What documentation is needed to travel with a child from Vietnam to Thailand as a non-parent?

Apr 14, 2023
2 years ago
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just a quick post about our experience bringing our 12 year old niece from Vietnam to Thailand. Something we've not done before - traveled with a child, and also not our own child. We got the Viet government form, which lists the Mother & Father, has my wife's information too. All notarized, which we had translated to English, and notarized. Checking into the Tan Son Nhat airport, the Viet Air desk, or Immigration, never checked anything but her passport. When we arrived at Suvarnabhumi, immigration never asked either. Must say I was a bit surprised, but happy.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler shares their experience of bringing their 12-year-old niece from Vietnam to Thailand. They had all required documentation (including a notarized letter from the parents) but found it surprising that neither the airline nor Thai immigration checked these documents, only focusing on the child's passport. Commenters discuss the importance of carrying documentation, especially when returning from Thailand, as the checks may be stricter.
Gary ****
If you are planning on Travelling back out of Thailand then thats when you will have potential issues. Coming in is easy but they are far more stringent going back out and you will definitely need the docs you have prepared.
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Gary Peacock thanks for the heads up.
Paul *******
Why would you be surprised? Thai immigration is not concerned about such things if the parties involved are foreigners.
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Paul James Maybe true, but with all the press about human trafficking, and the legal requirements needed to take a kid to another country - that someone - from checking in at Tan Son Nhat to Thailand BKK immigration might have inquired. Leaving Tan Son Nhat for BKK last year, I couldn't check in because the date on my PCR test wasn't the same format as my passport, lol.
Greg *********
I been in out Thailand last 40 years always carry doctors letter on Tablets never asked once
David ********
Did your niece have the same last name as you?
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
No, Nor the same last name as her Aunt, my wife. My wife's passport is Vietnamese. Her name on it is her maiden name. (Which has caused us lotta pain at airports, since her greencard last name is mine, lol)
Brandon ************
It's one of those things where if you have it no one asks, but if you don't have it, it's a big problem.
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I guess, exactly. I was a bit nervous about it, to tell the truth. But, went well!
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