Test & Go My view

[UKPaul67]

Started my application early in November, after reading many posts making sure I followed everything correctly. Thaipass took exactly 4 days.

Covid tests ????, reading some of the nightmares of people not getting tests back in time or close calls, and the 72 hour window was a bit stressful, therefor I choose an in clinic appointment for a 10 hour turn around with DAM health care UK, in and out of the clinic in 5 minutes.

Results came back within 8 hours all good.

 

Flight, arrived early ????at Heathrow 4 hours before, big queue, moving very slow only 3 stations open Thaiairways and 1 business class, only documents they needed was PCR cert , Thaipass code and passport.

Filled in TM6 card on the flight.

Arrival very smooth and organised, again Thaipass and PCR result, and lastly normal imagration.

Collected suitcase,and out into arrivals, again lots of meet and greet, I had chosen private taxi arrangement 1000 baht, up 50% for normal distance, but this was my choice I did not want to share minibus with other people.

Arrival was early, checked in hotel Luxor Bangkok hotel. PCR was taken approx 10.30am.

Luxor offered great service from start to finish, there was also a private garden where you can go and sit, not locked in the room. 

PCR returned 7.30pm, checked out and on my way by 8.10pm ????.

So although I used the hotel service, I was there maybe 12 hours. . 

[EricTh]

Your hotel should have provided the taxi service which is included in the total hotel charge. Why did you need to book a private taxi?

Edited December 9, 2021 by EricTh

[starky]

My view. Had all my ducks in a row. Took screen shots of the pdf files so they were jpg. files opened a Gmail account as had read that it worked best with the server.

  Uploaded documents total application time 5 minutes. Received a message instantly saying my pass had been received and given a code number so i could check progress. Was told it could take 3-7 working days. Received my Thailand pass 4 hours later.

  As with most things related to the world under the pandemic ie quarantine, restrictions, imaginary " hurdles" the people doing all the whingeing mostly have not, will not and do not try and do it themselves. They are crying about something they have no experience in

 As for RT-PCR tests. Anyone who can not have a test and have it directly emailed to them within 24 hours is an absolute Muppet.

  Total cost 130 AUD for my RT-PCR test in Australia. 205 AUD for my test and go package at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, with 24 hour hour testing regardless of when your flight arrives and results within 6 hours after which your are free to go.

  Zero stress, zero hurdles, zero drama and reasonable pricing. Not ideal for a family travelling I will admit but for the normal person the additional cost is sweet f.a..

  So if you do your research, have the organisational skills of a 6 year old can read English and can afford a couple hundred dollars the test and go system is a breeze. 

   

Edited December 9, 2021 by starky

[Crossy]

4 hours ago, EricTh said:

Your hotel should have provided the taxi service which is included in the total hotel charge. Why did you need to book a private taxi?

 

You may have missed this from the OP.

 

Quote

... but this was my choice I did not want to share minibus with other people.

 

[UKPaul67]

16 hours ago, EricTh said:

Your hotel should have provided the taxi service which is included in the total hotel charge. Why did you need to book a private taxi?

Reason I chose to have a private taxi was because the hotel also had other guests on my flight, and although I sat next to people on the flight, I did not want the added risk. Too much at stake. So took the safe option. 

Edited December 10, 2021 by UKPaul67
.

[toolpush]

On 12/10/2021 at 3:11 AM, starky said:

My view. Had all my ducks in a row. Took screen shots of the pdf files so they were jpg. files opened a Gmail account as had read that it worked best with the server.

  Uploaded documents total application time 5 minutes. Received a message instantly saying my pass had been received and given a code number so i could check progress. Was told it could take 3-7 working days. Received my Thailand pass 4 hours later.

  As with most things related to the world under the pandemic ie quarantine, restrictions, imaginary " hurdles" the people doing all the whingeing mostly have not, will not and do not try and do it themselves. They are crying about something they have no experience in

 As for RT-PCR tests. Anyone who can not have a test and have it directly emailed to them within 24 hours is an absolute Muppet.

  Total cost 130 AUD for my RT-PCR test in Australia. 205 AUD for my test and go package at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, with 24 hour hour testing regardless of when your flight arrives and results within 6 hours after which your are free to go.

  Zero stress, zero hurdles, zero drama and reasonable pricing. Not ideal for a family travelling I will admit but for the normal person the additional cost is sweet f.a..

  So if you do your research, have the organisational skills of a 6 year old can read English and can afford a couple hundred dollars the test and go system is a breeze. 

