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What should I do if I have a COVID-19 visa extension and need to enter Thailand through Bangkok?

Thailand VisaCOVID-19 Visa ExtensionImmigration AdviceTravel TipsThai EmbassyAirline IssuesPhuketChiang Mai
Mar 28, 2022
3 years ago
Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It seems like I may be screwed. I was told not to fly back into Bangkok but Phuket or Chiang Mai. I have no way to change my ticket because my airlines online customer service is non existent. Even if I buy a flight to one of those other cities, they land in Bangkok first. This is defeating. I'm going to have to take my chance at landing in BKK with 1 covid 19 extension on my passport. If I get denied what happens then? Do I get rerouted back to Cambodia where I currently am or will I get deported back to the US and then have to come back at a later date to get my personal belongings. Then how long will it be before I can return? Keep in mind I will be paying rent on a condo that will be empty for the time being.

I have personal belongings from both of my deceased parents that I did not want to put in storage back in the states and now I fear I may lose everything.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is facing difficulties returning to Thailand as they were advised against flying into Bangkok due to potential entry issues related to a COVID-19 extension on their visa. They express concern about being denied entry and what that means for their personal belongings. Commenters provide advice on necessary preparations such as having proof of accommodation, an onward ticket, and sufficient cash. They suggest that flying directly to Phuket or Chiang Mai may alleviate some entry concerns. Additionally, there are discussions about airline customer service difficulties and visa processes.
Brahim ******
I can easily tell you that in Bangkok I went to work for 6 months in Indonesia back in 2020 and when I came back in 2021 they gave me hell just cause I had one covid extension in my passport. They allow me in after checking my history which showed I basically was coming most times from European countries after I was done with work. I do think going through Phuket or Chiangmai is way easier for you.
3 years ago
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Lee ************
If you fly to Phuket you go through Phuket immigration not BkK that is what you were advised to do on a previous post , more chance of having no problems there 👍good luck
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Bruce ********
 you are NOT reading how people are telling you to do this, 🙁 and honestly it sounds a LOT like you're just blocking EVERY valid suggestion with an excuse on why it won't or can't work for you.

I don't know why you refuse to listen to the good recommendations you've gotten on this post. OR from the email the school sent you that I contributed to so you can get back in without issue
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Bruce ********
 B/S, fly from Phnom Penh to Singapore (about 5K baht) then get a flight from Singapore to Phuket (about 3K baht) then get a flight from Phuket to Bangkok (about 800 baht)

All in that's UNDER 10K baht
3 years ago
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Lee ************
@Bruce ********
 no they check in Phuket
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ***********
 it's getting there is what the issue is. Cannot reach airline to change flight plus all flights land in Bangkok first. Not sure if they will be checking passports before flight moves on.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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Nick ****************
Use booking. Com for hotels and choose a pay at the hotel style of booking. Cancel it once you are through immigration.
3 years ago
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Danny *************
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but if you transfer at BKK for Chiang Mai, on the same booking, you'll do immigration at Chiang Mai right? No one looks at BKK. Correct me if I'm wrong here?
3 years ago
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Danny *************
@Jordan ********
 Ok then, I guess that's new because of Covid. What a wonderful world!
3 years ago
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Jordan *********
@Danny ************
 no you won't be able to. I originally booked a connecting flight to chiang mai (and booked by sha+ in Chiang Mai also) but found out that because it wasn't a "sealed route" I would have to go to Bangkok.

