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Is it difficult to travel from the UK to Thailand with KLM during current restrictions?

Feb 10, 2021
5 years ago
Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Me again!

I would like to know about flying to Thailand from UK. Is it strict for giving a reason to fly? I will fly with KLM. Any experience?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling from the UK to Thailand with KLM may not be as difficult as perceived, but current COVID-19 restrictions in the UK necessitate having a valid reason to fly. Recent discussions indicate that while there are few issues reported in leaving the UK, airline regulations may require proof for legal travel reasons, such as family or medical needs. Travelers are advised to ensure they have all necessary documentation, including a visa, Certificate of Entry (COE), COVID-19 test results, and accommodation bookings in Thailand. The situation is evolving, and it’s recommended to stay updated with any changes in government guidelines.
Nigel *********
They're justified, and they're ancient

And they drive an ice cream…

Oh! No.... that was KLF... ignore
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Oliver *************
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Nigel *********
@Oliver ************
Bring the beat Back
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Nigel *********
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Gregoire ****
KLM lost my luggage ...
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Gregoire ****
From France. Correction, They found my luggage but "someone" open it and destroy the content... happy !
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregoire ***
from UK?
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Chanachai *****
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Oliver *************
Leaving this ...T Hole Should be Sufficient
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Wayne ********
It is currently illegal to leave the UK unless you have a valid reason, from Monday if you leave the UK and lie about the reason for leaving you could face upto 10 years in prison, so dont take the change
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Spencer *******
@Wayne *******
fuck off. Hahaha
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Steve **********
@Wayne *******
you cant !
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne *******
It is only for people who return back to UK.
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Wayne ********
@Chanachai ****
Mat is correct about that but it is illegal to leave the uk unless you are repatriating or for business purposes which you must prove
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Mat ************
@Wayne *******
there is quite a few legally permitted reasons to travel as well as business.
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Mat ************
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Mat ************
@Wayne *******
the 10 year prison sentence is for lying about coming back from a high risk country, nothing to do with any reasons for leaving.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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Chanachai *****
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Steve *******
Airlines are clamping down. You'll need a valid reason to travel, work, family or medical reasons. I know a couple of people who were refused boarding to mainland Europe earlier this week because they couldnt prove a valid reason to travel. All you can do is give it a go.
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Neil *********
I did it on January 31st. There is a requirement coming in from the U.K. where you have to document why you are leaving there.

I flew direct with Thai airways as didn’t want to risk any potential issues with any transit with certain airports etc.

If you are going to do it I suggest you do it quickly before the new system comes in the U.K. but of course you need to go through the process of having your visa and Coe and insurance and asq hotel all lined up before anything don’t forget the covid test and fit to fly certificate also
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Steve *********
Hi, I work in uk aviation. At the moment, so long as your paperwork is OK (visa, coe, covid test etc) then nobody's asking questions.

However, we're awaiting government instructions.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ********
thank you for sharing.
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Chanachai *****
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Ron *******
Get ready for the change on Monday 15th.

The London Thai Embassy has updated their website
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ᘻᗅᖶᖶᗁᕦᙛ *******
@Ron ******
they been said this though
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Anise *******
@Ron ******
just checking the website now ... can't see this , when is it dated please as would like to read full details Thanks
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Ron *******
@Anise ******
not much more to read on it but here's the link

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Jim ********
@Ron ******
it’s been on the website for months
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Anise *******
@Ron ******
so you are actually referring to an update from 9th JULY 2020 .... haha , no wonder your 'Facts' are wrong.
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Ron *******
@Anise ******
do you have a clue?

Let me answer for you....no you don't. That has been added to the page in the last week.
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Anise *******
@Ron ******
ok ... so .... go back to the link, look at date at top of page.

It's not rocket science....

Obviously I have more of a clue than you :)
@Jim *******
.... can you please check for me, just incase I am a bit stupid ;)
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Ron *******
@Anise ******
do you split arses think they write a new page everytime they bring a new requirement in?