   

The Novatel Suvarnaphumbi sounds like a great option. How did you book your stay there? Through their website or another?

[LALes]

I just got released yesterday.   Booked Q at Centre Point Chid Lom and driver was there to meet me a few minutes after I came out of the baggage claim.  I was in a regular car, just me and the driver.

Sedan was the option listed when I bought the package so I was fine with that.  5,200 baht.

[pattayahenry]

On 12/10/2021 at 4:43 AM, Crossy said:

 

You may have missed this from the OP.

 

A hotel pickup for test and go is never a minibus, only a vaccinated

Driver, often behind a plastic cover

 

[Rael007]

My experience re-entering Bngkok after a one-month visit to U.S.:

 

Set up my appoint at a well-known pharmacy chain via their website.  Very easy to do and was confirmed that my test would be free of charge, wtih test results emailed to me within 72 hours.  My return flight was on a Monday at 12pm, so my test was scheduled for the previous Friday at 3pm.  A week before my appointment, I called the location to verify my appointment and be reassured that I'd get my results back in time.  They told me because they (and all other chain pharmacies that offer "free" tests) merely collect the sample, then have to send it out to a lab for testing -- they do not test the sample themsleves as they don't have a lab on site.  And because the labs are closed on Saturday & Sunday, they could not "guarantee" I'd have my results back by Monday morning.  It could take up to "three WORKING days" -- in this case, possibly five days total.  But my flight was on Monday and the regulations stated the test results had to be within 72 hours.  I contacted to other places offering free tests and they told me the same.  So my only option was to go to a medical clinic and get the test done with same-day results...which is not free.  It cost me close to $200.  Bottom line:  the free tests are not ideal for those flying internationally out of the U.S., who are given only a 72-hour window; you pretty much have to go someplace where you pay (a lot) for the test.  At least that's how it was in my city.

 

Once I had the test results, it was smooth sailing.  Check-in at the airport involved the airline checking my test results, my vaccine certificate, and proof of insurance required to enter Thailand.  Upon arrival at Suvarnabumi, they again checked my required documents, proof of hotel/test booking, and Thailand Pass QR code (everything necessary is already loaded into Thailand Pass and easily viewble by scanning the QR code, but they wanted to see hard copy paperwork, as well).  Going through the documents check, as well as immigration, was a breeze.  The two or three people I saw having a rough go of it were people who didn't have everything they needed or didn't have everything in order.  

 

A driver (private car) from the hotel I booked was already waiting for me and was no extra charge; already included in booking fee.  I should mention the hotel I booked was not a fancy overpriced one; just a simple but comfortable place I've stayed at before, about 15 minutes from my condo.  The room was nice enough for what I paid.  I got in quite late (close to midnight), so when I checked in, I was told my PCR test would be at 8am the next morning, and that would be the only time I'd be permitted to leave my room until my results came back by 8pm.   I would be delivered three meals -- at 7-8am, 12-1pm, and 5-6pm. 

 

At 8am, I went to the assigned floor for my test...the testing personnel showed up around 8:20.  Went back to my room.  Breakfast arrived around 9am:  two lukewarm fried eggs, two lukewarm sausages (no microwave to heat it up), bread, small salad, and a warm juicebox of orange juice (with no straw to poke in it).  Lunch arrived around 2pm:  lukewarm Thai beef, lukewarm white rice, two slices of cucumber, and some Bua Loy (which was my favorite part).  Dinner arrived around 6:30:  chicken fried rice (actually hot), another lukewarm fried egg, small salad, and bread.  By 8:30pm, I still had not received my test results, so I called down to the front desk.  They told me my results came back at 5:30 and were negative.  I asked how I was supposed to know that, since no one called me or knocked on my door or sent me an email.  They said, "We apologize.  You are free to check out if you wish.  You can collect your test results at the front desk."  Having lived here for quite some time, I shouldn't have been surprised.

 

Upon arriving back at my condo, seeing as how I had my luggage with me and had obviously just come back from traveling, I was directed to the juristic office to show them my test results before being permitted to go up to my unit.

 

All in all, a smooth process, but a lot of hassle.  And left with the impression that the SHA hotel will probably do only the minimum to ensure your pleasant stay.  Certainly not going out of their way to provide you with the best meals or timely service. [name of hotel intentionally excluded so not to run afoul of the dubious libel laws here...but it's at the end of Soi 11]

[paddyfield7]

2 hours ago, toolpush said:

The Novatel Suvarnaphumbi sounds like a great option. How did you book your stay there? Through their website or another?

