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What should I do about my finger injury at Thai immigration customs?
Aug 20, 2025
8 months ago
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTERSo 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
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
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James ********
I hope soReply to
Gary ************
Reply
Geoff *************
Not a problem, had ponter finger lost. Just show officer prior to scan
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Geoff ************
thank youReply to
Gary ************
Reply
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.
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 didgetReply to
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.
Bob **********
You scan all 5 don’t worry
Paul ******
Hopefully the finger of suspicion won't be pointed at you. Apparently it's rude to point in Thailand anyway
David *******
Why didn’t you keep the part that got chopped off so your scan still matches 😂😂
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
I do still have it in a baggieReply to
Gary ************
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San *******
wait for it to grow back🤣🤣🤣🤣
Tohksic ******
This is the first time in history a falang can give an immi officer the finger and get a laugh instead of handcuffs.
Dca *****
it's fine, just do a fingerprint scan with the Thai immigration officer with the fingers that you can scan....
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.
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 😊
Just held my hand up that had a bandage and the immigration guy said no problem 😊
Howard *******
Sounds like you are still in shock!
Randy *********
You can still score 90% on the scan… still a solid A.
Brian *********
I came through immigration Monday 18th and only had to scan 4 fingers on right hand
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian ********
that would be perfectReply to
Gary ************
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Kevin **********
Suggest doctor report to take
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *********
yes I have thatKevin **********
Reply to
Kevin **********
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Bob ********
Ask the ER if they still have the tip.
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *******
I have itReply to
Gary ************
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Douglas *********
They can do only thumbs scan.
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Douglas ********
ok awesome I do have 2 of those still.well atleast so farReply to
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.
Pete **********
@Pete *********
3.5 oz of liquid or less for air travelGary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete *********
I do have it in a baggie. Was thinking of framing it *****
Reply to
Gary ************
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Jeremy ********
Bring a Dr note stating the finger was amputated
Darren ******
@Jeremy *******
I think they’d be able to see it’s missingJeremy ********
@Darren *****
you have to Barney proof everything in life It’s always better to have and not need than to need and not have
Reply to
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 sureReply to
Gary ************
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San *******
just bring the spare on in your pocket
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@San ******
I do have the finger in a baggie *****
Reply to
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
Bernie *******
One way of beating the system if you’ve been banned 😆
Paul ********
No issues sir! You have 9 other fingers with prints on.
Pete **********
@Paul *******
for now 😆Reply to
Pete **********
Reply
Shane *****
There’s a process in the software to notate a missing digit
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
Gary ************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank 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
Reply to
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.
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.
Reply to
Neil ********
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