in.

15) Upload your Flight Details.

16) Input your reference number from the SHABA certificate (the accommodation will automatically come up).

17) Upload the PSAS PCR booking receipt.

18) If necessary upload insurance certificate (this may not be necessary). 

 

19) IF all is correct you will next receive an e-mail from the Thai Embassy informing that you your application for CoE has been approved – your CoE will be attached to that e-mail.

 

20) Arrival in Phuket – have Smart Phone (charged) / download Mor Chana app (there are QR codes at the airport which link to the download).

 

Pre-Flight:

1)    Preflight PCR test (meeting time restrictions).

2)    Fill out the TM8 form (attached).

3)    Have a paper copy of all documents with you.

 

Arrival in Phuket: 

1)    Extremely well organised.

2)    About 50 ppl in Hazmat suits to welcome you.

3)    Documents will be checked and rechecked.

4)    Use the QR code (on posters everywhere) and download the Mor Chana App onto smart phone (for Track and Trace). 

5)    Once the paperwork checks are complete go through Immigration

6)    Collect baggage as normal

7)    After the baggage hall and customs passengers will be guided towards the PCR test. 

8.)    You will be given a ‘website link’ at which he can download the PCR test result (which should arrive that evening – within a few hours) – the PCR test result will also be e-mailed (usually)

9)    IF hotel has arranged transport they will be waiting after the PCR test area. 

10) SHA+ approved taxis are also there. 

11) Enjoy not having to remain in a hotel room for 7 days!

 

 

Edited October 11, 2021 by richard_smith237

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Grecian said:

Hi Richard, 

I'm British and wouldn't mind a simple set of instructions if you don't mind.

I worry on losing money on flights, hotel etc if that pre departure test is positive!

Instructions posted - The process may appear somewhat convoluted, but its just a matter of going though the steps....

Not ideal for those who still expect to only get on a plane and land, but we’re in a different world now - the process is simple enough, it's just a matter of going through it.

The worst part of the process is the doubt created by those who post on here having faced issued for a simple mistake (i.e. not hitting the upload button, or not selecting the correct visa type etc).

 

Regarding the risk of money loss: 

Book refundable flights / or flight which can be changed without charge - Emirates offer this. /

Book the SHA+ hotel through Agoda - On Agoda most SHA+ hotels are fully refundable for any reason up to 1 day before arrival (be careful though, some aren’t).

PSAS Covid tests (pre-paid) are fully refundable -5% (processing fee).

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

36 minutes ago, Citzofwrld2 said:

Amazing what people, foreigners, will do to go back to, stay in a country that really doesn't want them, so makes it as difficult as possible.

Perhaps your wife and family are not worth returning to? 

 

Others have a life in Thailand and wish to return to it. 

Others have careers which depend on international travel and then have to return to their family.

 

Then you have your unbalanced bias......  Thai’s also have to go through the CoE process... so your butt-hurt 'they don’t want us comment’ is poorly placed. 

[richard_smith237]

3 hours ago, Jeffr2 said:

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

PCR testing before departure from Thailand is not needed for all countries (I.e the UK)

Arrival PCR (day 2) costs £35

Pre-departure (<72 hrs) PCR also costs £35.

 

Insurance- we (family) have it anyway.

PCR testing is needed for all. It's a requirement of the COE.

Correct...  however, you have contracted me without reading carefully.... PCR testing FROM Thailand is not needed for travel to ALL countries... 

Example UK - where PCR test is £35.........  and pre-Departure PCR test (i.e. IF travelling to Thailand - the Pre-departure (<72 hrs) PCR also costs £35).

[Jeffr2]

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Correct...  however, you have contracted me without reading carefully.... PCR testing FROM Thailand is not needed for travel to ALL countries... 

Example UK - where PCR test is £35.........  and pre-Departure PCR test (i.e. IF travelling to Thailand - the Pre-departure (<72 hrs) PCR also costs £35).

Apologies! We had to get a test for travel to the US in June. A requirement of JAL.

 

Just paid 70€ for our test here in Lisbon. Sucks!

[thailand49]

If you really want to open " open it without any restrictions "  anything less is just a typical cat and mouse game that these leaders always like to play!  No Airline is going to operate their full schedule until the restrictions are gone!  Keep dreaming maybe one of those dreams will actually pan out?

