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How long will the Covid visa extensions in Thailand continue for expats?

Covid Visa ExtensionsVisa RenewalThailand ImmigrationThai Visa SystemNON-O VisaExpat Life in Thailand
Sep 26, 2021
3 years ago
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve mentioned the before, but it seems that Covid extensions have allowed many folks who normally wouldn’t qualify for continued visa renewal, a chance to stay in Thailand indefinitely. Wonder how long that goes on for. I personally know three people who were quite concerned as to how they were going to legally continue staying here before covid hit, who have been granted at this point a year and a half a for all intents and purposes a “no questions asked” permission to stay in the kingdom. I doubt that will go on much longer, as it seems very much the antithesis of Thailand’s visa system we all have navigated over the years.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the impact of Covid-19 on visa extensions in Thailand, particularly how it has allowed many individuals, who previously faced restrictions, to stay in the country indefinitely. Expats express their concerns about whether these extensions will continue as the situation evolves. Opinions vary, with some suggesting that extensions will remain as long as borders are closed, while others believe they are a temporary measure that will eventually be eliminated. The conversation highlights the economic implications for Thai immigration and the experiences of expats navigating the system.
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Terary **********
Always a useless naysayer in every bunch.
3 years ago
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Tony *********
Well I'm glad the covid extension has been extended as my 30 extension from TR60 expires 10th october . I was due to fly out that day to Sydney Australia

But they currently have further reduced caps on how many can enter per week so my flight was cancelled and I cannot get another flight until 5th january as there are none before then .. So that's my reason why I'm glad that they have it
3 years ago
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Brian *****************
I stayed nearly a year without a visa. Left a year ago last September and I should have stayed.

I think I was good for Thailand, spending
*****
baht a month. I am an OAP with a private income and I knew others the same as myself.

I can’t wait to get back.
3 years ago
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Bobby ********
Brian Monty Meitiner. Why wouldn't you just pay 1900 baht for an annual extension, instead of 1900 every two months? Doesn't make sense
3 years ago
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Brian *****************
@Bobby *******
 I was there on visa amnesty and they said they weren’t going to extend it. Subsequently they did the day after I left.
3 years ago
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Bobby ********
Brian Monty Meitiner. The amnesty was six months and it was withdrawn on October 31, so you would not have had a year out if it.
3 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Ross ********
I will stay with the 1900 Baht a year. Non O original visa based on retirement.
3 years ago
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James ********
@Ross *******
 with 800,000 Thai baht in your Thai bank account in your name only.
3 years ago
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Ross ********
@James *******
 I use the income, Over 65,000 Baht per month.
3 years ago
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Ross ********
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Marguyvin **********
As a more stable sense of "normality" is reached, yes, these programs will be eliminated. In the past, short-term visitors who wanted to extend for additional "short visits", had to exit to neighboring countries to prevent an overstay status. The pandemic made this practically impossible. It's admirable that Thailand offered this as a stop-gap measure(whatever their motivation is). But it will not continue. Even they are unsure as to when, which is why the program only ever gets "resurrected" for two months at a time, and often at the last minute (one to to weeks before it was scheduled to be eliminated).
3 years ago
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Bobby ********
It's a cash cow for Thai immigration. They now effectively milk
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baht per year from covid extenders. With the old border bouncing they weren't making anywhere near this. Compared to a "normal" visa costing 1900 baht, the covid extensions are sure paying a lot of salaries. The best thing of all it's keeping the Visa Agents out of the picture. Anyone now paying 50,000 baht for a dodgy "volunteer" visa needs help!
3 years ago
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Tony ***********
Extensions not going anywhere until the borders open up fully. Thailand is trying to get people to come and spend money. Why would they kick out the people already here?
3 years ago
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Cliff ********
The people already there are the ones spending money. It would be insane to keep kick them out.
3 years ago
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Jeffrey *******
@Tony **********
 really? Thailand is trying to get people to come and spend money?? With so many BS restrictions, I think it’s the opposite….seems more like Thai is trying to keep tourists away.
3 years ago
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Jeffrey *******
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Stuart *********
Most of the people on the “Covid” extension are not tourists. They were living legally in Thailand using visas that allowed them to stay for 90 days and then do a border bounce and re-enter for another 90 days. Once a year they’d go to XYZ consulate and get another one. Covid and border closures put paid to that. Personally I think the extension will stay as long as borders are closed.
3 years ago
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Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I guess you’re right, Personally I’ve always done the one year extension which seemingly allows for one visa to be extended for a year indefinitely, but maybe some folks were required to do border runs to keep them valid
3 years ago
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Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Most of the long term people I know living in Thailand just extend their visa without having to go to the embassy anyway. Like a Non O marriage visa or B visa that is easily extended at immigration office without having to leave the country.
3 years ago
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Ken ********
@Sam ********
 I believe different areas have different reasons.

From Nong bua lamphu, I'm not aware of anyone doing border runs. But I believe places like bkk, pataya etc have many uses for border runs, but not 100% sure about it all
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Ken *******
 considering all land borders are closed no one is currently doing borders runs.
3 years ago
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Ken ********
@Stuart ********
 yer, it was past tense Stuart. Sam lives in our area, where, for 12 years , I ain't met anyone doing regular border runs.

But I have a few friends in bkk and pataya area,,used to do regular border runs. But have all stopped now cos of the land borders being closed.

I believe places, in different areas,,had regular mini bus runs. Never see it here in Nong bua lamphu area.
3 years ago
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Ken ********
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Stuart *********
@Sam ********
 there were many on year long non o’s based on marriage or non B’s where the company setup didn’t allow for a year extension.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
Without the financial means to extend a “marriage” visa in country it was easy to go to Laos and get a new year long visa to stay with their families. Bounce out every 90 days and rinse and repeat. Not now.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
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