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Can I enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox for a COVID extension if my Non-O visa expires soon?

Thailand Visa Non-O Visa Phuket Sandbox COVID Extension Immigration Rules Visa Renewal Visa Expiry Expat Advice

Sep 5, 2021

5 years ago

Gabriel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My non-O (wife) expires end of October and I’m abroad. Can I enter under sandbox shortly before expiry and get a Covid extension on Phuket, so I can extend my non-O in the original province after it originally expired? Or is arriving at least 15 days before expiry my only option?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry discusses the options for entering Thailand under the Phuket sandbox shortly before the expiration of a Non-O visa while being abroad. Key answers highlight that once a Non-O visa expires, one must apply for a new visa in Thailand. It's suggested to enter the sandbox with a valid Non-O visa to avoid complications, as applying for a COVID extension after arrival may not be justified due to the time constraints.

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Miniratha *********

5 years ago

Miniratha *********

Hi! I came back in thailand by phuket sandbox 7 august (my oa 1year extension was valid untill 31 august . Living in chiang mai and with the poor offer of flights for return ,i made extension at phuket ,needed same requirement that CM ,but needed adress in phuket (hotel certificat ,and register on immigration online .Gave passeport and documents friday and picked up monday without problem.Arrived at CM ,i went immigration and changed adress .

5 years ago

Miniratha *********

You must be sure before go to immigration that hotel registred you online because it s seems to have some problem for loading and certificat of hotel isn t enough .

5 years ago

James ********

@Miniratha ********

thank you for your helpful sharing 😊 Phuket immigration seems to be very helpful and welcoming to those in the Phuket sandbox.

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

For reference from last year...

My latest extention (NON-O) comes with this remark. Its usually valid til mid October but now 31 Oct. Is this due to visa amnesty?

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5 years ago

James ********

Are you the wife trailing on your husbands Non O extension of stay for retirement?

If so you do need to return to Thailand asap as his extension of stay will expire too and he will extend his... but you need to be here to trail on his.

Otherwise you will have to meet the full financial requirements for the Non O based on retirement. With a new 800,000 Thai baht bank account in your name only in a Thai bank account

5 years ago

James ********

Either come to Thailand fully vaccinated and enter the Phuket sandbox before your Non O based extension expires...get to your home address in Thailand and file for another one year extension of stay.

OR.

Wait until it expires then come back to Thailand into the Phuket sandbox visa exempt ...and after the 14 days in Phuket return to your home address and apply for the 30.days extension followed by a new Non O visa and one year extension of stay.

5 years ago

James ********

There is no guarantee that the COVID extension will be available when you get here and it's for those who cannot leave Thailand... and you will have just arrived ...no justification for granting it.

5 years ago

Abel *********

@James *******

This is e.g. what they used e.g. in Chaing Mai in the past. The first option / checkbox already includes basically everyone.

5 years ago

James ********

@Abel ********

yes I have seen that form....

But we are getting reports of expats when applying for the COVID extension ...they are being told by the Thai Immigration Officer ...

...There are flights now many leaving Thailand daily...

...Suggesting to the applicant to prepare to leave next time..

...As the COVID extension is stamped into their passport one more time.

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Abel *********

What makes you say that COVID extensions are limited to those that cannot leave the country. Where does it say so? In reality everybody gets it - having general obstacles or inconveniences or fears has been reason enough all the time. The absolute majority of the thousands of COVID extension holders were at no point truly unable to leave. So I wish this rumor would stop.

5 years ago

Reply to

Abel *********

James ********

Once your Non O expires you must start all over with a new application in country at your local Thai immigration office.

Plan your arrival into Phuket carefully.

I assume you have a reentry permit in your passport?

5 years ago

Gabriel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

yes, reentry in the passport. Thanks for pointing out my options!

5 years ago

James ********

@Gabriel ********

possibly

@Tod ********

may have more to consider in the morning in Thailand.

5 years ago