thailand
Ask question

Are shared transfers common for arrivals in Bangkok and how can I ensure a private transfer?

Bangkok TransfersPrivate vs Shared TransfersThailand PassTravel TipsCOVID-19 Safety MeasuresTransportation in Thailand
Nov 10, 2021
3 years ago
Benedict **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am arriving to BKK on monday, have my Thailand Pass and asked my hotel about the transfer but they are very vague in their answer if it is private or shared. They say it is private - “but if shared there is a refund of 500 THB”. Now, I will not get into a vehicle with a stranger and risk to become a close contact, if he/she tests positive. How common are shared transfers in your experience? What can I do if this is what I encounter on arrival? Thank you!
4,222
views
8
likes
125
all likes
48
replies
1
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses concerns regarding potential shared transfers for airport pick-up in Bangkok. The author has received vague answers from their hotel about whether the transfer is private or shared, with an option for a refund if it turns out to be shared. They express reluctance to share a vehicle due to COVID-19 concerns. Comments indicate that sharing can be common, especially if multiple guests are arriving at the same time, but emphasize the importance of insisting on a private transfer for safety, potentially by paying extra if necessary. The discussion covers the logistics of transfers, the airport's operational constraints, and broader COVID-19 safety considerations.
Jaap ************************
I assume you also refuse to step in a plane with other passengers you don't know? It's nice to fly in an empty plane all for yourself!
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Benedict **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK, after many many mails and Line messages with the hotel, it seems that they do not really have much influence on how the transfer is carried out. It is serviced by an independent (state?) organisation and transfers are prebooked by the hotel but arranged by the people at the airport. The hotel assured me that they book private transfer, but if there’s a shortage of cars at the airport, the authorities tend to put several people in the same vehicle or van, if they are headed to the same area. It really depends on how busy it gets when you arrive. The only solution is to stand your ground, not get into a vehicle with other people and accept possibly longer waiting periods to get a private transfer become available.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Jennifer ********
@Benedict *********
 I would definitely not get into a car with someone else, just unnecessary risk which would end up costing you so much time and money.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Dennis **********
@Jennifer *******
 you have just flown there in plane full of people so what is the difference
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Jennifer ********
@Dennis *********
 Yes, but unlike a plane, it's possible to get into a van by myself. And getting into a van with others is doubling my risk of getting quarantined...why would I do that if I could avoid it? Risk management.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jennifer ********
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Benedict *********
 Which probably means slipping a 'tip'...
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Wannikea *********
Do you know that Co2 levels skyrocket in small confined spaces with multiple people? Why is that important, because that Co2 is other peoples exhaled breath your breathing in, the air is not being ventilated or refreshed and if anyone is Covid positive .....
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Boglárka ********
@Wannikea ********
 what is this little gadget? Where did you buy it?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Boglárka ********
Reply
Michael ********
Personally i would put my foot down with hotel and say on my own only, if you got to pay extra 500 baht do it.

There was an article recently though they are short of drivers and vehicles
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Gertjan ********
Good luck !
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter *********
Agree 100% with bobs answers
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Peter ********
 Well bully for you.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Bob **********
You got on the plane with strangers didn't you
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Bob *********
 planes have HEPA filtration systems to clean the air.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Wannikea ********
 how to people contact Covid on flights then
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Bob *********
 on flights or before flights? If on a flight for 12 hrs and then tested positive upon arrival I doubt the arrival test can show positive from exposure in the previous 12 hrs, surely it takes time to incubate before being detectable.

It takes almost a week after exposure to detect covid.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Robert **********
I hear the shrill meows, and see the fur flying.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Robert *********
 A tin of whiskas and a saucer of milk will be heading your way soon 😁
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Bob you're not very good at this being a smartarse thing, so I'd stop trying.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
 smartarse your a funny guy I guess you don't come into contact with people anymore
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Not unless I absolutely have to Bob. Just common sense isn't it. Anything else you want to try and show your ignorance about?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
 been in Thailand and around many people every day I believe your a product of the media
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ****
@Bob *********
 I couldn't normally care less who I come into contact with back in my home country, but when I need to do a PCR test before leaving, another PCR when I arrive in Thailand and then another PCR test before I depart Thailand, yeah I do care who I come into contact with right up until I get that final pre-departure PCR test.

Not sure about you, but I don't particularly fancy spending my holiday locked up in a Thai hospital at my expense. That's what will going off reports so far happen if I test positive in Thailand or was sitting on the plane or shuttle next to someone that tests positive.

So Benedict is right to be wanting a private transfer.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Yeah Bob, for someone who demonstrates an extraordinary amount of ignorance and a willingness to want to prove it to everyone, I guess anyone who speaks the truth is going to look like "a product of the media". 🤔
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Nick *******
@Kevin **********
 He’s one of the “I live here” brigade. Never let a chance to tell people that fact as it’s supposed to be the ultimate check mate on a disagreement. Absolute clowns some expats who think they have the high ground based solely on a stamp in a passport 😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Nick ******
 Yeah I know the type.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Jared **********
@Bob *********
 you clearly have no idea what’s going on or why this is a concern, so why comment?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Jared *********
 yes same as if someone tests positive on your flight that was close to you
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Jared **********
@Bob *********
 so those 20 people who tested positive on arrival, if they each sat next to someone would be another 40 people who would have to quarantine, and if they also shared a taxi with 2 other people that would be another 40 people.

