Thailand revealed its Special Tourist Visa which enables foreign visitors to access the country since the country went into lockdown at the beginning of April 2020.
The visa is for a maximum of 90 days but may be expanded twice, again for a period of 90 days, bringing the overall possible stay to a total of up to 9 months. In short, this means you can now come to Thailand, and Koh Phangan, eventually. First, you must go into a 15-day quarantine on arrival to Bangkok. You can also enter the country if you have a work permit, family or various other reasons which you will have to check with your Embassy. In all cases, you need to go into ASQ on arrival.
There are only certain hotels where you can do this alternative state quarantine (ASQ for short) and it must be paid for, by yourself, in advance. ASQ is simply a set of hotels at different degrees of luxury, which shut you away for two weeks quite respectfully. All meals are provided, you are scanned for temperature twice a day, you get a little outside time until you have tested negative, and that's basically it.
Where you decide to do your ASQ will depend on your budget. The cost can vary from 28,000 THB to 220,000 for the 14-day required quarantine. By paying more you’ll be getting better services, nicer food, in a clean and healthy setting, depending on the hotel. In the higher end ASQa you can get a very big room with space for a couch and a balcony. If 95 per cent of the day you are restricted to your own room, the balcony could be a godsend. At the lower budget hotels, you may not have a balcony.
An ASQ package normally includes your accommodation for a total of 16 days and 15 nights stay. Two COVID-19 tests, usually taken on the 3rd and 11th day of quarantine. A 24-hour medical service (in some cases), usually a certified nurse, provided by the hotel’s partner hospital. Three meals per day and transportation from the nearest airport.
If you, unfortunately, test positive for COVID-19 whilst in ASQ then personnel from the Hotel’s partnered hospital will have special transport which will take you straight from the hotel to the hospital. There, you will be treated under close observation. Please note that all other health costs are not included in your ASQ package and so this means you will have to pay for your hospital treatment if this happens. The hotel may refund you a percentage of your package, you should check with them.
Here are a selection of ASQ Hotels in Bangkok, we have organised by price. Currently, as you can only fly into the country via Bangkok this is where you will have to quarantine. Although there are options on Koh Samui, it seems the only way you could do ASQ there is by flying with a private jet which is probably impossible for all of you!
Princeton Bangkok is a hotel that is completely serviced and available for Alternate State Quarantine. The property is situated at the intersection of Din Daeng and Vibhavadi-Rangsit on Bangkok's Mitmaitri Route, 3 km from Victory Monument Skytrain Station and 6 km from Pratunam Market.
Superior Room costs 27,000 THB per person for 16 days.
Set in Bangkok, The Kinn provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a communal lounge, 5 km from Arab Street. Under the "Affordable Quarantine" model, Kinn Bangkok, in collaboration with Vibharam Hospital, is offering a special ASQ kit.
Deluxe Room (26 sq.m) 30,000 THB per person per 16 days.
The Cinnamon Residence provides modern air-conditioned rooms with an Alternate State Quarantine kitchenette and a balcony in Bangkok. Situated 5 km from Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station and Chatuchak Weekend Market, this ASQ accommodation is only 10 km from Don Muang Airport.
Deluxe Room (28 sq. m) 32,000 THB per person for 15 nights / 16 days.
In collaboration with Piyavate Hospital for Thai people returning from abroad and expatriates, an SHA Certified property reinforced with Ascott Cares 9 dedication to sanitation, cleanliness and secure distance. The kit provides one-way airport switch, full board with a broad variety of foreign culinary choices, including halal and vegetarian options, 24-hour on-site registered nurse and more. To ensure a genuinely pleasant stay, additional features including PlayStation and Citadines Fitkit are available.
Studio Executive (25 sq.m) 45,000 THB net per person
The Royal Benja Hotel is an Alternate State Quarantine hotel situated only a 7-minute walk from Bangkok's Nana BTS Skytrain Station on Sukhumvit Lane.
Deluxe Room City View (43 sq.m) 45,000 THB per person for 15 nights.
The 4-star Amara Bangkok Hotel has quarantine lodging in the Central Business Area, a 10-minute walk from both Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng BTS and Sam Yan MRT stations.
Executive Room (30 sq.m) 50,000 THB per person for 15 nights / 16 days.
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok promises a homely and comfortable break with top-class hospitality in modern accommodation in conjunction with world quality healthcare facilities from BNH Hospital. To make your quarantine a comfortable escape, the hotel provides tasty food selections, diverse leisure and entertainment offerings.
Deluxe Room (30 sq.m) 60,000 THB per person for 15 nights.
The Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel provides the most comfortable Thai Luxury Quarantine in the region. Offering furniture made of teak and Thai silk, rooms have exquisite touches of Thai tradition. Ratchadamri Skytrain Station is only a minute's walk from the hotel, and Central World Plaza and Lumpini Park are a 10-minute walk south. The hotel operates 9 restaurants and lounges that include Italian and Japanese cuisine.
Deluxe Room (42 sq.m) 89,000 THB per person per 15 days.
Conrad Bangkok provides comfortable Alternate State Quarantine housing in the central business district of Bangkok, next to Lumpini Park.
Deluxe Room (41 sq.m) 89,000 THB per person for 15 nights.
For more information and a full list of all the ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine) Hotels please visit the Thai Embassy website.
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