Going from Singapore to Thailand? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re planning to travel to Thailand from Singapore in 2023 you may have seen reported changes in the rules for entry to Thailand from Singapore, including upcoming tourist fees. Wondering how getting to Thailand works now? This guide is for you, whether you’re off for a work meeting in Bangkok, or en route to a beach in Koh Samui.

We’ll cover all the latest updates for travel to Thailand from Singapore, and also have a look at how the Wise card can help you save money once you’re there.

2023 updates: VTL Thailand status, tourist charges and entry requirements

As tourism in Thailand has reopened, there have been several changes to the rules and restrictions, including some which are planned for implementation from June 2023. So what’s the latest?

Firstly, the VTL Thailand route - during Singapore’s Covid restrictions, travellers were only able to enter the country on designated VTL flights. However, as there are currently no specific Covid restrictions in place for entry to Singapore, the VTL is no longer necessary - just pick any flight that suits you. Rules do change though - often at very short notice. SO before you head off, make sure you’ve checked out the ICA - entering Singapore page to get the very latest on the entry requirements.

It was also reported in January 2023 that Thailand was going to change its Covid entry requirements¹. However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand subsequently announced that these changes had been cancelled, leaving Singaporeans free to enter Thailand with no specific restrictions.

Finally, another recent report suggests that Thailand will start to levy a 12 SGD tourist fee for incoming tourists from June 2023². This plan hasn’t been fully confirmed as yet, so for more on both of these potential changes you’ll want to keep an eye on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website to learn more.

Thailand entry requirements from Singapore

So, with no specific Covid requirements in place, what are the Thailand entry requirements from Singapore? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Singaporeans can enter Thailand visa free under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme. If you’re planning on working or a long term stay, though, you’ll need to make sure you have the right permits in place. You’re also encouraged to buy travel insurance, although this isn’t mandatory.

From the Singapore side there are no restrictions or requirements when departing³ - just make sure you complete the ICA Singapore arrival card online before you come back. Doing this online makes entry to Singapore smooth, and it only takes a few minutes.

Choosing a flight to Thailand from Singapore

The most common way to get to Thailand is to fly. If you want to travel to Bangkok from Singapore you can be there in just 2.5 hours, with a large selection of airlines supporting this route.

Other destinations from Singapore include:

• Phuket (1.5 hours)
• Chiang Mai (3 hours)
• Ko Samui (2 hours)
• Hat Yai (1.5 hours)

No matter whether you’re planning a spiritual retreat to Chiang Mai, a shopping spree in Bangkok or a beach break in Koh Samui, you’re covered.

Airlines covering Singapore to Thailand routes include premium carriers like Singapore airlines, and budget options like Scoot and AirAsia, so you can pick the carrier and the route to suit your budget, too. Flights from Singapore to Thailand tend to be the most expensive during December as people head off for holidays, but can come down in costs during the earlier part of the year. As there are many daily flights, you’ll usually be able to compare a few different flight options before you pick.

Can you drive from Singapore to Thailand?

So flying isn't for you - what about driving? It is possible to drive from Singapore to Thailand, via Malaysia. Singaporeans don’t need a visa to enter Malaysia, so the main issue will be the length of time taken to make the trip - plus you’ll need a vehicle entry permit (VEP) for Malaysia if you’re taking a Singapore registered car.

To give an idea, Woodlands Checkpoint through to Hat Yai in Thailand is a cool 900 km trip - 10 or more hours of solid driving. That said, the route was covered in a single tank of petrol as a promotional stunt by some Singapore journalists recently, proving it’s possible⁴.

Is there a Singapore to Thailand train?

Another overland option from Singapore to Thailand is to take the train. There’s no direct route aside from the infrequent Eastern and Oriental Express service - which is a pricey way to go. If you’re on a bit more of a budget you can get to Thailand using the normal Malaysian and Thai train services - but it will take around 5 different trains to get all the way up to Bangkok - making this quite the epic way to travel⁵.

Travelling to Thailand? Get the Wise card to spend THB without losing on exchange rates and foreign transaction fees

If you’re travelling to Thailand you could make your money go further with the Wise card.

Open a free digital Wise account and order your Wise card, to hold, exchange and manage 50+ currencies. Simply top up your account in SGD and switch to baht - or let the Wise card convert for you, with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%. The Wise card can be used in 170+ countries with no sneaky transaction fees to worry about. Spend and withdraw your way around the world, with Wise.

Order your Wise card today! 💳

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