How soon can I request a 60-day COVID extension after arriving in Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox?

Sep 14, 2021
3 years ago
Tal ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm flying back to Thailand through Phuket Sandbox, landing on Sep 19, using "Visa on Entry" of 45 days. How soon since my arrival can I visit the immigration and ask for 60-day covid extension?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Upon arriving in Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox on September 19 with a Visa on Entry of 45 days, it's important to understand the timing and requirements for requesting a 60-day COVID extension. Travelers are advised to check with the local Thai Immigration office in Phuket for guidance, as the ability to grant the extension may vary. It's recommended to visit the immigration office the week following arrival to inquire about securing the COVID extension. In some cases, applicants may need to utilize their initial 30-day extension before seeking the 60-day COVID extension, and ensure their accommodation has an official TM30 address registration with immigration.
Tod *********
Whether you can or can't get a 60 day covid extension before the 27th of Sept (the date the current program expires) is going to be totally up to the immigration office.

As you're not even here yet, and won't be until the 19th I'd say head on over to the immigration office the week of the 20th and see what they say. it's all you can do.
Tal ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks for the essential info!
Ian ********
There is no visa on entry (45 days). There is a free visa exemption entry for visitors from certain countries for 45 days and I assume that's what you are coming in on.

These can be extended for an additional 30 days.

After I entered on a 60 day tourist visa in May 2021, I was informed by Immigration that I had to apply and pay for the 1900THB 30 day visa extension first and only after obtaining this visa could I apply for a 60 day 'unable to travel due to covid extension', despite the covid extension being in existence at that time.

If Immigration doesnt extend the covid extension for a further 2 months beyond 27 Sept which is what is being rumoured, you will be res[rice's to 45 days + 30. If you wanted to stay beyond that, the only options available would be to apply for an alternative visa such as an Ed visa upon your arrival.
James ********
@Ian *******
FYI some of the Thai immigration offices are giving 60 COVID extensions vs the usual 30 days extension. Not all but some... On request.
James ********
BTW... Be sure to the hotel has filee a TM30 address registration... If you go to Thai immigration as soon after you arrive in Phuket. And again when you move from the hotel at end of the 14 nights...be sure to have a TM30 on file with Thai immigration.

Your situation is unique as you are entering the Phuket sandbox.

Timing is key to obtaining the COVID extension... Assuming it's not extended again past September 27th
James ********
Ask Thai Immigration in Phuket. There is no guarantee they will give you the Covid extension.

As you are entitled to a 30 day extension. They may require you to use the 30 day extension first.
James ********
Correct...Go to Thai immigration after you arrive...

...Apply for the COVID extension if they will give it to you...

...If they only give you the 30 days extension...

...Then on or before September 27th... Go again to Thai immigration and apply for the COVID extension.

Good luck
Tal ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thanks so much for the info!
Tal ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thank you. And if rumors are true, and covid extension will no longer be given from Sep 27, then I'm screwed in this regard? Correct? Will need to find other options?
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