This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the current challenges in securing repatriation flights to Thailand from the UK?
Thailand Repatriation FlightsUK EmbassyVisa and ImmigrationCOVID-19 Travel RestrictionsASQ (Alternative State Quarantine)Travel InsuranceRepatriation Process
Sep 3, 2020
6 years ago
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo much for going home to Bangkok. Just been to the Thai embassy in London to see whats going on with the repatriation flights to Thailand. After you jump through the hoops and register, buy insurance, pay for the quarantine hotel, supply all the requirements and log in to the repatriation web site turns out it a lottery. I logged on to get my seat within 15 seconds of the site opening and still never got a seat. Was told at the embassy that you get picked, so looks like it doesn't matter what you do.
The embassy people were very nice but said try again next month.
So here I am.
The embassy people were very nice but said try again next month.
So here I am.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster expresses frustration over the current process for securing a repatriation flight to Thailand from the UK, highlighting that despite fulfilling all requirements such as insurance and hotel bookings, it ultimately feels like a lottery system. Comments reveal mixed experiences among other users, with suggestions to wait for new flights or reconsider options through other European countries. The necessity of obtaining a Certificate of Entry (COE) and the stipulations regarding ASQ hotels are discussed, alongside sentiments that the process is poorly organized and challenging for foreigners.
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
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm on the flight of the 15th
Adrian *********
For all of you trying to get back to Thailand you can fly with Emirates via Dubai from London until 24th of October... you still need CEO/ASQ/insurance and valid visa ... contact RTE London for COE ...these flights are open to Thais too as long as they book ASQ hotels...
Dave *********
@Adrian ********
Ive tried and tried to contact the Thai Embassy at least 20 times both e:mail and 100s of calls to no avail..just do not respondAdrian *********
@Dave ********
I’ll pm you a contact at embassyDave *********
@Adrian ********
cheers would be very helpfulAdrian *********
@Dave ********
sent alreadyReply to
Adrian *********
Reply
Rick *******
I have a wife and child there and still am waiting for things to calm down before going back. I have been living there 15 years, but refuse to pay the rediculous amount of money to go back. For me, it is about 7K US dollars and a pile of documents to be reunited with my Thai family again.
Dave *********
@Rick ******
yes mate Im in exactly the same boat..its appalling how theyre treating long term partners/spouses and people who have child dependants.. ive been there 22 years married with children and a business ..and cant get back..I came back to the UK for bereavment but now cannot get back simply..its a nightmareRick *******
@Dave ********
, sorry that you and all of us are receiving such treatment. I wonder if any other countries are treating spouses of nationals in the same way, with the same expense. Dave *********
@Rick ******
very much doubt it ..most countries have compasionate visa systems I would have though..as far as Thailand ...we are just Farang and alway will be..Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Ken ***********
@Rick ******
I Gree and am in the same situation. Luckily, I am with family and don't pay extra rent....I will wait to see if a better system of testing combined with home quarantine is announcedRick *******
@Ken ******
, that would be better, but I am not holding my breath. I am hoping that there will be a vaccine available to the public by next year, or before, which should change a lot, but we shall see. Currently, I am travelling around the US in my travel trailer.Ken ***********
@Rick ******
yes. I am on an O Visa based on retirement, so I have no choice but to waitRick *******
I have alway had a Non-Immigrant O, Multiple Entry Visa based on marriage with a Thai national and have a ten year old son, so I could go back now if I want to pay and jump through all the hoops, which I am not at the moment.
Ken ***********
@Rick ******
I understand and would make the same decisionReply to
Ken ***********
Reply
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBecause I live there and have a wife for 17 yr
Jan *********
I also would love to go to Thailand, but under the present circumstances I refuse to go.
I wonder what makes people so very desperate to go if there is no urgent need, eg very ill parent etc...?
I wonder what makes people so very desperate to go if there is no urgent need, eg very ill parent etc...?
Dave *********
Yes thats the way I read it ..they dont give a toss..
Patrick ************
*****************************************************************************
*****
53-pm-foreign-tourists-not-welcome-yet/Ryan *************
'it doesn't matter what you do' what?