You do whatever you want.....until Monday 😉
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Jim ********
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Anise *******
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Jim ********
@Anise ******
just ignore what anyone says on the groups. When and if people have problems leaving the U.K. then it becomes a problem but right now people are leaving frequently with zero issue so please don’t get yourself worked up over this
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Anise *******
@Ron ******
... exactly... and things have changed since then :)
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Anise *******
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John ********
Medical
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
but I am a doctor! Lol
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John ********
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John ********
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Garrett ***********
You'll be fine. haven't seen anyone asked for a reason to travel, but in the event you are I'm sure you could make something up.
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Dan ********
@Garrett **********
are you sitting at check-in at Heathrow airport to “see anyone asked” ?
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Garrett ***********
@D**
Is that what I said?
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Dan ********
@Garrett **********
yes, you say “haven’t seen anyone asked for a reason to travel....” where else could you be to be able to see that ?
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Dan ********
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Steve *******
@Garrett **********
Many airlines want proof of valid reasons to travel from the UK.
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Garrett ***********
@Steve ******
Never once heard of that.
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Steve *******
@Garrett **********
Just kicking in since the new lockdown. UK government toughening up for once.
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Steve *******
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James **********
People are flying out everyday. So I don’t think it’s too difficult
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Anise *******
@James *********
exactly :)
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Anise *******
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Anise *******
Hi ....

Just apply for the appropriate visa, make sure you have all the relevant paperwork...

My visa was approved and passport stamped within a week, flights and ASQ booked, insurance paid for, COE approved within an hour ... just need my negative covid test certificate and fit to fly which is this week. Then flying on Sunday :)

All easy and straightforward if you prep everything.
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Dan ********
@Anise ******
“All easy and straight forward” is not the general feedback 😜
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Anise *******
@Dan *******
it was for me :) maybe I was lucky but all online forms completed first time and accepted. Visa granted without issue, COE completed and granted within about an hour. As I said ... I must be lucky.
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Tina **********
@Anise ******
... your just not lucky. Very organised and efficient with a smart head on her shoulders too. xx
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Anise *******
@Tina *********
thank you
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Dan ********
@Anise ******
that does sound incredible, after a year of reading of problems on these forums numbered in the thousands now, I guess. I can offer you a job as my personal assistant. You sound very effective and efficient. Well done, I wish you well 🙏
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Anise *******
@Dan *******
thank you.. but I have my daughter to thank , she and her husband researched it all for me
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Anise *******
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Dan ********
“.....JUST need......”
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Daniel *******
@Anise ******
like you said
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Daniel *******
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Anise *******
To my knowledge you won't get far with KLM ....unless the rules have changed.
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Daniel *******
@Anise ******
Qatar airways 👍
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Daniel *******
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Phill ******
had couple mates just got here from UK. family reasons .
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill *****
Did you show anything? Or just write it down in the form?
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Phill ******
@Chanachai ****
, not sure , but maybe to do with there spouse visas .
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill *****
I got STV as we didn’t merry 😞.
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Chanachai *****
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Michael ********
There have been few posts this last few days and no one has had problems leaving
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I will have a look. Cheers!
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Daniel *******
@Chanachai ****
Qatar airways is your best bet
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Daniel *******
@Chanachai ****
just start the application process mate.. all good, promise 👍

Do it now though cos it could all change
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Michael ********
@Daniel ******
he has done all the application got the visa, he posts a question every day 555
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I am a questioner lol
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Chanachai *****
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Lyndon ************
You'll find very little experience of anyone 'currently' flying to Thailand from the UK.

As i understand it, the current UK rules state.

Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.
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Jim ********
@Lyndon ***********
people are flying everyday as they have been for months
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Lyndon ************
@Jim *******
I'm not talking about getting in to Thailand. I'm talking about getting to the airport and out of the UK. Updates to UK rules last week has international travel banned for holidays.
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Jim ********
@Lyndon ***********
yeh people are flying daily with zero problems
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Jim ********
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Daniel *******
If you dont 'know' then you shouldn't be giving advice. Opinions are like arseholes
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Lyndon ************
Foreign nationals are subject to the ‘Stay at Home’ regulations. You should not travel abroad unless it is permitted. This means you must not go on holiday.
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Dan ********
@Lyndon ***********
“regulations”
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
who said anything about a holiday... the OP is going to see family. Others are going back to Thailand to be with wives, children, for work, or simply because they usually live there halc the year.... so yes , lots of people travelling to Thailand.

Really not sure why you commented because UK is not stopping people from leaving UK if they have the appropriate paperwork ( visa, COE, insurance, bookings, covid test results .... )
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Lyndon ************
@Anise ******
this is the current advice in the UK
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
are you in UK at mo ???

