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What are the current challenges and frustrations surrounding the Thailand Pass application process for travelers?
Thailand PassCOVID-19 Travel RestrictionsVisa Application IssuesExpatriates in ThailandTravel AdviceInsurance RequirementsPCR Test RequirementsGovernment Policies
Nov 6, 2021
4 years ago
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThis farce needs abandoning now. The pass is a failure. Even my Thai girl friend can't get back.
Write it off now and allow travellers to fly with 1 day hotel booking, insurance and a PCR.
Write it off now and allow travellers to fly with 1 day hotel booking, insurance and a PCR.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion highlights widespread frustration regarding the Thailand Pass application process, which is deemed inefficient and stressful for travelers trying to return to Thailand. Many commenters express that the application process can be difficult to navigate, particularly with the requirement of insurance and QR codes, with reports of some applications being approved quickly while others face unexplained delays. Suggestions for improvement include streamlining the process and allowing for simpler entry requirements, such as a one-day hotel booking and insurance proof. Overall, there is a shared sentiment among users about the need for urgency in addressing these issues to facilitate smoother international travel.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Terry ********
I posted previously in similar vein calling the Thais 'Neanderthals'. I felt bad afterwards for being Racist so went back to apologise and edit it but it has been removed. I wanted to edit it to 'IT Neanderthals' which I think is acceptable. The evisa and Thailand Pass websites should be designed independently by those with the expertise and not by the megalomaniacs in the Immigration department who get off on making life as difficult as possible for those 'Aliens' wishing to enter their country. Those running the country dont seem to realise just how bad their websites are, and how many tourists they have lost for years because of them. And this is compounded, I think, by the cultural taboo of criticising or condemning the work of others and in so doing making them 'lose face'.
Steve **********
Steve *******
@Steve *********
The vast majority of problems are from the end user. If you've ever worked in IT then you'll know this.Terry ********
@Steve ******
Haha! Oh sure! Those damned end users not understanding the wonderful IT system that we have designed for them! The priority for those working in IT should be the end user; to make the system as user-friendly as possible for the end user. Steve *******
@Terry *******
Yep. That's the way it should work. Unfortunately there are many Luddites about.Steve **********
Reply to
Steve **********
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Steve *******
@Terry *******
Im pretty sure the Immigration police didnt design the evisa and Thailand Pass websites. That would be the MFA.They're acctually quite easy to navigate if you can follow simple instructions.Terry ********
@Steve ******
WTF r the MFA then? Simple instructions my arse. It was all trial and error, and if u did something wrong u received an error message and sent back to the home page just like fekkin monopoly; without being given a reason why. "Do not pass go. Do not collect your visa!" At least Monopoly gave you a reason on the card...555. The 2nd year I used the e-visa website it was stuck on my previous years visa on the visa choice menu and would not offer me any other visa type. and it was impossible to clear it and start a new application. The embassy emailed me a 6 step guide on how to clear it to start a new application, but even they said if it doesnt work you must reregister using a different email address which is what I had to do in the end. The only help or instructions I recall was "Required documents must be uploaded 'in the proper manner". "In the proper Fekkin manner!" I havent been spoken to like that since I was at school!Steve *******
@Terry *******
Obviously a few people have had problems. Thousands of people have submitted applications WITHOUT problems. FYI the MFA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Terry ********
@Steve ******
Judging by cries for help on here more than a few, and what about those who simply give up!Steve *******
@Terry *******
That's the problem with expat FB groups, you see some horror stories here but nothing from the thousands of people who've successfully applied.Terry ********
@Steve ******
There are many many replies from those who have successfully applied saying thank you to those who have helped them in the groups.Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
Declan ***********