It was confirmed when I checked into my flight and had to show a SHA+ hotel in Bangkok else they wouldn't let me on the plane.
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Dean ******
 PAY attention to what people are saying they should do, They need to go from Phnom penh where they are now to SINGAPORE, and then they can fly either straight to Phuket OR Chiang Mai without hitting bangkok
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Danny ************
 FLY direct from Singapore to Phuket OR Chiang Mai, there is no transfer in Bangkok with those
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dean ******
 what's really frustrating is they are now offering another covid-19 extension to May 24th. This was announced a day after I left. I had went to the immigration office on the 22nd that they said absolutely no more extensions. It sucks.
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Danny ************
 Ok make sense, I hope
@Bruce ********
 can make it somehow.
3 years ago
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Danny *************
@Dean ******
 If it's separate bookings, you will have to pass immigration to Bangkok. If it's bone booking you'll do immigration at your final destination. I'm 100% sure having thought about it.
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Danny ************
 So if for example someone coming from Spain with Qatar airways to BKK and book separate a flight from BKK to Chiang Mai with Viet air, maybe 2 hours after arrival... (just examples) there should be only 1 immigration stop in immigration, right? As you said, makes no sense to do 2x Immigration.
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Bruce ********
 I would try to book a flight from bkk to chiang mai if its not crazy expensive
3 years ago
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Danny *************
@Dean ******
 Yeah, they can't do immigration in Bangkok on a connecting flight. It would take too long. Makes no sense.
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Danny ************
 at the moment I didn't see direct flights from Germany to Chiang Mai for example, all go through BKK k or many hours of waiting in Singapore with scoot airline.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dean ******
 I have absolutely no clue
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Bruce ********
 I mean can you book another flight from bkk to chiang mai in same time frame?
3 years ago
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Danny *************
@Dean ******
 No, just one booking. The direct flight to Chiang Mai was really expensive so I had to go via BKK or DMK. I remember that I wasn't sure if I had to do immigration and Bangkok, and I'm 90% certain that I did it in Chinag Mai. One time for sure I've done it there
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dean ******
 the thing is I booked with vietjet. They don't have a way for me to speak with them about changing my flight plans. I go to their website to change my booking and it won't let me log in and I tried contacting them on Facebook and it says just to go to their website. It's beyond frustrating
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Danny ************
 so you booked both flights (into thailand and transfer to chiang mai) from the same airline I guess ?
3 years ago
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Danny *************
@Dean ******
 I think that's how it works. I've done that in Chiang Mai coming in from.... Mandalay I think. Can't be sure but I'm like 90% sure.
3 years ago
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Dean *******
@Danny ************
 Yes I was thinking the same. If you have another flight to chiang mai, usually you should clear immigration there ?
3 years ago
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Dean *******
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Dana *******
If you don't have the propre visa, etc. the airline in Cambodia might not let you board. This time.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I need to show proof of funds in my Bank account plus bring $600 US to get into Thailand. Do I just show them a recent bank statement or does it have to be for the last 3 months?
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 this would be for embassy. I'm bringing cash with me on the plane.
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Bruce ********
 bank statement is only used at embassy to get a Visa. Bank statement is useless at the border when talking to immigration. They only want to see cash.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
@Bruce ********
 Good to have both. Also, no need to dump all that onto the desk when you walk up. Only show it if asked to. You may not even be asked for it. But if they do ask, you'll be ready.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
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Greg *******
Why not fly to Singapore then fly to phuket. ?
3 years ago
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Greg *******
@Bruce ********
 Not heard anyone denied in Phuket but anything is possible.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg ******
 $635 for the ticket and then I have to go from Phuket to Bangkok. I don't want to spend that for something that isn't a 100% certainty.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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Nigel *********
Whatever happens, you'll be fine.
3 years ago
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Nigel *********
Told ya
3 years ago
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Nigel *********
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Edgar ************
Let me guess, flying with thai vietjet air? The entirety of their customer service is that online chat bot which gives you generic automated unhelpful answers
3 years ago
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Kool *******
By having only one shot you will not be refused entry because of that alone. The outcome will most likely by from 7-10 days of quarantine that you pay for. The government has not refused entry to anyone based solely on not being, or having enough vaccinations. It just determines how much quarantine you face.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
My advice:

1) Have $600 cash in your wallet before leaving Cambodia

2) When asked why you're back to Thailand, keep it simple. I want to travel and see more of Thailand now since the pandemic finished. DO NOT under any circumstances offer information that you have a condo and belongings still in the country, yada-yada. They don't know that, and they don't care. It does not help you in any way, so don't mention it.

3) Have a fully-cancellable hotel pre-booked for a few days after your "PCR Test Hotel". This shows you are indeed in "tourist mode". Cancel it after you get into the country.

4) Have an onward "throwaway" ticket showing you plan to move on in 30 days.

Dress nice. Be respectful. If screamed at, don't scream back. Don't argue, and just answer the questions with a smile and as few unnecessary details as possible.

