Answered6 years ago
Can I stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expired, considering the amnesty situation?
So? It's coming to the end of the visa amnesty. I'm due to fly back to UK next week. But my family here wants me to stay. My visa expired in May. Just a tourist visa. I'm I right? I can not stay? Excuse me I'm getting confused about July 31and after? Anyone tell me straight My opinions?
Answer summary
As of now, the visa amnesty is set to end, but recent discussions suggest that it may be extended until September 26. If your visa expired in May and you are currently in Thailand on a tourist visa, you may need to either apply for an extension or prepare to leave the country by that date. Many expats are discussing the possibility of staying longer, provided they have valid reasons, such as travel restrictions. However, it is advised to wait for the official announcements from the Thai government and to plan accordingly.
91 repliesnewest first
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Fab **********
You can stay until
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September
Ellis ******************************
On grace period until 29th of September, you’ve got 2 months to relax and stretch your toes
Michael *********
Ellis ******************************
@Michael *****
well 26th + a week technically 
Borja *********
No body said but Also u can go to inmigration muang thong thani right now and get en extension visa 30 days but counting from today , already someone got this extension on around 15 july so until 14 august so if u want strating after 31 july go there on 30-31 ....,i was told directly form inmigration few days ago like that ,...
Thomas ********************
I think in either case, it makes good sense to see what happens on Tuesday :)
Borja *********
@Hruby *******
yes ,i didn't got that visa but that what the one got it said ,that he paid 1,900bth ,...and @Todd ********
,if someone very sure that only need few days after 31 july for leaving thailand then will be very usefull this way and don't worry anymore about anouncement !!!!!,...
Hruby ********
@Borja ********
u must pay 1900thb ,?Todd *********
@Borja ********
you can also go throw your money in a garbage 🗑 can. It will accomplish the exact same thing 
Rob ******
2 months xtra should be coming up after Tuesday .
James **************
Extn till Sept as im sure as bn pointed out above.
Tod *********
okay, boyz and squirrellz (and especially
NOTHING has been approved yet, SO right now anyone on amnesty can stay until July 31st. Period end of story.
Wait it out until they make the announcement on Tuesday about which of the proposals the cabinet passed.
@Iv**
:O ) there are several proposals that will be submitted to the cabinet for their consideration on Tuesday when they meet.NOTHING has been approved yet, SO right now anyone on amnesty can stay until July 31st. Period end of story.
Wait it out until they make the announcement on Tuesday about which of the proposals the cabinet passed.
Alexandra *************
Anthony ********
OPThank you everyone your comments! I await Tuesday. I summise that you will be able to stay if you have a compelling reason to stay eg no flight or you can not enter the country you want to go too. I think everyone else is on dangerous ground!
Ivan ************
You should be good until 26 Sept even with no compelling reason. If you want to stay longer than that, you will need to apply with the compelling reason but likely also documentation proving your compelling reason and that won't be "can not enter the country you want to go to", it will likely need your embassy to certify that you can't go HOME. Where you might like to go is unlikely to be relevant.
Mitsuru **************
Just plan to exit Thailand before Sept 26. That is your Plan A. No need to do anything as long as you stick to Plan A. Just leave.
Thomas ********************
Never hurts to be prepared. For example, it's not unlikely that the "easy" extension will include that pesky embassy letter. But I'm sure you'll follow along from the beach and adapt if necessary :)
Ivan ************
I would not leave that until 25th, for some reason Todd you seem to think these extensions will be easy and automatic, I think it's going to be the opposite, they will allow them but with stringent conditions and paperwork.
And if they do allow long term extensions like retirement (which is not clear yet) you need to get the money into a Thai bank account NOW if it's going to have been there for two months come 26th. Or if it is done via conversion to non O in country, that usually requires at least 21 days left on your stamp.
Leaving this until the last minute with no plan to fly out IMMEDIATELY if they say no would be extremely foolish. It's time to get your affairs in order, if you want to stay beyond 26th, start arranging that yesterday (or at latest, starting Tuesday when it might be more clear).
And if they do allow long term extensions like retirement (which is not clear yet) you need to get the money into a Thai bank account NOW if it's going to have been there for two months come 26th. Or if it is done via conversion to non O in country, that usually requires at least 21 days left on your stamp.
Leaving this until the last minute with no plan to fly out IMMEDIATELY if they say no would be extremely foolish. It's time to get your affairs in order, if you want to stay beyond 26th, start arranging that yesterday (or at latest, starting Tuesday when it might be more clear).
Todd *********
@Ivan ***********
if you keep saying it, eventually you will be right. We are going to cross 6.5 months (minimum) of easy and automatic here... maybe the actual fact that they are is a bit of the reason I think so? 🤷♂️For some reason you seem to think there will simply be a return to the same old confusing, flawed system that existed previously. Yet with no possible means of moving from amnesty yet existing and no land borders open, it would seem clear, that changes are likely coming.
