Weekly Updates

Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 1; Recommended Hotels in Bangkok and Phuket; Arrival Process for Thailand

This Weekly Update was originally posted on April 22, 2022. For the most recent update, click here.

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Thailand Travel Updates for April 2022

Thailand Travel Updates as of April 22, 2022

  1. Thailand Pass registration site is currently open and accepting new applications for the Test and Go, Sandbox, and Quarantine entry programs. For up-to-date information and weekly updates regarding current Thailand travel restrictions, please visit the Weekly Updates for Thailand Travel Restrictions.
  2. The mandatory RT-PCR COVID Test that you have to take upon arrival and the SHA+ Hotel booking for vaccinated travelers will no longer be required starting May 1, 2022. For unvaccinated travelers, a mandatory hotel booking of 5 nights and RT PCR test on Day 4 or 5 will still be required.
  3. Please check our YouTube Video for the step-by-step application for the Thai Pass:
    Instructional Video for Thailand Pass Application
  4. Step by step instructions on How to Book your Test and Go Hotel through Agoda.com
    Agoda.com is an authorized booking website for Test and Go packages for the Thailand Pass.
  5. Check the compilation of the Thailand Pass Frequently Asked Questions.

Travelers may join the conversation in our Facebook Group to ask questions and read the latest developments.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand

Thailand Pass Facebook Group

Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 1

It was agreed at the CCSA meeting today April 22, 2022 the new entry requirements for Thailand starting May 1, 2022:

Vaccinated Travelers

  • They will no longer be required to undergo RT-PCR upon arrival. A self-ATK test is only recommended during their stay. 
  • They do not need to book an SHA+ hotel. Upon completing entry processing at the airport, they can proceed to their chosen accommodation.
  • Travel Insurance is reduced to a minimum of 10,000 USD medical coverage.
  • Children below 18 years of age traveling with a fully vaccinated parent can enter Thailand on the same entry scheme as the parent.

Unvaccinated Travelers

  • They are still required to stay in an SHA+ or AQ hotel for mandatory quarantine  
  • They are still required to undergo the RT-PCR Test on Day 5.
  • To avoid the mandatory quarantine and Day 5 test, unvaccinated travelers can upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before traveling to Thailand via the Thailand Pass system, they – just like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in Thailand.
  • Travel Insurance is reduced to a minimum of 10,000 USD medical coverage.

Thailand Pass Still Required

  • Thailand Pass application will still be required to verify insurance and vaccination status but the processing time will be much quicker.
  • The new entry requirements are expected to start on May 1, 2022. For those who are arriving on May 1 or later, the Thailand Pass system is currently suspended. You can apply on April 29, 2022.
  • The Thailand Pass website will accept applications under new entry measures starting 29 April 2022 onwards (00.01 hrs Thailand time).
  • Travelers whose Thailand Pass has already been issued can travel with the issued QR Code and you do not need to register for a new Thailand Pass.

Recommended Hotels in Bangkok

To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled the list of Test and Go Hotels (for those arriving before May 1, 2022) and Non-Test and Go Hotels:

Best Test and Go Hotels

  1. BS Residence Suvarnabhumi
  2. Sinsuvarn Airport Suite
  3. Gate43 Airport Hotel
  4. Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
  5. Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri
  6. The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG
  7. Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 
  8. Siri Sathorn Bangkok by UHG
  9. Siam Mandarina Hotel
  10. Grande Centre Point Hotel Ploenchit

Non-Test and Go Hotels (Sukhumvit)

  1. The Okura Prestige Bangkok
  2. Park Hyatt Bangkok
  3. DoubleTree by Hilton
  4. Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
  5. The Landmark Bangkok
  6. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
  7. Carlton Hotel Bangkok
  8. The Continent Hotel Asok
  9. Bangkok Marriott Marquis
  10. Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 

Where to Stay in Phuket in May 2022

To assist travelers in planning their trip to Thailand, we have compiled the list of Test and Go Hotels (for those arriving before May 1, 2022) and Non-Test and Go Hotels in Phuket: 

  1. The Marina Phuket Hotel
  2. Naina Resort and Spa
  3. Patong Resort Hotel
  4. Crest Resort and Pool Villas
  5. Baan Laimai Beach Resort
  6. Andamantra Resort and Villa Phuket
  7. Andakira Hotel
  8. Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa
  9. The Royal Paradise Hotel and Spa
  10. Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa
  11. Deevana Patong Resort and Spa
  12. Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
  13. Baan Yuree Resort and Spa
  14. The Nature Phuket
  15. The Blue Hotel
  16. Rawai Palm Beach Resort
  17. Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
  18. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach 
  19. Navatara Phuket Resort 
  20. Kalima Resort & Spa

Best COVID Insurance for Thailand Pass

Based on experience, the common problem for Thailand Pass applications being delayed or worse being rejected is that some insurance policies are not properly worded. Your COVID-19 insurance must expressly state that it covers up to 10,000 to 20,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19 while in Thailand. 

