What should we do now that my son tested positive for COVID-19 just before our planned travel to Thailand?

Dec 23, 2021
3 years ago
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
WE’RE SO SCREWED 😞

UPDATE

* First, important detail is we are Canadian and in Houston.

I contacted Singapore Airline and they were willing to refund the tickets. Unfortunately, I no longer have access to the VISA card that I used to purchase them. They have issued a credit and I have up to a year to use that.

I contacted the ASQ and they are holding the reservation till I either reschedule or officially cancel.

I contacted the Consulate in Vancouver and indeed the Thai Passes are only valid for that 72 hour plus/minus window and so effectively by the time we are eligible to travel they will have long been invalid. They suggested the 7-day Alternative Quarantine program.

Here is my only big hitch ATM;

I strongly suspect that my son is still testing positive from having been infected 6-7 weeks ago and that he is one of those rare individuals whom may test positive for up to 90 days.

While the CDC and the Houston Health Services will clear us from quarantine after 10 days, to enter Thailand and any connecting country he would need to provide either a negative test or a letter of recovery. I spoke to the Thai Consulate and they have assured me that the letter of recovery is absolutely a valid option.

However, I have contacted about 15+ doctors’ offices here in Houston and have yet to find one doctor that will even discuss the possibility of writing one. They all immediately say that they do not offer that.

_________________________________________

We had all our ducks in a row and were set to leave Houston today (Dec 22). We have our Tourist Visas, our Thailand Passes, ASQ etc…

This morning we went to get tests done at a place in the airport and my son has tested positive.

I don’t even know what happens now.

Houston health authority says he has to quarantine for 10 days minimum.

I’m sharing a hotel with him so I’d imagine that I’ll be positive in a day or two so I’d say we can extend that ten days to 14-16.

I tried for hours and hours to contact Singapore Airlines to see if I could cancel or reschedule my flights but I was never able to get through to anyone in person.

I notified the person working at the kiosk in that checkin and they said I’d need to contact the airline by phone.

I spoke to an additional person from Singapore airlines who was a greeter at the airport and asked him and he said that it gets marked as a “no show” and that I can calm the airline and reschedule the flights.

I called the ASQ and they agreed to hold the reservation till I contact them. How does this affect my Thai Pass?

I’m so overwhelmed ATM 😩
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a Canadian expat in Houston, faces challenges after their son tested positive for COVID-19 before their flight to Thailand, which was planned for December 22. They are overwhelmed with the implications for their Thailand Pass, which only allows a 72-hour window for travel. Despite being assured that a letter of recovery is an acceptable option, the user struggles to find a healthcare provider willing to issue this letter, leading to uncertainty about rescheduling flights and adhering to quarantine protocols.
Martin ***********
Try another airline which accepts lateral flo tests? instead of pcr-rt testing such as KLM or Finnair. Airlines like Singapore or Luftanza are a stiff necked lot to fly with.
Teya *******
I would call the Canadian embassy for advice.
Joel *******
Also if you have a good travel insurance they provide cancellation cover for medical reasons, quite possibly having COVID is included in this definition
James ********
@Curtis ********************
did your son get medical treatment in Canada for COVID?
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
As mentioned in my update, I have received a credit from the Airline and the quarantine hotel. My problem ATM is that he will likely need a recovery letter from a physician here in Houston regardless if we decide to return to Canada or travel anywhere else outside the United States.

As mentioned above, I cannot find a doctor or clinic willing to provide a recovery letter
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Man, the amount of false, misleading and misinformation in the comments of that thread is so frustrating
James ********
@Curtis ********************
then he did not seek medical treatment which now complicates his situation.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
I literally have no idea what you are trying to say
James ********
@Curtis ********************
...if he had sought medical care for COVID he easily would be able to obtain the COVID recovery medical certificate from his doctor.

