Certifying a dog does not necessarily have to be for the person in question (=the OP), as a certified dog can help anyone in need. Also, as part of the dog's training, he must pass certain tests, which if I remember correctly involves travelling together on public transport, so if he passes the initial behaviour test which is fairly easy, he could possibly fly with you while in training. If that is not an option, 7K is to much... There are many companies that offer dog transportation services so shop wisely and make sure to ask what is included. Can also check with the Airlines as to what they offer for services and who might be their affiliate for such a service. Good luck to the OP and hope this helps. Safe travels!
If you can find a way to get your dog qualify as a Certified Therapy dog, then you both will be able to fly together. Just pick the first seat so to have extra space for your puppy to lay down in front of you and not be disturbed by passengers walking in the aisle. Shoke dee na khrap
Good points... As we all know, there is always a small possibility of meeting the Official that is on the take, but aside from that very slim chance, just giving attention to Thai etiquette in a country where Form often superseeds Substance will go a very long way to make things go smoothly.
You can go to a Thai Immigration office and get a <7 day extension> for 1900 Bahts. If you can share what Visa you have would help greatly so we can assist you further.
Interesting point of view indeed. Not necessarily having to speak Thai, but the recommendation is more directed at showing respect and being mindful of Thai etiquette protocols that are the laws of the land we are trying to enter. Keeping in mind that Form supersedes Substance here in Asia, just following a few simple steps in Asian protocol will greatly improve the chances of having a positive experience. By reading endless amounts of posts, I think most are very well aware that rules seem to just pop up or be made up on a whim, but if one takes a moment to reflect on how the interaction actually took place from a <Thai way> point of view, that might actually help to find out where things actually went wrong. For those more fortunate ones who have had the benefit of sharing a few cold ones with some well educated and well travelled Thai's will know that we foreigners are often seen as over bearing and unpolished in our ways of enteracting, all adding up to being very impolite (=Mai Greng Jai) which in addition to breaking one the principles of the Buddhist commandments, is also considered a significant mistake in Thai etiquette. Then, if we put this concept in a context of an enteraction with a Border Patrol Officer, I think everyone can see the potential for a good thing to go sideways very quickly. This even if one has all is paperwork ducks in a row. Not trying to start a major debate here, but just trying to point out a few details to help the OP get success.
I totally here and appreciate what the agent said and how definite he might of made it sound, but as I am sure we can all agree, they seem to make the rules as they go here, but we tend to forget that Form is much more important than Substance in this country where politeness is not only a virtue, but a must. To give you an idea, I was asked the exact same thing at the exact same border and then slowly took out my folder with the Sign and Bank Stamped proof of funds letter and handed it over ever so gingerly, in the same manner we are treated with the transfer of cash at decent restaurants (one hand behind the other), along with a polite smile and the Border Patrol gladly accepted it. Good to note that if we take a moment to think that we are a guest here and Not make anyone lose face or feel uncomfortable <Mai Greng Jai> here in the Land of Smiles, everything will go smoothly. Hope this helps