Cos I am and I'm heading to Thailand with all the permissions needed. As are others.
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Lyndon ************
@Anise ******
no, I'm not. Everyone I know in the UK is in lockdown3...
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
haha ... please don't try to be clever. We are not imprisoned.

As I keep saying.... with the correct papers people are leaving.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anise ******
yep i am in UK and wanna move my flight from 11 mar to 1 mar.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lyndon ***********
I am UK resident. I hope I can visit my partner and partner’s family.
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Tim *******
@Chanachai ****
so you are going on holiday.Stay at home and wait until you are allowed to. Visiting your boyfriend is not essential it’s a holiday no matter what spin you put on it
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Jim ********
@Tim ******
my spin was that I didn’t want to stay in the U.K. anymore and wanted to get boozed up in 30 degree weather. It worked wonders 👍
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Tim *******
@Jim *******
it’s idiots like you that are stopping us getting rid of the virus. Well done for that buddy. You must be very proud
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Daniel *******
@Tim ******
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ******
but we are going to country where is low cases and we spend there like 60 days! I do believe UK gov will erase lockdown soon!
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Martin ********
@Chanachai ****
you will be able to travel if your papwework for COE is in order
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Jim ********
@Tim ******
leaving the country has absolutely zero threat to the U.K?? If you think differently then im willing to listen 👍
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
me too and I have a visa!
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Lyndon ************
@Chanachai ****
then you are in a better place to understand if you can get to the airport and manage to board and fly than anyone in Thailand. Speak to your airline would be my advice.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lyndon ***********
I contact them like 2weeks ago with email and SMS in WhatsApp and Messenger but no one answer me 😞
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Lynnette *******
@Chanachai ****
don't let Lyndon scare you into not travelling to stay with family. There should be no problem going to the airport as you have a "good reason" to travel there. People are flying out every day, if asked you tell them its not a leisure holiday but to see family.
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Anise *******
@Chanachai ****
it is possible. But I suggest you ignore the likes of those saying you can't leave UK because I and many others are.

Have you applied to the Embassy for a visa yet ?
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anise ******
i got STV on my passport now! Did u get the same STV?
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Anise *******
@Chanachai ****
I have TR as I need to convert it once in Thailand. STV can be extended but not converted.

You need to get the correct insurance, book flights, book ASQ, ....
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
.... unless permitted... VISA, COE etc ...
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Lyndon ************
@Anise ******
are you travelling on an TR visa?
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
yes, TR visa
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anise ******
i have the same idea. I got STV granted and I have invitation letter which I used to submit for STV.
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Lyndon ************
@Anise ******
nothing to do with Visa or COE
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Daniel *******
@Lyndon ***********
I flew out last Thursday.. currently sat in ASQ in Bangkok. You should look at what constitutes a legally permitted reason to fly..

Only an individual can determine whether they 'need' to fly or not. To whom would you ask permission? Read between the lines.. dont just be a sound board for politicians. Or do you enjoy being a slave?
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Anise *******
@Daniel ******
How are you finding ASQ so far ?
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Daniel *******
@Anise ******
like prison. You?
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Anise *******
@Daniel ******
.... arrive on 15th ... but prison or not, it will be worth it
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Daniel *******
@Anise ******
oh absolutely! Just make sure you book a decent hotel. Mine is a little substandard.

Anywhere is better than the UK at the moment. I've moved out here permanently to be with family. I'm counting my blessings. Best wishes to you 😊
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Anise *******
@Daniel ******
same for me ... to be with family. :)
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Dan ********
@Anise ******
what family
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Anise *******
@Dan *******
??? My family ? Why
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Dan ********
@Anise ******
ignore me, I’m being a dick.
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Daniel *******
...and I'm on a tourist visa 😘
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Dan ********
@Daniel ******
and you’re sat in a dull hotel for two weeks. And paying for it. I imagine the paperwork and travel itself was a ball ache ? Still I wish you all the best 🙏
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Dan ********
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Anise *******
@Lyndon ***********
lots of people flying from UK to Thailand.... for many different reasons.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lyndon ***********
you are right but I will fly as I will visit my partner and family.
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Lynnette *******
@Chanachai ****
the rules in uk are for "leisure holidays". You're visiting family so shouldn't really be a problem.
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Chanachai *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
yep I hope they will understand!
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Lynnette *******
@Chanachai ****
essential visit to family. No need to tell them more. You're not going on a frivolous leisure holiday.
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Lynnette *******
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