What are the requirements for entering Thailand with a recent positive COVID-19 test and a recovery certificate?

Dec 29, 2021
3 years ago
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone entered BKK with an old (within 90 days) positive test and a “Certificate of Recovery” from a doctor?

I am trying to sort out exactly how that works.

I contacted American Airlines today and confirmed with them that I will not even be required to test 72 hours before boarding if I can provide the original positive test and the latter of recovery that are both withing 90 days of boarding.

However, at one point the person at AA that I was talking to mentioned that they pretty well just go off what is on Join Sherpa and then permit or deny boarding based on the requirements of the destination and transiting countries.

I checked on Sherpa and for Thailand it says that a negative test is required 72 hours before departure and makes no mention of any provisions for a recovery letter.

That said I am certain I have seen posts and comments on the page from members who have entered on a recovery letter. I know I seen some screenshots of official government statements on this and I also recall people posting links to government documents that addressed this type of scenario.

Another thing that I wonder is this;

Lets assume that a person was allowed to board and fly with a test that was positive (say 45 days ago) and a recovery letter that was written a few weeks later, what happens when you arrive in BKK for your 7 day AQ?

If you happen to be one of those people who is testing positive for several weeks or more after recovering (why you have a recovery letter), what happens in BKK?

*

Update

On the Thailand Pass website, under the Consular Affairs section at the bottom, there is a link to a PDF document called "Thailand Pass Facts".

In that document on page 7 it specifically states;

Applicant is also required to have an RT-PCR test result that is issued within 72 hours before

departure and bring the results to present to the Health Control station upon arrival. This

requirement is not required for Thai nationals entering under the AQ scheme and for children aged

below 6. Please note that your test result must be in hard copy and in Thai or English language

only.

** If the applicant’s RT-PCR test result is positive, they must present a COVID-19 recovery form

certifying that the applicant has recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months before their travel.

So that seems to address the question of what happens when arriving in Bangkok. It would seem that they want the test to be done 72 hours before and, if you're allowed to fly still, when you arrive in Thailand you will need the Certificate of Recovery.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The entry requirements for travelers to Thailand who have had a recent positive COVID-19 test and possess a Certificate of Recovery are complex. Travelers must have a PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure, but if the test is positive, they can provide a recovery letter to comply with entry regulations. The confusion arises as different airlines and platforms (like Join Sherpa and American Airlines) may state varying requirements. It is essential to check specific guidelines on the Thailand Pass and consult directly with airlines or official government resources to confirm the latest policies, as interpretations can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific entry scheme they qualify under.
Necie *********
Information I found that can help you out hopefully

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Ilias *********
Doesn t matter if you had recover or not .

Every one before arrive at Thailand have to make PCR test 72hrs before maximum.
Josh ***********
To clarify here , you are entering under the AQ scheme , NOT the sandbox or test and go scheme , correct ? If that’s the case from here it only requires a negative covid test for test and go and sand box ,
*********************************
Peter *********
Just show negative pcr test and don't mention anything else
Braulio *********
@Peter ********
Yes I would not attempt to enter without a negative RT- PCR test. I would be beyond chaotic to try to get past the infection control crew with out a negative test
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Braulio ********
I found a direct reference to address that scenario in the Thailand Pass Facts PDF on the Thai Pass site. Page 7.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ********
what negative test?
Peter *********
@Curtis ********************
you need pcr test done 72hrs done in home country to show when arriving Thailand 🇹🇭
Yuri ***********
****************************
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
In part 2 of that video though she ends up in Finland and they would not allow her to board the plane to Phuket.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yuri **********
I actually remember watching this video a while back
John ********
American Airlines doesn’t even fly to Thailand why would you ask them?
Braulio *********
@John *******
because they code share with JAL
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
to be more clear; Yes they do
Ray ***********
Its a codeshare with JAL. Should give them a call and see what their requirements are
John ********
@Ray **********
exactly. Calling an airline that doesn’t even fly to Thailand isn’t the correct approach. Anyway it might be his first trip out of the USA but he should listen to our advice.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ray **********
I’ve already been on that. I was on hold with them when I wrote the post and still am
John ********
@Curtis ********************
you are totally confused. They just sell seats. They don’t fly into Bangkok and are a poor source of information. Do your research a little better
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
it makes no damn difference if they “just sell seats”. They are obviously the first source of information for what is required to board. And getting more information is what this post was for. Till it got littered with all these nonsense comments. Look, if you have some information, a link, etc… let’s have it.
John ********
@Curtis ********************
they gave you incorrect information based on the chat you posted and your opening question. You need a test before entering Thailand end of story
John ********
@Curtis ********************
no they do not fly to Bangkok. They might sell seats on Japan Airlines but American Airlines doesn’t operate any flights to Thailand
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
well you’ll have to let them know I guess. I have a ticket and it is AA all the way there.