John ********
You also need covid insurance for a year if your staying a year in Thailand. Ouch$$
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
$1600Rick *******
The question is, will foreigners still be required to purchase health insurance after the coronavirus epidemic? My guess is that they will...
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rick ******
its been on the cards for a couple of years so I'd say yes if you want to renew a visa. Almost a dead cert.Rob ******
@Rick ******
It will be included soon in all the flight tickets .Mainly it’s so the supposed overseas infected countries don’t infect Asia . China I think has a certain percent positive on the flight landing in China , that airline loses flights into China .
So that is where the focus will fall soon .
Reply to
Rob ******
Reply
Richard **************
There's no simple answer to this mess. They can't let the economy tank but they don't want to kill them either..
Tod *********
HHHHmmm how many active casesof woooowhoooo??? How many in country transmissions???? In the last couple months there???When the 2 month, in country viral transmission leve,l in Whatever country London claims to be part off, reaches Z E R O... ... ...Try then.
Michael ********
@Tod ********
Dickhead my dad passex away a montb ago the Thais are doing a good job as concens virus. There disorganised repatriation system is improving but TITJoe ***********
@Tod ********
- So you hang out in a group to needle people who are doing everything they have been asked to do to get back to Thailand - but are still blocked. Do you get some sort of sadistic pleasure from adding to people's frustrations? Reply to
Joe ***********
Reply
Janin ******
why don't you fly with KLM
Jim **********
Mate of mine has had 9 cancellations from Thailand to Sydney and is booked in for
*****
Michael ********
Try flights through other locations in Europe. If you havent already join group farangs stranded abroad for all the latest information.
I got back on an unnannouced flight late July but was prepared had only short time to get ASQ sorted. Dont give up
I got back on an unnannouced flight late July but was prepared had only short time to get ASQ sorted. Dont give up
Briton *********
The whole situation is unbelievably stupid. Just open up already
Michael ********
@Briton ********
its badly organised but not stupid. Stupidity and ignorance has helped spread the disease. My Father passed away one month ago from Covid. My uncle was in May i believe stuck in france.Briton *********
@Michael *******
people come and go. The living deserve to live Michael ********
@Briton ********
Class A prick lets hope for your sake we dont meet. You can enjoy yourself wherever you are unless your desperate for some Katoey loving which by your cheezy looks in the ferrari shirt and chunky braclet its your thing.Andrew *******
@Briton ********
easy saying that until its you or your family Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Rick *******
I am waiting until next year to try and go back to my family in Thailand. Hopefully by then there will be a vaccine and many of the hoops will be eliminated.
Will ************
This could be of importance.. In order to apply for repatriation to Thailand as a foreigner from the UK it appears you have to be a permanent resident of the UK or Ireland
Andy **********
My wife is thai ,& based in bkk , but im going to wait !., im not paying for over priced hotels ,& airline tickets !
Dave *********
@Andy *********
I concur ..its called extortion by the thai government.. its all on sided.. you must fly Thai.You must stay in expensive hotel.
You must buy Thai insurance.
All thai thai thai..its becoming a joke
Andy **********
@Dave ********
yes , i have a thai wife ,& i miss here , but im not getting ripped off ,& she understands that !., 👍👍Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Tod *********
Your reasoning Sounds about right.
Mike *******
You will be waiting until 2023
Tod *********
@Mike ******
More likely 2022 or even november 2021. The tourism situation here is in dire straights, and the knowledge regarding detection & tranmission prevention is rapidly expanding. For sure the old "NORMAL" is gone... A viable vaccination may be in the cards and will be a game changer. Mike *******
@Tod ********
If by game changer you mean it will take a few years to produce and vaccinate all of the Thai people, then yes, it is a game changer.If a vaccine comes out today it will probably take 2-5 years to get it to Thailand and get everyone vaccinate, so in the best case scenario you are looking at traveling to Thailand for 2022 high season.
Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Andy **********
@Mike ******
yes think so !., 👍👍Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Andy **********
Yes im lucky work for an airline ,& get staff travel
Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Andy **********
Be careful , booking flights with thai !., its a bankrupt airline ,& stealing your money !
Andrew **********
It’s a debacle. The Thai government is stringing use along. Frankly, they just don’t like farangs or non-Thai.
