Is it safe and hassle-free for foreigners to travel by bus in Thailand during COVID with a non-O visa?

Jul 18, 2020
4 years ago
Phil ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone travelled around Thailand on the buses lately? Iโ€™m wondering if they are running as normal and if foreigners get any hassle about visas or COVID? I live in Thailand and have been here throughout the COVID crisis and have a non o visa based on marriage, which is on amnesty. Thanks
1,023
views
3
likes
23
all likes
14
replies
1
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling by bus around Thailand is generally hassle-free for foreigners, especially those holding a non-O visa based on marriage. Recent experiences shared by travelers indicate that bus services are operating normally, with no significant issues related to visas or COVID-19. Travelers are advised to wear masks and adhere to local customs. However, some bus companies may have restrictions based on nationality, such as the Green bus in Chiang Rai, which reportedly only allows Thai citizens.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Chanin **********
U are allowed to travel by bus u just need to be always wearing your mask i just recently travelled from chiang rai to bangkok by bus
Phil ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone ๐Ÿ˜Š
David ********
Did BKK-Hat Yai two weeks ago. Nothing out of the ordinary really, except they asked us to scan a QR code using the Thai Chana app.
Terary **********
I took a bus from Pattaya to BKK a couple of weeks ago. No issues. But you know. Don't be a dick try to be as much Thai like as possible, be polite, wear a mask, etc.
Andrew *********
@Terary *********
Good advice for foreigners you are in a foreign country, when in Rome etc. I cringe at the way some farang behave here, have some respect but then towns like Pattaya attract the dregs .
Christopher ****************
I have travel Bangkok to Udon Thani, Bangkok to Pattaya and back, Chum Phae to Bangkok, Bangkok to Trat and back. Being the only forgiener on the bus I had no hassle to with covid or my visa
Chris ******
Travelled from Korat to Pattaya last week...coach was only
***
full...easy
Roy ***********
In Chiang Rai they have the Green bus, not sure if they are everywhere in Thailand. Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai is an important busroute, but only Thai citizens can travel on the Green bus.

It does not seem to be a requirement from government, just a Xenophobic bus company.
Austin *******
@Roy **********
I travelled on the green bus to Chiang Mai this week. No problems.
Roy ***********
I saw many messages in Chiang Rai groups concerning this issue. It was not only Green bus, but some other companies had no problems with non-Thais. I did not hear this requirement has changed in the last few weeks, but it may very well have.

A few people asked why, but were not given a reason. My guess is their regular Thai customers are scared of foreigners.
Christophe **********
Keep up
Nathan ***************
or is that due to new covid rules only allowing thai people aboard
Nathan ***************
@Roy **********
you mean the green bud with leather seats and cabin crew ?

Me and my missus never had any issues travelling on the green bus alongside another European traveller ๐Ÿค” from pa sang to Chiang Rai exchange terminal
Nick ****************
I travelled Loei to Bangkok last weekend. Bunged at the back next to the toilet.
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 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