Answered6 years ago
What are the current options for foreigners looking to reenter Thailand without family ties amidst the ongoing travel restrictions?
Does anyone have experience reentering Thailand now/in the coming weeks as a foreigner without direct Thai spouse/family affiliations?
I'm still here, came in on VOA mid March, have a flight booked end of July to Switzerland/Germany. Would like to come back in August/September but that seems extremely difficult now. Any visas to apply for or other strategies that could be employed to get back in?
I know I could probably just stay here but the trip to Europe is necessary.
I'm still here, came in on VOA mid March, have a flight booked end of July to Switzerland/Germany. Would like to come back in August/September but that seems extremely difficult now. Any visas to apply for or other strategies that could be employed to get back in?
I know I could probably just stay here but the trip to Europe is necessary.
Answer summary
Foreigners seeking to reenter Thailand face significant challenges due to ongoing restrictions. Many suggest that without direct ties to Thailand, such as family or work permits, reentry may be complicated. Options may include applying for an Elite Visa or a Non-B work permit, both of which still involve navigating strict quarantine rules upon return. Current advice leans towards staying put until conditions improve, as the journey back may be fraught with hurdles and uncertainty, especially regarding flights and quarantine protocols.
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Michel *************
wait a bit that the twenty million Thais without jobs (applying to get the 5000 thb/month) start demonstrating. Borders will mafically reopen... (my bet is on November)
Richard ******
There meant to be top class places to stay
Martin ******
On the Facebook page Thai Expats Stranded Abroad has posts from guys who have jumped through all the hoops and are now in quarantine hotels.
Rick *******
I have a Thai wife and son which makes me eligible for reentry, but there are still a lot of hoops to jump through. I have decided to wait until next year once things calm down and there might be a viable vaccine.
Sara ******
We are thousands people with wp or Thai spouse and we can't get back. It's very difficult.
Richard ******
@Sara ***********
shameSara ******
@Richard *****
shame?Sara ******
@Richard *****
I can go if they accepted my CEO. Then I need preparation flight, because other flights are banned. Then 14 ASQ hotel if they have rooms. If I can just go, believe me I go. Shame on you. I did not see my family 4 months. Richard ******
@Sara ***********
you can go if you want bye byeRichard ******
Parachute
Rich ********
I just (2 minutes ago) said screw it, I will just get a Thai elite visa and be done with this drama.
Jason ********
Did I read correctly on the elite visa site that a 5 year visa is 500k thb?
Rich ********
@Jason *******
yes. About 8100 baht per month if you break it out. No need to do border runs but you do need to check in. They help with drivers license and bank account. And you don't need to leave the country. Takes 1.5 months to process
Thomas ********************
Be advised the process can take quite a while. I got mine in May and it was a good month and a half. Hopefully, we'll see an announcement today that'll give you more than plenty time.
Rich ********
@Thomas *******************
it is what it is.. ;)David **********
@Rich *******
despite the title, elite visa holders are not currently allowed into the country but that may change soon. Rich ********
@David *********
I am already here so it solves the problem for me. Rich ********
@David *********
exactly what I was thinkingDavid **********
@Rich *******
excellent! Yes not a good time to leave, time to get a long term visa sorted out this is a great place to be while the rest of the world goes crazy.
Amber *******
I am currently in the process of trying to get back to Thailand ASAP. I have a teachers non b work permit. My school has done all the approvals, etc and I am on the list that the government has said can come back in but It has been super frustrating and there are many hoops I still have to jump through. Originally I was hoping to come back end of July but now with everything I might not even be able to get back in August. I am part of a group that has over 4000 people trying to get back into Thailand and most will say it is frustrating. Also at the moment there are no commercial flight flying, only repatriation. When you do get back, you will have to quarantine for 16 days. I’m in agreement with the others that just realize you might not be able to get back for a while if you leave.
Gabí **************
@Amber ******
could you possibly share that group? I'm in the same situationAmber *******
@Gabí *************
Thai expats stranded overseas is what it is called. It has lots of valuable information Gabí **************
Great group, thanks a lot!
David **********
@Amber ******
yes unless you are prepared to be possibly stuck unable to return my advice is do not leave at all right now. 
Bobby ********
I think if you're looking for a totally uncomplicated return that doesn't involve tiresome quarantine I do think you need to prepare yourself for early next year. People meeting the criteria for work, family, kids, possibly elite still will have to jump hoops and "take a number" will get back in dribs and drabs over the next few months, but there will be a lot of disappointments. Take
@David *********
advice. Choose a good place to be "stuck" for about six months Michel *************
@Bobby *******
I have my doubts that Elite Visa owners will take a quarantine in some doubtful hotels?Bobby ********
@Michel **********
. Elite visa are still tourists. I doubt they will get any special privileges in relation to the standard of quarantine. What will they do? Threaten not to return to Thailand? I'm sure there's plenty eager to take their place!Michel *************
@Bobby *******
I am expecting a decision reopening the Southern islands to save part of the 2020 season... (without reopening - social unrest is a real possibility). Bali reopens on Sept. 10, I hope it works and Thailand will follow quickly afterwards (covid test at airport...)Bobby ********
@Michel **********
. I just cannot see the Thai authorities doing a massive backflip over what Thais will perceive as pandering to VIP farangs. If VIP diplomats are now required to undertake quarantine, I can't see elite tourists being allowed But yes we shall seeMichel *************
@Bobby *******
Elite programme has lost billion of THB since its beginning... they cherish their customers and I doubt these customers will accept two weeks quarantine. Let's see...David **********
@Bobby *******
yes hope for the best but plan for the worst I always say...... Bobby ********
@David *********
. You sound like Jack Reacher!
James **************
Not unless, you work here, are married/have kids here, have an elite visa, ed visa etc... I dont think just having a tourist visa will work for quite a while yet.
Li ****
@James *************
even those can't necessarily be guaranteed to be able to come back in easily James **************
@Li ***
but they still have a chance.David **********
Very likely that you won't be able to return for a while so choose which place you'd rather be stuck in. Just the way it is now unfortunately.
Joe **********
Elite visa
Martin ******
@Joe *********
Elite is on latest list but you still have to do quarantine 
Jan **********
OPYes, seems like they will be part of the next group of people allowed in
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