Probably “operated by” whoever but that makes no difference as far as “why would you ask them”. Because they’re the airline
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
I guess they didn’t get the memo from COO John.
John ********
@Curtis ********************
it might be an AA flight number but it’s not operated by AA as they don’t fly to Bangkok. It’s likely operated by Japan airlines or Cathay Pacific
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
okay. Probably. And?
Craig *******
Following....I tested positive exactly 4 weeks from my flight. Seems absurd that I have to quarantine
Colin ********
Doesn't mean you can't still spread it, quite the contrary
Craig *******
Colin Dorman I can't spread it if I can't get infected. Zero chance I can re infected again so soon after getting it.
Colin ********
Bryan ********
Google " entering Thailand with positive PCR test " takes you to Thai Embassy website with advice. Non Thai is on the right of the chart and seems to offer straightforward information from the Thai Embassy.
Brandon ************
@Bryan *******
which website? If you mean Thaiembassy site that's not an official government site, it's a for profit agency.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
yeah. That’s what I see too
Bryan ********
So , it seems that if you have recently had covid , you MAY get a positive PCR , in this case you can use your COVID recovery ( available on NHS UK COVID app IF you have recorded your tests then will be recorded with your vaccinations .See below
Bob **********
@Bryan *******
, interesting . Did you have to use this as proof . With no doctor certificate . I am flying soon and just recovered
Greg ********
Pretty sure I have seen a few posts saying Thailand does not recognise the recovery letter - needs confirming though. In Thailand itself I had to dictate a letter to a Dr at Bumrungrad saying I had recovered and was no longer contagious. There did not seem to be a standard available.
Brandon ************
You HAVE to take the PCR test to board. The recovery certificate is only used if that test is positive. You can't use a 90 day old test to board or enter Thailand.
Yuri ***********
finair airlines give lady flights to Finland she had sert but after Finland not give flights to Thailand! she back to UK!
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yuri ***********
@Curtis ********************
****************************
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
if which “… test is positive”? The one pre departure?

How did you know this? Where did you find the info?
Lynnette *******
@Curtis ********************
so AA say they don't require you to be tested because the CDC say so, but the information from the destination country is different as they have their in rules.
Brandon ************
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
how do you know? Where do you see this information?
Brandon ************
@Curtis ********************
I read a thread a couple days ago where it was stated by someone who knows more than me
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
that could very well even be right but I need to know exactly what the government policy is. When you think about it that doesn’t even really make a lot of sense. Why would you need a test within 72hrs if according to that, the result won’t matter anyway
Lynnette *******
@Curtis ********************
it's not just the government. Airlines have policies too.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
as I said in my post;

I spoke to the airline and they say that they look at the destination counties policy. I was told that who can and cannot fly is different depending on the flight. And that’s true.
Lynnette *******
@Curtis ********************
as far as I'm aware, recovered or not you take a PCR test and IF it comes back positive the official recovery certificate is used because recovered patients often give a positive test result.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
that sounds like a likely policy as policy rarely makes sense. However, it’s not what American Airlines said. Gawd I wish these airlines would get together with themselves and jurisdictions and get this shit sorted out.
Lynnette *******
@Curtis ********************
and when you get to Thailand with no pcr result?

Surely you'd be better to get yourself a few free tests prior to flying to be sure you're no longer testing positive BEFORE you do the pcr.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
I’m asking the questions because I would like to know; what if?

It’s precautionary. Just like taking tests before hand.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
k. Thanks. But without anything official that’s not a lot of help.
Bryan ********
Google " entering thailand with covid recovery certificate - thus - - If you have recovered from being infected from COVID-19 and the RT-PCR test before travelling is still positive, travellers need to show a medical record (issued within 3 months) stating that they have recovered from COVID-19. May be vaccinated with only one dose if fully recovered from COVID-19.

- If you have been fully vaccinated before being infected, you can use your vaccine certificates to enter the country as "fully vaccinated" and a medical record (issued within 3 months) stating that they have recovered from COVID-19.

** All those who have been infected will have to take a RT-PCR test before travelling as stated in No. 2. **
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bryan *******
okay. Where did you find this? I want to have this information ready and available if it comes to it
Jon *****
Why not take the test rather than risking being denied boarding ?
Mark *********
Yup!
Gary *********
F
Andy **********
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