Answered6 years ago
What are the details and implications of the visa extension process for foreigners in Thailand before the amnesty ends?
For those that don't understand, this means if you go apply for an extension on Monday OR on the 26th, your extension will start on the 27th of September so there is no reasons to wait until the last minute.
Answer summary
This conversation discusses the specifics regarding obtaining a visa extension in Thailand as the amnesty period approaches its end on September 26th. It clarifies that applications for extensions made on either September 21st or 26th will be backdated to start on September 27th. Several comments highlight the confusion and differing experiences at immigration offices, as some applicants are advised to return closer to their expiration dates while others face complications due to COVID-related documentation. The overarching theme reflects concerns about potential overcrowding at immigration offices due to the deadline and the bureaucratic challenges faced by foreigners during this period.
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Sean ******
Theres no tourists now and theyre worried about overcrowding...? What??
Tod *********
Easy now
There are probably many many THOUSANDS of foreigners inside the country currently on amnesty who aren't intending to leave on or by the 26th of Sept (when this amnesty runs out).
That means they have to get the embassy or doc/hospital letter and go to the immigration office to apply for a 30 day extension
All Immigrations is trying to do is not have all those people show up on friday the 25th (the last business day before amnesty ends).
That's why they came out with this announcement stating that no matter when you apply for the extension it'll be dated from the 27th
@Se**
, your ignorance is showing.. :O There are probably many many THOUSANDS of foreigners inside the country currently on amnesty who aren't intending to leave on or by the 26th of Sept (when this amnesty runs out).
That means they have to get the embassy or doc/hospital letter and go to the immigration office to apply for a 30 day extension
All Immigrations is trying to do is not have all those people show up on friday the 25th (the last business day before amnesty ends).
That's why they came out with this announcement stating that no matter when you apply for the extension it'll be dated from the 27th
Rudolph ***********
Carlo ******************
Proof of insurance required?
Tod *********
there is no proof of insurance required to get the 30 day unable to travel due to covid extension..
Carlo ******************
@Tod ********
it doesn't make any sense....Carlo ******************
@Brett ******
I just wanted to see the answer, don't worry I knew it but soon things are gonna be on track...😉
Brett *******
@Tod ********
That should be simple enough but some people will still not understand. Carlo ******************
@Tod ********
oh yeah right....Tod *********
@Carlo *****************
what doesn't make any sense, IF you're in thailand already and you're on amnesty already (meaning your current entry stamp is expired) you either LEAVE on or by the 26th of Sept, OR you get a letter from your consulate or a doctor or a hospital stating you can't travel and you can get a 30 day extension. 
Bob **********
Extension not new visas
Bizkit ******
One word guys! The immigration does not want you all go in last minute to process the visa extension and crowded the bureau. Haha!
Todd *********
@Billy *****
if that is what they want, they would be extending the amnesty visa holders with a 30 day extension dates 27 sept. They are not doing this Maxim ***********
I'm not hoping, if a miracle happens it's fine but I'm not counting on it.
Marguyvin **********
Except...if you are hoping the Universe's guiding hand causes the Cabinet to once again extend the amnesty.
Maxim ***********
Fun fact, I'm still under consideration since the end of March. I was stuck in Khon Kaen but had to go CM to complete the process, I never went back. Got told no need over the phone by many officers there. But apparently, they give 100 baht penalty per day if you go back so another reason to not go back and just head out before September 26. I went to CM end of march because my stupid Canadian consulate forced me to fly there to get their letter that I've been asked them for over a month. They are doing the same thing now... no letter, I bet they will change their mind last minute like last time but I'm not doing it again, it's pure BS. I'm out with Thai GF. No idea when we are coming back to Thailand. Probably early 2021 if they don't BS me with insane quarantine prices (free for Thai at least). At this point, I just want to clear my mind from Thailand for a few months.