But from what he says no doctor or clinic will issue him the recovery certificate as they have no record of providing him COVID medical care.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
No. That is incorrect
James ********
@Curtis ********************
then what is correct? Why can't he get a recovery certificate?
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
because it’s a liability for practices and there is very little upside. He has the positive test result which is all that they require. Typically the way that it would work is you go to a doctor, show them the positive test from a couple-few weeks earlier and then the check that you’re not symptomatic and issue the letter. If I was American, living in Houston and dealing with our family doctor, it may be a bit different.
James ********
@Curtis ********************
this is happening now to gent in UK

*********************************************************************************************
*****
86-how-to-return-to-thailand-with-covid-recovery-certificate/
Joel *******
Generally an old positive PCR test from a few weeks ago is considered "proof of recovery". Have you asked the ASQ if they will accept that?
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I don't understand what you mean "have I asked the ASQ". What does the ASQ have to do with anything? He cannot board a plane if he doesn't have either a "Negative RT-PCR" test or a "Recover Letter".
Joel *******
@Curtis ********************
@Curtis ********************
@Curtis ********************
my mistake. Ask the airline if a positive PCR test from a few weeks ago is classed as proof of recovery, because they usually are
Greg *********
I don't know your carrier's specifics but usually if you can notify them 2 hours prior to scheduled departure it's not considered a "no show" and you might have options.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
LoL. While I’m on hold they keep playing their messages on repeat and after about an hour and a half it finally sunk in that there was a message about a URL to visit to request a refund. So I did that about 15 minutes ago.
Greg *********
Try also doing it online as you hold if you can
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@G ********
the force isn’t so strong with this one 🤣
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@G ********
Singapore Airline. the people at the airport said that I should be able to contact the airline by phone and either reschedule or refund. But, till I get confirmation, the anxiety level is high.
Greg *********
SO sorry for you! My nightmare scenario. And all over what's essentially a cold... ridiculous! 😰
Greg *********
I hear ya! My two kids are in Houston and flew to see me up in Canada this summer and the logistics were a nightmare. We also had to cancel and reschedule. My trip to Thailand in March-April was easier than theirs from IAH-YUL.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@G ********
im just trying to stay as upbeat as I can and putting the next foot forward. I’m on hold with the airline now (2 hours already) and then I’ll call the consulate and see if they have any guidance for me.
Seán *******
That's terrible! So sorry for ye all, We were dreading that happening to ourselves but we were lucky and are now enjoying travel in Thailand. Let's Hope you all will be the same soon! ☘ 🤞
James ********
Sorry to hear of this. Most likely you will need to delay your trip for 3+ months to allow time for recovery. You will need a medical certificate of recovery from doctor.

Be very careful as he will need to test negative RT-PCR before a future flight to Thailand and upon arrival too. The Thai laboratories appear to be sensitive to picking up residual COVID particles with their RT-PCR tests. Which would result in mandatory quarantine in the hospital or hospitel for 10-14 days at your expense.
Albert ********
Good luck.
Albert ********
You took your chances like alot of other people trying to get away.Its all over the place in every country.Dont people realize you can't take chances now.This is not a good time to travel.
Josh ***********
If you are vaccinated and boosted and regularly tested there’s near zero risk you pose to yourself and others . This is likely an endemic disease unless wealthy nations donate more vaccines to poor nations. Your comment might make more sense if Thailand had low vaccination rates , but it certainly doesn’t.
Albert ********
@Josh **********
the last time I checked the status of thailand it is at 63% vaccinated they are working on it.
Marc ********
@Albert *******
I agree it's a gamble at the moment. But still not a nice comment of you. What is the option? Not going anywhere for the next couple of years if not decades?
Albert ********
@Marc *******
at this point in time with flair up and strict protocols it is not a safe and good time to chance things.Tourists get over there and disregard all safety regulations.Not fair for the local people and other travelers.I have family in thailand and haven't been over to visit in more than two years.Not fun but this is a very difficult time for everyone.
Marc ********
@Albert *******
And what that got to do with anything? How do you know they were going to disregard safety protocols?

