Can I and my family get an extension of stay in Thailand due to the war in Ukraine?

visa extensions COVID extensions Thailand immigration Ukrainian passport Russian passport NON-O visa embassy support Koh Samui immigration family situation special visa considerations

Mar 3, 2022

3 years ago

Kostiantyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

This is gonna be a difficult question, and the likely reply will be 'go talk to them', which I intend to do; will ask anyway for some ideas or insight. 

So, there's myself, passport of Ukraine, entered 2 years ago visa exempt, after that had non-o volunteer (bleh) and have been on covid stamps since (about 9? of them I think). 

There's my wife, passport of Russia, same visas/stamps. 

Also got a 2.5 years old kid with Ukrainian passport (didn't do any extensions for him). 

Now, we actually did plan to go back to Ukraine before our current extension runs out, but obviously this is no longer possible because of the war. I do have a letter from the embassy stating that the return to Ukraine is not possible because of the war and asking for assistance. 

The two questions are: 

- will they (Koh Samui immigration) make an exception for myself based on the embassy letter, despite me having a non-o before? 

- is there any way to convince them to do the same for my wife, who despite having a Russian passport, obviously lived together with us in Ukraine (having a Ukrainian husband and a Ukrainian child). Official translation of a marriage certificate perhaps - would that do any good? 

Thank you for your opinions.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The poster, a Ukrainian citizen, is seeking advice about extending their stay in Thailand due to the war in Ukraine, which prevents them from returning home. They've been on COVID extensions but are unsure if they can secure an extension based on a letter from the Ukrainian embassy. Their wife holds a Russian passport, raising further questions about her eligibility for an extension. Comments suggest the outcome will depend on the discretion of the Koh Samui immigration office, and they are advised to bring supporting documentation to reinforce their case.

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David ********

I wish you and your family good luck and able to stay in Thailand.....

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Konstantin *********

, Go to the immigration office with your embassy letter, proof of your marriage/birth certificate/current address, and whatever possibly supports your situation you can think of to talk about your family’s extension.

Remember, You are NOT going to ask for Covid extensions, you are asking for (special) extensions by your embassy’s request (clause 2.28).

3 years ago

James ********

And this new order to Thai immigration officers about extensions for those which have already used many COVID extensions etc

3 years ago

James ********

As you have had a Non O volunteer visa since arrival into Thailand you are only entitled to 7 days stamp to depart Thailand.

3 years ago

Kostiantyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Yea I'm well aware of that, but surely a war should be enough to make an exception? Heh, at least for my passport. Anyway will go and see.

3 years ago

Brandon ************

@Konstantin *********

the problem is that I don't believe there's any laws that allow any kind of extension for someone in your situation. The law clearly states you're no longer eligible for the Covid extension, and Thailand doesn't have an amnesty visa. So legally there's not much the immigration can do, their hands are tied.

3 years ago

James ********

@Konstantin *********

🙏🙏🙏

3 years ago

Reply to

James ********

And sadly you have the answer to your question.

It will be up to your Thai Immigration office as to you obtaining an added extension of stay for you and family.

Reality is ...as you have had a Non O Volunteer visa since you entered long ago . .you are not eligible under the new rules for any further COVID extension. However with letters from both Ukraine and Russian Embassy's you may be able to get an extension due to the current war.

Our wishes for your success and safety.

3 years ago

Kostiantyn **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thanks for the reply and the kind words. Russian embassy sadly won't give out any letters (even if we did want to talk to them).

3 years ago

Lisa ********************

@Konstantin *********

tell Immigration that about Russian embassy too. Hopefully , they will be sympathetic and not force you to return to a war zone. Good Luck

3 years ago

Reply to

Lisa ********************