Travel Essentials

How to apply for a Criminal Background Check – DBS or equivalent

To participate in a Think Pacific  program, all participants are required to provide us with a criminal background check before starting a Think Pacific program. The background check requirement is a key part of Think Pacific’s Responsible Volunteer Travel Policy and Child Protection Policy.

A background check is important to determine whether any serious criminal offence has been recorded against your name. The check must have been issued within 12-months of your program start date and is required to be presented in English. If your background check cannot be issued in English, the original must be accompanied by an English translation complete by a professional translation service or notary public.

Below is some guidance on criminal background check providers for a number of nationalities. Please be aware that each provider will have different requirements for what is to be supplied as part of the background check, prices and anticipated turnaround times.

While Think Pacific has tried to make sure that each provider will provide you with a quality service, we do not take responsibility for the quality or completeness of the report provided and this information is given in good faith.

For nationalities not listed below, please contact your local police station for advice or contact your Think Pacific Program Coordinator.

• UK – www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record (Basic DBS level is required)
• USA – www.sentrylink.com (The “National Criminal Background Check” is required by Think Pacific)
• Canada – www.backcheck.net/criminalrecordchecks.htm
• Australia – https://www.intercheck.com.au/national-police-check/
• New Zealand – www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records
• France – www.casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr
• China – Your application must be done in person. Volunteers should apply for a Certificate of No Criminal Record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in the district of your residence shown on your Household Register (hukou), and then make an application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. Please note, a professional English translation will be required.

Received Your background Check Already?

Once you have completed your Criminal Background Check, please complete this online form and upload the certificate.

Got a question about back ground checks? Please email info@thinkpacific.com

What vaccinations will I need to travel to Thailand?

Specific vaccination requirements for travellers to Thailand, can change over time and can depend on various factors, including your country of origin, the length of your stay, and your recent travel history. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or check the latest recommendations from trusted sources, such as your country’s health department or the World Health Organization (WHO), before travelling to Thailand

Additionally, check with relevant authorities and review any travel advisories or requirements related to COVID-19, which may include testing and vaccination requirements for entry into Thailand. 

Other Essential Vaccinations..

• Recommended vaccines for Thailand are: Hepatitis A and Typhoid

Please see the following Travel Health link from the Travel Health Pro for further information

• Please book to see a doctor or visit your local health centre to book your vaccines.
• In the UK they can also be arranged at Boots or Superdrug.
• We advise you to leave plenty of time for arranging vaccines, ideally 8-10 weeks before departure.

Do you need a covid vaccination to travel to Thailand?

According to British authorities in June 2023, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions were lifted. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Thailand. We advise you to keep up to date with travel advice from the FCO or relevant authorities for this. 

For the majority of our participants there is no Visa to enter Thailand, and you will enter Thailand under a 60-day visa exemption policy, and do not need to apply for anything before your arrival. 

• As of July 15, 2024, this list includes citizens from 93 countries and territories across various regions. 

Please confirm that you are on the Visa Exempt list below:

See the summary of countries and territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand here. 

If not on the visa exemption list:

• Participants can apply for a tourist visa. This allows stays of up to 60 days, with the possibility of extension for an additional 30 days.
•  If requiring a Tourist Visa, the cost varies depending on the country, but typically costing around 1,000 THB (approximately 25 GBP).
• If you need to do this, please contact the team on info@thinkpacific.com for more information and support.

Transit Visa 

• We always advise participants that they may need transit visas for their journey, depending on their flight route. 
• Please check your routes before booking your flights and ensure that you can receive the transit visa before flight payments.

Don’t Leave Home Without It!

Travel insurance should be at the top your ‘to do list’. It’s also vital you read and understand your policy. For your own safety Think Pacific will not allow you to join our project without providing us with proof that you have personal travel insurance cover. We require you to provide your insurance details when you submit your pre-departure form.

Check If You Are Entitled To University Insurance…

If you are joining Think Pacific as part of a university project (or if you are receiving a bursary from your university) then you may receive travel insurance from your university. Please check with your university directly to check if this may apply by contacting your study abroad team.

Booking Your Own Travel Insurance…

If you are purchasing your own insurance, here are some tips

• Please check the policy carefully – read and understand any policy in detail before purchasing
• Ensure you are covered for working and volunteering abroad
• We recommend that insurance covers for COVID related medical expenses curtailment or cancelation.
• Ensure you understand what the claims process would be.

Our Travel Insurance Partner – World Nomads

World Nomad’s ‘Employer Plan’ is popular travel insurance provider and package with our participants.