You may use your own health insurance or purchase insurance from your own country, however, for the best COVID insurance for the Thailand Pass it is recommended to purchase from an insurance company in Thailand such as AXA Insurance Thailand to make sure that you meet the requirement in obtaining the Thailand Pass successfully. 

  • Your certificate of insurance will expressly state that it covers up to 10,000 to 20,000 USD medical expenses including COVID-19. It will also state that the certificate is issued for the purpose of the Thailand Pass application.
  • The AXA Sawasdee Thailand provides a one-page certificate of insurance which is perfect for the Thailand Pass application since the system will only allow one-page document to be uploaded.
  • Your insurance letter or certificate will also contain the policy number and date of effectivity or start date. 
  • The AXA Insurance policy must be effective before or on the date of arrival and during your entire length of stay.

UPDATE: Starting May 1, 2022 the minimum COVID 19 Insurance medical coverage has been reduced to 10,000 USD.

When you submit your AXA Thailand Pass Insurance, please make sure that you attach or upload the correct document as below:

AXA Receipt

AXA Certificate

To purchase AXA Thailand Insurance; the most reliable insurance that has never had any problem with the Thailand Pass application, please click the link below:

https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

COVID Travel Insurance Thailand

Arrival Process for Thailand

Here is an example of the arrival process of one of our staff from a flight from Manila to Bangkok on Thai Airways on April 21, 2022.

10:10 PM  Plane arrives at BKK airport

10:20 PM  Enter Thailand Pass inspection line

Show the following documents (we highly recommend printing all your documents and have them ready to present):

  1. Passport
  2. Airline Boarding pass
  3. Thailand Pass QR code
  4. Hotel confirmation (view our newsletter members most popular SHA+ hotels)
  5. Proof of Insurance (we always use AXA Insurance to ensure a smooth process)

10:29 PM Enter the Thai Immigration line for the arrival stamp

10:35 PM Pick up luggage at Baggage Claim

10:39 PM Contact Test & Go Hotel and wait for the van

11:14 PM Arrive at Testing Center for PCR swab test

11:23 PM Arrive at the SHA+ Hotel

11:34 PM Laying on the bed in the hotel room.  

This experience took about 1 hour and 13 minutes from the landing of the aircraft to arrival at the hotel.  Others have experienced wait times of up to 3 hours at the airport when multiple planes arrived at the same time.

PRO TIP 1:  Weekends are busier with arrivals at the BKK airport.  Plan your arrival during the mid-week.  Tuesdays to Thursdays are off-peak days generally speaking so you should avoid the crowds.

PRO TIP 2:   Purchase drinks from the vending machines in the waiting area of the SHA+ Hotel registration.  You won’t have the opportunity to go out until after your lab results are completed.

Thailand Pass Assistance

The application for Thailand Pass is free of charge. In case you are experiencing difficulty with the Thailand Pass system, you could also avail the professional services of Siam Legal International, a law firm in Thailand that will help you in your Thailand Pass application and therefore make it easy for you to get to the Land of Smiles.

Meet the Siam Legal Thailand Pass and Thailand Visa Team
Meet the Siam Legal Thailand Pass and Thailand Visa Team

 

Siam Legal Visa and Thailand Pass Assistance

Package 1: 200 USD (Visa + Thailand Pass)

  • Visa Consultation
  • Extensive checklist of required documents
  • Assistance in Thai e-visa application (non-immigrant O marriage visa and 60-day TR visa)
  • Assistance in Thailand Pass application
  • 2 to 3 weeks process
  • Our offer is available in the US, UK, and Canada visa applications only

COE and Visa

Package 2: 100 USD (Thailand Pass)

  • Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
  • Extensive checklist of required documents
  • Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including Visa holders and Visa Exemption)
  • 5 to 10 days processing time
  • Available in eligible countries only
  • Available for Thai and foreign nationals
  • For Test & Go, Sandbox, and Quarantine programs

COE

For the latest information, weekly updates, and guide on How To Travel to Thailand in 2022, you may check this page here:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-travel-restrictions-updates

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