Dear readers,
I hope you can help me with questions I have about a (temporary) departure to Thailand. I would like to go by the end of April to at least the end of June. But that can also be longer, if everything goes well.
Now I read a lot of contradictions online. It can, it can't. It's tricky, it's simple. Hopefully someone has experience and has already traveled to Thailand in recent weeks.
Some info in advance: I already have a Thai partner for 3 years. But not registered, or married or a cohabitation contract. In short, I think I'm just 'single' for the Dutch and Thai government?
I know I will have to quarantine. However, I read stories that the Kingdom of Thailand wants to shorten the duration to 10 days instead of 16 from April. For vaccinated people this will even be shortened to 7 days. However, I have not been vaccinated yet, because I am far from having my turn (I am 36 years old)
Now my question is: What actions should I take now to travel to Thailand at the end of April? Who should I approach? Where should I book my quarantine hotel? Does this have to be done in consultation with the Thai Embassy? What are the further conditions, apart from a PCR test of max 72 hours old and a statement to fly? Can I just keep the 30 day tourist visa, or is there another visa offered by the Kingdom of Thailand?
I wonder if anyone has a clear explanation of the steps to be taken. Or even better, someone who has recently traveled to Thailand.
nb I am also looking for a house/apartment to stay in for 2 months. Who knows, there are others who can help me with this as well.
Many thanks for your responses,
Regards,
Sander
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The info on the embassy's site refers to MFA (Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs). That roadmap is clear.
You do not officially have a Thai partner, so you fall into category 12 (Dutch passport holders). You can go to Thailand for 45 days (including quarantine time). You can get an extension on site (you will have to pay a fee for this). The step-by-step plan is clear in itself; request CoE part 1, after confirmation you must book an ASQ hotel, flight and fill in those details at part 2 within 15 days after acceptance of CoE part 1
Please note: there is a requirement that you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means. You must prove this through bank statements. This in itself is an old requirement (if desired, you had to be able to show at Suvernabhumi that you had 20000 baht, but I have never seen that requirement put into practice by the Dutch). I don't know how the embassy handles this in practice (I don't fall into category 12, so my CoE is not based on that).
Step-by-step plan can be found here: https://hague.thaiembassy.org/th/content/118896-measures-to-control-the-spread-of-covid-19?page=5f4d1bea74187b0491379162&menu=5f4cc50a4f523722e8027442
Hi Dennis, thank you for your comment! I appreciate that a lot!
I'm not going to try to arrange this right away, because I'll wait until April and maybe I can quarantine for 10 days instead of 16.
And is it 20.000 baht? I think you mean 200.000?
The embassy indicates that you have to arrange your CoE about 14 days before departure. So keep that in mind!
I think the moment of arrival determines the duration of the ASQ. So in that respect you can easily book before arrival on April 2 (= 10 days ASQ). You would be stupid to arrive on March 31 (because 15 nights ASQ and on balance you will be "released" later than when you arrive on April 2.
That 20000 baht is an amount that you demonstrably had to have in the past to pay for your stay in Thailand, but in practice it was rarely or never asked for. The embassy is now talking about the fact that you must be able to demonstrate sufficient resources. No amount is mentioned, but 200.000 baht for a stay of up to 45 days seems a lot to me. I assume that they do mean 20000 baht, but again I do not come to Thailand as a tourist, but as a husband and father of Thai nationals and then that rule does not apply
Anyone can come to Thailand. The Thai anbasssde has a very clear step-by-step plan online.
Non-essential travel from the Netherlands is not recommended before May 15.
So also check the NL (travel) insurance if you still want to go on the road.
And keep in mind that what applies today may be different tomorrow.
The expected or hoped for easing can also suddenly turn into a tightening when the numbers go in the wrong direction.
Dear Royal Blog,
I hope that things will not be taken up personally, but what the Dutch government "advises" I no longer participate at all. They contradict themselves every week and after a year I am now completely done with it. Have always adhered to rules and advice, but since yesterday (curfew 22:00) I have decided to stop and do everything possible to travel to Thailand asap against any government advice. I take for granted what advice it contains and who or what I could lack with this. I am done.
Insurance is not an issue. Separate insurance policies are already offered through Oom that I can use. Costs are around 200,00 euros.
I have now found the website for applying for a CoE and ales is self-explanatory. I get approval within 3 days and then I have to submit the ASQ stay + proof of payment and flight ticket within 15 days. The ASQ is around 45.000-50.000 baht for 16 days so I'm assuming it will be around 30.000 for 10 days (from April)
800 euros ASQ
200 euros insurance
150 euros PCR + fit to fly
700 euro plane ticket return
all in all you are around 2k euros and then you come a long way. I am fine with it. As long as I can leave here as soon as possible 😉
In Dennis' otherwise good advice, I miss the special insurance coverage in dollars for outpatient and inpatient. Or am I mistaken??
Hello Sander, we have a fully furnished 2 year old 2 bedroom apartment for rent in Jomtien. It is walking distance from the beach. See this youtube link: https://youtu.be/7MJ1tPUgBjo
As you can see there is a nice swimming pool, fitness and sauna area. If you would like further information, please email: [email protected]
Regards, French
nb I am also looking for a house/apartment to stay in for 2 months. Who knows, there are others who can help me with this as well
It is wise to state where you are looking for accommodation.