Do I need to book an ASQ before applying for a Certificate of Entry (CoE) in Thailand?

@Mark *******

yes, and in the UK you HAVE to have the ASQ before they will issue the CoE once it has been approved. The OP wanted to know if they have to have the ASQ booked before they get the CoE and, in the UK at least, the answer is yes.

@Kevin ****

Clearly you are confused. The application is approved first. The applicant must then book the repatriation flight and ASQ BEFORE the CoE is released to them. The travel dates and quarantine are not confirmed until CoE is approved.

@Mark *******

yes, and at that point you send details of flights, ASQ booking and insurance etc. then they issue the certificate. So, before you actually receive the CoE you must book the ASQ. If you don't they won't forward the CoE. Just because it is approved by BKK does not mean the embassy will issue it until you send them all the other booking confirmations and paperwork.

@Kevin ****

That's what I said. You do not need the ASQ to apply or to be approved. Once you are told you are approved you need the ASQ to physically get the CoE in your hand. What is your point?

@Mark *******

How hard can this be to understand? Yes, you can apply for the CoE BEFORE booking the ASQ, YES, the CoE can be approved before booking the ASQ but you CANNOT GET the CoE until the ASQ booking has been made. So you cannot physically GET the CoE until you have an ASQ booked. Just because the embassy has the CoE doesn't mean you have it, ergo, before you can receive the CoE you have to have the booking for the ASQ.

@Kevin ****

Obviously too difficult for you. The question is "Do I need to have an ASQ booked for my COE application or book once received ASQ. I have a flight provisionally booked"

It is simple, no you don't need the ASQ booked to apply, yes, you book it once approved.

It is NOT required for the application, neither is the CoE in hand, it is simply confirmed which allows for proceeding to fixing dates and the ASQ booking. We're done.