thailand
Ask question

When will Non Thai citizens be able to return to Thailand?

Thailand travel restrictionsCOVID-19 impactVisa and immigrationNon Thai citizensRepatriation flightsBusiness travelFlight banVisa waiversImmigration policiesWork permits
Apr 19, 2020
5 years ago
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I left Thailand for a business trip to the USA before the Covid lockdowns. I have been living and working in Thailand for over 17 years. Currently I am stuck in a hotel in Florida not sure how I can return home to Thailand. Do we have any news on when Non Thai citizens can return to Thailand?
6,495
views
30
likes
167
all likes
63
replies
2
images
38
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The initial inquiry discusses uncertainty surrounding the return of Non Thai citizens to Thailand amid COVID-19 lockdowns. Various comments suggest that current travel restrictions may continue until at least late April with speculation about re-entry for expatriates possibly in May. Most comments express frustration about the ongoing situation while others provide updates related to work permits, hotel quarantine requirements, and the evolving policies of the Thai government.
Harolletta **********
Factual information and the latest of all the changes.

Hope your all ok and Hanging in there.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Harolletta **********
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
They extended shut down till June 30 as if today
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Ian ***********
@Chris ******
 realistically maybe August as government are focused more on health than economy so I suspect it will drag in some more. Not worth making a booking until the last minute as flights keep getting cancelled.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ian ***********
Reply
Terary **********
Go to Malaysia walk across the border - thats how the natives are doing it.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Ian ***********
@Terary *********
 I have heard the following for Phuket. Not sure if it is 100% true but best I’ve heard so far

Below are the Government’s announcement to unlock :-

May 1 st - Opens market and basic business.

May 8th - Opens Phuket AirPort and Chatchai Checkpoint

May 11th - Opens International Schools and Shopping Malls

May 31st - Opens all biz except Entertainment Places, Pubs, Bars and Theaters
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ian ***********
Reply
Noel ***********
No one has any idea what is happening. Everything you on posts is innuendo with no validity. You just have to wait

period. Nothing else we can do.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Paula **************
See if this helps.
********************************************************************************
*******
/thailand-during-pandemic.html
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
The earliest anyone will know of the flight ban/re-entry of international flights/ extensions on visas/visa waivers/etc will be the 28th of April...until then everybody is standing still
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Dominique **********
@Jeremy *******
 exactly. Tired to read people subjective made up comment instead of sticking to what we know and that is what we know April 30 is a milestones
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dominique **********
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Currently the official word i have been given is that May 10th people with Permission to work in Thailand will be able to re enter but must pay for 14 days in a hotel first before being released into Thailand.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
John *******
@Cameron *******
 official word????.... see you here in July when maybe they open hotels again... but may I suggest it will be a little longer. The thai and the government do not want any foreigners here for the foreseeable future.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *******
Reply
James **************
It will be a few months
5 years ago
Like
Reply
James **************
I wouldnt get your hopes up. If it was may 1st, that would be unrealistic in my opinion, or you would have to jump through some major hoops to get back in may.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Possibly May 1st from what I read here.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Cameron ********
Reply
Li ****
Never hahaha
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
Same boat too. The TAT posted today revised tourism numbers for the year (16m down from 40m) with the expectation that tourism will resume in May. While the TAT doesn't have any authority or anything in terms of the current situation, it's a hopeful article.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I doubt they are going to open up to Chinese without tests etc.. Further the China Tourism has have little benefit on the economy in Thailand as most of us on the ground know already. They know the real money they need comes from the west.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Dianne *****
@Garrett **********
 I think, an this is just speculation, that they will allow Chinese tourists back first to Thailand, as so much tourist revenue has been lost since China stopped it's citizens taking group tours. I think it will be presented as "China has combatted this disease, therefore we welcome tourists from China again" followed by Americans who will open their country earlier than most it seems. So in effect tourists from the two worst hit countries with the largest numbers of deaths! We will see how this works out
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *******
@Garrett **********
 I think they are dreaming
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Matthew *******
Reply
Ian ***********
I left Phuker for 2 weeks in Sydney. I’m hoping to be back by September. Optimist?
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Australia has exceptions allowing for you to travel out if you get permission based on living outside the country etc. I know a few that will travel as soon as Thailand allows.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Dianne *****
Australians have been told not to expect to travel internationally until at least December. Government is advising people to plan domestic holidays only this year
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@I**
 June at the latest.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Didier ********
Same here bud ,rumours are middle of May for the expats an 1 th of May for the Thais , When the repatriation of the Thai citizens go smooth not to many covid 19 cases. Then it's our turn.

Fingers crossed
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
From what i keep being told 1st May open to Thai and then 10th open to Expats with Work Permits.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Dominique **********
@Didier *******
 I heard April 30 they are lifting restrictions! The rest of the conversation is unknown so let’s not imagine what and what is not authorized. Thx
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dominique **********
Reply
Benidorm *******
Am stuck in Thailand need to get to Spain since 3rd March !!!
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Christophe **********
Eso es obvio
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Christophe **********
Hay miliones de gilipollas dentro Este grupo
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Christophe **********
Daren you really are stockholmed yes everyone can get to Bangkok, wrong. Yes everyone can get out, wrong. Everyone can waste unlimited money on your bogus info, wrong.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Benidorm *******
Emirates 2 from Qatar still waiting for my refund !
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Jane ***********
@Frank ********
 there are several flights out of Thailand to Europe most days
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Bobby ********
@Frank ********
. Nobody from Europe is stuck in Thailand. There are daily flights out. Relying on the Thai authorities making further free extensions is a risky strategy. They know you could leave if you wanted to
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Darren *******
@Frank ********
 there are daily flights out of Thailand...
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ********
probably better staying in Thailand at the current moment Spain isn’t doing so well.