I used the Novotel Suvarnabhumi many times in previous, better years, as it's location is so convenient. I will fly to Europe in June 2022 and have again booked the Novotel Suvarnabhumi upon return, this time for the "test & go"-method. I booked by eMail, and got a prompt confirmation. A bit expensive, but overall very easy.

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, pattayahenry said:

A hotel pickup for test and go is never a minibus, only a vaccinated

Driver, often behind a plastic cover

But some guests have had to go into 10 day quarantine because they sat next to a person in the taxi on the hotel transfer and that person tested positive for Covid.

[arithai12]

33 minutes ago, paddyfield7 said:

I used the Novotel Suvarnabhumi many times in previous, better years, as it's location is so convenient. I will fly to Europe in June 2022 and have again booked the Novotel Suvarnabhumi upon return, this time for the "test & go"-method. I booked by eMail, and got a prompt confirmation. A bit expensive, but overall very easy.

You booked for June 2022??

Can I borrow your crystal ball?

[Almer]

43 minutes ago, arithai12 said:

You booked for June 2022??

Can I borrow your crystal ball?

Do you want his left or right

[huyuli]

Arrived at Citrus Pattaya for test and go on 7 December at 10.30 pm and got result at 9.30  am. Nurse was very gentle with the swab. Staff were efficient and friendly at check in and check out. Cheapest room was goodish. Meals, well...

Got my Thai Pass approved in 48 hours. PCR test at Sydney airport took 50 minutes.

Quick processing at Suvarnabhumi. Plenty of assistance and no confusion.

Short wait for hotel transfer. Lone passenger separated by a plastic shield from driver.

A little stressful at times because of uncertainty, but in the end, nothing to worry about.

[Fairynuff]

On 12/9/2021 at 7:11 PM, starky said:

My view. Had all my ducks in a row. Took screen shots of the pdf files so they were jpg. files opened a Gmail account as had read that it worked best with the server.

  Uploaded documents total application time 5 minutes. Received a message instantly saying my pass had been received and given a code number so i could check progress. Was told it could take 3-7 working days. Received my Thailand pass 4 hours later.

  As with most things related to the world under the pandemic ie quarantine, restrictions, imaginary " hurdles" the people doing all the whingeing mostly have not, will not and do not try and do it themselves. They are crying about something they have no experience in

 As for RT-PCR tests. Anyone who can not have a test and have it directly emailed to them within 24 hours is an absolute Muppet.

  Total cost 130 AUD for my RT-PCR test in Australia. 205 AUD for my test and go package at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, with 24 hour hour testing regardless of when your flight arrives and results within 6 hours after which your are free to go.

  Zero stress, zero hurdles, zero drama and reasonable pricing. Not ideal for a family travelling I will admit but for the normal person the additional cost is sweet f.a..

  So if you do your research, have the organisational skills of a 6 year old can read English and can afford a couple hundred dollars the test and go system is a breeze. 

   

Just because everything went smoothly for you doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience as you, through no fault of their own. Only a muppet would have that kind of attitude.

[paddyfield7]

5 hours ago, arithai12 said:

You booked for June 2022??

Can I borrow your crystal ball?

I have provisionally booked and in particular clarified that they qualify as an SHA+ hotel. Believe me, I will not travel if things get worse.

[starky]

8 hours ago, Fairynuff said:

Just because everything went smoothly for you doesn’t mean everyone will have the same experience as you, through no fault of their own. Only a muppet would have that kind of attitude.

I wasn't saying people that have difficulties with Thailand pass were muppets. I was saying people who have any issue getting a rapid pcr test within a day were and anyone who thinks a 72 hour Window for a covid test "stressful" ill throw in as well. ????. I also clearly stated it's my belief like when people where complaining about quarantine or the test and go procedure had never actually done it so had no real experience so therefore shouldn't comment.

  How was the test and go experience for you? Maybe you could share your experience?

[Trvlr55]

On 12/11/2021 at 11:23 AM, starky said:

I wasn't saying people that have difficulties with Thailand pass were muppets. I was saying people who have any issue getting a rapid pcr test within a day were and anyone who thinks a 72 hour Window for a covid test "stressful" ill throw in as well. ????. I also clearly stated it's my belief like when people where complaining about quarantine or the test and go procedure had never actually done it so had no real experience so therefore shouldn't comment.

  How was the test and go experience for you? Maybe you could share your experience?

In US, this can actually be quite the issue; apparently in your country it is not.