None of this guarantees you will pass muster. But also...none of this hurts your chances either. Good luck! ;)
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
 just found out the c 19 extension was granted to to May 24. If I would have waited 2 days I would have not had to leave the country.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
@Bruce ********
 I missed the part where you were actually applying for a 60-day tourist visa at the consulate in Phnom Penh. In that case, your onward ticket can be for 60 days after your arrival to Thailand. ;)
3 years ago
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Maxim ***********
@Bruce ********
 Yes, the 30-days extension np. Onward ticket cost $10 online, many websites offer the service.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
@Bruce ********
 Your first night is non-refundable. It's a mandatory hotel booking for the PCR test requirement. I'm talking about the next few nights after that. Book with a credit card with a major chain. They usually have a cancellation policy with full-rate rooms that can be cancelled easily. Double-check.
3 years ago
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Maxim ***********
@Bruce ********
 No idea about hotels, I've been here since way before Covid, and never once did I pay in advance. p.s: If you have money, an agent can make sure that you are not denied at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Yes, it's a bribe, but it works.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
 Keep it simple and don't go on a rant. I got it. I thought hotels were non refundable once booked and you arrive the day of?
3 years ago
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Maxim ***********
@MarGuyvin **
 Exactly! It's not about telling them the truth, it's about telling them what they want to hear. "I want to travel and see more of Thailand now since the pandemic finished.", nothing less, nothing more.
3 years ago
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Marguyvin **********
@Bruce ********
 Onward ticket 30 days from your arrival is what's needed. Once you're in, then you can think about next steps(change your ticket, etc.). You can definitely get the one-time 30-day extension for 1900THB...but FIRST you must succeed in entering as a tourist.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
That was going to be another question. I can get an onward ticket towards the end of April but my plan was to leave at the end of May. Do you know if they may grant a 30 day extension? I know every case is different but this is really making me scared.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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Mike *******
I came today from UK on visa exempt ( 30 days) I was questioned quite a bit at Bangkok immigration as I had only left 5 weeks ago and had been here 13 months on Covid extensions but they let me in after 20mins
3 years ago
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Mike *******
Told them I was staying at my girlfriends house in Koh tao and they asked to see picture of my wife's ID card. They was pretty reasonable if you already have a flight booked to USA then I can't see you having any problems tbh
3 years ago
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Mike *******
@Bruce ********
 it was just basic stuff really I told them I came on visa exempt as getting married before converting visa, they questioned why I hadn't got married while I was here before, I told them I didn't want to travel Bangkok during covid and am doing it now as I am already in Bangkok doing my test and go
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ******
 Could you post or message me what they asked you? Did you have an apartment? See I do and I just want to get my personal belongings back. Check out Songkron and have a few weeks to say goodbye to friends.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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Adam **********
You will be deported yes where to will depend on the airline I guess ?

Your best option is to go the thai embassy in Cambodia and try to get yourself a real visa (Tourist Visa?)
3 years ago
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Michael ********
You have the
*****
baht

Onward ticket.

Proof of accomadation.

Whats your worry did you have a dodgy visa before ?
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
SongKran is why I am coming back on the 6th. I really do want to see it. Plus the Phi Phi islands too. Forgive me if it seems like I am posting to often but this is really scary to me. Also thank you for the encouraging words.
3 years ago
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Michael ********
@Bruce ********
 yes i remember your previous posts.

Just read some of the other replies some good answers.

Dont mention apartment that screams long term.

Mention you want to see Songkran and travel more to the islands before heading home. Koh lipe Koh Phayam do some research and dont panic
3 years ago
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Michael ********
@Bruce ********
 most of refusals i have heard about are people who have been on bogus volunteer visa or multiple covid visas (since they started)
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
 I went 5 days a week and 3 hours a day. First 2 classes were online. It was difficult for me because I have heariing deficiencies with one ear having an 80% hearing loss. I did much better with the in class session which was level 2 as i had to take level one twice. I still failed but it was a huge improvement. I can speak Thai and get by. This was not a fake ED school but Duke University and they have a great reputation.
3 years ago
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Maxim ***********
If you failed the 90 days report test it's because you didn't go to school, correct? It's not impossible that your school worked with an agent to get your Ed Visa so they didn't care that you didn't go. As I say every day (and some people still don't believe me here), you will get denied entry at Suvarnabhumi Airport if you can't speak Thai while on a previous Ed Visa. Your school knows what's up because they most likely work with agents who are up to date.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 NO. I had an ED visa but it was revoked when I failed the ministry of education test. My language school with only a couple of days notice had me go covid exempt but they are now telling me not to fly back into Bangkok. Plus every thing else I am hearing it seems like just one covid 19 exemption is enough to bar me from coming back. I was planning on moving back to the states at the end of May so I can pick up my personal belongings and have someone take over the rest of my lease. I want to 60 day tourist visa but don't know if I may qualify for that. I was going to get my onward ticket for Maybe 30th.
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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