all about the new "Thailand Pass" starting november 1, 2021

[Bonanza]

I have been stuck in UK for over a year, and my wife has been stuck in Udon. Yesterday I applied via Thai E Visa website for a Non Immigrant visa O (marriage/visiting family). The Embassy has received the application and I am awaiting their response.

I will update as the process unfolds.

I appreciate hearing from others who are doing this - but please give your nationality and travel route for comparison:D

[pipoz4444]

Who said the system wasn't working.

I just received another version of my Thailand Pass QR Code.

I now have two Thailand Passes, with different Thailand Pass ID Numbers, but fortunately, both are in the same Name I also compared the Code Graphics (in the corners) and they are different as well. The first was issued on 03 Nov and the second today

Either, I have a twin somewhere that I don’t know about or I have two heads.


pipoz4444

[pipoz4444]

RT-PCR test was negative.

All good to go or wheels up, as they say

pipoz4444

[tamada]

RT-PCR test was negative.

All good to go or wheels up, as they say

pipoz4444

Me too. Online check-in opens in 12 hours...

[jackspratt]

Either, I have a twin somewhere that I don’t know about or I have two heads.

Tasmanian?

[stattointhailand]

There's a parallel flat earth in the back of the wardrobe

[neeemu]

The wifey got her Thai Pass this morning, took the full 7 days for hers but she doesn't fly until 13th so seems like the authorities correctly prioritised those whose flights were sooner. Just got to test negative and then she's good to go, and her tantrums are someone else's problem for 5 weeks.

Congratulations to all who are able to return again, can only imagine how excited you are! Hopefully just the first step in the return to normality as I miss my Leo beers in the sun.

[nmcd1649]

Neemu did your wife get an email notification after submitting her application to say it was received and being processed ?? I submitted application three days ago and have had no email stating it had been received... kinda leaves me in the dark.. did or didn't they receive it.??..as far as I'm aware no way of following up on it.

[tamada]

Neemu did your wife get an email notification after submitting her application to say it was received and being processed ?? I submitted application three days ago and have had no email stating it had been received... kinda leaves me in the dark.. did or didn't they receive it.??..as far as I'm aware no way of following up on it.

ThailandPass has issues with hotmail accounts. Many early applications using hotmail contact email addresses were not acknowledged so applications were resubmitted with a gmail or alternative email account. If you were not using a hotmail address, check your email spam filter/box. If nothing found, resubmit the application.

Latest reports show around 4-days processing between submitting the application and getting either the QR approval code via email or a rejection notice with reason for rejection. The acknowledgement email for each successful application is usually within a few minutes of getting the green check 'complete' on the application.

[nmcd1649]

Thank you Tamada...I used my company email for my application which in reflection might not have been the brightest thing to do...I will reapply using a Gmail address and hopefully all will be well.

[stattointhailand]

Now being reportrd that PM quoted as saying he will recommend that nightlife remains closed until next year

[tamada]

Drinking alcohol or otherwise isn't a requirement for getting a ThailandPass.

[stattointhailand]

But it may make the difference between applying for a Thailand pass now or in a frw weeks time for someone just wanting a week or two holiday

[tamada]

Drinking alcohol in a bar or club isn't a prerequisite for someone just wanting a week or two holiday.

[Kenr6583]

It’s in the top two

[stattointhailand]

I bet the newbies on the plane are wiling away their flight time discusing which wat they should visit first

[tamada]

True life story. Based on an arrival on 12 Nov, I applied for TP online on 2nd Nov, email acknowledgement received from MFA on 3rd. Nothing else. Submitted a 2nd application on 5th with email acknowledgement received instantly. Sent MFA an email on 7th referencing both applications. Received email on 8th confirming success and a TP QR code... and seven minutes later got another email saying it had failed (same, second application). On 10th, I received an unsolicited email from MFA saying the (second) application was approved and the (same) QR code attached but I had already gone ahead and booked everything and had my pre-flight PCR test.

Checked in at MAN at 7:30 on 11th where the Finnair check-in guy glanced at the TP QR, insurance, AQ on arrival and fresh PCR test paperwork. Managed to spend an hour in the Aspire lounge and had a (small) full English and a Boddingtons. OK, I necked a couple.

