Answered6 years ago
What are the latest updates on Thailand's amnesty extension for visa holders?
Looks like it's on the immigration website now (in 11 languages) SO I'd say the amnesty extension until the 26th of Sept is official (even though it's still not been published in the Royal Gazette or signed by Prayuth)
Answer summary
The amnesty for visa holders in Thailand has been officially extended until September 26, as indicated on the immigration website, which now supports 11 languages. Individuals on short-term visas who require an extension must either leave the country by this date or provide documentation from their embassy or a doctor to justify their inability to leave. Additionally, all 90-day reporting deadlines that were missed between March 26 and July 31 must be fulfilled by August 31.
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A-I-*****
At least it isn't only Thai and Chinese. 🤣 Sad it took them this long. Especially after we offered to do everything for free for them including QR code visas... MORE secure systems... all for free 🤪
Terary **********
As I read that. Get your Visa situation straightened out by September 26 or get out of dodge.
Philip **********
If it’s not published in the Royal Gazette. It’s NOT official!
Felix ****
@Philip *********
It was even published on the official PR Thailand page. There is no doubt it will appear on the Gazette soon, otherwise huge face loss.Philip **********
@Felix **********
It HAS to be published in the Royal Gazette FIRST. Thai people don’t care about saving face.
Tod *********
OPI concur
@Roger *******
, thai culture seems to be fixated on "gaining face", "giving face", "saving face" and doing everything in your power (including lying thru your teeth) not to "lose face".
Roger ********
@Philip *********
"Thai people don’t care about saving face." ??? Seriously? Do you live here? Tod *********
OP@Philip *********
gear down big shifter :O It is as good as done. What we are waiting for is the Police Order from the Thai Immigration office that spells out the exact terms of the amnesty and the things associated with it AND as you pointed out the royal Gazette publication after Prayuth signs it. 
Chris *********
@Philip *********
in my experience Thai people care EVERYTHING about saving face Don ******
If I understand correctly, means you can apply and still enjoy the full grace period, since the clock won’t start ticking on any new extensions or visas until Sep 27. This MIGHT incentivize everyone to apply sooner rather than later.
Ivan ************
It says "all extensions" but it's in the (2) long term section, so possibly is all long term extensions only. I wonder if it applies to the short term extensions.
Don ******
@Ivan ***********
good point, probably not a good idea to assume otherwise. I didn’t pick up on that...
Kamonwan **************
Michael *********
Of the 11 languages displayed, French (other than English) represents a European language instead of Spanish or Russian.
Michael *********
@Joe **********
You elaborated tirelessly on a no-brainer. Thanks anyway.Did you understand what I was getting at?
Joe ***********
@Michael *****
- Not a no brainer to some who commented on this thread... Joe ***********
English tops all languages in the world as the chosen second language. Throughout Thailand information signs of many sorts are in Thai and English.. Same throughout SEA... Second language is English not French, not Spanish, etc. (exception Vietnam French still has a heavy influence)
The language of international aviation is English.
If a Thai person can speak - read or write any non SEA language, it will be English. Expat Farangs adopt English to communicate with other Expats from other countries - especially in a group - regardless of their country of origin.
In 2014 with the Malaysian lost Airliner tragedy the many news conferences were conducted in English even though the greater majority of passengers were Chinese... News correspondents asked questions in English even if they were from France, Spain, Norway, China, etc., etc, etc. The list is very long.
The language of international aviation is English.
If a Thai person can speak - read or write any non SEA language, it will be English. Expat Farangs adopt English to communicate with other Expats from other countries - especially in a group - regardless of their country of origin.
In 2014 with the Malaysian lost Airliner tragedy the many news conferences were conducted in English even though the greater majority of passengers were Chinese... News correspondents asked questions in English even if they were from France, Spain, Norway, China, etc., etc, etc. The list is very long.
Joaquina ****************
@Michael *****
, exactly, when also Spanish is the SECOND language with the most speakers in the world !!!!Michael *********
@Michael *******
How many Spanish-, Russian- & French-speaking tourists visit Thailand each year?All three languages are officially used in the UN.
Michael ********
@Michael *****
yes but olympics red cross etc etc French is the one there with English. The Francophones still have lots of influence.*********************************************************************************
Michael ********
@Michael *****
that fairly normal worldwideTod *********
OPThese are the things it appears to say
-Amnesty has been extended until the 26th of Sept
-if you haven't sorted out a way to stay by then you need to prepare to depart on or before that day
OR
get a letter from your embassy stating why you can't leave and apply for an extension
OR
get a letter from a doctor stating why you can't leave and apply for an extension
AND
It says anyone who was supposed to do 90 day reporting but didn't do it from Mar 26 to July 31st now has from Aug 1 to Aug 31 to go file one
-Amnesty has been extended until the 26th of Sept
-if you haven't sorted out a way to stay by then you need to prepare to depart on or before that day
OR
get a letter from your embassy stating why you can't leave and apply for an extension
OR
get a letter from a doctor stating why you can't leave and apply for an extension
AND
It says anyone who was supposed to do 90 day reporting but didn't do it from Mar 26 to July 31st now has from Aug 1 to Aug 31 to go file one
Ivan ************
As predicted, if you are on a short term visa and want/need to stay beyond Sept 26, you need to apply for an extension with a letter from your embassy.
Don ******
@Ivan ***********
“...you must have a letter from your embassy that says so and provide the letter to Immigration by September 26th at the latest.” This will be a problem for those who are unable to convince their embassy to help them. Some embassies will grant a non-emergency appointment after much back-and-forth, but you have to push them (eg, US Embassy in BKK). Ivan ************
I note it says absolutely nothing about people on ME non-immigrant visas other than point (2) suggesting they will have to meet the criteria for a regular extension. That's really going to screw a lot of people over if there is nothing being done for them.
Tod *********
OPI like the "prepare to depart" bit :P
Philip **********
@Tod ********
Hi Tod. I just watched the briefing from Friday. He stated the visa amnesty is extended until August 31. Why wasn’t the September 26 date reported?
Zabel ******************
Tod Daniels
You scare me are we not talking about the same immigration who has since their entrance on the www only has been in Thai been in Thai but now they show of with whole 11 language 🤔
You scare me are we not talking about the same immigration who has since their entrance on the www only has been in Thai been in Thai but now they show of with whole 11 language 🤔
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