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

METV Thai visa Elite visa visa amnesty visa transition Chaengwattana Thailand 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?

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Thomas ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Cheers, Frank!

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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.

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Thomas ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Haha! Thanks Ivan. Somehow I'm not at all surprised by that 😅

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Thomas ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Airport is one option. Another (which I'm doing) is Chaengwattana.

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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

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Thomas ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Excellent :)

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Garrett ***********

No, it starts from the day they stamp the visa in your passport.

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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.

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Thomas ********************

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Garrett ***********

Yepp you're fine. Your stay has automatically been extended until July 31st.

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Thomas ********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Cheers mate! Thought so. But an element of paranoia I couldn't quite shake :)

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Thomas ********************

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