See why “well who cares you were on a plane with people” is such a terrible argument, as low as the odds are I’m going to do what’s reasonable to keep them as low as I can.

Imagine flying in thinking you’re gonna test and go and next thing you know your quarantined for 2 weeks because of someone you took a taxi ride with
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jared **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Jared *********
 right I've been here 12 years I don't think you understand how things work you have just as much chance coming in contact with a positive person on the plane as you do in a cab just look at the number of people testing positive after arrived and you probably won't be so concerned
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 It's not a cab Bob. It's a Quarantine transfer. They don't just let you walk out and get in any car. The issue is if you are stuck in a confined space with someone who tests positive, you are quarantined EVEN IF YOU DON'T TEST POSITIVE YOURSELF. Do you understand that?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Jared **********
@Bob *********
 one of us doesn’t understand except it’s not me, sure the risk is low but it’s going to happen to people and you have to be pretty obnoxious for this attitude.

It’s also effectively doubling your risk if you have to share a cab, at least on a plane you can try to not have anyone sitting on either side of you

Why are you even in this group? Clearly it’s not to be helpful or give good advice
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jared **********
Reply
Will ************
Common if a lot going to hotel same flight. Nothing you can do about it, take it on the chin
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Will ***********
 surely you mean take it on the 14 day isolated quarantine
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Will ***********
 It's Thailand, there's always something you can do about it.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Kevin ***********
That answer is not vague at all. They are not guaranteeing you your own car. If it's too late to change, tell them you want your own car and you don't mind paying extra for it. There's no way I'd risk being in a car with someone else given what we heard recently.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
 your getting in with a driver that's different???
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
Think he's doing SHA
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Oh dear Bob. Oh dear oh dear. Please stop talking, you're just going to embarrass yourself more.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Benedict **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 It is all about possibly ending up as a close contact. The driver is not getting tested right after the ride.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
George *************
@Benedict *********
 Exactly, the "danger" of being a close contact of a new arrival is tied directly to them being a new arrival and thereby subject to mandatory tests. A person who is not a new arrival is not subject to mandatory testing and therefore you are less likely to be identified as a close contact of someone testing positive, simply because they are less likely to be tested. You can only be a close contact of someone who is tested.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Benedict *********
 doesn't matter if he gets tested if you turn up positive
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Bob *********
 Driver is complety seperated from you, i have done asq and done the sha plus taxi service its all the same.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Yes Bob. That's different <sigh>
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
 yes I live in Thailand they don't
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Well if you'd ever done ASQ you would have experienced being in a hotel car sealed off from the driver.
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
 how is it different??
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
 Bob they have been separating drivers from passengers in transport for a long time now. Did you not know that?
3 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are reliable transportation options from Bangkok city center to the airport at 4 AM?
47 comments
8 months ago
Should I take a taxi or a Grab from Suvarnabhumi Airport to my hotel in Bangkok?
119 comments
a year ago
What are the experiences and tips for fast track immigration at Thailand's airports?
58 comments
2 years ago
What are the experiences and recommendations for VIP arrival services at Phuket airport?
2 comments
2 years ago
What happens if a passenger seated near a positive COVID-19 case is found after arrival in Thailand?
37 comments
3 years ago
What are the best transportation options from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak for expats?
30 comments
3 years ago
Is it normal for hotels in Thailand to only offer one PCR test and one airport transfer for two guests?
11 comments
3 years ago
How can I ensure my PCR tests and transfers are organized when booking a SHA+ hotel in Phuket?
15 comments
3 years ago
Do I need to book SHA+ transportation in Phuket with a Thai pass?
4 comments
3 years ago
How do I handle the Thailand Pass application for a layover if I'm leaving before the second COVID test is due?
8 comments
3 years ago
How can I travel from Bangkok to Phuket on February 18th without a Thai Pass?
8 comments
3 years ago
Is the hotel transfer service on Agoda from Phuket airport to the hotel worth using?
17 comments
3 years ago
What are my options for airport transfer to my hotel in Phuket if my hotel hasn't responded?
23 comments
3 years ago
What should I know before flying to Phuket under the Sandbox program?
15 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements and options for booking a private transfer from Phuket airport to a hotel for the Thailand Pass?
4 comments
3 years ago
Do I need to use hotel transfer for the Test & Go program in Phuket, or can I use Grab or another cab service?
10 comments
3 years ago
Can I take a standard taxi from the airport to my SHA+ hotel in Bangkok if I book the hotel myself?
15 comments
3 years ago
What should I know about the arrival process and COVID-19 testing when traveling to Thailand from Australia?
23 comments
3 years ago
Should I book airport transportation to my hotel or can I use public transport in Thailand, and how does the PCR testing and hotel stay work?
5 comments
3 years ago
What is the process and timeline for getting a PCR test upon arrival in Thailand and what happens if I arrive late?
28 comments
3 years ago
What do I need to know before flying to Bangkok for a holiday and what hotels do you recommend?
52 comments
3 years ago
What are the latest quarantine requirements for travelers to Thailand and how can I navigate them?
65 comments
3 years ago
Where can I get a Covid test before flying from Bangkok to Chicago, and how can I reach the airport with the curfew in place?
7 comments
3 years ago
How do I arrange transport to my quarantine accommodation in Bangkok, and what are the available quarantine hotels?
14 comments
4 years ago
What is the current experience like for expats arriving in Thailand amidst COVID-19 regulations?
84 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.