1000000000000% true - But People are afraid to say anything that may be construded as Thai Bashing - If We were Thai Bashing we wouldn't all want to come to the Beautiful Country in the First Place - It took me 30 minutes to design a Secure Website similar to the Thai Pass One - No one said 'We can't use Hotmail, and only use a Gmail' - That could have been sorted so easily - I had to create a Gmail address to put Upload or Drag and Drop my Stuff - It would have been so easy to Do a 5 Minute *YOUTUBE* video on how to do all this and attach to all websites - Yes - You mentioned the - *LOSE FACE thing* - Even when you buy a washing machine here in UK online, they Put a Video on with instructions how to Open the Bloody Door...... ***DISCLAIMER - I LOVE THE KING - GOD BLESS THE PRESIDENT***........ There You Go...... (I was Just Saying) - 🙏🙏🙏
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*****
*****
000% true - But People are afraid to say anything that may be construded as Thai Bashing - If We were Thai Bashing we wouldn't all want to come to the Beautiful Country in the First Place - It took me 30 minutes to design a Secure Website similar to the Thai Pass One - No one said 'We can't use Hotmail, and only use a Gmail' - That could have been sorted so easily - I had to create a Gmail address to put Upload or Drag and Drop my Stuff - It would have been so easy to Do a 5 Minute *YOUTUBE* video on how to do all this and attach to all websites - Yes - You mentioned the - *LOSE FACE thing* - Even when you buy a washing machine here in UK online, they Put a Video on with instructions how to Open the Bloody Door...... ***DISCLAIMER - I LOVE THE KING - GOD BLESS THE PRESIDENT***........ There You Go...... (I was Just Saying) - 🙏🙏🙏Reply to
Declan ***********
Reply
Declan ***********
They Never mentioned you have to create a GMAIL ACCOUNT - as will not accept Hotmail - Just saying - Mine came in 4 Hours and I'm not travelling for another 3 weeks... It's a long drawn out Process - Put all docs in Chronological order on your Desktop - Flight/Hotel/ and Passport..... On Computer screen and Drag and Drop - My 10 year old would have designed the Website Better.... Strangely was that the Hotel Booking was the only thing that delayed me for 3 days / Just none were replying / Peace and all the Best - 🙇
Tony *******
Spot on
Steve **********
T.I.T !
Channel **********
There is another 194 countries in the the World bye the way.....maybe choose one of them where you will be more happier and Thailand will be the same 🤔
Gene **********
@Channel *********
are you sure?Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Channel *********
Channel I have lived in Thailand longer than you have. Unless you are older than 33 and I doubt that. Channel **********
@Graham *******
Who cares how long you have lived in Thailand all that proves is you are a very old man probably with dementia Declan ***********
@Channel *********
- Ouchhhhhhhhh, I am NOT picking an argument with you - I rather be your friend than enemy - *BUT* - I think you won this one - 🙏 - ☘Declan ***********
@Channel *********
- The exact same INSULTED ME BY SAYING - - - Frédéric Umar Letellier***Thai don't hug in public.***
Reply to
Declan ***********
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Declan ***********
Very True - But I am a devoted husband and Have loyalty to my Villiage Girl who is my everything - I haven't seen my 2 young Boys in 18 months and Thank God I managed to jump all the hoops to get my Thailand Pass - There's going to be a lot of tears shed at Khonkaen Airport when we have a group Hug - 🥺🙏🙇
Frédéric ******************
@Declan **********
Thai don't hug in public.Channel **********
@Frédéric ****************
Of course they do....bye the way it's the 21st century now and things have changed since the last time you were in Thailand in the 80’s 🤭Frédéric ******************
@Channel *********
I know that the French movie "La Boum" did a lot of change in the Thai teenager behaviour. But even, you'll hardly see a Thai couple hugging each other at the airport without being stared at. 34 years immersion in Thailand and still counting.Channel **********
@Frédéric ****************
What ever...you are very repetitive..😴Declan ***********
@Frédéric ****************
- Ohhh Ok - Well my Mrs is Half French, so that must be why we’ve been hugging 🤗 up to now - but your statement is a bit of a Generalisation do you think - 😎 - Well, the good news is I got my Thailand Pass within 4 hours…. Must have got lucky 🍀 - Luck of the Irish ☘️ I guess - 🇹🇭🫂🇮🇪Reply to
Declan ***********
Reply
Declan ***********
I AGREE 100% - and a funny quote I saw on a Forum was - - - - JUST TO CHEER YOU UP: - RECENTLY I applied to go on the International Space Shuttle & didn't have as many Rules, Regulations & Paper work to Deal with as I have to do to visit Thailand........ It's totally NUTS and No one can give You a Definite answer - "Call Back Tomorrow, up to You........" - I'm having a fuc*ing Nervous Breakdown with this Fu*king Thai Pass - It takes an Hour to upload all the Info - It doesn't have a 'Save and Draft Button' anter an Hour........ Press Send - Then gives you an Error CODE and Resorts back to the Beginning....... Jesus Please Help me Design their Thai Pass myself........ RANT OVER - DISCLAIMER I LOVE THE KING - So I do....... 😁
Steve **********
@Declan **********
Thailand has changed and is changing so quickly. Some attributed to covid, but on a larger scale the loss of the King, and increase in the " tea " business. After almost 18 years, am looking outward.
