Re-entry confusion

Having been a resident (Non Imm-O) expat here for the past 12 years, I have paid for all my medical care at a local private hospital. These visits have included multiple surgeries, dental and medical care, two hospital stays and bi-annual exams.

Due to the virus I have put off returning to the US for the past two years, but need to go back to maintain my US veteran’s coverage.

My concern has been the insurance requirements for re-entry. Presently the COE (Certificate of Entry) remains unchanged on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website since its inception. They still ask for a 14-day, pre-booked, quarantine, fit-to-fly certificates, boarding pre-test, and US$100,000 (3.1 million baht) Covid-medical insurance.

And therein lies the issue. At 76 years of age, not one of the approved sources will even allow me to submit a request for insurance that will meet the requirements. Additionally, their failure to cover pre-existing conditions combined with huge yearly deductibles, means that I will still have to self-pay for most of my medical care anyway.

The website makes no mention of the recent changes to the quarantine or how being fully vaccinated prior to reentry will affect one’s requirements. I can get vaccinated immediately upon my return to the US and, as one of those “at risk”, cannot wait for mid-summer or end of year for Thailand to put together a realistic vaccination programme.

With the currently large escalation of cases nationwide and the government claiming everything is under control, it is quite possible the “new” rules will change. We need some clarity from the government as to the current requirements for reentry and how being vaccinated will affect us.

FRED PRAGER