Answered6 years ago
What are the experiences and options for extending a visa in Chiang Rai during the pandemic?
Just back from Immigration in Chiang Rai to extend another 60 days. They were not at all happy to see me again and told me and another American to "go home," and "This is the last time." I told the guy at the door and the lady who took my forms at the service window that 3k Americans are still dying every day, but they were unmoved. I have to report again on Feb. 11th, and we’ll see if their stance has softened with the more contagious strains, but I rather doubt it. Anyone have ideas on an Asian country to go to next? I think I'll ask on the Cambodian visa group whether anyone's successfully gotten their $3k deposit back and take a hard look at whether that'd be better than returning to the U.S. It's been nice to be here over winter w/ hardly any other foreigners, but leaving in the middle of the coming hot/polluted season might not be the worst thing, if it's to another "safe" country that's handled Covid well.
Answer summary
The user describes a challenging experience at the Chiang Rai immigration office while seeking a 60-day visa extension, where the officials exhibited a dismissive attitude. The author contemplates leaving Thailand for another Asian country, like Cambodia, noting the deposit issues there. Several commenters suggest alternatives, including different Thai cities or hiring agents, and share their experiences with immigration processes and long-term visa options in Thailand. There is also discussion on the bureaucratic challenges faced by expats and suggestions for potential countries to consider for a change.
50 repliesnewest first
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Bim *******
Just heard they are about to confirm the covid extension until 30 th march. They may help some.
มิแรนดา **********
Strange that officers are so arrogant. Songkhla and Phuket offices are fine, polite words and smiles.
Rachel *******
You can sign up for education visa program. Do martial arts classes, visa sorted for one year.
They can now process without having to leave Thailand
They can now process without having to leave Thailand
Nick ****
Fuck em
Laurent *********
There are reliable visa agency who can solved this for you for a fee sure but less than changing countries.
Larry *********
Thailand does not seem to like tourists. When the pandemic kills many in the US they should be more flexible. Only approx. 6,500 tourists arrived in Thailand in December 2020 so why not try to keep those tourists already arrived?
Merv *******
I am from U K and currently there.Lived on and off in Thailand for several years .i deliberately brought with me a good pair of long trousers , socks , shoes and long sleeved shirts especially to put on when visiting Immigration or a bank .Called respect to host country and have never had problem arrival / leaving or Udon Thani immigration .
Michael ********
@Merv ******
Totally agree with you I just done exactly the same today to go get my pink ID card.Lots of countries would even allow you in goverment offices in shorts and singlets
Bobby ********
Michael Dawson. What did you need to get the pink ID card?
Michael ********
Started with new company last year and HR gave me big list of stuff to get together, birth crrtificates exams quals etc etc. Gave her my ID number and they came back ok only passport if number different from one they sent and updated CV. We can only wish
Michael ********
@Bobby *******
All a bit of a waste of time and giving civil servants jobs, lots of same stuff as just did for Marriage visa.Singapore you get ID when you get your visa be a lot easier if they did same here.
Even though i only work Singapore on and off i have had the same ID number for 30 years all paperworks same and dont need chop down half a rain forest and only submit what needs updating like when you get a new passport
Bobby ********
Michael Dawson. Thanks!
Michael ********
@Bobby *******
Went to get my yellow house book and they do both same place same time.Copy and translation of passport.
Copy of Visa
Neighbour to come with you verify you live there. Copy there ID
Copy of House registration and ID of holder.
Photos of you at house with house number visible.
Did paperwork all signed etc done. Then get final signature from head of village (Poo Yai Ban)
He waa supposed to be there this morning but wasnt he has signed now so I go back at 15 00 hrs tomorrow get photo for ID and will all be issued
Eric *****
@Merv ******
Yes, one's own demeanor, energy, and mental frame affects everything one does. Merv *******
@Eric ****
i find all of Thai officials like Post Office are very smartly turned out and my gesture of respect is appreciated.And no hassle as practically rest of year dressed in shorts , sandles and casual short sleeve shirts .
Max *******
Try Taiwan or Vietnam
Mark ********
Went to get the 60 day Covid visas in Rayong yesterday. All good so far. Got 14 day under consideration stamps.
