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Is it advisable to wait until May 25 to transition from METV to Elite considering my current visa situation?

METVThai visaElite visavisa amnestyvisa transitionChaengwattanaThailand expat immigration
May 7, 2020
5 years ago
Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Shipmates. I'm currently on the last stay of an METV (validity ended in February) and admitted until May 11.

I'm switching to Elite. All is in order, but they cannot accommodate at Chaengwattana until May 25.

From my talks with Elite, due to the "amnesty", it seems I should just hang back and show up the 25th to make the transition.

While I feel fairly certain this is all kosher, I just wanted to ask if anyone would advise(<- correct, right(?)) differently.

Cheers!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the appropriate steps to transition from a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to an Elite visa, given that their current METV is set to expire and they have a scheduled appointment at Chaengwattana on May 25. They are uncertain if waiting until then is the best course of action despite feeling confident about the process due to visa amnesty provisions. Comments indicate that their stay has been extended until July 31 and that the transition timing may be automatically determined upon approval.
Jimmy ******
From what I understand, you can’t decide when your TE starts. It automatically starts from the day it gets approved?
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cheers, Frank!
5 years ago
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Frank **********
I concur with what Ivan said... The Thai Elite program begins when you receive your welcome notification (after approval and payment processing). The 5 year visa sticker is based on the date of the welcome letter. The "extra" year stamp is hotly contested, but I have not heard of anyone successfully getting a full extra year outside of the program. I am not sure if you could get a reentry stamp if you leave... To be honest though, I think most elite visa holders are not too bothered by renewing or changing visa types as required.
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Haha! Thanks Ivan. Somehow I'm not at all surprised by that 😅
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Airport is one option. Another (which I'm doing) is Chaengwattana.
5 years ago
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Jimmy ******
@Garrett **********
 you mean it starts from the first entry? As I believe they stamp the visa at the airport on arrival
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Excellent :)
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ji***
 No, it starts from the day they stamp the visa in your passport.
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hmm, I have the membership letter. Starts may 5. Probably that'll be the start point once I get whatever is needed in my passport.
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
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Garrett ***********
Yepp you're fine. Your stay has automatically been extended until July 31st.
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cheers mate! Thought so. But an element of paranoia I couldn't quite shake :)
5 years ago
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Thomas ********************
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