[JCP108]

Get rid of the COE. Get rid of tests after arrival for vaccinated travelers. Get rid of quarantine and sandboxes for vaccinated travelers who have a neg test prior to travel. And, tell people that if they test positive after arrival that they will be re-tested and, if asymptomatic and negative on re-test, they will not be required to do a 14-day quarantine or hospital stay. Many of us are not coming due to possibly getting a false positive test and having that consequence. 

[DefaultName]

I won't come before I can walk into a bar and buy a beer.  Shame that I'm here already.  ????

[dontpanic]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

https://covid.randox.com/pre-departure/

 

If you are not near a test facility you can book and collect the test kit from a nearby ‘location’ (i.e. customer service centre at xx shopping centre etc), self administer the test, and drop off at a specified ‘drop off location’ 

 

OR, for £43 you can have the test kid mailed to you, self administer the test and then can drop it off at a ‘drop off centre’ (within a reasonable distance).

 

OR... you can get to the airport 3 hours before you want to check in and can get a PCR test there. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Richard, much appreciated. 

[yimlitnoy]

9 hours ago, tonray said:

Get rid of the COE and the absurd 3.3 million baht COVID insurance requirements. You're killing Thailand as a destination

I agree.  Those expensive restrictions are killing Thailand as a destination.  I cannot wait to go back to Hanoi as my travel hub.

[richard_smith237]

12 minutes ago, dontpanic said:

Thanks Richard, much appreciated. 

Prayut just announced no quarantine required from Nov 1st. 

 

As usual, no clarity or details - not sure if this is just for dual vaxxed arrivals or if CoE application is still required (I’d assume such).

[tomyami]

Was planning a return nov but will wait till jan/feb 22 no cohesive reopening plan just stupid TAT out of the hat projections no leadership how can anyone plan a visit.

Sandbox was a failure may have work for returnees but not tourists, US opening nov canaries near normal

[Skypirate]

The original attraction to Thailand no longer exists.  Prayut.....you screwed the Pooch and ate the Golden Goose.

Xi has you in his back pocket and you'll never find your way out.

 

 The days of Waltzing into Swampy with a 30 day Visa free pass and extending it for another 30 days is over.  Now it's fubarred, goat-rope, hose-job, bungled paper game.  As well as , get screwed out of a few baht along the way. Ive been coming to Thailand annually since 1998.  Lived and worked there 7 years.  Picked up a wife.....mistake, leasing is a much better deal and you get your choice of new colors and interior each year.

 

Semi retired.  Contract for six months and enjoy life for the six winter months.  Games over now.  To many SE Asian, South Pacific, South American and Euro Countries opening back up, or easing restrictions.

  

[richard_smith237]

15 minutes ago, tomyami said:

Was planning a return nov but will wait till jan/feb 22 no cohesive reopening plan just stupid TAT out of the hat projections no leadership how can anyone plan a visit.

Sandbox was a failure may have work for returnees but not tourists, US opening nov canaries near normal

Erm.... Read the comment above yours !!!...  Nov looks good (unless you are not vaccinated). 

 

Prime Minister has announced that he’s instructed the CCSA and MoPH to urgently consider within this week to allow, as of 1st November, international visitors to enter Thailand without any requirement for quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and arrive by air from low-risk countries.

 

i.e. there is a strong probability there will be no Quarantine for those vaccinated arrivals from ‘key’ countries from Nov 1st. 

 

--------

 

Regarding the Sandbox success: It was a success, it provided critical data of risk to Thailand of incoming international vaccinated arrivals. 

The information provided from the Sandbox has offered Thailand confidence that vaccinated arrivals from overseas present little risk. Hence the steps now being taken to open up. 

 

 

 

 

[dontpanic]

33 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Prayut just announced no quarantine required from Nov 1st. 

 

As usual, no clarity or details - not sure if this is just for dual vaxxed arrivals or if CoE application is still required (I’d assume such).

Yes agreed, there is never any clarity, actually in most things in LOS. Just got to roll with what you've got at the time you need to use it and assume if you wait a other week it will be different. 

 

Been away from my family for too long now so for me it's go time.

[spidermike007]

As an expat, not a tourist, I will be returning first week of January, hoping the cowards drop all restrictions will then. 