Not everybody is a reckless covidiot you know
Albert ********
@Marc *******
A very foolish time to travel.I can't even go visit family and friends for the holidays.This is a global pandemic.
Marc ********
@Albert *******
So what? Your choice if you chose to stay home for the next decade. Up to you if you don't mind losing many years of your life. But don't expect everybody to be willing to do so. Especially if you are old. You might be dead before the pandemic is over
Peter ***********
Singapore Airlines is outstanding. They should change your no show to reschedule, especially if you can document you son's testing positive. In the future though, download the airlines app. W your conf # you can manage the reservation w o having long wait phone calls. Good luck.
Kal *********
Singapore airlines doesn't charge your credit card til u check in at the airport so u should get your money back
Mike *****
Same thing happened to me..my PCR came back positive. Go on the airlines website and rebook or cancel from there.if you went through an agent,then ask them to deal.with it.Im waiting to see what the Thai Government comes up with on the 4th January. The only other way in is via Phuket sandbox. Good luck..
James ********
@Mike ****
when were you COVID positive?
Mike *****
@James *******
November..
James ********
@Mike ****
and you returned to Thailand when ?
Mike *****
@James *******
was going to return middle of January. But with the constant changing who knows...let's hope there is some good on January 4th..and I'm double jabbed..going for booster on the 6th January.
James ********
@Mike ****
same for me...no Covid but waiting for the test n go to return
Richard **************
I’ve written a snarky remark above, but I do feel your helplessness. Over here in Thailand now things are quite slow, so you’re not missing too much, except the fantastic food
Jeff *********
That would really suck, all the planning for nothing. With all the risk trying to travel I’m surprised people are even putting in the effort.
Mitchell *******
There are people like me who are born travelers, and have been cooped up too long. Stressful during these times most definitely, but if/when we get there, all is well with the world. Lots of pre planning, and no last minute travel plans.
Johnny **********
@Curtis ********************
, let us know what you find out about your questions. Sorry for your bad luck.
Brian *******
@Jeff ********
Same here, I want to go back but at the moment not worth the effort - things can turn to shit in no time at all, and that's expensive!
Erik ******************
@Brian ******
Exactly! My Thai wife and I canceled our trip to Thailand and were just vacationing here in Cambodia.
Casey ********
It was stressful enough traveling alone. I couldn't imagine traveling with a family.... The risk is way to high if you're not rich.
Jeff *********
@Robert ******
I agree, it would be a risky
Carlos *********
Should be no problem to reschedule or cancel if you got the flight insurance as well.
Ruth *******
I’m so sorry 😞. I hope a solution finds its way to you.
Josh ***********
You or your son will likely need a certificate of recovery from covid-19 because you can continue to test positive for up to 90 days after infection. You will not be allowed to board a plane to Thailand or Singapore with a positive covid19 test unless you have that certificate. The Thai pass is only good for 72 hours of changes so you will need a new one.
James ********
@Josh **********
good reply...thank you.
Martin **********
@Josh **********
another stupid document only useful for whipping a.
James ********
@Martin *********
pardon me but what's not correct with
@Josh **********
reply?
Kim ***********
No advice, but boy, do I feel sorry for you guys. Best wishes, hope you get there somehow.
Richard **************
Before I left I avoided Florida and texas like a plaque. I’m sorry the whole mask/vaccination thing never caught on there. I guess that’s the price of freedom.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *************
what a stupid comment. Leave it to a lefty to politicize every f’n thing imaginable
Richard **************
@Curtis ********************
well I take back my previous comment and will say, the result of you not being allowed into this country is a direct of your actions.
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *************
now WTF are you on about you jackass?