The paranoia crowd will always be here to stir the pot. Sure, if you don’t have the income and need to prove 800k, it may be good idea to transfer the money. But at least wait until after an announcement. Nobody is under any pressure to do a damn thing in the meantime. Great to just sit back and enjoy.
Todd *********
@Mit****
or just get a 30 day extension on the 25th. Like everyone elseMitsuru **************
@Todd ********
That would be an excellent Plan B! Thank you. Todd *********
@Mit****
hopefully they have a longer term option available following discussions this week! 
Terry ********
Click on the link not their logo for their latest news on the amnesty extension.
Terry ********
It is being stated by immigration and being widely reported in detail that the amnesty WILL be extended to September 26. It just needs to be rubber stamped by the Thai Govt. on Tuesday. It seems to me that a lot of people in Thailand posting on here are completely out of touch with what is going on! You should be following something like thaivisa.com and forum and sign up for their daily newsletter emails to keep up to date with all the latest news in Thailand and changes to immigration rules, law, mood and behaviour . They also have experts on visa rules etc., and u can ask questions as u do on here. If u do join it afterwards install an adblocker as the ads r like many newspaper sites; Very annoying and way over the top.
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72-thailand-to-offer-grace-period-for-foreigners%E2%80%99-visa-extensions/?utm_source=newsletter-*****
718-0749&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsAlexandra *************
Nick ************
Can you now do what is normally done on a Visa run to another country in Thailand. If not, what has changed to make it easier to get the correct Visa?
Dave ***********
@Nick ***********
No one will have any of these sorts of details until after the cabinet meets and an announcement is made on the decision.There will likely be a number of infographics released to explain the details, as was the case the last time.
Jane ***********
There are no visa run possibilities and nothing has been done to make it easier to get a visa. All surrounding countries are closed and, if you leave, to re-enter Thailand you need written permission from the Thai Embassy in whatever country you're in, a valid COVID negative test done not less than 72 hours before you fly and COVID health insurance. Then, once you've arrived, you need to enter 14 day state approved quarantine at your own expense.
Nick ************
@Jane **********
I know all that. My question was can you now do things in country that you could not do without a border run before?Nick ************
@Steve ******
well there is a bit more time to sort things out now anyway. This is all new to me and it has not been easy finding a way through it all.
Steve *******
@Nick ***********
I think that's possible. It certainly was at some Imm offices even before this covid shitstormNick ************
@Steve ******
what about non o for retirement Visa?Steve *******
@Nick ***********
I dont think they'll be issuing tourist visas in country, maybe some non imm visas to those that qualify. It's mainly going to be extentions of stay, again only to those that qualifySteve *******
If you have Thai dependant relatives here you could apply for a 60 day extention of stay.
Paolo ***********
If the new grace period goes into effect and you are covered by it wait until late September to use it so you get more time. The cabinet meeting is Tuesday so no rush.
Paolo ***********
It should be you have until Sept 26 to sort out some sort of long stay visa or short extension to stay in Thailand after Sept. 26, but all people currently under amnesty will still be good to stay in Thailand until September 26. Anyone who will eventually leave for home, can leave by September 26 and will not have to contact immigration for anything. The Bangkok Post article was very clear about the proposal. Overstay only starts after Sept 26. So essentially more time to try and get your visa situation in Thailand in order or to sort out leaving, but it's really an extension of the amnesty until Sept. 26.
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20/foreigners-can-apply-for-visa-extension-after-july-31Alexandra *************
Anthony ********
OP@Paolo **********
but I see it says you need to have a special reason to stay - like no flights or unable to enter your home country Paolo ***********
Of course we still need to see what the cabinet actually does. It does seem unlikely that they would choose another course after having having the immigration Bureau chief and Lt. Gen announce this to the Bangkok Post.
Paolo ***********
@Anthony *******
Yes, to apply for short extension between August 1 and Sept 26, to stay after Sept. 26. From article "However, if they do not obtain extensions and are still in the country after Sept 26, they would face legal action and be blacklisted." So overstay under this new proposed grace period if denied extension would occur after Sept. 26. Ubon Joe in ThaivisaNews said he believes the blacklist will be applied as normally, so at 90 days when leaving the country or if caught when on overstay in country.People also do have options of changing short term entries like visa exempt and tourist visas (both of which are classed as tourist visas really) to longer term visas (Marriage, edu and retirement, work permit) in country, mostly by using agents.
We will know all the details by tomorrow or the end of this week.
