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What should I do about my finger injury at Thai immigration customs?

Visa RulesImmigrationFinger ScanningThailandHealth and Safety
Aug 20, 2025
4 days ago
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So yesterday I lost the end of my 3rd finger down to the first knuckle on my left hand.sniped off when someone closed my truck hood on it If I remember right they make you do a hand scan at customs when you arrive. I can't remember is it both hands or 1 and which one? Because now it's sure not going to match previous scans I've had. There is no finger print left at all . And I'm sure is will still be bandaged when i return in 2 weeks. Has anyone had any thing like this happen or know of someone? I'm hoping it won't be a big issue
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience of losing part of their finger due to an accident and is concerned about the impact it may have on the finger scanning process at Thai immigration upon returning. Community members advise that it is possible to scan other fingers or that the immigration officer may choose which fingers to scan. They suggest having a doctor's note, explaining the situation to the officer, and reassure that such issues can often be managed without serious consequence.
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James *********
They use the right hand
3 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
 I hope so
2 days ago
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Gary ************
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Geoff *************
Not a problem, had ponter finger lost. Just show officer prior to scan
3 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Geoff ************
 thank you
3 days ago
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Gary ************
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Gwyn ********
You can use the 4 fingers on your right hand or your 2 thumbs. When you first scanned your prints you should have done the 4 fingers on each hand and then both thumbs.
3 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gwyn *******
 I think last time I had to do both thumbs and both hands ( four fingers).. but now I'm a bit shy 1 didget
3 days ago
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Gary ************
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Lye **********
So it's the middle finger that got injured? Just show the IO your middle finger.. I mean to prove it's injured, of course.
3 days ago
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Bob **********
You scan all 5 don’t worry
4 days ago
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Paul ******
Hopefully the finger of suspicion won't be pointed at you. Apparently it's rude to point in Thailand anyway
4 days ago
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Pete **********
Im sorry but that's hilarious
4 days ago
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Regina **********
@Pete *********
 When empathy dies.
2 days ago
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Regina **********
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David *******
Why didn’t you keep the part that got chopped off so your scan still matches 😂😂
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 I do still have it in a baggie
3 days ago
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Gary ************
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San *******
wait for it to grow back🤣🤣🤣🤣
4 days ago
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Tohksic ******
This is the first time in history a falang can give an immi officer the finger and get a laugh instead of handcuffs.
4 days ago
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Dca *****
it's fine, just do a fingerprint scan with the Thai immigration officer with the fingers that you can scan....
4 days ago
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Daniel *****
Oh that must have hurt, you should still be able to get by ok, unless you like to play the guitar, then you may need to look at alternate fingerings..... for the major chords at least.
4 days ago
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Brian *********
Lost the first part of my small finger 1.5 months ago in Thailand, flew to uk 7 weeks later.

Just held my hand up that had a bandage and the immigration guy said no problem 😊
4 days ago
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Howard *******
Sounds like you are still in shock!
4 days ago
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Randy *********
You can still score 90% on the scan… still a solid A.
4 days ago
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Brian *********
I came through immigration Monday 18th and only had to scan 4 fingers on right hand
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian ********
 that would be perfect
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Kevin **********
Suggest doctor report to take
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin *********
 yes I have that
4 days ago
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Kevin **********
@Gary ***********
 ok
3 days ago
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Kevin **********
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Bob ********
Ask the ER if they still have the tip.
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *******
 I have it
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Douglas *********
They can do only thumbs scan.
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Douglas ********
 ok awesome I do have 2 of those still.well atleast so far
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Pete **********
Could have kept the part that got detached - maybe in a small jar of alcohol - then when they expect you to do a finger scan just whip out the detached digest and try it! Probably wouldn’t even get a glance from the immigration officer.
4 days ago
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Pete **********
@Pete *********
 3.5 oz of liquid or less for air travel
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete *********
 I do have it in a baggie. Was thinking of framing it
*****
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Jeremy ********
Bring a Dr note stating the finger was amputated
4 days ago
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Darren ******
@Jeremy *******
 I think they’d be able to see it’s missing
4 days ago
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Jeremy ********
@Darren *****
 you have to Barney proof everything in life

It’s always better to have and not need than to need and not have
4 days ago
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Jeremy ********
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 I do have the doctors notes and what was done at the emergency room , I was planing on bringing them for sure
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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San *******
just bring the spare on in your pocket
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@San ******
 I do have the finger in a baggie
*****
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Phil *******
Last time I came in I had a cut on finger with bandage on it, they told me just to fold that finger back,so it was not on the screen
4 days ago
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Bernie *******
One way of beating the system if you’ve been banned 😆
4 days ago
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Paul ********
No issues sir! You have 9 other fingers with prints on.
4 days ago
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Pete **********
@Paul *******
 for now 😆
4 days ago
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Pete **********
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Shane *****
There’s a process in the software to notate a missing digit
4 days ago
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Mark ********
It's immigration not customs who do the scan. Just show your hand first to the immigration officer so they're aware of the situation. You wouldn't be the only person in such a situation
4 days ago
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Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your responses.I live in pattaya and spend 3 to 4 years at a time, thus year I came back for a visit and this happened. Can't wait to get back to pattaya for a more relaxed life style.back in 3 weeks.I just couldn't remember where I did those hand scans I thought it was at the customs booth when arriving? Been awhile sense I have flown back into bkk
4 days ago
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Gary ************
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Mark ********
😲 Ouch! I think you'll be right. Just explain to the I O what happened. He/She will be more interested in the story behind it LOL.
4 days ago
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Neil ********
I’m hoping not many in the same boat as you. Sorry to hear your horror story but they can choose which finger(s) to scan.
4 days ago
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Neil ********
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