• Get an Online Quote Here – World Nomads Insurance

Please note that any links are provided in good faith. Please check that you read and understand any policy and that you are confident that you are entirely happy that any insurance policy meets your needs.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Consider Medical Costs In Thailand…

All participants must pay for medical services and medication as required in Thailand. You will also be required to cover any fee incurred as a result of your medical treatment, this could include transportations costs for you and Think Pacific staff to support you at the hospital. Most medical facilities in Thailand accept cash, credit cards, or insurance. It is therefore advisable to have access to funds such as a credit or debit card in the unlikely event that you should require to receive any treatment and to cover any associated travel or accommodation costs.

Keep all receipts and invoices for potential reimbursement through your travel insurance. Keep records of all medical bills, receipts, and documentation related to your treatment. You can later submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Think Pacific staff are on hand 24 hours a day to assist and support you in any case of illness but any costs associated with any illness or treatment in Thailand must be paid by you at the time in Thailand.

How to book my flights?

Think Pacific projects do not include return flights, you must arrange your own air travel. But, we give you plenty of advice and can connect you with with our flight partner, KILROY.

We advise all participants request a quote from KILROY here where you can receive some exclusive Think Pacific deals and support.

For students who are flying to Thailand, we recommend looking at the Qatar Airways Student Club you could receive 15% of your flight price, plus other benefits.

We also advise cost comparing flights with search engines such as SkyScanner or Google Flights etc.

What are the connecting routes for travelling to Thailand?

Direct flights from the UK have a 1-stop or 2-stop connection through major cities such as Bangkok, Singapore or Doha. 

You may choose to fly/travel directly to Bangkok, and then source an independent travel to Chiang Mai by flight (1.5 hours), or overnight train or bus.

If arriving in Chiang Mai via Bangkok and changing to a domestic flight you may be required to pass through customs and collect your luggage to re-check in. Check with your airline on this for advice, and speak with staff at the airport if you need assistance. 

What is the name of the airport I need to fly into?

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) – You will need to arrive in Chiang Mai by the programme start date.

Is there only 1 airport in Thailand? 

Thailand has more than one airport. The country has several international and domestic airports spread across various regions. Main airports are: 

• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) – the start location of your project. 
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Bangkok
• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) – Bangkok
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)
• Krabi International Airport (KBV)
• Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
• Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
• Samui International Airport (USM)
• Udon Thani International Airport (UTH)
• Surat Thani International Airport (URT)

What day of the week should I arrive?

You will need to arrive by Sunday in order to join the programme. You may choose to arrive in Thailand earlier, but please note that accommodation and staff support will only be provided starting from Sunday when the program officially begins.

What time should I arrive in Thailand?

You have different options for your arrival.

1. Arrive on the start date of project into Chiang Mai. If you choose to do this, please arrive between 9am – 1pm and the team can collect you from the airport and take you to the briefing accommodation.
2. If you choose to arrive early into Thailand, we ask that you make your own way to the briefing accommodation by 2pm on the start date of project.
3. If you choose to arrive early into Thailand, you can still join the team at the airport. Please make your way to the airport on the start date of the project between 9am-1pm and the team will collect you and take you to the briefing accommodation.

We will ask in your Pre-departure form which option you will be opting for and will make plans and arrangements with our in-country team to cater for this.

What should I do if I arrive early?

If you are choosing to arrive early into Thailand to acclimatise to project, or have some travel time before hand, please be aware of of the following points:

1. You must be in Chiang Mai on the start date of the project, arriving no later than 2pm at the Briefing Accommodation.
2. Your visa is for 60-days, please plan your trip accordingly. Please bear in mind that the visa exemption period lasts up to 60 days and you will need to remain in Thailand for 28 days for the full duration of the program. This should be factored in if planning on arriving to Thailand early or staying late after program completion.

What does the airport transfer with Think Pacific look like for people arriving on the Project Start Date?

For anyone arriving on the day that the project starts the Think Pacific Thailand team will arrange transfers from Chiang Mai Airport between 9am and 1pm on the start date of your project. The latest flight arrival into Thailand to be in time to use this transfer is 1pm. The transfer from the airport to the briefing hotel is a short time and depends on the traffic and events happening in the city on that day.

What happens if I choose to arrive later than the Think Pacific transfer?

If you are not able to arrive during 9am-1pm on the arrival day – Think Pacific will arrange an airport transfer for you, at an additional cost. This is 500 THB (approximately £10 GBP) The in-country team will let you know who to make the payment to.

What does the end of the project look like?

• After completing your last project week on Friday afternoon, a debrief will take place. This is a time of rest and reflection, as well as an opportunity to provide feedback and spend quality time with the team over a farewell meal. 
• Any activities, transport and accommodation will be provided
• The project ends at 10am on the final Saturday of your project following check out of the accommodation. 

We’ve partnered with KILROY to help you book your flights.