Ivan ************
@Anthony *******
the proposal is everyone gets until 26 Sept with no need to apply for anything. If you want to stay LONGER than that, you need to apply for an short extension with proof you are stuck.Todd *********
@Pa***
that’s essentially it. Not super complicated. So far lol
Pierrick ******
Follow. Same case... very confused
Keryn ******
There are visas you can get for 1 year etc. but As always. They cost
Simon **********
From this article in the Thaiger, I read it as people can stay until 26 Sep, but they must apply for a visa/extension if they want to stay longer?
Rich ********
@Simon *********
wait until Tuesday
Freddie **********
Just wait 48hrs.
Kathy *******
Just to be clear, the rumor is there will be an opportunity to go to immigration and pay for extension. Amnesty is not expected to be extended.
Todd *********
@Ka***
call it by any name, but that’s another 2 months. And then you can apply for another 30 day tourist visa. Rich ********
@Todd ********
they are saying grace period instead of AmnestyTodd *********
@Ri**
understood for sure. It’s a new name. Same situation 🤷♂️
Elisa *******
You. Have till Sept 26 if I understood properly.
Garrett ***********
@El***
No, that's not it at all.Dave ***********
@Garrett **********
Actually, from what has been said by officials so far, that is exactly what it looks like the situation is.Foreigners have until Sept 26th to either purchase an extension or leave the country.
It was stated very clearly that if you do not plan to get an extension, you do not need to visit immigration but you need to be out by Sept 26th.
Don ******
Wait until Tuesday’s official announcement before doing anything. That said, if you don’t you will probably still be okay.
Michael **************
I think you are right and you need to leave. I’m sorry to say that. But if I was you I would try calling or going to the U.K. Embassy an asked them
Todd *********
@Mic****
if I was anyone, I would go to the beach and enjoy another couple more free months. Ideal
Jason ********
@Todd ********
That’s exactly what I intend to do if they let us stay til sept. I can’t decide between Krabi, Samui or koh pan ngn Jason ********
@Todd ********
chok Dee fellaTodd *********
@Jason *******
it definitely looks good for us to get til at least end sept. And hopefully they come up with an in-country 30-180 visa we can convert to. I’m on Samui now. Fantastic. And August on Pha Ngan. Then will head south. Koh Lipe is an absolute gem also! Good luck’Michael **************
@Todd ********
True. Todd *********
No point returning if you don’t need. You will have another 2 months still until end Sept!
James **************
Its going to be extended until the 26th of september, under the condition that people get the correct visa extension or leave the country.
Thomas ********************
That's the proposal, yes. Still, wait for the results of the meeting on Tuesday.
Rob *******
Stay, I went back the end of March because of the covid shit and a running out visa, and I regret it every fracking day......
Todd *********
almost everyone i know who has gone back would say the same
Rob *******
If possible of course..... never overstay...
Chris ************
wait for announcement on tuesday
Anthony ********
OPHruby ********
Them will 100% extend untill September
Anthony ********
OP@Hruby *******
probably but with reasons Hruby ********
@Anthony *******
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Kev **********
Imagine if I cancelled and then on the 31st they gave us 7 days
Anthony ********
OP@Kev *****************
absolutely Kev **********
Ime.just going back mate fuck it I can cope 8 weeks in uk
Kev **********
@John *********
I live in hull and will be speaking to them on Wednesday John **********
We are in the UK Thai wife her visa expires 31st July waiting to see what happens here!!!!
Alan ******
@John *********
, same here , rumours Iam hearing , no blanket extensions, going to look at each person individually and decide weather they get extension on their stay. 🤔🤔Anthony ********
OP@Alan *****
that's how I see it 
Jatzek ********
Alan ******
@Jatzek *******
. I did read Thailand would open for tourist until 2021 , when they have a vaccine 🤔🤔🤔, PS dont shoot the messenger lol.Jane ***********
@Jatzek *******
I think that's highly unlikelyAlan ******
@Jane **********
I hope your right. Kev **********
@Jatzek *******
who knows but I've got all relative paperwork ect so would take that route Jatzek ********
Mate Im in the UK now my family are in Thailand .
Just really looking forward to go to a overpriced prison when get to bkk
Just really looking forward to go to a overpriced prison when get to bkk
Bim *******
If you qualify for a visa being on a tourist visa you are in a better position to extend your stay if you meet the criteria.
Jane ***********
Eh?
Bim *******
@Jane **********
it's easier to change visa status on a tourist visa. I should know after 7 years of living here if they don't extend the Amnesty I could get kicked out. 
Darren *******
Latest rumour is extension to 26 September (meeting happening Tuesday so that's earliest an announcement is likely). If latest rumour is correct then it appears to be sort out a long stay by 26 September or get out.
Wojciech ***********
Will highly likely be extended
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