Answered6 years ago
Why is Thailand not on the UK's quarantine-free travel list despite low COVID-19 cases?
I've just read the list of countries your allowed to visit from the UK without having to do isolation on return! Surprise surprise Thailand is not on the list despite being in the top three countries with the least infections. Politics is never about protecting the public is it? No matter how many people die do they really care?
Answer summary
The discussion centers around the UK government's travel list and the exclusion of Thailand, despite its low COVID-19 infection rates. Many participants express frustration with perceived political motives behind travel restrictions, questioning why Thailand is not deemed safe for travel or exempt from UK quarantine rules. Comments also highlight the complexities of returning from Thailand to the UK, with references to necessary procedures, quarantine requirements, and an evolving situation that may change as circumstances develop.
99 repliesnewest first
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Rob ******
Yes , it never was .
Trev ***********
@Lisa *******************
Thankyou for the update seems I was way off the markLisa ********************
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Laura *******
Currently at Bangkok airport...we had to fill out waurentine information so can confirm we will have to quarantine in uk
Bizkit ******
Politics sucks....
Simon **********
@Pa**
I wouldn’t use The Sun as your guide. It has confused two separate government guides. Lifting the non essential travel ban is not the same as air bridge.
Bob *******
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36/Bob *******
Thailand was listed in a separate notification. It’s not getting into the UK that’s the problem it’s the rules and regulations to comply with and the quarantine required to get into Thailand that’s the problem.
Bim *******
@Bob ******
I read you have to fly direct not via another country alsoBob *******
@Bim ******
That Limits the competition from the UK to just three carriers. Maybe Thai Airways is on course for a good year.
DadTommy *******
In Thailand not much makes Sense. ONLY $
Anthony ********
OP@DadTommy ******
not much makes sense in the UK!! 
Nina *****
The U.K Foreign and Commonwealth Office has 2 lists on its website. The first is a change to the travel advisory which had advised against all non essential travel overseas. Thailand is now a Country U.K citizens (in theory) can travel to
‘COVID-19 travel guidance
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Travel to some countries and territories is currently exempted’.
List here;
The 2nd list is the Countries where you do not have to self isolate for 14 days, if travelling into the U.K from them. Unbelievably Thailand is NOT on this list. So travelling to the U.K from Thailand you must self isolate for 14 days.
They do say the lists will be reviewed;
‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
You do not have to self-isolate on arrival in England if these are the only places you have been to or stopped in during the previous 14 days’.
‘COVID-19 travel guidance
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Travel to some countries and territories is currently exempted’.
List here;
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The 2nd list is the Countries where you do not have to self isolate for 14 days, if travelling into the U.K from them. Unbelievably Thailand is NOT on this list. So travelling to the U.K from Thailand you must self isolate for 14 days.
They do say the lists will be reviewed;
‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
You do not have to self-isolate on arrival in England if these are the only places you have been to or stopped in during the previous 14 days’.
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Laura *******
I totally understand this post...nothing to do with people travelling to thailand but people in thailand who are returning to uk (us...tomorrow)...we will quarantine for sure but still dont understand why thailand is not on the list...makes no sense!
Anthony ********
OP@Laura ******
good luck Laura keep us updated on the procedure when you arrive in the UK! As all this is new to us your experience can help us with what we should expect. Thanks Anthony ********
OP@Laura ******
thank you Laura exactly! Laura *******
@Anthony *******
I just wish people read the posts and not be negative towards the person who has posted! I totally get where you are coming from...I have thought the same all day today x
Jeff *******
asinine but not surprising. the UK hasn't got much right in its COVID-19 response, why start now...
Trigger *********
Anyone have a list or link to the countrys you can visit thanks
Nina *****
@Trigger ********
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@Nina ****
thank you 
Jannet ************
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Alan ******
Leave Thailand till next year , need that quarantine gone .
Rick *******
@Alan *****
, exactly. Allan ************
United Kingdom stood firm in two World Wars to which we living people owe the deepest gratitude to, this virus is making a mockery of the world, people die get over it.
