What should I know about obtaining a Certificate of Recovery for traveling to Thailand post-COVID-19 positivity?

This is just an information post regarding getting back into Thailand if you test positive and need a Certificate of Recovery. I recently went through this dilemma (however thankfully actually tested negative the day before my flight so didn’t have to actually use it) so thought I would collate any information I found out to help anyone else in this situation in the future searching in this group. I’m in the U.K. so this information is based around flying from there.

- Positive PCR test history - I tested positive on the 25/12/21 and didn’t test negative on a PCR until 14/01/22 - Day 20. I did regular tests throughout that time and they all came back positive or inconclusive (I had a positive after an inconclusive so don’t get your hopes up if you get one of them)

- Lateral flows - I started testing negative on lateral flow/ATK tests on Day 8 and was negative on them throughout.

- NHS Certificate of Recovery - you can get a free one from the NHS app however it creates a new one each time you have a positive NHS PCR test so I would advise if you are continuously testing to see if you’re negative to do it under someone else’s name so it doesn’t make a new one each time you are positive.

- Private Certificate of Recovery - you can get these online for around £100 - £150 (I saw Mayfield clinic recommended a few times). I actually got mine face to face in Ghosh Clinic Liverpool for £35 which is amazing. It doesn’t have a QR code however that hasn’t been a problem so far for me (I presented it to the hotel when I arrived in case I tested positive in quarantine - not sure if it would be the same if using it to fly but I assume so).

- It was advised in this group even if you are testing negative to still get a Certificate of Recovery in case you test positive in Thailand (some people said the Thai PCR test is more sensitive - I don’t know how true that is) as it may stop you from being taken to hospital if you do get a positive result. From what I read this depends on the hotel policy - I know someone in Phuket who this has worked for and she is not in hospital however others stated they were still sent. It may be worth checking with your hotel first beforehand what their policy is.

- NHS app - I discovered that each time I got a positive test my NHS app was blocked which prevented me from accessing my NHS Vaccine Pass. As this is a 30 day pass and expires this is something to be mindful of. Again, I tested under someone else’s name to stop this from happening as my pass was going to expire before my rescheduled flight and you need this to apply for the Thai Pass and at the airport.

- Private tests linking to NHS app - I tested positive with Randox and was surprised that they were connected to the NHS as I received an NHS email and text the next day and my app was blocked. This did not happen when I had a private PCR test at another clinic so just something to be mindful of - maybe phone the clinic ahead to check if they will inform the NHS if you are worried about the app being blocked.

- Airlines which accept the Certificate of Recovery - this is purely from other people’s posts on here and not my own actual experience. I would advise you to check yourself with the airline before booking anything. Thai Air said they go off Thailand regulations and the Thai Embassy state they accept the Certificate of Recovery. KLM say on their website they accept the Certificate of Recovery and someone on this group also flew with them using it. My friend flew with Qatar to Australia using a Certificate of Recovery which suggests they would to Thailand but not confirmed. A friend of a friend also flew with the airline Scoot using a Certificate of Recovery however said they felt like it was luck they were allowed through at each check point and they felt like they could have been rejected at any time.

- Emirates do not accept the Certificate of Recovery due to transiting through Dubai who do not recognise it. I personally called Emirates and asked them and they said they do not however others said they called and they said they do - I would advise you to contact them yourselves.

- Thai Pass - my own personal experience is each time I reapplied for a new Thai Pass after rearranging my flight/ASQ due to a positive test (did this 4 times) it came back accepted within 24 hours (sometimes within the hour). However I know some people did not have this experience.

- Documents for the airport - print out everything to make it easier and quicker. I was advised to do 2 copies as I think if you fly to Phuket they may keep some documents. None of mine were taken flying into Bangkok - ASQ confirmation, Thai Pass, negative PCR (or positive PCR & Certificate of Recovery), Covid insurance, vaccine certificate/pass.

Hope this information helps anyone in the same situation and if I think of anything else I will add it to this post! Good luck!