Good tailwind so got into HEL early and after blagging my way into the Finnair lounge and pigging out on what must be the best airline lounge tucker this side of the Arctic Circle, loaded up on duty frees. Got to the gate and witnessed a glacial one-by-one document check by the 4 desk clerks. They were taking up to 5 minutes to clear a passenger through. It looked like most did have either docs missing or were arguing the toss as I did see a few passing through in under a minute like a regular gate check. By this time, flight departure was already going to be at least 1 hour later than scheduled.

There was a bunch of elderly gents taking their time and not joining the queue, obviously old Thailand hands and half-pissed already. One of them broke free and after getting in the queue behind me was on his phone, babbling in German and shuffling his pile of papers anxiously. Then he decided to try and ghost the queue while playing the 'Ja... ja...' I not speak English game. He got just ahead of me but the woman in front of me was having none of it and bailed him up. He gave her that blank look and 'ja... ja...' routine again. Then he looked at me and mumbled something about 'papers' and 'problem' at which point I reminded him who won the war and why. He shuffled off to another queue and started ghosting them. But I digress.

When I got to the check-in desk, she asked for the TP code, insurance, AQ hotel booking and my PCR test papers. She then checked my visa and it was all OK in less than a minute. The last check was on temperature similar to what's used to verify UFES memberships at Dean's but a hand-held type? The one she had was knackered as were at least a couple of others on other check-in desks. I asked the girl at the 'Premium' check-in desk if she could scan me as the batteries hadn't gone out on hers and I was through!

BTW, the German had caught up at the next desk and his issue was having no internet and thus being unable to show his QR code. Since HEL probably has the fastest, free internet this side of the Arctic Circle, he was ushered aside and have no clue if he ever got onboard. The Empire Strikes Back. Onboard was maybe 80% pax load and I had an empty seat between me (window) and the skinny, hyperactive, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD Scandi guy in the aisle seat. Food was OK but the movie selection was below par. Arrival in BKK was 90 minutes late as we had to avoid Afghanistan and dodge and weave all over China.

The first ThailandPass document check about 2 minutes after deplaning in BKK was fast and then onto the health desk check which was also very fast. Then the longish walk to a very quiet immigration hall where I was served by a trainee under supervision which took about 5 minutes longer than it should have. I waited another 5 minutes and my bags spat out, walked through the green channel and to the AQ hotel meet and greet area which must be a nightmare if two flights arrive at the same time but quickly found my hotel and joined 2 couples and we were escorted out to 3 vehicles. They rode in pairs with me in the third van but we all arrived at the hotel within minutes of each other. I was PCR tested before giving both my phones to the charming masked lady to set up hotel wi-fi, LINE, Thai Chana and the like. Chose my 3 meals and was in my room less than 2 hours after touch down. Lunch was an excellent khaosoi noodles before an afternoon nap. Dinner was a really good poblano salmon steak with veggies. Just got my test results about an hour ago, all -ve so did some repacking to get my DF's into my checked bags for the Saturday hop on ThaiSmile to the center of the universe.

It works (so far).

[Drunk Monkey]

True life story. Based on an arrival on 12 Nov, I applied for TP online on 2nd Nov, email acknowledgement received from MFA on 3rd. Nothing else. Submitted a 2nd application on 5th with email acknowledgement received instantly. Sent MFA an email on 7th referencing both applications. Received email on 8th confirming success and a TP QR code... and seven minutes later got another email saying it had failed (same, second application). On 10th, I received an unsolicited email from MFA saying the (second) application was approved and the (same) QR code attached but I had already gone ahead and booked everything and had my pre-flight PCR test.

Checked in at MAN at 7:30 on 11th where the Finnair check-in guy glanced at the TP QR, insurance, AQ on arrival and fresh PCR test paperwork. Managed to spend an hour in the Aspire lounge and had a (small) full English and a Boddingtons. OK, I necked a couple.

Good tailwind so got into HEL early and after blagging my way into the Finnair lounge and pigging out on what must be the best airline lounge tucker this side of the Arctic Circle, loaded up on duty frees. Got to the gate and witnessed a glacial one-by-one document check by the 4 desk clerks. They were taking up to 5 minutes to clear a passenger through. It looked like most did have either docs missing or were arguing the toss as I did see a few passing through in under a minute like a regular gate check. By this time, flight departure was already going to be at least 1 hour later than scheduled.

There was a bunch of elderly gents taking their time and not joining the queue, obviously old Thailand hands and half-pissed already. One of them broke free and after getting in the queue behind me was on his phone, babbling in German and shuffling his pile of papers anxiously. Then he decided to try and ghost the queue while playing the 'Ja... ja...' I not speak English game. He got just ahead of me but the woman in front of me was having none of it and bailed him up. He gave her that blank look and 'ja... ja...' routine again. Then he looked at me and mumbled something about 'papers' and 'problem' at which point I reminded him who won the war and why. He shuffled off to another queue and started ghosting them. But I digress.

