Can US citizens extend their stay in Thailand if the US Embassy denies the request for a letter?

Question

For  🇺🇸 I had requested a letter from USA Embassy in BKK to extend stay by 30 more days, and they said no.  They just followed up with this email, thought I'd share.

Given the wording, and the changing daily landscape, you can deduce there could be a chance to receive this letter if/when USA decides to close its borders completely... but that's not something we can plan around.

"The Royal Thai Police Bureau of Immigration has recently highlighted a provision in Royal Thai Police Order 327/2557, clause 2.28 which states “an Embassy or Consulate   General can issue a certified letter requesting a 30-day visa extension for its citizens because of reasons of necessity."

The U.S. Embassy Bangkok and Consulate General Chiang Mai are aware U.S. citizens may choose to remain in Thailand as opposed to returning to the United States or traveling to another country.  We cannot issue this letter because there are currently no restrictions being placed on travel to the United States from Thailand.

With regards to visa renewals, visa overstays, etc. our advice remains the same for any visa inquiry; if people overstay, they run the risk of being arrested or deported.  Thai visa matters are not the purview of the U.S. government.  We advise you [contact an attorney](https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fth.usembassy.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F90%2Flegal-service-providers-bangkok-april2018.pdf&data=02%7C01%7CCrazeJR%40state.gov%7C99a347dcf836446498c508d7caf3bd6e%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637201020517721304&sdata=6zWANQ6SQ1ZhMB4oshpyvKrA8WrSYeZBT6jwYPCQVwU%3D&reserved=0) if you are concerned with maintaining or extending your visa status.

If a U.S. citizen has been unable to maintain a long-term legal way to remain in Thailand they will need to return to the United States.

U.S. Embassy Bangkok and Consulate General Chiang Mai are advocating with the Royal Thai Government to take the COVID-19 situation under advisement when reviewing visa extension requests.  The RTG can make these decisions without USG involvement.

Sincerely,

JC

American Citizen Services

US Embassy, Bangkok"

Ask Thailand · Answer

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has denied requests for a letter to extend visa stays for American citizens, stating that travel restrictions do not apply at this time. The embassy emphasizes that such letters are only issued in cases where citizens cannot return home. Visa overstays pose significant risks, including arrest and deportation, and individuals are advised to contact legal services for assistance with their visa status. The embassy is advocating for the Thai government to consider the COVID-19 situation in visa matters.

Tod ********* · Answer

pretty much the same letter I got several days ago,

J ************* · Answer

Meanwhile China is giving em out like candy, haha.

Naja *********** · Answer

Same for South Africa...

Stefan ******** · Answer

Same with my French passport. I have double nationality so let's see if the Italian embassy can help

Glen ********* · Answer

It's highly unlikely the US Government would  ever close its borders to US citizens, rather they are more likely to invoke mandatory supervised isolation for a period of time on arrival.

Bobby ******** · Answer

There's only about five countries issuing these letters. They're designed for people who CANNOT get home, not for people who want to ride the virus out sitting on a beach in Koh Samui

Benjamin ****** · Answer

The letter is only for people who can not fly out. There are still flights going to the USA at this time. This isn't a way to stay longer in Thailand because a person likes it here.

Can US citizens extend their stay in Thailand if the US Embassy denies the request for a letter?

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