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What are the implications of the recent closure of immigration offices in Thailand for visa and extension applications?

Thai Immigration Visa Extensions Overstay Stamp Re-entry Permit COVID-19 Visa Rules NON-B Work Visa TR Visa Consequences

Jul 13, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

**ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS;

Especially the ones that didn't read the featured pinned thread announcing it :P   

ALL Immigrations offices in the country are closed until Monday the 18th (borders are open like normal).

**Please note; 

If you have a stamp that is expiring during this time that the immigration offices are closed and you show up at the immigration office on the 18th you will NOT be fined for overstay and can get your extension like normal (but you will get an overstay stamp in your passport that says; "overstay xxx days, fine waived due to holiday/closure".   **

**

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TLDR : Answer Summary

All immigration offices in Thailand are closed until Monday the 18th, but borders remain open. During this closure, if your visa stamp expires, you will not incur an overstay fine if you visit the immigration office on the 18th. However, you will receive an overstay stamp that notes the overstay period, with fines waived due to the holiday. Community comments discuss implications for overstaying, obtaining re-entry permits, and advice on timing for visa extensions.

Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sadly this thread (which I started so I get the notifications) is getting too hard to babysit.

This was ONLY to let you people know about the closure of the immigration offices until Monday.

Good luck with your visa/extension endeavors. We (as in me) are done 😛

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Carl *****

What's the consequence of an overstay stamp, for extending this time on a TR visa, as well as potentially looking at longer term or for returning again? Thanks

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James ********

NEVER PLAN TO OVERSTAY...

BUT IF it's ONLY due to the immigration office closed on holiday or weekend...

Then go to the immigration office first day it's OPEN...NO FINE.

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Carl *****

OK thanks. Yup wasn't my plan but the closed sign on the door yesterday made it such. I've got till he 17th, so will see them Monday. How bad is an overstay stamp (even if just 1 day, it's still a stamp there) for future visits or long term stays? Thanks 🙏

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Ellie *******

, You just wouldn't be able to apply for Thailand Elite (or Smart ) visa anywhere, or TR visa in one or two countries around South East Asia with an overstay stamp.

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Carl *****

do you happen to know which countries i can not now goto to get a Visa with an overstay stamp?

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Tod *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

okay right now the only consulate that USED to not issue a tourist visa if you had an overstay was the one in Penang Malaysia, but that was pre-covid-shit-show, so no one knows if they're still that way or not.

IF you are talking about just going Monday to get an extension because your stamp expires during the closure I'd say dial the paranoia back a notch or three. You'll be fine with that stamp in your passport, there has never been a single report that stamp caused the slightest difficulty entering the country OR getting a visa

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Graham ******

Thanks for the clarification, that's very interesting especially when some people tell others "just pay the 500B/day fine".

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Graham ******

I have a one day overstay stamp in my passport from years ago and it has never been questioned at any of my subsequent entries or extensions etc.

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James ********

do not worry. It will not deny you in your future visits or stays.

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Carl *****

Great, thanks 🙏

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Carl *****

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Harriet ***********

Hello - will this impact obtaining a re-entry permit at the airport over the weekend? Thank you.

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Ellie *******

@Harriet **********

, depends on your departure airport. If it's one of the airports in Bangkok, no problem.

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Harriet ***********

thanks so much 🙂

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Harriet ***********

thank you - I should have specified. I’m flying from Suvarnabhuni so hopefully will be ok 🤞🏼

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Ellie *******

@Harriet **********

, then you should be okay. The re-entry permit counter is open

****

at BKK.

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Ellie *******

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Kate ********

If I have to go to DMK to get an entry stamp fixed, am I still able to go over the weekend or do I need to wait until the 18th?

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Ellie *******

You can try on holidays. DMK is

****

airport

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Ellie *******

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Sean *******

What if your expiration is on the 24th. Can you still go on the 25th or is it recommended to go the Friday BEFORE the weekend begins?

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Ellie *******

, same logic, you can go on 25th to apply for a new extension, without overstay fine, still with overstay stamp. You cannot earn extra days by overstaying. Your new extension period includes overstaying days, not starting on the day of application after overstaying.

Of course, the recommendation is to go before the weekend, during you are still legally staying in Thailand.

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Sean *******

I was thinking to go that Friday before the 24th but it's so common that the extension law will change at the last possible moment. Not sure what to do.

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Ellie *******

, better go on Friday, unless you have reasons you cannot go beforehand or intentionally want to try overstay stamp. Laws haven't been changed for a long time.

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Sean *******

what I mean is they often push the end of the covid exception stamp on the day it's set to end. So I fear going on Friday, and then they allow the exption another month on the 25th. I have a Non B work visa in the works but I don't want the hastle of a few border bouncees if I can avoid it.

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Ellie *******

Then it's your decision. And you know, even if the program would 'renew' again, there is no assurance your application would be approved. Always be with plan B.

You don't have to pay a fine for overstaying doesn't mean you are staying legal until you get a stamp.

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Ellie *******

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