Entering Thailand with a Covid-19 recovery certificate

[bungalow1969]

I just entered Thailand this morning via the T & G scheme (I live here) but due to catching Covid-19 overseas at work 3 weeks ago, I had to get a Covid-19 recovery certificate from the doctor, as my PCR test was still showing up positive.

When I got to the counter at Suvarnabhumi where they check all the documents, they looked at my medical certificate, then asked for a PCR test and told me that no PCR test, then no entry. Yes, I had a PCR test but as it was positive one, I was not so keen to produce that in fear of them trying to whisk me away to a hospital or something mad like that (it is Thailand after all).

Anyway, as I had my recovery medical certificate from the doctor (following the Thai ministry of health guidelines), I explained that I shouldn't have to do a PCR test as I had only recovered from Covid-19 3 weeks ago and the test would probably still show positive. They were having none of it and I got escorted to a holding area and told not to move until they questioned the Singapore Airlines crew why I was allowed to board the flight to Bangkok without a PCR test. 

Whilst I was waiting, I decided to go back to the counter and try again, purposely choosing a different staff member, who was much friendlier and willing to listen to what I had to say. After explaining my situation, she informed me that I must have a PCR test, to go along with the doctors certificate, even if its positive. So once I knew that, I told them I had a positive test result in my possession but had been wary of showing them that. 5 minutes later, I was free to go. 

So for anybody else trying to enter this way, make sure you still get a PCR test done before you leave, as they wont accept only the medical certificate. They don't care if its a positive PCR test, they just want a PCR test...

The airport where I departed from and also when transiting through Singapore (where I had to get my boarding card for Thailand), they both checked all my documents thoroughly but none of them asked to see a PCR test, as I had the doctors recovery certificate, which is the way it should be. 

Now in my T & G hotel and when I explained the same thing about having a recovery certificate, I just got blank stares. Obviously confused on how I was able to have entered the country with a positive test! So it will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow when I try to check out in the morning. More drama I'm sure.....

One other point worth a mention, make sure the doctors covid recovery certificate is dated a minimum of 15 days before your departure. I misunderstood that part and thought it meant, as long as it was a minimum 15 days from when you tested positive. The airline I was checking-in with at my point of origin, would not accept what I had. Luckily my doctor changed the date and emailed it to me whilst I was at the airport or I would have been screwed. 

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble, hopefully it can help anybody else planning on entering under these same circumstances.  

[blackcab]

Thank you for your post. Please keep us updated on what happens when you receive the result of your Day 1 PCR test.

 

This will help many people in the future in the same situation.

[bungalow1969]

6 hours ago, blackcab said:

Thank you for your post. Please keep us updated on what happens when you receive the result of your Day 1 PCR test.

 

This will help many people in the future in the same situation.

Just to update, as of 8:30 pm tonight I've been notified by the hotel that my test has come back negative. !! No need for any further novels from me!

Just make sure you guys take a PCR test even if you have caught covid recently, no matter what you are advised. 

That's if your trying to enter Thailand with a doctors covid recovery certificate. 

Good luck

[Winky]

Hi can I ask what Country you came from. I am in UK and we have a ‘Covid Recovery pass” on our NHS app (if you have had Covid like me) this has a QR code on it. However this doesn’t come from a doctor in UK and I don’t think any doctor would provide a certificate. 
 

has any other recently recovered people from UK entered Thailand using the NHS GENERATED COVID PASS? Thanksc

[sanmyintmaung]

20 hours ago, bungalow1969 said:

Just to update, as of 8:30 pm tonight I've been notified by the hotel that my test has come back negative. !! No need for any further novels from me!

Just make sure you guys take a PCR test even if you have caught covid recently, no matter what you are advised. 

That's if your trying to enter Thailand with a doctors covid recovery certificate. 

Good luck

If your day 1 test result is positive, you can still challenge the result by producing the covid recovery certificate. I know a guy who was tested positive on day 1 in Thailand but he has covid recovery certificate and asked for second test. The lab agreed to check again and found that virus is present but inactive. He was given updated certificate of PCR test (negative) and allowed to check-out of the hotel.

[Puccini]

7 hours ago, Winky said:

Hi can I ask what Country you came from. I am in UK and we have a ‘Covid Recovery pass” on our NHS app (if you have had Covid like me) this has a QR code on it. However this doesn’t come from a doctor in UK and I don’t think any doctor would provide a certificate. 
 

has any other recently recovered people from UK entered Thailand using the NHS GENERATED COVID PASS? Thanksc

I doubt very much that anybody has been able to enter Thailand with the recovery certificate displayed only in the NHS app on the phone. 

 

1. When you travel to Thailand, take at least three printed copies of the recovery certificate with you. On one or several of the three occasions where where you need to show this certificate, giving a copy of it may be useful or necessary.

 

2. As you probably know already, the recovery certificate by itself is not sufficient. Bring along also copies of your RT-PCR test result.