What is the entry process like for flights into Thailand during COVID-19?

Mar 7, 2021
4 years ago
Phillip *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just a quick write up on my flight and entry experiences into Thailand today. Took Qatar flight 08 from LHR to DOH for first leg. Even with online check in it took me an hour to drop off my bags, due to checking of all the required forms and certificates. There seemed to be people having “issues” with the paperwork and it’ll be interesting to see if the newly required “declaration for travel form” slows the process down even further. It was a VERY busy flight, I’d say 75% occupied, almost like pre-Covid flights!

Doha has a fine international airport, but it was rammed last night. If any of you are nervous of international travel at this time, this could be unnerving as it’s a real melting pot of people flying off to places over the world. The great thing is that there was no transit re-checking; it was straight off the arriving plane to the departure gates. But it was a VERY long walk to get from A to E gate for my onward flight QR836 to Bangkok. This flight combo gives you around a 2 hour transfer which was perfectly fine. In sharp contrast to the first flight, this one was sheer bliss, with only around 10% occupancy. A great opportunity to stretch out on the vacant seats for a few 😴

The entry process was surprisingly quick and I got through the immigration and health checks and escorted to my hotel taxi in only 40 minutes! This was due to our quiet flight and no backlog of prior arrivals. The paperwork was checked twice before getting to immigration then in the immigration control area itself there was a further pre-check before you were allowed to go to the desk to present the passport for stamping. It’s tedious and frustrating with so many checks but just have all the docx in good order and keep in good humour for a stress free entry.

A final comment. There were no currency exchange facilities today and only a few ATMs in the baggage collection area. If you need cash use these ATMs as once through customs you’ll be escorted out of the terminal building and straight to a hotel taxi.

Now I have 14 and not 1 night in Bangkok!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post describes a travel experience from London to Bangkok via Qatar Airways, detailing the entry process into Thailand amidst COVID-19 regulations. The writer notes a busy flight and a lengthy check-in but a smooth entry process upon arrival in Bangkok, emphasizing the importance of having the necessary documentation in order. There are mentions of ATM availability, the efficiency of the immigration process, and comments on travel experiences from fellow users, discussing the efficiency and potential concerns regarding health safety during flights.
Antonino *******
I arrived on 11 January: Milan-Doha-Bangkok. The only problem I had on departure, because the policeman who checked my documents, wasn't sure I'm living in Thailand, and made me write a second time, on the same form, my address in Thailand, as if a person completes a not easy, due to the restrictions in his own country, and costly procedure, to overcome boredom. Transit in Doha and arrive in Bangkok without problems; in Bangkok everything was perfectly arranged, for the control of documents, and the transfer to the ASQ Hotel.
Phillip *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes
Ian **********
Is the biometric fingerprint scanner used at Thai immigration?
Dave *********
Are you doing the quarantine in a hotel, and if so did you book it through the Thai Embassy website? I'm looking at booking but when you follow the link for the Covid 'package' it's like a normal online hotel booking system mentioning free breakfast include and free cancellation... I was expecting it to give a price for 15 nights, 3 meals a day and transport from the airport?
Steve *********
@Dave ********
you can ONLY do quarantine in an hotel.
Phillip *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ********
hi Dave. I booked direct with the hotel after I’d reviewed the available choices/ratings/reviews and most importantly the cost of the “package”.
Dave *********
@Phillip ******
Thanks Phillip. So much to think about... 👍
Phillip *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ********
I know but it’s worth it! Let me know if you have further questions
Stephen *************
Same same on 14th January but I didn't find stressful .I found worse place for herding etc was Heathrow and with the mask on chins. Loved the quarantine would def do it again
Kev ********
I had same experience 3rd March same flight out 80% full - no covid tests for some nationals is alarming- no social distance on plane - masks under chins wearing - not for the faint hearted for sure .
Kev ********
I don’t own a TV to turn off mate
Greg *********
I choose not to live in irrational fear. Try turning off your TV, mate!
Greg *********
Would hate to catch something that's 99.5% survivable! 🙄
Glenn *********
Good info thank you 👍
Stuart *********
From all the write ups I see on the forums the arrival into Bangkok is usually very efficient. Yes you have to go to one desk then another then another then get your bags then escorted to your ASQ transport, but from what most say it’s actually quite a quick process.
Greg *********
I've waited longer in the US pre-COVID
Brian **********
Qatar does it right. I was lucky coming from the US. No one in security line, mostly empty flight to Doha. Maybe 4 people in my cabin. No lines for security or boarding in Doha. Almost empty cabin. Bit a a line in Bangkok but not bad. Efficient process
Mark **********
Nice informative write up - thanks !

My turn in 3 weeks time 😓
Lee **********
Too much hassle for me but best off luck enjoy I am jealous but I bide my time not jumping in all those hoops for a 28day holiday but enjoy
Stuart *********
Actually 15 nights. Enjoy your time.
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