Declan ***********
@Steve *********
- Very True..... It is sad near Khonkaen in our village there were 4 (Yai Yai) - (Grandmothers) malnourished near starvation so I set up a Direct debit to my Mrs (It was my idea) purely to keep them claen and alive..... So sad.... If I could afford more I would..... When I come back to London I realise how lucky we are..... but, Pray for the People of Thailand - I won't say anything Political but I am shocked - 🥺🥺🥺Steve **********
@Declan **********
There are a few rice lines and the like I give food to ( not baht ). It's at a point where the couple of dozen turn into hundreds. The missionaries are surfacing publically now. Sadly.In Chiangmai, all the ' for Rent ' signs put up a year ago have been replaced with ' for Sale ' signs. Where is 'uncle ' ?
Hey ! Wasn't that crowd at kings party impressive, eh.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Declan ***********
But - It took me only 4 Hours to Get my Thailand Pass - and I don't travel until the 17th of the month - Wish everyone Success - 🙏☘🙏
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Declan **********
That is the farce bit I was talking about. Declan ***********
@Graham *******
- It could be a Red HERRING, and I sincerely I am Wrong, but I know 3 other People with IRISH PASSPORTS approved within a span of 9 hours - I hope I'm WRONG - *You must USE a Gmail - email address to receive the Pass - I found that out from The *THAI TIGER* forum......... I am Not THAI BASHING, but my 10 year old son could have designed theit website Better.......... I hope I was of some Hope Graham - 🙏Reply to
Declan ***********
Reply
Dave *******
To many people not allowing enough time from application to flight, biggest problem is people applying many many times thinking they have more chance but it reality they are clogging the system and by being greedy genuine people are missing out, shame on the selfish!!
James ***********
@Dave ******
Thai Pass site should not allow multiple applications with the same passport number. I am not a coder but I don't think it is a challenge to do that. I waited 4 days after my first application and saw others apply 5 times, then I started worrying about system being overloaded 6 days to my departure date so I myslef applied 3 more times and one of them got the code within 2 hr.Dave *******
@James **********
multiple entries should be banned and those who do should have them cancelled and have to start again, they are putting to much strain on the system, therefore genuine people are missing flights Reply to
Dave *******
Reply
Steve *******
Got my TP approved in 24hrs
Ադամ ********
Can somebody please buy Thailand an Adobe account?
Ron *********
The keep your covid out of my country mentality was fine in the early stages of the pandemic, but at this stage with the level of infections so low and so many vaccinated now it's completely asinine.
Of course I understand if I wanna get back to Thailand that's the way it is, but it's still idiotic.
Insurance is all that's needed with your airline vetting your policy to make sure it meets your destinations coverage requirement, if you do happen to get sick with covid we're not paying for your treatment.
There's no argument to the contrary, end of story.
Of course I understand if I wanna get back to Thailand that's the way it is, but it's still idiotic.
Insurance is all that's needed with your airline vetting your policy to make sure it meets your destinations coverage requirement, if you do happen to get sick with covid we're not paying for your treatment.
There's no argument to the contrary, end of story.
David *********
Well said ..enough is enough .
Total JOKE , vaxxed fly in , that's it ! SIMPLE
Forget this utter bullshit .
Total JOKE , vaxxed fly in , that's it ! SIMPLE
Forget this utter bullshit .
David ***********
That would requires a lot of training for immigration officers and cause a lot of congestion at immigration arrivals.
Reply to
David ***********
Reply
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have now got my pass but my Thai girl friend has not. International travel is stressful enough. This is full on stress.
