What Are the Current Visa Extension Rules for U.S. Citizens in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Mar 23, 2020
5 years ago
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
UPDATE: On March 23, Krabi Immigration told my attorney that they would not accept the letter described below from the U.S. Embassy, and that I should bring in a letter that has my name on it. I am going to have to try something else, unless the embassy starts issuing individualized letters.

Original post: Ijust received a generic covid-19 letter from the American Consular Section (ACS). The email they sent with the letter included the following cautions:

"Attached is a standard letter from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok requesting the Royal Thai Government's (RTG) Bureau of Immigration issue an extension of stay. Some U.S. citizens have reported successfully obtaining an extension of stay by showing this letter and copies of their email correspondence with the Embassy.

At any given time, there are over 100,000 U.S. citizens in Thailand on tourists visas. U.S. Embassy Bangkok and Consulate General Chiang Mai do not currently have the capacity to produce original and personalized letters. We continue to raise this issue with the RTG, and we ask your patience as we discuss this requirement."

If you need this letter you can send an email to:

acsbkk@state.gov
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An update from Krabi Immigration reveals they are not accepting generic COVID-19 letters from the U.S. Embassy for visa extensions. U.S. citizens can still attempt to use these letters at their local immigration office, though past reports suggest limited success. The U.S. Embassy announces they cannot provide personalized letters but encourages communication with immigrants regarding their needs.
James ********
There is an update from US Embassy
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Miller Yes I saw that version somewhere earlier today and sent an email requesting such a personalized letter earlier today. I guess I will see what happens.
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod *********
ONE MORE TIME PEOPLE

And AFAIK; not a single person has reported back and said that the immigration office took that b/s bogus looking form letter from a us passport holder and issued a 30 day "unable to travel due to covid-19" extension.

All you can do is take it to your immigration office and try.
JD *******
JD *******
@Tod ********
It is legitimate so, in this, you are not correct Tod.

For everything else, thank you for your tireless effort
Jc ******
I got the same email and attached pdf of that generic letter. I am going to the Nonthaburi immigration office Thursday and will post here if it worked or not at that immigration office. Fingers crossed 🤞
Jc ******
I just left the Nonthaburi Immigration office. The Nonthaburi officer said they would accept my paperwork BUT I came in too early (my 1st extension expires April 3) and I needed another picture. He told me to come back on the 30th. The requirements for their particular office at least as of today: 1. The US Embassy email you received 2. The generic letter from the US Embassy 3. Pictures - not selfies- of you and your partner at his/her house (outside the house w the number visible, kitchen, living room, and bedroom). 4. Copies of your USA passport pic page, departure card, and Thai extension stamp. They were all polite and very helpful at this Immigration office. I hope this information helps. I am going back the 30th and will report back here. Good luck everyone!
Benjamin ******
I wouldn't recommend waiting until Thursday. If you think you qualify for that extension of stay, *GO NOW*.
Tod *********
Thank you for posting that. I checked my email too and the same email from ACS (with the PDF of the letter) was in my in box :O

Try it and report back, it's all you can do..
Tod *********
And AFAIK; not a single person has reported back and said that the immigration office took that b/s bogus looking form letter from a us passport holder and issued a 30 day "unable to travel due to covid-19" extension.

All you can do is take it to your immigration office and try.
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jill *********
send it to the email address at the end of my post which is the American Consulate section of the US Embassy. Definitely not a scam.
Jeff **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
did not work in Krabi
Carl ************
รุ่งรัศมี ********
@Carl ***********
is this letter works?
Marguyvin **********
@Carl ***********
Thanks! Which group forum was the letter originally posted on?
Carl ************
I just sent example of a letter found on another group for advice only
Krzysztof *********
and wrong address, of the bureau for Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar citizens only
Krzysztof *********
wow, there is even no name of the person who signed the letter...
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