Cheap Rapid Antigen tests available at Suvarnabhumi Airport

[AlaskaDave]

An American friend recently departed Thailand for the U.S. and had to comply with the U.S. requirement for a negative Covid test within 24 hours of boarding. This presents a problem if a PCR test is needed because it is a lab test and results take a while unless you're willing to pay dearly for a quicker turnaround. However, he was able to get a Rapid Antigen test at Suvarnabhumi for only 250 baht. He was flying on ANA and was allowed to board and allowed entry to the U.S. based on his negative test result. He was not asked for any proof of Covid result when he entered the U.S.  That means the airlines are forced to do the dirty work of checking travelers' test results.

Apparently, even though the U.S. is being a stickler about requiring a test within such a short window of time, the Rapid Antigen test is quick and easy and it served to fulfill the requirement. There are two separate testing facilities on the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi, one at Door 8 (250 baht), another at Door 3 (500 baht).

I hope this helps those of you who are heading to the U.S. I can assure you, it took a big load off my mind. I expect international travel will get easier going forward but I fear pre-flight Covid testing will be something we have to deal with for a long time yet.

[aussiexpat]

"I expect international travel will get easier going forward but I fear pre-flight Covid testing will be something we have to deal with for a long time yet"

 

Maybe not, pre-flight testing is not required for Thailand, Cambodia or UK and Australia has cancelled the pre-flight test from 17 April

 

[Lemsta69]

it's only logical that the airline checks the test result prior to boarding. same as they do for visas. why spoil an otherwise good story with 'dirty work' and 'fear'? ????

[10years]

Great news!

 

Just a few questions. Was there a wait to be tested? And how long until the result comes out? 

 

Does this testing center operate 24/7?

 

TIA

[audaciousnomad]

3 hours ago, 10years said:

Great news!

 

Just a few questions. Was there a wait to be tested? And how long until the result comes out? 

 

Does this testing center operate 24/7?

 

TIA

You can read the reviews, sounds like it's pretty fast.

https://goo.gl/maps/U6pMECwcX5zYnZbZ6

[AlaskaDave]

My friend got his result in just a few minutes. All the test kits I've ever seen recommend waiting 15 minutes before reading the result yet he was in and out in less than that amount of time. There will possibly be times when you might be forced to wait in a queue for the test but he didn't have to  do that.