Thailand Quarantine Process

Arrival: Step by step

• Upon stepping off the aircraft on to the airbridge, a swarm of Immigration officers and Airline staff await (30-40 people) – All with signs and asking what ASQ we were staying at

• We identified ourselves and were checked off a list (Name / ASQ booking)

• Rows of seats (all forward facing toward the terminal) were placed on the concourse (two rows on each side of the hall)

• ASQ’s were told to sit (filling up the rear of the rows of seats). We waited about 10 minutes

• All ASQ’s had our documents individually checked and were given a yellow ASQ badge (a piece of paper on a paper clip).

• Once finished, the ASQ’s were called up, and we followed an immigration officer down the hall

• The ASQ’s were called through to a ‘desk’ where our temperature was checked, our papers checked once more, and ASQ confirmed (at this stage, the CoE was taken).

• After this check, the ASQ’s were individually directed to another row of seats (deeper into the terminal where the concourses meet)

• While sat down, we had our paperwork quickly checked.

• In groups of 10 (in the order in which we’d sat down), we were called forward to follow an Immigration Officer who led us to the main Immigration Hall (the hall was empty, every booth was occupied by an immigration officer).

• It took about 10mins to get through immigration – the officer seemed to be triple checking everything before stamping me in

• Once through into the baggage hall, there were still lots of Airport staff and immigration officers

• Baggage arrived, we were guided through customs into the arrivals hall and out through the doors to the outside where the hotel staff were waiting in ‘pseudo hazmat suits and masks,’ checked off our names, and took us to awaiting vans.  

The ASQ Hotel (ChorCher // Bangkok)

• Upon arrival at the hotel, the bags were taken up to the room, I remained in the van while my temperature was checked.

• I was then taken to the lift by a member of the Hotel Staff (who was also wearing a ‘pseudo hazmat suit and mask’) and told my room number. 

• In the room, there is an instruction manual to read.

• Instructions to log into the Line App.

• Food is delivered 3x per day – There is a knock on the door once the food has been delivered

• Food quality is ok. Its mainly rice dishes, but that’s my choice – I could have had pork steak for dinner (each meal is one of 3 offered choices – we select what we want from a menu and inform the hotel via the line app the day before)

• There was an 18 pack of water in the room

• We have to take our own temperature and inform the hotel staff via the line App at 10 am and 8 pm.

• I am unable to leave the room until Day 5 or 6 once the result of the first COVID-19 test is negative (test taken on Day 5).

• After day 5 or 6, you can make a reservation for a 30-minute time slot to spend outside by the pool (but cannot go in it)

• After day 6, the room is cleaned

• After 14 nights, I left my hotel, got a taxi to the airport, and flew to Chiangmai

Merry Christmas Eve From Quarantine!

It’s Christmas Eve on Day 13 in quarantine and although I’ll be leaving soon, it’s still tough to be locked in a hotel room on a holiday that I wish I were spending with family or friends. Christmas day tomorrow won’t be any easier, but I’ll be leaving at 7am on the 26th which I’m grateful for.

Dinner was surprisingly good - turkey, grilled vegetables, salad, squash soup, a cookie, and under the roll was a piece of fruitcake. I understand this was special for the holiday, but if the kitchen can whip up something like this for the 100+ people in quarantine, what’s the deal with the basic Thai food every other day?

The pictures from my balcony were amazing. Caught the sunset and yes, the clouds really were pink.

*Also, I finally cracked the code on how to make “tabs” on Squarespace. Had to figure out a bit of HTML & CSS, but problem solved. You can see them in action on “Travel Blogs” & “Articles” in my portfolio

Day 12 // 2nd Time Outside

I scheduled another time slot by the pool for this afternoon. The front desk called me and asked, “Are you ready for your relax time, sir?” Sure am.

Again, there wasn’t much to do. I walked in circles around the small deck area while shirtless old men sat on their balconies and smoked cigars. It was a nice afternoon, but don’t think I’ll be scheduling any more “relax times” before I leave on the 26th.

Day 11 in ASQ

Despite the “chaoticness” that’s often associated with Thailand, especially the motorbike-filled streets and bustling night markets, the ASQ has been efficiently smooth. Meals are delivered on time, “outside time” is easy to schedule, my COVID test followed strict protocol, ordering from 7-11 was easy, and the nurses were prompt to remind me to send them my temperature twice a day.

Yes, it has been boring, but ultimately, it’s what you do with your time. I’ve been working online as a writer and editor, redesigned my website logo and worked on improving my site functionality, read books, rewrote my cover letter, exercised, and watched shows on Netflix that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have.

Quarantine sucks. No one wants to be locked up for 2 weeks, but I did it because I want to be in Thailand long-term, and if quarantine is a mandatory requirement, then so be it. It’s not ideal for those looking to travel as a tourist, but it's a nice workaround for me and many others rather than to permanently close the borders. 

COVID-19 Test

Forget the food pics because we finally have something to break up the routine - my first ASQ COVID-19 test. This is done on Day 5. If I test negative, I’ll be able to call the lobby and schedule a 30 minute slot to spend outside. Although I can’t use the pool, have to wear a mask, and will be the only person outside, it will be a refreshing break from the confines of my room.