Bobby ********
@Allan ***********
. Can't see what two world wars (the second of which finished 75 years ago) have to do with people going to the UK from Thailand having to quarantine, but the mind does play some strange tricks! 🤣🤣🤣Allan ************
@Bobby *******
nothing at all it seems to you,the world did not stop then , and it will not stop tomorrow.Bobby ********
@Anthony *******
. He probably stopped drinking and fell asleep, so no more irrelevant ranting! 🤣🤣Anthony ********
OP@Bobby *******
@Allan ***********
gone quiet mate think he's been shot by a German sniper 555!!Anthony ********
OP@Allan ***********
might I suggest you join historical groups! More you're interest pal!Allan ************
@Bobby *******
and Anthony Parker you obviously have no clue of History, life goes on Bobby ********
@Allan ***********
. Actually you started it with your ludicrous comparison of Covid 19 to a couple of long-ago wars. I knew the pubs shouldn't have been opened too soon! 🤣🤣🤣Anthony ********
OP@Allan ***********
your just looking for a argument with anyone!! Don't know what your doing in this group? Allan ************
@Anthony *******
you started itAnthony ********
OP@Allan ***********
your comments are not helpful in any way!! Allan ************
@Bobby *******
are you typing football now dribble, you stay lost like when you are clueless.Bobby ********
@Allan ***********
. When someone dribbles about wars that probably 99% of the population had no first hand experience of, it's very easy to get lost. But I still haven't quite grasped the British obsession of living in the past, so I prefer to stay lost! 🤣🤣🤣Allan ************
@Bobby *******
you are easily lost. XxBobby ********
@Allan ***********
. You've lost me completely now. Did someone say the world will stop tomorrow? Anthony ********
OP@Allan ***********
wouldn't want to say that to the families of the dead!! Allan ************
@Anthony *******
not going to get into a pointless debate, but we all die of something, people are horrifically murdered on a daily basis and nothing is done about it, oh yes don’t do that again.
Michael ***************
Just checked it Anthony it is, in the SE Asia group
Simon **********
@Michael **************
what website are you looking at? Just checked the UK gov immigration website and Thailand is definitely not on the list.Anthony ********
OP@Simon *********
I wonder too?? Not on my radar?? Simon **********
@Michael **************
I didMichael ***************
@Simon *********
just google it, and the list is split between, Europe, Americas, S.E.AsiaSimon **********
@Ant****
, I think I have found it. Thailand is no longer on the “Avoid all but essential travel list”. Still not on the “safe corridor list” though.Anthony ********
OP@Michael **************
really! That's great news thanks Michael 
Jeff *********
My opinion only but I'm guessing there is work constantly going on behind the scenes After all it's in no countries long term interest to keep tourists out Wait and see Things change constantly 3 weeks ago everyone entering England had to self isolate for 14 days That went well
Nick ************
@Jeff ********
nothing has gone well in the UK for quite some time.Simon **********
I should imagine the list is not random and if Thailand doesn’t allow the UK to enter, not much point allowing Thailand to visit the UK then? Has to be a reciprocal relationship.
Milan ********
@Simon *********
Slovakia from EU is also not on the list, despite being in top5 EU countries in containing virus and being part of Schengen. And some other exceptions too. So yeah that list seems quite random :)Anthony ********
OP@Simon *********
tit for tat won't stop coronovirusSimon **********
@Ant****
, agreed but stopping certain countries travelling to/from others would seem logical.Trev ***********
List has been revised as I understand it Thailand is now on the list
Trev ***********
Sorry Rita the msg was sent to me on WhatsApp not to clever regarding phones lols if I knew how would send you the link i received
Trev ***********
Was told there was a new list revised thing is need to be on the list to get there first
Rita ********
@Trev **********
where did you see the new list?Trev ***********
@Rita *******
someone sent me msg telling me about revised listRita ********
@Trev **********
I see 🤨Anthony ********
OP@Trev **********
don't think it's true Trev the list only came out today Anthony ********
OP@Trev **********
really! I hope so!! 
Jay *******
Yes it is in this case. Thailand is protecting its own people by not allowing people from the UK where there is a high number of infections, entering the country where there are low numbers.
