How long can I stay in Thailand under the sandbox program and am I able to extend my stay?

Jan 28, 2022
3 years ago
Bryan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I entered Thailand under the sandbox program last week from the United States. How long can I stay? And can I extend it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler entered Thailand under the sandbox program and can stay for 30 days until February 14, 2022, with an option for a one-time 30-day extension based on tourism at a local immigration office. Additionally, if eligible, the traveler may apply for a 60-day extension until March 25, 2022, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but must meet specific requirements and provide documentation.
Benjamin ******
It seems like the poster just wants to stay a few extra weeks, and may not be interested in getting a60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. If further information is required, please message a poster and we'll reopen commenting.

Remember too, the OLD (Pre-January 25, 2022) 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 no longer exist. See
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For information about the NEW 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.
Geoff *******
Hmmmm looking at the above photo I would take a wild guess and say you can stay until 14th Feb. With the option to extend to March 16th for 1900b. I would suggest leaving before feb 14th to avoid any expenses occurred by Valentine’s Day.
Benjamin ******
You entered on a 30 day visa exempt ("ผ"). You can stay for 30 days in Thailand until 14 February 2022. You can get ONE 30 day extension of stay based on tourism at the local immigration office.

After you get the 30 day extension of stay based on tourism, you *MAY* be able to get ONE 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. The last day a person can apply for a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 is March 25, if my memory serves me right.

You will acquire the extension of stay at the local immigration office. You will need the following documents:

1. The applicant’s passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. All entry stamps or extension of stay (if applicable) since arrival .

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. [May not be asked at Bangkok Immigration] A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos. For Bangkok Immigration, only 1 passport size photo is required.

5. 1,900 THB processing fee.

The 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 is optional, and does not need to be issued by the immigration office. If it's granted, consider it as an extra "bonus".
Bryan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I only wanted to stay a few more weeks. Thailand has been amazing not ready to leave. The 30 day extension is plenty. Thanks for the help 😁
Chelsea ********
@Benjamin *****
both the one-time only 30 day extension- which is guaranteed to be processed (& is required to be used before applying for a 60 day "covid" extension)

As well as the *potential* 60-day covid extension... They're both 1900฿ right?
Benjamin ******
@Chelsea *******
That's correct.

I never heard of ANYONE getting rejected for a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism from a 30 day visa exempt.

ALL extension of stays are 1,900 THB>
Chelsea ********
@Benjamin *****
if denied for the 60 day covid extension is the 1900 still collected by immigration??
Benjamin ******
@Chelsea *******
That's correct. If you are formally denied, they will collect the 1,900 THB and issue you a 7 day extension of stay denied stamp.
Wolfgang *******
Thanks all complicated 🤭
Benjamin ******
@Wolfgang ******
Let's make it easy:

The following are common "Non-Immigrant" (or Non-Imm) visas and do not qualify for the new 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19:

Non-B (based on employment, or being a director, or being a teacher)

Non ED (for studying)

Non-O (Based on being over 50, being married to a Thai national, being a trailing spouse, raising half-Thai child, working for a volunteer organization)

Non-OA (One year multiple entry visa based on being over 50)

The following are the "approved" tourist visas for the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19:

30 day visa exempt ("ผ stamp")

Single entry tourist visa ("TR")

The following are the "unapproved" tourist visas/entries for the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. If a person is holding these visas/entries, I do not expect an immigration office to issue the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19:

Entry on a bilateral agreement ("ผผ stamp")

15 day visa on arrival

Special Tourist Visa

See the attached list for which countries have visa on arrival, visa exempt, and bilateral agreements.
Wolfgang *******
I thought visa exempt can't get a Covid Extension?
Stuart *********
@Wolfgang ******
you’re possibly confusing Visa on Arrival (e.g. citizens from China, India, etc) with a Visa Exempt entry. VOA can’t apply for the extension, visa exempt can.
Wannikea *********
@Wolfgang ******
visa exempt is considered tourist class entry
Benjamin ******
@Wolfgang ******
As I understand the rules, people on visa exempts and tourist visas MAY APPLY for a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.
James ********
@Benjamin *****
that MAY...is predicated on being able to get a letter from the US Embassy requesting the extension. The US Embassy does not issue such letters.
Bryan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
thank you so much. 👍Information websites can be so confusing
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