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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
4 years ago
Benedict **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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!
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.
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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!
Benedict **********
ORIGINAL POSTEROK, 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.
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. Dennis **********
@Jennifer *******
you have just flown there in plane full of people so what is the difference 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. Reply to
Jennifer ********
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Kevin ***********
@Benedict *********
Which probably means slipping a 'tip'...Reply to
Kevin ***********
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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 .....
Boglárka ********
@Wannikea ********
what is this little gadget? Where did you buy it? Reply to
Boglárka ********
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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
There was an article recently though they are short of drivers and vehicles
Gertjan ********
Good luck !
Peter *********
Agree 100% with bobs answers
Kevin ***********
@Peter ********
Well bully for you.Reply to
Kevin ***********
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Bob **********
You got on the plane with strangers didn't you
Wannikea *********
@Bob *********
planes have HEPA filtration systems to clean the air.Bob **********
@Wannikea ********
how to people contact Covid on flights then 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.
Reply to
Wannikea *********
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Robert **********
I hear the shrill meows, and see the fur flying.
Kevin ***********
@Robert *********
A tin of whiskas and a saucer of milk will be heading your way soon 😁Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
Bob you're not very good at this being a smartarse thing, so I'd stop trying.Bob **********
@Kevin **********
smartarse your a funny guy I guess you don't come into contact with people anymore 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?Bob **********
@Kevin **********
been in Thailand and around many people every day I believe your a product of the media 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.
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". 🤔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 😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡Kevin ***********
@Nick ******
Yeah I know the type. Reply to
Kevin ***********
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Jared **********
@Bob *********
you clearly have no idea what’s going on or why this is a concern, so why comment?Bob **********
@Jared *********
yes same as if someone tests positive on your flight that was close to you 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
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 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?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
Reply to
Jared **********
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Will ************
Common if a lot going to hotel same flight. Nothing you can do about it, take it on the chin
Wannikea *********
@Will ***********
surely you mean take it on the 14 day isolated quarantineKevin ***********
@Will ***********
It's Thailand, there's always something you can do about it. 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.
Bob **********
@Kevin **********
your getting in with a driver that's different???Bob **********
Think he's doing SHA
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
Oh dear Bob. Oh dear oh dear. Please stop talking, you're just going to embarrass yourself more.Reply to
Kevin ***********
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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.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.Bob **********
@Benedict *********
doesn't matter if he gets tested if you turn up positive Michael ********
@Bob *********
Driver is complety seperated from you, i have done asq and done the sha plus taxi service its all the same.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
Yes Bob. That's different <sigh>Bob **********
@Kevin **********
yes I live in Thailand they don't Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
Well if you'd ever done ASQ you would have experienced being in a hotel car sealed off from the driver. Bob **********
@Kevin **********
how is it different??Kevin ***********
@Bob *********
Bob they have been separating drivers from passengers in transport for a long time now. Did you not know that?Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
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