paddlinsteve

Having lurked in these parts since 2006 myself, the least I can do to recognize Joe's value to the community in general and to me specifically is to make an effort to tap out a tribute to him and his wisdom and clarity of perception -- qualities that lit up an area that can be daunting at best and threatening to people unable to see through smokescreens as easily as he. Requiescat in pace, Ubon Joe.

An American's experience: In 2006, I got my first Non O visa in Bahrain. It was a breeze with very little documentation required. This year I was returning to LOS after a year spent in the U..S. I tried to apply through the Royal Thai Consulate in Chicago. The list of questions had grown considerably, but the one that applied the coup de grace (or put paid) to this guy's application) was the one requiring me to take a photo of myself holding my own passport. Instead of continuing, I just came in on visa exempt, then applied at my local IO for the Non O visa and then got the extension three months later.

So I'm coming to Thailand on 31 March (yes, just missing the change). I'm trying to get the Covid insurance, but have faced a problem. I tried MSIG and opted for the 30-day policy for 1,770 baht. However, when I clicked on the pay button, the site went dead. Does anyone have a clue as to what was going on? Meanwhile, I'd like to get the Axa insurance. However, for a 30-day policy the cheapest I could find online was 3,350 baht. I didn't see the famed 2,200 baht insurance that has been mentioned several times in this thread. Am I being charged more due to my age (74)? Again, any idea what's happening here?

"Clarity" has come at last. With my wife's Thailand Pass QR code came these notes adding some amplification of the policies, but ultimately just allowing more uncertainty: We've decided to go ahead and splash out for the PCF test, not just because Thai authorities might insist on it, but also as she's passing through Tokyo on the way, the Japanese are tightening their borders as well. [email protected] Dear Mrs. XXXX Thailand Pass system has approved your registration. You can access and download your Thailand Pass QR Code by double clicking the attached PDF Travelling to Thailand 1. Please prepare your documents to present at the check-in counter and to the agencies concerned when arriving in Thailand. The documents are as follows 1.1 Passport with visa (if required) 1.2 Thailand Pass QR Code (on mobile device or printed copy) 1.3 Medical certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected through RT-PCR test (issued within 72 hours before departure). If the Port Health and Quarantine at airports in Thailand discover that you have invalidated COVID-19 RT-PCR test result or if the type of the test is not RT-PCR method, you will not be eligible to be exempted from quarantine, but you may be allowed to enter Thailand by quarantine only. 2. When arriving in Thailand, please present your documents and Thailand Pass QR Code to the immigration and disease control officers. Remarks: if your airline requires additional documents, kindly prepare the additional required documents, or you may be denied boarding. * This email is automatically generated. Please do not reply. *

ubonjoe: could you perhaps shed some light on this problem of whether returning Thais need to show a negative PCR test result to board an aircraft bound for Thailand? I just can't find overwhelming proof that it's either necessary or a waste of time and money. Incidentally, my wife has received two Moderna injections, if that matters. Also, her Thailand Pass has been approved for this trip. Thanks!

I just called American Airlines office in Bangkok and asked them whether the wife would need to be tested or not before flying. After quite a wait while they (apparently) searched various notices and lists for an answer, they replied that my wife would indeed need to show a negative PCR test result before being allowed to board a flight to first Tokyo and then Bangkok. If anyone has information contrary to this, I would be glad to hear it!

Yes, your wife needs a negative PCR test result. https://tp.consular.go.th/en/plan Unfortunately, the file you've linked to just deals with matters post arrival in LOS. It has to do with the suspension of Test ;n;; Go and the need for two vaccine shots while in 7-day quarantine. My wife knows about that and it's unavoidable. However, what about prior to boarding the plane leaving the U.S.? Will she need to show a negative result of a PCR inside 72 hours of departure (as I had to do when I left the States at the end of November)? I haven't found a consistent answer so far.

Next week my wife (Thai national) is booked to fly in from LAX after spending a couple of years in the States. She's had her 2 jabs of Moderna. Now we're not sure if she needs a negative PCR result to board the plane. Any thoughts?