Jim **********
@Andrew *********
agree เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Andrew *********
there was a POLL done that showed they like our money, but they don’t want us in their country. So maybe we should just start wiring it over to them directlyReply to
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Reply
Pieter ******
Pfffff
Giulio ****************
Thaistyle
Mark *********
Unbelievable what’s going on
Roderick **********
😳
Valérie ************
Dear Mr. Murphy,
I am very sorry for you & I just want to thank you for sharing your experience.
I cruelly miss my Thai traditional clinic, but I personally would not have the energy to make several attempts to fly.
So really, thank you for sharing this information. It helps to stay patient.
I wish you to get there soon 😀
I am very sorry for you & I just want to thank you for sharing your experience.
I cruelly miss my Thai traditional clinic, but I personally would not have the energy to make several attempts to fly.
So really, thank you for sharing this information. It helps to stay patient.
I wish you to get there soon 😀
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Valérie ***********
Patience is all there is. My wife of 17 years and everything I have is in Bangkok so I have no choice. Thanks for your kind wishes.Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Ken ***********
Could you possibly get a seat out of Germany or The Netherlands ?
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLog in to all the embassy sites in Europe, hmm. Food for thought.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken ******
interesting idea.Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
You cannot do this because you are British, and only the Thai embassy in the UK will deal with your flight and visa application.That’s why they ask you the country of residence.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER17 years
Michael ********
@Andrew *******
ken is right lots of people been flying out of amsterdam snd frankfurt. Its a frustrating and difficult process and not very well organised. I made it back late July Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo I got stuck here.
Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
Are you married to a Thai national?Ken ***********
@Andrew ******
perhaps some Embassies have different policies, but a few members have documented flying to other countries to catch a repatriation flight that had available seatsAndrew *******
The UK embassy only deal with flights from the UK.
If you want to fly from another country you need to deal with the embassy of that country.
If you want to fly from another country you need to deal with the embassy of that country.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
I'm Australian.Andrew *******
I presumed you were British because you applying to the Thai embassy in the UK.
Do you have a British passport?
Do you have a British passport?
Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThought about that as well but really its not any closer and means spending on digs for an unknown length of time. Living free of rent in UK now.
Trigger *********
What a joke why bother all you did is waste your time
Andrew *******
Not true, someone is giving you wrong information.
I flew out last month.
This is part of the email I received from the embassy.
I flew out last month.
This is part of the email I received from the embassy.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
I got all my info off the UK embassy site and followed it to the letter as it was. It may have changed but I did what was asked.Andrew *******
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
I am in UK and just come from the embassy so ?Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
Call the embassy tomorrow after 2pm and they will tell you not to book ASQ until you have a seat reserved.SO?
I’m in Thailand now, is that not evidence enough.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
I was there today. All depends on who you talk to. Won't change anything anyway. What ever I still need a booking and its flexible so its not really pertinent. Emirates say the fly there next month so thats the next option. I have everything else just need a flight and if they do fly all I need is the approval letter from the embassy I already have the return half of my Emirates ticket. All this talk doesn't change the way the seats are allocated I know others that were not picked today. Embassy said there are thousands trying to get back.Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
You say you have everything else.You obviously don’t have a COE because the flight details and ASQ are added on the COE, and you don’t have a flight do you?
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
no I see what you mean. However embassy site say it will be issued after you have submitted the ASQ hotel booking which I did. But have not been issued with one as of yet. Which leads me to believe I was not going to be picked anyway. I have a registered log in account for foreigner and all details were entered. It is now of course closed until next month.Andrew *******
I have told you the website information is incorrect.
Call them after 2pm tomorrow and ask them.
They will tell you book the flight first.
The flight details and ASQ details are written on the COE and cannot be altered.
Call them after 2pm tomorrow and ask them.
They will tell you book the flight first.
The flight details and ASQ details are written on the COE and cannot be altered.
Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
This is the full email from the embassy for September flights.But I was fortunate enough to get away before.
This is fact not fiction.