KILROY are travel company for students and young people specialising in backpacking, round-the-world travel, gap years, volunteering, and adventure travel.

What are the benefits of booking your flights with KILROY?

1. Pay a £100 flight deposit to secure a reservation up to 11 months before your Think Pacific project. This means you can lock in flight prices before any increases due to demand. Full payment is due 21 days before your departure date. OFFER EXCLUSIVE to Think Pacific participants. 
2. Personalised support from a Kilroy travel specialist. Book your 15 min consultation call to discuss your travel details.
3. One free night stay

Please note that as per ‘The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018′, KILROY are restricted to only offer package travel (flights + accommodation and/or activities) to UK residents only. For those outside of the UK, flights-only can be booked directly through https://flights.kilroy.co.uk/

Due to entry requirements in Thailand, it is important you do a ‘passport hygiene check’ during the preparation for your Think Pacific because you will need to:

How much spending money will I need on placement?

We suggest you budget around £200 – 300 for spending money for the placement. Your Saturday activities are include in your project fee, this includes entry costs, transport etc. On Sundays you will have free time to explore Chiang Mai and the local areas of the accomodation, you may choose to book activities on this day, but please ask our in-country team ahead of doing this for any clarification on travel times etc. In addition to this, you will need to cover the cost of your lunch for the duration of your placement, which we would budget £5/day (maximum £100).

The exact amount of spending money you will need will be dependent on your preference for food, additional activities and if you would like to purchase any gifts in Thailand etc. 

What is included/not included in the placement costs?

Your placement costs include:

• Airport welcome and transfer to hotel in Chiang Mai.
• Accommodation for the duration of the programme.
• All in-country travel, except Sundays. 
• Certain meals are to be provided, clarification to come whilst in country due to the nature of project. 
• Guest speakers and workshop sessions
• Arrangement of GTI Business site visits and co-working spaces
• Guided activities, such as local hikes, excursions to waterfalls, cultural activities or attending local festivals or community events
• Organised evening cultural and team activities
• Think Pacific local and international staff team coordinating all daily group activities and providing 24/7 support.
• In-country manager and delivery team, alongside our UK team providing planning, risk assessment and 24-hour backup support
• Private transfers to your project each day
• Comprehensive online portal & personal participant project planning resources

Your project costs do not include:

• Flights: Budget approximately £650 – £1,000
• Insurance: Budget approximately £100- £150. Think Pacific can advise and provide details for example policies.
• DBS: budget around £25
• Visa: No visa required if in the visa exemption scheme: 
  • N.B: There are 93 countries on the visa exemption list, which allows free entry – You can check the countries here on the official Thai Government source: Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand
  •  If you require a tourist visa, budget £25
• Spending Money: Budget approximately £200-£300 for lunches, weekend food & additional drinks or items of a personal nature.
• Vaccinations: Costings of required vaccinations may vary depending on system of public healthcare in your country. We recommend you check in with your GP as soon as you secure your place on the team. 
  • N.b: Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if travelling from or transiting through an affected country.  Budget approximately £60-85. We advise you to check with a medical professional for any specific vaccines you may require.

Immigration: 

• Once you have landed at the International at Chiang Mai airport, you will pass through the immigration hall, where you will show your passport to the border control officer. 
• If travelling with a passport requiring a visa, you will show your visa at this stage.
• You may be asked to show proof of onward travel, for this we recommend you have your return flight details available.
• If flying domestically from Bangkok or another location within Thailand, you will go straight through to the baggage reclaim area without passing through immigration control.  

Baggage: 

• You will then go through to the baggage reclaim area where you will collect your baggage

• • Arrivals Hall: 
    • You can follow the signs for ‘nothing to declare’, and follow the pathway to the arrivals hall. You will pass through shops and ATMs. 
    • You may see many people in the arrival hall and you may be asked if you need a taxi, you can say no thank you – which translates to ‘mái khâ, khàwp-khun’ (women) and ‘mái khráp, khàwp-khun’ (men).

Meet the Think Pacific Team:

• Our Think Pacific staff member will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, they will be wearing a Think Pacific t shirt and holding a sign with Think Pacific on.

Support: 

• If you need any support you can contact the Think Pacific arrival contact via WhatsApp. 

• From 1st May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by Air, Land or Sea must complete a ‘Digital Arrival Card’ online before arrival.
• You can register for the card within 3 days of your arrival.

Register for the arrival card here

If you have missed any of the live sessions, we have some pre-recorded sessions for you here.

1. Webinar 1: Travel Essentials
2. Webinar 2: Health and Safety + Chiang Mai Life
3. Webinar 3: Fundraising

You can also watch the live sessions, please keep an eye out in your pre-departure group for when these are!