General Reports

There are some flights that layover in BKK and fly to Phuket from Chicago (on the same airlines) . But since I was going the cheap route (Booking one way tickets) and trying to switch airlines when I get to BKK, that may cause an issue with quarantine and customs, even tho I won't be staying in BKK.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2626219]I don't believe that your plans will be allowed under current Covid regulations. You must fly directly to Phuket from outside Thailand, or else quarantine one night in Bangkok and take a PCR test.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=PedroMorales;2626149][URL]https://www.rt.com/news/540254-thailand-monarchy-reform-protest-bangkok/[/URL]

Anti Royal and anti German protests on the rise in the Land of Smiles.[/QUOTE]They should be more concerned with China than Germany.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2626148]Better make sure you ticket is for HKT and not Florida.[/QUOTE]He might have a problem finding a flight to PHK.

Bigger danger is arriving at BKK and departing DMK.

[QUOTE=Jrealyo;2626241]There are some flights that layover in BKK and fly to Phuket from Chicago (on the same airlines) . But since I was going the cheap route (Booking one way tickets) and trying to switch airlines when I get to BKK, that may cause an issue with quarantine and customs, even tho I won't be staying in BKK.[/QUOTE]Are you a returning expat? Are you entering on a long stay visa? You might find that you will not be able to board your flight in Chicago at all if you cannot show appropriate visa or extension of stay document that allows one way travel.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2609084]From my perspective the entire thing is pointless. I frequent countries such as Dominican Republic and Colombia where not even a test or vaccine is required to enter. There is no rash of tourists or locals returning home spreading covid in these places.[/QUOTE]I agree. Trips to Mex, especially Cabo, have been great. I do miss Thai, but the freedoms in Mex is better than most of USA. Only restrictions is from USA. Must have 24 HR neg test for unvax, and 72 HR for Vax to return. No issues there. Most don't wear masks. Few places want it going in. Point is place is doing great and no issues from anyone I am in contact w (300) that frequent, has had any sick. Other than one food poisoning.

[QUOTE=Jrealyo;2626241]There are some flights that layover in BKK and fly to Phuket from Chicago (on the same airlines) . But since I was going the cheap route (Booking one way tickets) and trying to switch airlines when I get to BKK, that may cause an issue with quarantine and customs, even tho I won't be staying in BKK.[/QUOTE]As Crazy4 Thai already pointed out, booking a one way ticket is not possible for most people. The air line and certainly Thai immigration want to see either a return ticket to your country, or a ticket to another country. And with a departure date that lays within the time that you are allowed to stay in Thailand (30 days if you are eligible for Visa exemption).

Booking with two different air lines might not be a problem if you arrive and depart from the same airport. So either Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang. (I say 'might', because I'm not sure if it's allowed).
But arriving at one of those and departing from the other one, means you have to go through immigration. And that means you will have to spend the first night in Bangkok and have a PCR-test.

And you are also risking that you miss your second flight when your first flight is delayed.
I wouldn't do it, if I were you. Not in these days.

Anybody know what's required to get 30 day extension to the Thailand pass in particular whether the $50 K insurance has to cover the period of the extension. Do immigration check this as part of the application. Anything else? Thanks.

For anyone in United Kingdom planning a trip, Scoot Airlines (low cost arm of Singapore Airlines) have a good sale, non-stop flights Gatwick to Bangkok 249 pounds return in December and from March to June. Use Google Flights date grid to search flight dates.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2626919]As Crazy4 Thai already pointed out, booking a one way ticket is not possible for most people. The air line and certainly Thai immigration want to see either a return ticket to your country, or a ticket to another country. And with a departure date that lays within the time that you are allowed to stay in Thailand (30 days if you are eligible for Visa exemption).

Booking with two different air lines might not be a problem if you arrive and depart from the same airport. So either Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang. (I say 'might', because I'm not sure if it's allowed).
But arriving at one of those and departing from the other one, means you have to go through immigration. And that means you will have to spend the first night in Bangkok and have a PCR-test.

And you are also risking that you miss your second flight when your first flight is delayed.
I wouldn't do it, if I were you. Not in these days.[/QUOTE]I bought a $45 flight to Singapore for my outgoing flight. I knew it would never take place. The flight was cancelled and I will get my money back. And I have an excuse why I can't leave because my flight was cancelled. Play the hand they dealt you.

[QUOTE=MrMatrix;2627347]For anyone in United Kingdom planning a trip, Scoot Airlines (low cost arm of Singapore Airlines) have a good sale, non-stop flights Gatwick to Bangkok 249 pounds return in December and from March to June. Use Google Flights date grid to search flight dates.[/QUOTE]Scoot is using the Low Cost Carrier method of pricing, expect fees for everything other than a seat, you will have to pay for carry on, luggage in the hold and meals, paying other than their preferred payment type etc. That soon adds up and you will have a cost nearer a regular economy ticket.

[QUOTE=Downandup;2627708]Scoot is using the Low Cost Carrier method of pricing, expect fees for everything other than a seat, you will have to pay for carry on, luggage in the hold and meals, paying other than their preferred payment type etc. That soon adds up and you will have a cost nearer a regular economy ticket.[/QUOTE]I get your point and low cost airlines are forcing others to copy their model. Ryanair now have a system where the bags cost more than the flight. However, this stuff can be tweaked. For definite, you don't need both check in and carry on luggage (Thailand has shops). I travel quite a bit around Europe and never buy food or drink on board. In fact, planes muck up water and make tea and coffee awful (not my words but those of an air hostess I bonk for cash). As the price is very low, savings can be made. However, if you have no hold luggage, customs might stop you as they did me.

Where Cheap Charlies would get stung on that is on water as you have to hydrate but you could always carry on your own container and fill it up in the toilet. Definitely worth a punt.

I came into Phuket and the nightlife on Bangla is pretty popping. Lots of bars open, even past the supposed curfew. Plenty of girls, though quality is mixed and a lot of the hotter ones are quoting quite high prices.

I was thinking about popping over to Bangkok. For people who have recently done both, how do they compare? I've heard there's some side street off Soi 7 in Bangkok that's pretty lively with plenty of girls. I know it can't compare to pre-COVID, but how does it compare to Bangla?

Also was thinking about checking out Khaosan Road but I hear they're doing antigen tests if your vaccination is over half a year old. Mine is more than that so I would have to test and I don't want to risk hospitalization over a false positive. Can anyone confirm that's the case? Also when they check vaccinations, is a picture sufficient or do you need to bring the original card?

A friend of mine aged 76 based in UK is having a problem finding the $50000 insurance coverage for the Thailand Pass.

Seems most insurance houses draw the line at 74.

Tried googling with no success. Possible a member knows how?

Thanks.

[QUOTE=Franciscass;2628185]A friend of mine aged 76 based in UK is having a problem finding the $50000 insurance coverage for the Thailand Pass.

Seems most insurance houses draw the line at 74.

Tried googling with no success. Possible a member knows how?

Thanks.[/QUOTE][URL]https://aseannow.com/topic/1239502-where-to-find-thailand-pass-required-insurance-for-non-o-holders-over-80-years-of-age/[/URL]

I didn't read through it but a quick skim of this thread named some companies. Others have suggested just buy any insurance those issuing the Thailand Pass are not checking if it's actually COVID insurance.

[URL]www.lumahealth.com[/URL]