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How can I obtain a medical visa extension in Thailand due to illness?

Visa Extension Medical Visa Thailand Immigration NON-O Visa Travel Insurance Health Care in Thailand Antibiotics and Travel Expats in Thailand

Dec 30, 2023

a year ago

Jasmine **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! Does anyone know the process of getting a medical extension on my visa, I’m meant to leave on the 4th , but in the past 2 days I’ve got a bad infection that’s left me unable to walk/ sit down & im on antibiotics. I saw a clinic, who visited my hotel room not a hospital. I don’t think I’ll be able to fly for at least another week, but I don’t want to commit to flights incase it takes longer to heal. 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is seeking information about obtaining a medical extension for their visa in Thailand due to an infection that has rendered them unable to travel. Several comments suggest that to qualify for a medical extension, one typically needs to be admitted to a hospital and obtain a doctor's note certifying their inability to travel. It’s advised to secure a standard extension first if possible, and to gather all necessary documentation, including a letter from a doctor, to present to immigration. Additionally, the conversation touches on concerns regarding travel insurance and the feasibility of traveling while still unwell.

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Diane **********

Although you were looking for extension advice, but may I suggest you try to heal yourself with white vinigar wraps on the area & overdose with vitamin c rich fruit or supplements.

Both reduce infection quite quickly

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Andy **********

You're posting on Facebook, ergo you haven't got a "bad infection". A "bad infection" will leave you pretty incapacitated. You have a suspected bad infection, a doc has prescribed a broad range antibiotic which should start to show a resolution in the first 24 hours, if not you need to contact the doc for a different prescription. There are going to only two circumstances where an infection might stop you boarding a flight. 1. You have a communicable disease like the Plague, in which case you would be in hospital and be a headline. 2. You have a skin infection that has become cellulitis, and you are obese. Medical opinion is somewhat divided whether you are then at increased risk of a DVT if the wound is on a lower limb. A flight will not impact on the resolution of the infection. I traveled with cellulitis on a leg, there was no issue, I just took some aspirin aa a precautionary measure, under medical supervision. Call your own doctor at home if in doubt.

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Jasmine **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

I felt a bit gross adding the too indepth details but I’ve got a badly infected abscess on my buttcheek, so it’s pretty impossible atm to sit down without feeling like I’m going to pass out. I’ve also got a kidney disease so I’m pretty crap at fighting things off, so they are waiting to see if the antibiotics work. It’s just I’m worried about spending out on flights or overstaying if I don’t improve

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Andy **********

@Jasmine *********

After 48 hours you will know if the antibiotics are working. It's been more that 48 hours now. Sounds like you need the clinic to repack your dressing for travel, and take some pain killers. If you have a worsening ulcer it will take 4-6 weeks to heal. You must travel now, all the moreso because you have CKD and are immunocompromised. CKD is associated with Calciphylaxis, which can cause serious complication. Whether its possible depends on the prognosis of your renal disease. Itis is a ulcerating and painful syndrome that will not respond to antibiotics. Has the doctor confirmed an infection due to raised WBC? Does he understand your health condition. I think you should urgently return to the UK and seek treatment. Call your GP in the UK, or even try 111, as you can speak to a doctor through that. Presumably your travel insurance will pay out on medical evacuation. If you had normal health, after 4 days on antibiotics, inflammation will be markedly reduced. If your room has a bath, spend your time soaking in hot water as this will improve your fitness to travel.

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Andy **********

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John ********

Frist thing is ring immigration office orGoogle what you need to get the 30 day extension then get the hotel to book your taxi to immigration office and back to the hotel do the extension then back to the hotel

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Brian *******

Medical extensions are very hard to get. Exhaust all other options before you go this route.

My guess is that the system was abused in the past. They can only be signed off by the head guy.

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Steve ***************

Hospital sorted mine for me, but not cheap.

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Jasmine **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve **************

did you have to be admitted into hospital for them to accept the extension? I don’t know if I’ll be admitted but I also can’t move from my hotel room :/

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Kool *******

@Jasmine *********

you need a standard unable to fly/travel document from your doctor. Then the hospital/clinic to submit it to immigration. Immigration at Chaeng Watthana does have wheelchair service if you can get there, but you will still need the letter from the doctor.

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Steve ***************

@Jasmine *********

I was already in Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, I needed 90-days recovery after surgery. The hospital took care of everything. Sorry don't know the deal if you are stuck in your hotel but your travel insurance will sort this out on your behalf

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Steve ********

@Steve **************

Travel insurance won't cover visa violations.

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Steve ***************

of course not, but they cover the cost of doctors and hospitals

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Steve ********

@Steve **************

They do, but the question was in relation to getting an extension of stay.

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Steve ***************

and, as I previously explained, the hospital take care of this

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Steve ********

@Steve **************

But the OP is in a hotel not a hospital. That's the problem

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Steve ***************

you can't be too ill to be on hospital

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Steve ***************

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Lyndon ************

If you've not already done so get a 30 day extension, purpose tourism 1900THB.

Easily done at immigration with a copy of your tm30, from your hotel.

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Steve ********

The crucial bit is getting a doctor to certify you are unable to travel. Otherwise just look at getting a standard extension

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Brandon ************

For the most part you must be admitted to a hospital to qualify for a medical extension. Then you'll need a letter from your doctor/the hospital to take to immigration and apply for the extension. If you can travel to immigration yourself to apply, they'll probably not give you the extension since you're well enough to travel. Otherwise the hospital will be the one who has to go to immigration and apply for you.

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Brandon ************

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