Ask question

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!

1,372

views

4

likes

36

all likes

19

replies

0

images

9

users

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.

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.

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andy **********

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Hospital sorted mine for me, but not cheap.

Like

Reply

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 :/

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Steve ********

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

Travel insurance won't cover visa violations.

Like

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Steve ********

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

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

Like

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Steve ********

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

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

Like

Reply

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

you can't be too ill to be on hospital

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Steve ********

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I apply for a visa extension in Thailand for medical reasons before overstaying?

9 comments

7 months ago

Can I extend my medical visa in Thailand for more than 30 days if I'm unable to travel?

8 comments

8 months ago

How can I apply for a medical visa extension in Thailand after surgery?

7 comments

9 months ago

Can I extend my stay in Thailand for medical treatment after my visa expires?

11 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a visa extension in Thailand due to illness before my visa expires?

4 comments

a year ago

What is the process to obtain a medical extension for a visa in Thailand after a serious injury?

34 comments

a year ago

Can a visitor from the US in Thailand apply for a medical extension of their visa?

3 comments

2 years ago

What is the process for extending a Thai visa due to medical reasons?

4 comments

3 years ago

What do I need to know about applying for a medical extension for my Thailand tourist visa after an accident?

12 comments

3 years ago

Can I extend my visa for medical reasons after a motorcycle accident in Thailand?

4 comments

3 years ago

How can I extend my visa in Thailand due to a medical condition when I cannot go to immigration myself?

34 comments

3 years ago

Is a hospital visit sufficient for a medical visa extension in Thailand?

17 comments

4 years ago

What is the process for obtaining a one-month visa extension in Thailand due to medical reasons?

1 comments

4 years ago

What are the steps to obtain a medical visa or extension in Thailand for ongoing treatment?

3 comments

4 years ago

Can I Stay in Thailand for Medical Treatment if My Visa Expires Soon?

4 comments

4 years ago

What is the process to get a medical visa or extension in Thailand?

8 comments

4 years ago

What is the process for applying for a medical visa extension in Thailand while pregnant?

5 comments

5 years ago

Can I Get a Medical Extension for My Visa in Chiang Mai After a Foot Injury?

2 comments

5 years ago

How can I extend my entry visa for medical reasons while in Thailand?

0 comments

5 years ago

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa extension in Thailand if you are unwell?

6 comments

6 years ago

What options are available for extending a visa in Thailand when unable to leave the country due to medical reasons?

3 comments

6 years ago

Can I get a visa extension in Thailand for a medical appointment after my visa expires?

12 comments

6 years ago

Can I get a sickness visa in Thailand if I am hospitalized and my current visa is about to expire?

0 comments

6 years ago

What can I expect when seeking a medical extension for a visa in Thailand after a hand injury?

19 comments

6 years ago

How can I get a 90-day medical visa extension in Thailand if I only received 30 days?

40 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.