Sebastian ******
@Graham *******
Did you do anything to speed up the process or it just got naturally processed and emailed to you? How long until your flight?Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sebastian *****
I applied on Nov 1st and 5th. I got a notification of aplication on both. I have no Idea which one was successful. My Thai friend, I have applied 3 times, 1st 5th and 6th. I have all three notifications but no acceptance. I did nothing to peed it up!!! Is there something. I fly on Wed 10th, but I need a PCR on Monday.James ***********
@Graham *******
you can apply 2 more times, i would not wait. Make sure your insurance shows $50,000 usd min. Leave space after passport number. Crop the QR code part nicely. Apply 2 more times.David ***********
@James **********
"Leave space after passport number" .... could you please explain what you mean?Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James **********
I keep explaining thay I have now got my pass. I found it very easy. The farce is that my Thai gf has not and I made the application. Her submition needs no insurance and is far easier. SHE IS Thai, - - how farcical is that. Tomorrow is my last opportunity to get a PCR test or I have to change every thing including my hotel, insurance, flight and start again as my QR code will I longer be applicable. No contact, no phone, no email.Reply to
Graham ********
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John *********
Its crap.tech here is shit . Will not get anybody to help them
Cambodia **************
Open thailand please
Richard ********
💯 they will change it next year it’s not workable
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *******
I agree, they will say its no longer necessary to save face. Reply to
Graham ********
Reply
Francesco **********
i just hope to receive my qr code in time… i don’t really have 200 usd a day to be wasted here in HK…
James ***********
@Francesco *********
don't wait and re-apply 3-4 more times. Make sure insurance shows $50,000 min. Crop the QR code part. Leave space after passport number Francesco **********
@James **********
i did already the second time... insurance is 100k up, so no problem... but passport number is not mentioned on swiss covid certificates... that's a bullshit, really!!!Reply to
Francesco **********
Reply
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSome of you are confusing farce with difficult. I found it quite simple. The farce bit is that some get the code in hours and some not at all without any reason or access to the application progress. It either Comes or it doesn't.. That is a farce.
Jo ****
Well said
Mark **********
I recall the same glitches the first couple of weeks during the sandbox program and by the time we went through it all went smoothly. It can be frustrating, but I’m not aware of too many tech rollouts that went perfectly….hang in there and good luck to you.
Mike **********
Obamacare?😂
Mark **********
@Mike *********
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing and after a few months or so several million folks were able to get insured. Also the history of the Denver airport was similar with the press hand wringing for awhile. I just stopped expecting perfection and I’m much happier.Reply to
Mark **********
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Asavin ***************
I can do it easy, my parents couldn’t. It’s very much an old people problem
Ruth *******
@Asavin **************
some of those "old people" are the reason you have those computers and other devices you use for building your content and for submitting these applications.Richard ********
@Asavin **************
very ageism statmentGraham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Asavin **************
Have you got the QR code. Ray *****
@Graham *******
plenty of Thai's on my flight today had the QR codeGraham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ray ****
Did you ask them. Sure it wasn't the Coe. Ray *****
@Graham *******
100% sure, they were showing them to me. Many had them printed out though I'm sure they could have done it on their phoneRonald *********
@Ray ****
Who are flying with ?Ray *****
@Ronald ********
Emirates, most of the Thai's were on the last leg from Dubai to Bangkok Ronald *********
@Ray ****
I am flying to Schipol from the UK, then one flight to Bangkok.Hoping to avoid Thai passengers.
Reply to
Ronald *********
Reply
Gordon *******
To be fair anyone booking a flight etc and coming in the first 9 days was always taking a chance, knowing Thai efficiency
Patrick ********
The application is easy but you have to do a lot of background work ..
Have *******
Something has a slight delay or a momentary lapse within the first few days of implementation.
Reactionaries who care about nothing except their own convenience: EUSNEBFSOWIHDJDOKDFHHSKSDKEBVVWHXFHENDJDHSH 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Reactionaries who care about nothing except their own convenience: EUSNEBFSOWIHDJDOKDFHHSKSDKEBVVWHXFHENDJDHSH 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Adam *******
Its easy if you follow it , my nephew got approved and QR code in 2.5 hours yesterday
James ***********
@Adam ******
the issue is the process is totally random. People who don't get their QR codes don't do any mistake either. It is just a inefficient random process Reply to
James ***********
Reply
William ********
no pdfs j peg only...... no hotmail gmail only thats the problems people have been having me included. i used hotmail nov 1... no response...... thus reapplied using gmail,,, instant response thai pass 24 hours later arrived
Brett *********
@William *******
many people are saying the same.Reply to
Brett *********
Reply
Raece **********
What you can’t book 1 day hotel quarantine ?
Maxim ***********
Thailand is not a first-world country therefore you should not expect a first-world level of logistics. Whining is reasonable here but just try to manage your expectations. Things that are super easy to deal with where I'm from (Canada) are much harder logistically here. Thailand is not as advanced in such areas. Some will say that I'm arrogant or wtv but no, I'm simply stating that not every country is competent equally. When I lived in Cambodia everything was logistically worse than Thailand, but I expected that because Cambodia is much poorer and a lot less advanced. But for every downside, you get an upside. For example, you get arrested without a permit, you pay 500 baht fine. For every annoying thing foreigners have to deal with there is a positive one that we get from being a foreigner. Visa is probably the #1 annoying thing, which I put the Pass in that category.
