What are the chances of obtaining a new tourist visa after multiple COVID extensions in Thailand?

December 8, 2022
2 years ago
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Your guesses and opinions are OK, if you don't have knowledge.

I arrived on a tourist visa 13 months ago. Since, I've had 5 covid extensions and a 90 day medical extension.

Question: what are the chances of leaving the country, going to Lao embassy or elsewhere, and getting a new 90 day tourist visa?

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on obtaining a new 90-day tourist visa after residing in Thailand for 13 months on a tourist visa, which included 5 COVID extensions and a medical extension. Responses indicate that the chances of getting another tourist visa are minimal due to the number of extensions. Several commenters note that many embassies, particularly in Southeast Asia, are hesitant to issue new tourist visas to individuals with multiple COVID extensions. Suggestions include considering a border run for visa exemption or applying for a long-term visa instead.
Ron *******
As I warned you before, changes are coming particularly for ED visas

BANGKOK, Dec 8 (TNA) – The Immigration Bureau will revise its criteria for visa extension to prevent foreign criminals from citing their “study or foundations” as an excuse to prolong their stay in the country.

Pol Lt Gen Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said it would have a working group to revise criteria for visa extension and the revision would concern the foreigners who reported their necessity to work for foundations, receive medical treatment or pursue their study.

The criteria would be stricter, he said.

The Immigration Bureau made the move after former politician Chuwit Kamolvisit said that three former immigration police officers facilitated the longer stay of members of Chinese triads who set up foundations as their fronts in the country.

Full Story:
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Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
you know what immigration police are thinking 🤣
Ron *******
@Stan ******
it's directed at everybody using those visas.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
that's directed primarily at Chinese crooks operating out of Thailand.
Julie ******
Hi Stan, I PM'd you.
Will ************
They are having a big clamp now. Anyone trying to live here permanently on border bounces and tourist visas are stuffed. Get a real long term visa
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
I think better just to leave for a few months then... How many months before I re-apply for a tourist visa?
Richard *****
I stayed here off and on, on extensions and immigration this last time gave me an ultimatum, long term visa - or else.
Richard *****
@Stan ******
if they didn't give you a hassle the last time, sure. they gave me a warning and said don't do it again, so I don't plan on pushing my luck again 555
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ****
my last extention was 90 days for hernia surgery...anf didn't receive an ultimatum. However 😂 would you chance going out and trying to return?
Alistair **********
Contact a border run company. They might be able to get you a further 45days through a border run. If you qualify for visa exemption.
Michael ********
You are not a tourist anymore thats how anyone is going to view it
Stuart *********
Tourist visas allow for 60 days, not 90. I’m assuming you are meaning a 60 day plus 30 day extension.

A number of embassies have been reported to refuse issuing another TV after multiple Covid extensions. KL, Singapore spring to mind. Perhaps someone with experience of Savannakhet or Vientiane can advise their policies.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
you've been a great help. Thanks
Stuart *********
@Stan ******
As I said not many reports out of CM airport (probably because fewer people use it). Can’t say if you’d have an issue there or not.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
I'm in Chiang Mai, but I'm assuming you'd still choose land
Stuart *********
@Stan ******
can do either but with Covid extensions and your history I’d definitely try land.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
visa exempt by air or land
Stuart *********
@Stan ******
Land every time. Many reports of issues at the Bangkok airports and Phuket. Less so for Chiang Mai.
Stuart *********
Someone will pick me up on not spotting the “voa” part. I ignored it as I’m assuming you’re meaning a visa exempt entry.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
what about flying out and in... Or would you choose land?
Stuart *********
@Stan ******
Yes. Land border crossings would be “easiest” but your best bet would be using a “visa run/border bounce” service. Trying to do it alone would probably be difficult.
Stan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Stuart. Would you think I could get 45 voa +30 ext?.. Or same... Intense scrutiny
Brandon ************
I'd say you have almost no chance of getting another tourist visa at any of the Thai embassies in SE Asia. They are all wary of even having a single covid extension in your passport, let alone 5.

Even if you did get one, you'd almost certainly face intense scrutiny when you tried to enter Thailand.
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