John *******
Get agency to do for you
John *******
Chaing mai immigration much more civilised and helpful
Lilith *****
Are you Chinese or American? Some immigration officials don't like foreigners very much. Last time I went to bangkok immigration, one old nasty lady said my pants were short and asked me to go shopping mall buy new pants then asked 6,500B tips. Nasty. So I came to Koh Samui today. Friendly staffs, many farangs wear sleeveless tops and shorts, no body says anything. I also saw an advertisement for ED visa only 24,900 B a year, if it works for you...
Jim **********
@Li *******
wait til you meet Samui Immigration .... 
Nigel *********
Take doughnuts next time.
Jamie ******
It would appear that all of the derogatory comments that have been posted on this page over the last 12 months have been noted. All the Bar stool philosophers that have forgotten that they are guests in Thailand, would appear to have worn out their welcome.
Where are all the Covid non believers now that the possibility of being sent" back home" to the land of the free is imminent? When Cambodia is a preferred option, what does that tell us?
Where are all the Covid non believers now that the possibility of being sent" back home" to the land of the free is imminent? When Cambodia is a preferred option, what does that tell us?
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
I am a little confused. From. your post it sounds like he went in for your 60 day Covid extension. If that’s the case, why do you have to go back in February? No problem getting the Covid extension here in Chiang Mai
Tod *********
@Edward *******
Chiang Rai does the 14 day under consideration stamp and then you go back to get the 60 day covid extension inked in
Kevin ***********
Just buy a different longer term visa instead of walking on eggshells every other month.
Hettie *******
@Kevin **********
how about elite visa?
Adrian *****************
Just go to another city or use an agent you won’t have these problems then,it’s more than likely that individuals views and not 1 of the system
Sergejs *********
Cambodia is low class uncomfortable cesspool (lived there 2+ years).
There is no SEA country available.
Hopefully, they will change a stance, or you can move in the meanwhile to other province of your liking, and with, hopefully, kindler IOs.
There is no SEA country available.
Hopefully, they will change a stance, or you can move in the meanwhile to other province of your liking, and with, hopefully, kindler IOs.
Billy *******
@Sergejs ********
Penoh Pen no good?Sergejs *********
@Billy ******
no, it's sXit vs Thailand in every sense. stay in Thailand, don't deliberately lower your life standard by moving to Cambodia.A *****
Go to bali .... easy and safe now
Steve **********
@A ****
I think closed, wish it were open, am in thailand
Jane ***********
Phil Jones totally
A *****
@Sergejs ********
im sorry ... i aslo stranded in thailand ... i lost direction ... A *****
Phil Jones i dont know about that ... how about hawai ?
Tom *********
Phil Jones You really shouldn’t spread disinformation about Hawaii.
A *****
Phil Jones i hear no need quarantine go to hawai !! I also searching about okinawa is safe ...! Too long in thailand make me lost my mind ... getting bored
Elle*****
@A ****
thailand ny dimana kak tinggalnya ?
Gordon ********
Out of interest how many extensions is that ?
Julian ************
OPJulian Tyler Lee
@Billy ******
Maybe the Marquette MBA teaches more risk tolerance than the MA in int'l affairs I got from there. 😜Billy *******
Billy *******
Old people die. False positives. Don't worry. You can go home or get a retirement visa.
Eric *****
You might get more love in a different Thai city, or by hiring an agent.
Stan *******
@Eric ****
if you want love in Thailand, buy a puppy. 
Darren **********
@Stan ******
Thais are usually really nice, maybe they'd rather have no money then a little Stan *******
@Darren ****************
usually, until they want something 
Matthew ******
Cambodia requires 2k USD deposit for quarantine. People are only getting around 400-500 returned. I have to leave because of my visa and was hoping for Thailand but it sounds like a similar system.
Julian ************
OP@Matthew *****
I wasn't even aware they started requiring a 14-day quarantine since the end of Nov., but knowing only several hundred $ are returned rather scratches it from the options. Thanks for the info.Matthew ******
Yeah there was an incident with the hungarian diplomats and some government staff family members bringing it back into the country and not self-isolating so now it is mandatory.
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