Maxim ***********
Because of "saving face" mentality which is a big thing over here.
Tony *******
@Maxim **********
Then why don't they get a tek guy from offshore to sort it out in the first place ?Terry ********
@Tony ******
Exactly. They are bringing in the Chinese to build railways, why not to build a website?Steve **********
@Tony ******
you'll never find a Thai saying they can't do , and would never ask a farang.Steve **********
@Tony ******
wtf... admit a mistake, or inability ? ..haha haTony *******
@Steve *********
PreciselyReply to
Tony *******
Reply
Steve **********
@Maxim **********
agree 99% the 1% is the Thai " official " that just wants to have " fun " with farang. Just smile, be polite and say Mai cow chai or ( I don't understand )Sean *********
@Steve *********
Sometimes I find the offer of a little "tea money" to certain uniforms can ALSO speed up the process and give the tamruat yim-yai! ;-)Reply to
Sean *********
Reply
Dick **********
@Maxim **********
It also sounds like the USA where they do not have a standard covid certificate that is acceptable to the requirements of every countryJohn ****************
@Maxim **********
total same thai have to do to go to Denmark, can wait up to 14 days to get approved and no status... Same to uh, same to Sweden same to Norway... Reply to
John ****************
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James **********
it seems you need a certain amount of computer skills to sucessfully do it. Many 1000s have got theirs so far so it does work.
Dick **********
@James *********
Applying for visas and documents is very easy. I am amazed that so many people are unable to read instructions and then follow them. Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *********
I found it quite easy. I applied for both myself and my Thai girl friend. I applied 7 days before the flight as advised. Actually 10 days. I had the email saying my application had been recieved. What have I done wrongReply to
Graham ********
Reply
Diezzy ******
The problem is about Who check the papers.. with coe is your embassy now is with the MFA 🤧🤧
Bobby ********
They don't want people arriving who don't meet the criteria. The airlines could not sustain the loss of having to fly everybody back
Frank ******
The thousands this week came in with QR?
Martin ********
It's not that difficult to do. If you want to travel then tough luck
Carl ********
I agree what a farse and potentially stand to loose your flight money hotel and everything
Joel *******
Download a browser extension called 'disable CORS', try again, thank me later
Jeremy ********
The thai pass will be here because the online 90 day reporting which works intermittently has never gone away…
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTEREvery one can do it. We have all got a green success and a application recieved e mail but that is not a QR code needed to fly. Some have inexplicably recieved the QR code. That is the farce.
Ken ********
Easy its a test
Joseph *********
Best solution: stay home. Easy.
Tod *********
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but; It's get a thai pass or stay where ever you are 😕
have some cheese with your whine..
have some cheese with your whine..
David *****
@Tod ********
there's plenty of other places to go.The world doesn't start and stop at Thailand.People will just go elsewhere and do other things instead of all the hassle involved going to Thailand at presentSteve *******
@David ****
True for holidays and general tourism. People will go back though.David *****
@Steve ******
for sure people will go back.the majority won't until things are back to normalReply to
David *****
Reply
Tod *********
I totally agree
@David ****
, there are no shortage of insignificant shit hole third world countries in the world to choose from BUT people sure seem to be fixated on this insignificant pissant developing third world one as far as chomping at the bit to get here 😛 Edna *******
@Tod ********
for me it’s family, close friends and a husband to be waiting for me. Individuals desires are far from the same. I have my own wedding to get to.David *****
@Tod ********
there's definately that element for sure.many others have switched off and moved on.i am just glad I've travelled around Thailand because as it stands I won't be back unless things change.It's a shame really but ultimately its up to the people in chargeReply to
David *****
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Tod ********
While I agree, Thai pass has been yet another disastrous fail implementation. I never left so I don't have any skin in the game, but having common sense regarding proper vs improper whining situation should be a thing that people who have been here for a long time like you and I should understand.Steve *******
@Maxim **********
Stick to the facts. Nobody want's your opinions!Steve *******
@Maxim **********
How do you know? I had no problems, approved in 24hrs.Maxim ***********
@Steve ******
Congratz you are part of the lucky one. But facts don't care about your anecdotal evidence which gave you a great feeling. I am happy for you.Steve *******
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Steve *******
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Ruth *******
@Maxim **********
nothing is an epic fail after 5 daysReply to
Ruth *******
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Greg ********
Vent all you like but it is not going to happen..... yet anyway
Reply to
Greg ********
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