When I got to the check-in desk, she asked for the TP code, insurance, AQ hotel booking and my PCR test papers. She then checked my visa and it was all OK in less than a minute. The last check was on temperature similar to what's used to verify UFES memberships at Dean's but a hand-held type? The one she had was knackered as were at least a couple of others on other check-in desks. I asked the girl at the 'Premium' check-in desk if she could scan me as the batteries hadn't gone out on hers and I was through!

BTW, the German had caught up at the next desk and his issue was having no internet and thus being unable to show his QR code. Since HEL probably has the fastest, free internet this side of the Arctic Circle, he was ushered aside and have no clue if he ever got onboard. The Empire Strikes Back. Onboard was maybe 80% pax load and I had an empty seat between me (window) and the skinny, hyperactive, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD Scandi guy in the aisle seat. Food was OK but the movie selection was below par. Arrival in BKK was 90 minutes late as we had to avoid Afghanistan and dodge and weave all over China.

The first ThailandPass document check about 2 minutes after deplaning in BKK was fast and then onto the health desk check which was also very fast. Then the longish walk to a very quiet immigration hall where I was served by a trainee under supervision which took about 5 minutes longer than it should have. I waited another 5 minutes and my bags spat out, walked through the green channel and to the AQ hotel meet and greet area which must be a nightmare if two flights arrive at the same time but quickly found my hotel and joined 2 couples and we were escorted out to 3 vehicles. They rode in pairs with me in the third van but we all arrived at the hotel within minutes of each other. I was PCR tested before giving both my phones to the charming masked lady to set up hotel wi-fi, LINE, Thai Chana and the like. Chose my 3 meals and was in my room less than 2 hours after touch down. Lunch was an excellent khaosoi noodles before an afternoon nap. Dinner was a really good poblano salmon steak with veggies. Just got my test results about an hour ago, all -ve so did some repacking to get my DF's into my checked bags for the Saturday hop on ThaiSmile to the center of the universe.

It works (so far).

Marvelous .. especially the Boddingtons, see you at next weeks UFES meeting Tammy

Hope the kraut is ok .. im worried about him .

DM

[Bonanza]

Tamada, thanks for the very useful travel information. I'm still waiting for my visa from the Thai Embassy in London - now 10 days as application submitted on 3rd Nov. Website indicates being 'processed'. can only wait!!!

[tamada]

Here's the skinny on Thai Smile service to Oodon. They need to see proof of being double-jabbed and since i had entered Thailand the previous day, accepted the TP QR code and PCR test print out. I also showed her the details of the TP QR code as downloaded on my phone with details of my 2 Pfizer shots in the UK. Excess baggage was rounded down from 22 kg to 12 kg since i am apparently Silver status on Royal Orchid. There's no destination Covid QR code for Udon Thani so that's one less online faff about to do.

Thai domestic lounge was quiet and still alcohol-free. Tip to those needing lounge Wi-Fi is to ignore the overly complicated free AIS Super Wi-Fi sign up they recommend and use the free TOT Wi-Fi where you can make up a name and a phone number and get instantly connected.

Airport was quite busy but the main difference is that the domestic security checks have been relocated from check-in level to the individual gates. Looks like the food court is under major refurb and closed so Bill Bailey Bar and Guinness is not available. BK is relocated off the main concourse at the A and B junction but i didn't check if they still had the big drinks fridge with Heineken. Their new outlet is small and busy.

A little old lady had grabbed my window seat at the front of the bus but started to bleat about needing the window so i took her aisle seat under protest just so boarding could be uninterrupted. The hostess asked if i was happy to change and i pointed out i had no option with 100% pax load but Covid rules say you can't swap seats so it's their problem to sort out. If A28 is flagged as high risk, it's Yai and not tam.

Deplaning in Udon was smooth. They have two desks in baggage claim area, one for vaccinated and the other for non-vaccinated. I didn't see anyone at the latter which makes sense as you are not supposed to fly if you're not. They checked my NHS dual-shot paper and gave me a ticket that said i had been checked. My bags were out first, so grabbed them, gave my ticket to the staff manning the exit and headed kerbside where Mrs tam had just pulled up.

Easy peasy.