I have dealt with the lady in charge directly.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
after all the emails I sent I had one telling me to send my details which I did with copies of all the relevant documents. That was the only reply. And to log into the web site to register which I did. I left my contact details at the embassy today again after the discussion. It terminated with try again next month, sorry.Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
I am trying to help you.You obviously don’t know what the procedure is.
This is why you are having problems.
Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
You cannot get a flight with emirates from the uk to Thailand.They are only flying from Dubai into Thailand on behalf of the Thai embassy in Dubai, instead of Thai air.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
one dayReply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWas there today in person to discuss whats going on and leave my details at the desk. All my comments are up to date and accurate. It was explained at the counter that you get picked not that you pick.
Andrew *******
Don't give up always cancellations send email to embassy
Andrew *******
Dont understsnd how they can pick . I think its just a case of fastest hands 1st
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHope you can find a hotel
Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
ive managed to get into the idle residence . Only thing im stuck with just now is trying to find a covid test 72 hours before in Scotland Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
I had finished my details 15 seconds after the site opened and I was already logged in from last month. Got to pick a seat and it was already closed. Thats how it is. No further details on the event are relevant. I have all the documents already at the embassy before. Its a lottery process.Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
not so good mate . Do you know what there using to choose . Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
no idea, bits of paper ina hat for all I know.Andrew *******
@Andrew *******
i managed to get on the 27th of september flight that was my 1st time trying i only got my log in details when the bookings opened at 9am Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
you see you were lucky I was not.Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Steve *******
Yep. I spoke to a Thai girl in London yesterday who couldnt get a flight back in September despite logging on to the Embassy website as soon as flights were released.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTERembassy site was full by 15 seconds after opening at 09.00hrs as that's how long it took me to get to the pick your flight and seat section which was already full by then '15 seconds' and the whole site closed down by 09.20hrs . That's how far I got, pick a seat!
Lance *********
@Steve ******
ahh yeh . Seems impossible out of London. Los Angeles is a breeze from what I’ve been told. Unfortunate times. Steve *******
@Lance ********
Re-pat flights for September released by the Thai Embassy, London on the 1st of September, ie yesterday.Lance *********
@Steve ******
September is 2 days in.. 🤔 Reply to
Lance *********
Reply
Andrew *******
Why would you pay for the ASQ hotel and insurance before you have a reserved flight?
The embassy are telling you to book your flight first, then book the ASQ hotel and insurance, then they will put this information on your COE.
The embassy are telling you to book your flight first, then book the ASQ hotel and insurance, then they will put this information on your COE.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
on the list of requirements you have to get a booking first. The hotels will change dates two times for free or give a refund.Andrew *******
The list of requirements are out of date.
The embassy are informing you to reserve your flight first then book the ASQ hotel and insurance.
You cannot book ASQ hotel first because you don’t know if you have a seat on a flight.
This is direct from the embassy.
The embassy are informing you to reserve your flight first then book the ASQ hotel and insurance.
You cannot book ASQ hotel first because you don’t know if you have a seat on a flight.
This is direct from the embassy.
Andrew ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ******
just came from the embassy today. My info is 100% I have a hotel booking for the flight date. But I didn't get picked. Alex ********
@Andrew *******
everybody knows that info changes from gov website to individual immigration/embassy offices.Then changes again fir each staff member
😂
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Alex *******
Lack of clarity has been a hallmark Of this process from the beginning. Maybe in another month or two everybody will be on the same pageAndrew *******
Why book ASQ when you haven’t got a seat?
The seats are reserved and paid for in advance same as I did.
The seats are reserved and paid for in advance same as I did.
Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
21 comments
4 years ago
44 comments
4 years ago
34 comments
4 years ago
118 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
5 years ago
33 comments
5 years ago
126 comments
5 years ago
20 comments
5 years ago
122 comments
5 years ago
62 comments
5 years ago
34 comments
5 years ago
29 comments
5 years ago
58 comments
6 years ago
84 comments
6 years ago
67 comments
6 years ago
43 comments
6 years ago
3 comments
6 years ago
15 comments
6 years ago
0 comments
6 years ago
45 comments
6 years ago
62 comments
6 years ago
54 comments
6 years ago
47 comments
6 years ago
50 comments
6 years ago
What are the current visa and entry requirements for returning to Thailand amid travel restrictions?
62 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.