Maxim ***********
Yeah but what's the point of telling people that they can come before if they tell people to come back in two weeks or if the under consideration end around that date too? Everyone will be there on 24-25, it's gonna be a mess.
Thomas ********************
They seem to be spreading it out over more days now. That's something, I guess.
Thomas ********************
I agree it seems silly. But do we have any idea how many people we're talking about?
Todd *********
@Maxim **********
that’s exactly what appears to be happening, crazyTod *********
@Ma***
that is not completely true, depending on the immigration office some people with the embassy letter are being told to come back closer to the expiration of the amnesty. What this notice is saying is no matter WHEN you go to get the extension it will be dated as starting from the 27th. It's to provide documentation to people who are being turned away.At least in Bangkok if you apply for the 30 day extension with the embassy letter they give you an under consideration stamp that has you come back in 14 days to get the extension. Now at this point no one has gone back (because they just applied) so we don't know when their extension will be dated from BUT it stands to reason since immigrations put out this announcement that it would be dated as starting from the 27th (the date after amnesty ends)
Todd *********
@Tod ********
exactly. In other words, the indicated extensions accompanied by an embassy letter, thus far, are NOT resulting in a 30 day extension stamp. Which would seem simple . 🤷♂️Tod *********
At least in Bangkok
People are getting this stamp when they apply with the embassy letter in Bangkok
@To**
they are resulting in the person paying the 1900baht and getting an under consideration stamp in their passport stating they need to return on xxx date. No one knows what the extension they'll get then will say because no one has had their under consideration date come up yet.. ;) People are getting this stamp when they apply with the embassy letter in Bangkok
Todd *********
@T**
😂 yes - fair point. Tod *********
Sadly
@Todd ********
(as with most things related to bureaucracy in this place) you are looking for logic where there is none to be had :( :/ I can't see why they didn't just start banging out the extension stamps dated from the 27th like the announcement says extensions will be dated either, but then again I quit looking for logic here a LONG time ago.. ;) Todd *********
@Tod ********
ok. Understand. This certainly seems like a reasonable outcome. But why not simply effect that change now? Why do they want more customer visits... Tod *********
@Todd ********
and by hard stamp thru the end of amnesty I mean a stamp like this; I think they'll give them that stamp and then a 30 day extension, BUT time will tell.. :(
Tod *********
@Todd ********
IF I was a betting man, I'd be when the people go back they will get a "take you off no stamp amnesty to a hard stamp dated until the 26th of Sept" and then a 30 day extension dated from the 27th of Sept taking people to the 25th of Oct. BUT I guess we won't know until the first batch of "under consideration" stamp people show up out there and see what stamp(s) they get.. Todd *********
@Tod ********
very interesting... Gotta guess the 30 day extension eventually comes in these cases 🤷♂️Maxim ***********
Extension of whaT? Most people are on Amnesty.
Maxim ***********
Some people when to immigration with letters and never got an extension. They are not giving extension atm.
Ivan ************
@Ma***
most people with letters seem to be getting under consideration stamps to come back later in the month. They will probably get their extensions.Todd *********
@Iv**
I believe you are correct. And also likely anyone with an embassy letter. Just closer to 26th lolIvan ************
@To**
yes it's pointless bureaucracy. But I suspect anyone with an under consideration stamp will get their extensions.Todd *********
@Ivan ***********
this is true. And seems absolutely insane. The ‘come back later’ theme is prevalent. Let’s all create mass congestion at immigration in the final week. The ‘under consideration’ stamp is ludicrous Maxim ***********
How can you extend amnesty? Did anyone successfully when to their embassy, got the letter, and got an extension yet? All the stories I heard is that it is not working atm.
Bobby ********
@Maxim **********
. There is no extension to amnesty. Immigration have said people must now get a visa/extension, or prepare to leave.
Michael ********
@Maxim **********
you will need a stamp in your passport its quite simple
David *********
@Maxim **********
for when amnesty ends.
Garrett ***********
OP@Ma***
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