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Does Thailand accept saliva PCR tests for entry requirements?

Thailand PCR Test Requirements RT-PCR Immigration Visa Rules COVID-19 Testing Expat Life Travel Regulations

Feb 12, 2021

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My local PCR testing site in the US warns "A few places require a nasopharyngeal swab and won’t accept a saliva specimen." 

Does anyone know if Thailand is one of those countries?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around Thailand's requirements for PCR testing when entering the country, specifically whether saliva tests are acceptable. The consensus among commenters indicates that Thailand requires an RT-PCR test rather than just a general PCR test, and stress that some tests which are solely labeled as 'PCR' may not be valid. Various personal experiences shared highlight that throat, nose, and combined swabs have been accepted, but clarity on needing an RT-PCR test is emphasized.

Joe *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks all, I know what I need.

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Billy *********

it sucks but its quick

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Billy *********

yeap, nasal swab

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Jill ******

It must be a PCR test. I have never seen specifics Re the sampling. My tests in ASQ were throat only so assume this is ok for Thailand. In Australia it is a nose and throat swab.

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Dick **********

my tests were both nose and throat in ASQ

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Kathy ****************

Same here..

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Kathy ****************

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เด่ ******

Why make it so complicated. Thai embassy does not say anything about that labor language. Everything with PCR test is accepted !.

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Paolo ************

Try XRP-AR GH Test

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Bob ***********

I just did a saliva test. It was RT-PCR and accepted by all.

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Kathy ****************

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Kathy ****************

We flew from Washington DC to Bangkok the end of November

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Kathy ****************

This was ours and accepted...

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Amy *******

@Kathy ***************

where did you fly from and did you fly into Bangkok which airport? And when because from what we understand it must be RT-PCR. boy would this make our lives easier if it could just be a regular PCR.

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Amy *******

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Kathy ****************

Ours were not the RT-PCR and were accepted..

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Pui *****

Some people are posting that Thailand requires a PCR test which is inaccurate. It must say RT-PCR. They won't accept a test result that just says PCR.

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Giles *********

Thailand must be RT PCR

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Kathy ****************

Try CVS we had ours done there..

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Dennis ***********

Make sure it says RT-PCR. Some people might have gotten in with others, but I wouldn't risk it.

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Bim *******

Thailand requirements is a PCR test. Saliva only sounds to me like an antigen test only which they won't accept.

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Jared **********

saliva tests can be RT-PCR, I took one as a backup

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Bim *******

@Jared *********

that's interesting. I never understood why the need for a nasal swab on a test as sensitive as a PCR.

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Jared **********

I think the saliva tests are just a better medium and easier for mail order and doing it over zoom, I’ve done my fair share of covid tests and research for them but I know nothing about the difference or what matters about how the sample is taken.....I just know how to go from country A to country B lol 🤷‍♂️

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Bim *******

@Jared *********

for sure. Just make sure it says PCR on the results. I am sure Thailand will eventually move to the lateral flow test eventually.

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Jared **********

I’m already in thailand, it was just a backup test as my lab couldn’t guarantee my results in time, but it was a RT-PCR and in any case having a plan b was quite reassuring

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Jared **********

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Jared **********

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Jared **********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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