Of course I don’t know your personal circumstances or know the reason for you to want/need to get to Spain.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ryan ********
Reply
Ryan ********
I thought I read if you have a work visa then you can still go.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For me getting a Test and or Fit 2 Fly is going to be hard in Florida but not impossible from a few that have contacted me.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ********
I mean if you can find a flight that is.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ryan ********
Reply
Paul *******
When it does lift, flights will be Ching Ching, Mid May countries will open, amazing a cure medicine will appear, France want to super extended lock down, I believe Macrons granny wife gave him that idea, even though all around him better countries are relaxing, but who knows 100%, corrupt WHO might know...
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Bobby ********
@Paul ******
 thats bullshit
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Timi ********
 china and WHO have a lot to answer for, Crazy Trump will get to the bottom of this.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Robert *******
end of this month it will be reviewed. like most countries now the economy will be screaming get me back to normal asap.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For people like me with over 100 staff I need to get back to make sure everything can be ready to reopen. Dealing with staff remote has been difficult to say the least.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Florian ********
@Robert ******
 .. and the virus cant wait for that day to come
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Florian ********
Reply
Manuajomtien *********
Same same me..i am in french now
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Bim *******
Follow daily updates in English on the Thai government page. Up to now all international flights have been suspended with the exception of Thais repatriation flight until 30th April.
@https://www.facebo*******************
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Somkit *********
Same here, in Oz family in Thai🤬
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
FYI from what I have seen the Australian Lockdown allows for people to fly out of Australia with permission (Must seek approval?) if your normal place of residence is and or your family are located outside the country. I know of people in Australia planning to go back in May if Thailand opens up.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Cameron ********
Reply
Robert *************
🥺💔
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Tom *******
Supposedly you will be able to return sometime in November.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Online it seems May is more likely
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Tom *******
Famous cryptic quatrains in 1555. Mentions Pattaya
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Bim *******
@Tom ******
 there will be no economy left here if they left it that long. Currently the flight ban is until 30th April.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bim *******
Reply
Chris *******
I am the same mate.

No news as of yet, and if they lift restrictions there will be government quarantine etc to complete, at your cost.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Geoffrey ****************************
My son and I went to I dis for dental work we are stuck too
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Cameron ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have family and friends that need me in Thailand but currently no way for me to get back to support them. It's a horrible feeling. And i am here in the USA... I dont belong here (I am Australian)
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
@Cameron *******
 Yes i also desperately need to know. Also have lived in Thailand 20 years, have my wife and 6-month old son there now! They need me, I need them. I came back to Australia for my father's funeral, but got locked out on March 26th. Stuck in Sydney for how long is anyone's guess. Extremely stressful
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Stefano ***********
Those arseholes in the Australian government are saying they will probably keep the ban on international travel until 2021. I need to get back to Thailand aswell but i'm stuck in Aus.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Bim *******
@Cameron *******
 the current travel ban is until 30th April. Follow daily Thai government updates in English.
@https://www.facebo*******************
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Billy *******
@Cameron *******
 eeessh. Gonna be one hell of a hotel bill.
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Billy *******
Reply
Rampagedayneo ********
Same as me
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *********
Short answer is no ... the rumour mill suggests sometime in May (maybe).
5 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
When will expats with non-immigrant O visas be able to return to Thailand?
218 comments
4 years ago
What are expats in Thailand considering as the deadline approaches for reentry or travel?
10 comments
4 years ago
What is the latest update on travelling back to Thailand during these times?
11 comments
4 years ago
What is the current situation for travelers returning to Thailand amidst quarantine and repatriation flights?
3 comments
4 years ago
Will quarantine be required for foreigners traveling to Thailand in November?
70 comments
4 years ago
What is the current status for expats and tourists entering Thailand amid the ongoing visa regulations?
20 comments
4 years ago
What are the latest updates for Brits wanting to return to Thailand amid COVID-19?
62 comments
4 years ago
What are the current options for foreigners looking to reenter Thailand without family ties amidst the ongoing travel restrictions?
39 comments
4 years ago
Do Thai citizens face any challenges returning to Thailand currently?
13 comments
4 years ago
Will Thailand open its borders for foreigners without residence permits in July 2020?
29 comments
4 years ago
What are the current visa entry requirements for returning to Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic?
48 comments
4 years ago
When are international flights to Thailand expected to start again?
12 comments
4 years ago
What are the current visa and entry requirements for returning to Thailand amid travel restrictions?
62 comments
4 years ago
What should I consider for returning to Thailand with a retirement visa after being stuck in Malaysia?
24 comments
4 years ago
What are the current obstacles and requirements for foreigners returning to Thailand after July 1, 2020?
70 comments
4 years ago
What are the latest entry requirements for foreigners traveling to Thailand amidst COVID-19 restrictions?
59 comments
4 years ago
When will it be possible for foreigners to return to Thailand amidst COVID-19 restrictions?
46 comments
4 years ago
What are the current restrictions on returning to Thailand for foreigners during the pandemic?
95 comments
4 years ago
What are the current quarantine requirements for foreigners returning to Thailand?
32 comments
5 years ago
Will Thailand lift mandatory quarantines for foreigners soon?
15 comments
5 years ago
Can I Return to Thailand on a Non-B Visa if My Visa Expires Before Flights Resume?
4 comments
5 years ago
What are the current restrictions for foreigners seeking to enter Thailand during the aircraft ban extended until June 1st?
46 comments
5 years ago
When Can Expats Stranded Abroad Return to Thailand?
1 comments
5 years ago
How Can I Return to Thailand with a Non-Imm O-A Visa During Travel Restrictions?
5 comments
5 years ago
What Should I Do About My Expiring Visa During Possible Lockdown in Thailand?
10 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.