My folks are planning on flying to Thailand from South Africa on the 21st of April. They will get an exemption visa on arrival (30 days). They plan to get an extension to stay an additional 30days.
1. Would they qualify for the Covid extension which is 60 days or is that at the discretion of the immigration officer?
2. Do they need to book their flights with a return to SA within the month or can they book for two months knowing that they plan to get an extension?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers from South Africa arriving in Thailand on a visa exemption may qualify for a Covid extension of 60 days based on the discretion of the immigration officer. To avoid complications, it's suggested to secure a single entry tourist visa beforehand for 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension. Regarding flight bookings, proof of return travel may depend on airline and immigration guidelines; onward flights for two months could be acceptable if they have a Thai pass approval.