Anthony ********
OP@Jay ******
talking about people returning to the UK 
Ivan ************
It seems to be a work in progress with only a very few countries outside Europe mostly colonies, ex colonies or large economies that the UK has a substantial business relationship with (Japan and South Korea). I don't think this is a particular jibe at Thailand, there are other countries like Sri Lanka lightly hit by this but not on the list.
Jane ***********
Exactly. And FCO has said that it's a dynamic list that they will add to (and remove) as circumstances change.
Anthony ********
OP@Ivan ***********
true!Bobby ********
Thailand is closed to foreigners. Why would it be on a list of countries that can be visited?
Anthony ********
OP@Bobby *******
no I mean a list of countries that UK can travel to without doing quarantine when they return. 
Garrett ***********
@Bo***
The list is countries that can enter the UK without the need to quarantine. Anthony ********
OP@Garrett **********
that's the list that I'm talking about yeah! Andrew ********
I'm full of foolish hope that Thailand opens soon. I don't mind doing quarantine in a hotel but the procedure to get a flight there is so difficult. Not possible from my location so I'm heading to UK to sort the paperwork, hopefully. 5 months from home by the time I get to UK.
Andrew ********
Last year I rode my motorcycle from Bangkok to Scotland, who would have guessed this would happen.
Bobby ********
@Andrew *******
. I don't think you'll have much joy coming from UK. The Thais are paranoid enough about the virus without letting in people from a country that has made a total hash of controlling the virus! See you here in about a year!Andrew ********
@Bobby *******
if that fails I'll go to Australia and try again.Andrew ********
@Bobby *******
been working there even time for most of the last 30 years Bobby ********
@Andrew *******
. Nigeria? How did you end up there? I'd say you've probably had an interesting five months. Happy travels! You'll get back eventually.Andrew ********
@Bobby *******
already have a ticket coupon but stuck in Nigeria, only hope is a company charter flight from Lagos to London later this month. Been stuck here for 5 months. Expect it will be nearer $4000 by the time everything is paid for.Bobby ********
@Andrew *******
. Absolutely. But a very long wait, from both Australian authorities and Thai authorities. I've got a mate in Sydney wanting to get back to Thailand, and he's pulling his hair out with the negativity he's getting from both camps. His local MP has taken up his case, and has already been advised he's looking at minimum four months. I told him to forget it, and wait and see what the new year brings. With compulsory insurance and quarantine he's looking at close to $2500 before he even books a flight. Although the insurance will probably become a fixture, the quarantine will have to end withing six months surely?Andrew ********
@Bobby *******
wife and family in Thailand permission will be granted.Andrew ********
@Bobby *******
same in ukBobby ********
@Andrew *******
. If you're Australian, after serving your 14 days in quarantine, you won't be able to leave without permission! 🤣🤣🤣Andrew ********
@Brett ******
I am!
Brett *******
@Andrew *******
if you are not Australian it is closed as well.
Roger ********
Thailand's borders are shut. What did you expect?
Martin *******
Roger, I am in Thailand at the moment, there are flights to the UK, just not major carriers.
Mark *******
Probably because you can't come to Thailand as a tourist anyway.
Dale *********
I wasnt suprised when i so this that Thailand wasnt on the list i Agree politics and maybe few other things there i think.dont think it helps eather on everyone who is going to enter Thailand has to pay well near or around
*****
THB for state Q there will be alot of things behind it thats for sure.😉😉👍👍Bim *******
Thailand is on the list
Garrett ***********
@B**
No, they removed Thailand from the actual list.Dale *********
Thats list from uk
Dale *********
@Bim ******
hi the list i so yesterday there not on the list vietnam is not Thailand unless it has changed in last 24 hrs👍👍
Steve *********
I can understand your frustration, but at least it’s self isolation and not an extortionate scheme to make up for lost hotel income.
Ron *********
No
Garrett ***********
"No matter how many people die..."
But you're upset they're making you quarantine?
But you're upset they're making you quarantine?
Anthony ********
OP@Garrett **********
no! I think everyone quarantine! But how UK I'm I more dangerous coming from Thailand Than someone coming from Spain for example??? Activity
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