How can I obtain a 30-day visa extension in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Mar 20, 2020
5 years ago
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sent to me today from the US Embassy.

Local immigration will give a 30 day extension
3,348
views
12
likes
81
all likes
39
replies
2
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent post discussed the issuance of a 30-day extension for visa holders in Thailand, prompted by new measures from the US Embassy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion revealed various opinions on the legitimacy and applicability of this extension, particularly regarding different visa types and the experiences of individuals attempting to use the letter for extensions. Participants also expressed concerns about the letters' effectiveness and the need for personalized documentation when requesting extensions from local immigration offices.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Tod *********
The reason you're getting so much grief over your post is you're NOT being forth coming as far as where you got the extension, what visa or extension you were on etc.

AFAIK: not a single person has gotten that 30 day unable to travel due to covid-19 from the b/s form letter from the US consulate.

For Christ's sake post an image of your extension, WTF is so hard about that?
Noel *****************
Looks like the guy at immigration yesterday asking for his American friend will need to go back
Maxim ***********
Btw, you didnt say where u apply for extension.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
you're right, I didn't. I'll say yet again- if you'd like more information you can message me.
Ben *********
Interesting info conversations.
Mark ******
Whatever your situation, glad it worked out for you. Apparently not working out for others. I'm good here until Feb 2021 so not a short-term concern of mine. If people want more details you said they could PM you. That's the bottom line. Hopefully your situation WILL help someone else get their extension too...maybe through a PM. On the other hand, it seems a more personalized letter, where at least a name is inserted, would be even more helpful for other officers and IOs. Hopefully the Embassy will consider that. Good luck to all of you with an extension/bounce issue in the coming days and weeks.
Steve **********
That letter and 60 baht will get you a decent cup of coffee.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@St***
sure, if that's your pleasure. It got me a 30 day extension
Nigel *********
OK. So look. I'll try and put some sort of sence to this. The US Consulate is now issuing this generic letter (addressed to the wrong office but never mind that) to its citizens, coupled with an e~mail addressed to the applicant and who cannot extend by the normal means i/e border bounce for visa exemption, non o multiple entry border bounce (90 days} non b multiple entry (90 days) or come to the end of the aforementioned visas. There are over 70 imigratation offices in Thailand. No one knows if this will work in Phuket, phang nga, Chang mai or whatever. Regardless, this is a step in the right direction.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *********************
it worked for me today
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can't believe all the assumptions and unwarranted comments regarding my situation.

I simply received a document from the Embassy that helped me and I wanted to share the information.

To all thos who are questioning my post- disregard it then. Put on your big boy pants and do the work yourself. That's what I did.

I've offered to share more information privately and I see no reason to give more personal info than needed here.
Nigel *********
@Jona****
the devil is in the detail. But fuck it. I've got a cheese tostie to deal with.
Garrett ***********
@Jona****
Don't let Maximum bother you. He has trouble understand a lot of stuff. Literally the same exact conversation in every post.
Garrett ***********
The US state department just issued a level 4 travel warning last night advising Americans do not travel abroad. I'd assume that's why the US embassy will now issue the letters.

Or it's because I left Thailand, the day after I left. Fkers...
Nigel *********
@Garrette ***********
not bitter then
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I m not cool with sharing more personal info. I've already posted many times that if anyone wants more info they can message me
Nigel *********
So
@Jona****
. I've read all the comments. Congrats on your extention. This is a very big development (us assisting its citizens after days of effectively stating 'you're on you're own) and other countries may follow suite. My question is what visa does this pertain to. Non o? Non b? I'm guessing it's no TV related. Also, did you visit immigration requesting an emergency extention with this (generic) letter from your Consulate coupled with the email you received from said consulate. Thanks in advance for this information that many people are eager to learn at this difficult time.
Ivan ************
You have to message him for secret details, he's not telling. Complete shitpost
Jeremy ********
Maxim ***********
Please everyone take OP post with a grain of salt. It was his first extension so he doesnt need a letter to begin with. A letter is for people who already extended so they cannot do it again. A letter need ur name on it. It need to say that due to Coronavirus situation (name of the person), cannot go back. Generic letter not personalized wont do.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
it's not my first extension- again, please stop assuming you know my situation
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I got it.

If you read all the comments you would know that already
Tod *********
and DID you actually GET the 30 day extension of that letter?

It's not got your name on it, it's NOT got the correct immigration office location in bangkok on it and it goes totally counter to the email people have been getting back saying this when they ask for the letter
Steve **********
That letter and 60 baht will get you a cup of coffee.
Maxim ***********
@Tod ********
OP is confused and double down. He did not get an extension based on this letter... it was his FIRST extension.
Tod *********
still if it can get you 30 days good luck to you
Tyler *******
Am I reading this right? They are helping folks with tourist visas (you know who you are), but no one with long stay visas? Seems like this only helps if you arrived in Thailand within the last 30-45 days right?
Tyler *******
Ah that's good to know they are acknowledging everyone, not just those on tourist visas. I have the feeling I'm gonna have to make a trek over there soon as my ED visa expires in a couple of weeks. This whole thing is such a mess. It's good to see the US embassy finally helping out.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tyler ******
read it again- it mentions long term
David **********
Yes, how do we get a copy of this? Thanks.
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *********
I contacted the embassy
Joe ***********
Jonathan, how did you request this letter from the embassy? By email letter, visit to the embassy, phone call? And how did they send it to you - email pdf or?
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
they sent me a pdf document via email.

I contacted them yesterday regarding the situation and I got the response with document this afternoon
Ryan ******
Just because they issue it, doesn't mean immigration will accept it... However, more orders in are in the pipeline due out soon.
Maxim ***********
The letter is for people who already extended so cannot extend anymore...
Maxim ***********
Go to Phuket where they were the first to accept letter u will get refuse if they dont put ur name on the letter.
Maxim ***********
No question, but that letter wont help u in most places. Ur name need to be on that letter.
Ryan ******
@Jonathan ******
10 years and what visa are you on you needed 30 more days for? 🤣
Jonathan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan *****
Did my 30 day extension today
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else