How can I extend my short-term visa in Thailand and what are my options afterward?

Ellie *******

In theory, it is possible if you fly out to the county where the Thai embassy resides and you can enter (doesn't have to be in SEA). Then get COE and all other preparation to enter Thailand, then fly back to follow the procedure. Doesn't seem to be very practical, but it is not impossible.

Talk to the organization where you want to volunteer if there is a possibility you can volunteer soon.

Benjamin ******

>If we do it earlier, it extends from the day it expires?

You'll be getting a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism. This is added to your "admitted to" stamp.

>Any chance they extend for the two weeks lost in ASQ?

No.

>Any suggestions on what to do after that ends?

If they are still selling the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19, you can apply for that. HOWEVER, right now the last day they are selling it is March 30, 2020. They may extend it.

>We would like to stay as long as possible but wouldn’t be able to go on a work visa

Why not? You only need a High School Diploma for MOST jobs.

>Possible to go over the border and come back

IF you're able to get over the border, yes. However, Laos and Malaysia are locked down hard. Myanmar is Myanmar. Cambodia requires a 16 day quarantine. You'll also need to repeat the process when you return.

>or a volunteering visa

An extension of stay based on volunteering is not being sold right now legally.

Swiff *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for your insights :) much appreciated

Nikolas ***************

Marriage is a way to go?

Benjamin ******

Sure, a person can enter on a 90 day non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national, and then get a one year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national. But I'm assuming this (and other potential extensions) don't apply to the OP though.

Nikolas ***************

I mean when he is already in on Tourist Visa, he can convert to the Non-O based on marriage? All he needs is Affirmation to marry from his embassy. Correct me if I am mistaken.

Benjamin ******

Probably yes. Why do you ask? Do you know the OP, or is this something about your situation?

Nikolas ***************

I don't know the OP. I think of the ways he can stay longer with his girlfriend. Mentioning the work/volunteering visa means he is serious about his stay so marriage-based visa would be the best choice (cost-benefit). I just wonder if it is possible to covert into such types of visa from the Tourist Visa.

Benjamin ******

The problem with an extension of stay based on marriage is IF the OP's girlfriend is a foreigner, he can not get a trailing spouse extension of stay/ visa UNLESS one of them is on a non-immigrant visa.

Nikolas ***************

A good point. I automatically assumed she is Thai. My bad, I am sorry. Well, I find working-based visa as the only option. However, they both need to get such visa.

Ellie *******

OP says "he AND his gf are going to extend their stay". I don't think a Thai needs to apply for an extension for a short term.

Nikolas ***************

@Ellie ******

As I said.. I noticed that. Why do you mention it again?