 

Time to man up, children! 

[Stargeezr]

I will return in 2022. If most of the restrictions are gone, I may get my insurance and air ticket 

possibly in January, but more likely,  I will not return until December of 2022. By then I expect that

the rules will for sure be different than they are now.  For now, I will keep watching Thai visa and other news

outlets for Thailand and stay entertained and informed.

Geezer

[Mitkof Island]

9 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Haven't seen the wife and kid since March last year, and I wont be returning until these daft hoops are removed.

 

Due to my own circumstances I have to go back to the UK every 9 months for a couple of days, it simply is not worth the time and daft cost every 9 months jumping through all the hoops. 

 

If they dropped the COE, testing of vaccinated people, quarantining of quarantined people, daft insurance demands, testing of vaccinated people ....... I'd book today and fly tomorrow.

 

 

You and thousands of other expats with Thai families. I don,t pay ransom to see my familiy.

[KhaoYai]

10 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Pre-departure (<72 hrs) PCR also costs £35.

Is that a home test PCR?  If so, please note, some airlines, notably KLM, don't accept them.  Their Travedoc page doesn't say that - only that the test must be an RT-PCR but I was told verbally by staff at their healthcare centre in Amsterdam and by check-in staff at Manchester.  I haven't seen a home test kit result but provided it doesn't state that the swab was taken at home, I don't see how they'd know.

[The Cipher]

I answered the actual survey, but...

 

Quote

Are you planning to visit or return to Thailand this year?

Yes. Targeting early-mid December when professional life quiets down here during the holiday season.

 

Quote

Have you actually booked your travel?

No, but it's pretty normal for me to book just 1-2 weeks ahead of travel date. That seems even more prudent now with international travel rules in flux.

 

Quote

Would additional factors - such as the alcohol ban possibly still being in place - put you off visiting Thailand?

Not the alcohol ban specifically, but sure, there are factors that might put me off.

 

Restrictions that limit my day-to-day experience would be a heavy disincentive. In fact, anything even sorta approximating lockdown restrictions would sour the idea. If I'm required to wear a mask, I'll grudgingly wear a mask, but other than that life on a daily basis needs to feel relatively normal.

[Scouse123]

11 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Haven't seen the wife and kid since March last year, and I wont be returning until these daft hoops are removed.

 

Due to my own circumstances I have to go back to the UK every 9 months for a couple of days, it simply is not worth the time and daft cost every 9 months jumping through all the hoops. 

 

If they dropped the COE, testing of vaccinated people, quarantining of quarantined people, daft insurance demands, testing of vaccinated people ....... I'd book today and fly tomorrow.

 

 

Get booking your prayers have been answered....????????

 

Good news from the pumpkin faced glorious leader last night!

[KhaoYai]

Now that quarantine is down to 7 days and its looking like the Bangkok 'Sandbox' is likley to start on 1 November, I'll be returning in January for the first time since March 2020.  My Mrs, has visited me in the UK twice in that time and has had to endure quarantine at both ends (in it at the moment.

 

So to answer the questions:

 

1. Not this year as the situation is far from over and my wife has only just gone back to Thailand. 

 

2. No.

 

3. They don't put me off as I'll be coming to see my family but if I was a genuine tourist, no way would I accept having to apply for C.O.E, be tracked, not be able to drink etc.  I just wonder how many 'real' tourists know that even if they are prepared to jump through the hoops, the place is far from open.

 

Then there's the additional costs.  I reckon that 7 day quarantine and insurance is going to cost me about 30,000 baht.  God knows what a family of 4 would have to pay for their quarantine.  A none quarantine 2 bed penthouse in Kamala, Phuket (Airbnb) that would sleep the entire family can be had for the same price for 14 nights as I'm paying for 7. Then there's the insurance.

 

I doubt many 'real' tourists are going to arrive until all restrictions (vaccine excepted) are lifted and they're the ones the tourist industry really needs.

[KhaoYai]

8 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

Good news from the pumpkin faced glorious leader last night!

Pray tell???

 

Edit:  Seen it - sounds very promising.

Edited October 11, 2021 by KhaoYai

[fusion58]

13 hours ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Have you actually booked to arrive in Thailand this November?

Yes.

 

Right after I receive my C19 booster shot.