You really are a POS eh.
Richard **************
@Curtis ********************
yee and haw you big mental stud
Casey ********
@Richard *************
And his son contracting covid is also a result of his actions? Please explain.....
John ******************
@Robert ******
You are absolutely correct. Far better chance of recovery from covid than from a mugging???? This damn hysteria over covid is insane.
Casey ********
Comical at best. At least people are not getting mugged at record levels in those red states.... That also can be harmful to your health.....
Ruth *******
@Robert ******
aside from D.C., red states are topping the charts for overall violent crime as well. Any other misinformation you might have?
Casey ********
@Ruth ******
Yes. Here is Elon Musk, who is arguably the most intelligent person of our era, speaking out against the left and the "mind virus" they all seem to be suffering from. No mis or dis information here, just facts..
Ruth *******
@Robert ******
what you posted is not in the least bit a fact. Lol. It’s your opinion of Musk and then supposedly his opinion (& I honestly don’t care if it’s his opinion…I don’t think much of him & it’s still just an opinion which has absolutely nothing to do with this post…as do mugging and murders and every other way you people have tried to change the topic)
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ruth ******
Ruth… you’re stupid
Casey ********
@Ruth ******
You are the one sourcing the CDC, which is a totally corrupted and non-credible source. Im sorry you live in this perverted reality, where you admire globalist and Hollywood elitist who look down upon you as a mindless peasant. Stop believing your own lies. You're not 5 years old.
Richard **************
@Robert ******
the cdc was the highest standard in the world until someone tried so hard to discredit it. You should know this unless you watch one source of info
Casey ********
@Richard *************
Even the liberal fake new media has reported over and over again the CDCs corruption and scandals stories. But I'm sure you know that and will continue to cling to your narrative like DiCaprio on the stern of the Titanic as it went down. Have a good one.
Jason ********
@Richard *************
Florida has the lowest infection rate per capita in the USA🤪🤪🤪
Ruth *******
@Richard *************
I’m stuck in Florida right now and am avoiding the public as much as possible 😞. The idiocy is maddening.
Josh ***********
Or New York …
John ******************
@Richard *************
obviously you haven't checked the rates of infections in Michigan and D.C compared to Florida...
Ruth *******
@John *****************
as opposed to your genius response.
Ruth *******
@John *****************
do you mean regions where people are indoors vs. out due to weather? What a stupid comment! (& btw, the vaccination rate in MI is the pits too)
John ******************
@Ruth ******
liberals will always come up with idiot excuses.
Casey ********
@John *****************
I rather catch covid in Florida than mugged or murdered in a blue state any day....
Ruth *******
@Robert ******
I suppose you’d rather get murdered in a red state just because it’s red too. The highest murder rates are in red states. But, hey, they’re red, so you’d die happy, I suppose.
Casey ********
OMG. You are actually trying to convince me of statistical data provided by the CDC? How could you be so obtuse? Honestly?
John ******************
@Robert ******
You can't use reason...they listen to Don and the big dough boy on CNN state that they safe in New York and Chicago having dinner. Absurd crime rates don't deter the liberal idiots. Nor does true rates of death from covid. They have been indoctrinated...
Casey ********
@John *****************
Elon Musk, who is arguably the most intelligent person of the modern era, has officially spoken out against the woke left. He described it as a mental virus, but then boiled it down to them being mean spirited people who use the politics as a shield.
*****************************************************************************
Richard **************
@John *****************
you have proven yourself admirably
Jared **********
What happens now?

Sounds like you need a babysitter for your son while you go to Thailand

Jokes aside that’s super shitty, I ended up taking a pretest 5 days before my travel test and laid low until my trip. From what I’ve seen the typical period for testing negative for Covid after infection is somewhere 10-90 days with the average being 3-4 weeks. See what the meeting Jan 4 brings, good luck.
Will ************
You will need a new TPass for either phuket sandbox or
****
/14 day quarantine depending on your vaccination status.
Chris ********
@Will ***********
hi, sorry to hijack but do you only need 7 days if you're fully vaccinated?
Curtis *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *******
I think that’s true. I’m trying to determine now thiugh if I can do that in BKK
Chris ********
@Curtis ********************
thanks, here's hoping 🤞
David *******
Thai pass is gone unfortunately if you do not enter on date there is a two day Le way for flights,you can apply for sand box now I’d do that immediately but you spend another 7days in quarantine there so pritty much 3week in quarantine for you 2 in Huston and one in Phuket is it still worth going 🤔 and remember for when you return as well
Stuart **********
@David ******
sandbox isn't quarantine, you are free to travel around Phuket, just not leave the island for 7 days
Stephan ***********
@David ******
Sandbox only for Phuket, every other destination is AQ at the moment.
David *******
@Stephan **********
that’s what I said yeh the three week quarantine I’m they need to spend 2 weeks in Huston then another week in Phuket that’s 3 weeks in quarantine is it worth it 🤔 I leave for Phuket in 12 days have the pass can’t wait to get out of Melbourne
Bobby ********
David Skoda. There's no quarantine with Sandbox
Andy *******
Thai Pass only has 72 hour flexibility so probably unusable at this point.
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