Answered5 years ago

Is it better to apply for a visiting family extension or a Covid extension for my stay in Thailand?

NON-O visa visa extension visiting family extension Covid extension Thai immigration expat advice

Lee **********

asked Nov 16, 2021

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Decided to go with the 'visiting family' option for my extension over the (1st) Covid extension. I need a few more weeks for my 400k to have been seasoned for the 2 months and although I can only use it once I want to stay clear of the whole Covid thing/paperwork etc.

I'm already on a non o based on marriage so it makes sense and I've heard people being rejected for the Covid extension. 

I'm owed it as I had to do my 2 weeks in Bangkok Quarantine in October but I just think it would make more sense and possibly a lot less hassle? 😅

Answer summary

The user has opted for the 'visiting family' extension instead of the Covid extension for their stay in Thailand, primarily to avoid potential complications and paperwork related to Covid. They believe the visiting family option is less hassle and fits within their current visa situation, being on a non-O visa based on marriage. Community comments agree, suggesting that applying for the visiting family extension is a viable choice.

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Lee **********

Thanks everyone, you've answered my question. I'm going to go with the visiting family extension.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

If you haven't applied for 60days visiting family extension, you can apply for that with appropriate documents without any problem. Covid extension or visiting family extension? Totally depends on your preference.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

[Edit: After reading Tod's reply, FOR KK Immigration Office, get the 60 Day Extension of Stay Based on Visiting Thai Family]

In my opinion, you should try to get the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 first. You can only get ONE 60 day extension of stay based on visiting Thai family on entry. The worse they would say is no.

The rejections I've heard have been verbal rejections where the immigration officer says "no", and not formal rejections where they stamp a 7 day extension of stay denied stamp in the passport.

5 years ago

Lee **********

I'm in KK so I would have to see how immigration was 'on the day'😅

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Lee *********

take the family extension, there are reports that the Khon Kaen immigration office isn't doing covid extensions, OR if they do, they tell you to come back and hold your passport and you pick it up a few days later.

You'll be fine on it the 60 day visit family extension and as long as your funds are seasoned by the time that extension runs out you can apply for the year extension

5 years ago

Lee **********

@Tod ********

Once again. Thank you very much Tod

5 years ago

Lee **********

@Benjamin *****

thanks. I don't even want that though 😅plus there's a lot more paperwork for the covid extension right?

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Lee *********

No, there's the same amount of paperwork required for the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19. The only thing they may request is a letter from your embassy saying you can not return, OR a print out from your embassy website saying they don’t issue the letters, OR a print out of a letter from the embassy saying they don't issue those letters (note the OR's).

5 years ago