Ok Some people have asked me to post account of getting back into Thailand in these times. We havent been sat twiddling are thumbs whilst you lot argue over amnesty.
These are from two posts i did in Farang stranded abroad group of my succesful return from Singapore.
Part One
Singapore.
Fly tomorrow been lots questions/ messages will put as much as I can here.
Wendys account is very good and i followed a lot of it but she is Singaporean with work permit and some things different when applying for Covid test permission.
[members only] click for link to wendys post.
1. Keep checking website they have next months flights on there, but there are lots of extra flights that are not on there so keep your phone handy and be ready.
2. Visa and COE applications are only in person no agents etc thats been on there website for months. However there online visa application is still open, if you need visa do it and add your insurance. This gets you into the system early.
But when you submit your COE application I had all paperwork for visa with me and the lady checked all and kept it.
3. The phone call just say Yes. They will advise you when to come to embassy to bring ASQ and Flight details. Its all short notice just be ready. I actually had my wife on standby and her friend who both used to be in Hotel industry just phoned them up stop work and get hotel July 27th. They had me two in ten minutes.
4. Flight i followed wendys recomendations and booked a one way economy lite for september 1st and submitted that.
The COE will have your new flight details on it and Singapore airlines will send you e ticket day or two after. Book direct with airline not through an agent.
5. The difficult one COVID test approval. Because of lack of time i got COE 11 am Thursday morning and flight is Monday and MOH website says 3 to 15 working days i was worried. I phoned the MOH emergency hotline Thursday morning and they advised me what to do. Either was right or wrong thing to do I dont know but it worked. The only problem was as registered under emergency was impossible to speak to anyone so was left shitting myself till 16 30 Friday when permission was granted.
Details of Covid test application
Application must be sent to this e mail and header will take you straight to correct department do exactly the same.
moh_qsm@moh.gov.sg
Header/Title
Application for PCR test travel to Thailand (EL)
First e mail i sent got a call back from presumably junior staff asking me to make it more urgent sounding.
This i did saying wife struggling looking after her Mum and myself struggling emotionally as my Dad is in coma in Africa with Covid and here on my own. Second part is unfortunately very true.
They also like proof that you reside in Thailand.
The following items need to be in mail
Name
DOB
IC or Employment pass number
Passport Number
Contact number in Singapore.
Address in Singapore
Documents I attached some not sure if required but added to prove normal residence is in Thailand
COE approval letter
Marriage certificate
Wifes ID
Thai proof of residence i used driving license.
I have two passports and one i use for Thailand and the one I use for Singapore is different so for application i used the one for Thailand as that is on the covid certificate. That maybe fairly unique to me.
Emergency hotline number 1800 333 9999
Testing
Raffles medical seem to be the go to people I picked airport one mainly because its the only one open 24hrs.
Price for covid test was S$ 186 fairly well organised with e mails texts and phone calls.
Fit to fly is done on the morning of flight so i will go do tomorrow and also pick up the results. They sent negative e mail following morning.
This is also good reason to pick airport med center but I got car but there are raffles medical centers all over.
Fit to fly is quite expensive at airport S$ 129/- i know i did for my malay guys in clementi somewhere was 38 dollar
Good luck and dont lose hope I know its hard you will get there
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post outlines a personal account of someone successfully returning to Thailand from Singapore amid COVID-19 travel restrictions. Key points include the importance of online and in-person visa applications, booking direct flights, and the necessary steps for obtaining COVID-19 test approval. The author shares tips such as keeping documentation ready, using emergency hotlines for urgent matters, and utilizing Raffles Medical for testing. The experience emphasizes being prepared for short-notice changes and the emotional challenges faced during the travel process.
