Entry by CoE yesterday 4/11

[TorquayFan]

Happy to report a successful return to Thailand - thoughts on my 'experience' . . .

Up at 4 am Thursday for a 5 am taxi to LHR - allowing time in hand for the M4, I checked in at 6.40 am for a 10.20 flight - excessive but a pint of Amstel was rewarding (and a little time in hand may sometimes be useful on the M4 !). The Finnair check-in included a protracted search for 'rt' before the 'PCR' description on the test reports but it was found and underlined. The Airlines have the instruction that the 'rt'  prefix is essential - had me sweating briefly. I noticed everyone seemed to have a full set on paper of the CoE documents etc.

We boarded from an absurdly small LHR lounge in T3 for the leg to Helsinki - the A320 was tightly packed and that was worrying Covid wise. Precious little leg room and just a coffee and no food - next time I'd take a 'Meal deal' on board. The bundle of papers was examined again at Helsinki to board the BKK leg. What a difference the A350 is - lots of leg room and luggage space with a relaxing and cavernous feel to the cabin.

The T6 and T8 were handed out on the plane - but the T8 can be downloaded and completed beforehand which is easier as it's A4. Having to enter with a return ticket was on some notices but my coming in on the 2nd leg of the ticket was not queried. My CoE said 'no less than 7 days quarantine' but my hotel booking for one night was not queried either.

After walking a few sections from the plane, normal avenues were cordoned off, being led to rows and rows of 2 blue chairs to wait and as you wait there's a pre-check of the papers in the bundle before it's your turn to face the final desk for another check before going to baggage claim. For me it took no more than 10-15 minutes from plane to taxi - this miracle may be hard to repeat when PAX numbers increase - ( it seemed they were dealing with 1 plane at this time).

 

Through Customs to the ASQ desks where I waited a few minutes for my ASQ taxi to turn up - escorted to the taxi - all amazingly efficient. At the Hotel we were routed around the back - the luggage was taken to my room while I had the PCR test - staffed by BKKH - I was the only arrival at that time. Results 9 am tomorrow. No hassle and all smooth. (Ravindra Beach Jomtien). The Morchana App was on my phone but no mention of it was made at any stage UNTIL I got the to the ASQ. There the Guy punched some keys, handed it back and ticked the box. Easy  

For 'comfort' I did 2 LF test's on myself - happily negative.

The whole arrival process was impressive. 

Good to finish the post with a whinge . . . the CoE and maybe later the 'Pass' seem to carry minimal authority as at every stage, all the papers in the bundle have to be examined again and again - it doesn't make sense - surely once the 'Pass' is presented, that should be enough.

 

Maybe all these extra checks will be abolished in the 'Pass' process.

Edited November 6, 2021 by TorquayFan

[TorquayFan]

Maybe so M8 ! Yesterday it looked that many thought it was worth all the effort ??

 

Apparently, Ravindra Beach Hotel alone had 20 ASQ's last night.

[NanLaew]

On 11/6/2021 at 2:23 AM, TorquayFan said:

What a difference the A350 is - lots of leg room and luggage space with a relaxing and cavernous feel to the cabin.

What was the passenger load in coach from HEL to BKK?