Answered6 years ago
What are the latest updates on visa extensions at Phuket Immigration Office for Non-O visa holders?
An update on Phuket Immigration Office. I went in today to get the 60 day extension based on marriage to a Thai national on my ME Non O visa and was told the extension is valid from today. When i showed them the official announcement from the immigration department stating that all extension types will be effective from the 27th September, I was told that this had now changed. I was advised to come back closer to the 26th September if i wanted to maximise my stay. I took their advice.
Answer summary
Recent experiences at the Phuket Immigration Office reveal confusion regarding the effective date for 60-day extensions based on marriage to a Thai national. Though an official announcement stated that extensions from August 1 to September 26 would take effect from September 27, officials suggested applicants return closer to that date to maximize their stay. The conversation among expats discusses different immigration office practices, adherence to official rules, and the pressures faced by immigration staff. Users shared their experiences and sought guidance on the official announcement for clarity.
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Irina **********
So sounds like at the end of September there will be another major rally of humans trying to extend their visas ... not sure the logic here
Wade ****
@Nick ***********
was this your first or second extension on your current non-o multi visa?Tod *********
@Wade ***
, here's how those 60 day visit family extensions work. They can be gotten for being married to a thai or for having half thai children. SOME immigration offices allow you to get it once per entry on a visa (meaning you could get the 60 day extension on EVERY 90 day entry from a Non-O visa)BUT
SOME immigration offices allow you to get it once per VISA (meaning you can get the 60 day extension once on any 90 day entry and then you're done until you go buy a new visa)
IF you got a 60 day visit thai family extension since the last time you entered the country you cannot get another one.
Wade ****
plus phuket is where I am too.
Wade ****
@Benjamin *****
yes i know this is the OFFICIAL rule, but im wondering for people like myself that used the extension at the beginning of the pandemic. Maybe there is leniency in these times. Thats why im asking.Wade ****
Benjamin Hays I just read your comment again..."he can only get one 60 day extension of stay based on visiting Thai family, and one extension of stay based on marriage"
did you mean based on family OR marriage?
I am married with kids. Your comment sounds like its possible for 2.
did you mean based on family OR marriage?
I am married with kids. Your comment sounds like its possible for 2.
Wade ****
@Benjamin *****
agreed, which is why I asked and we go to the same office. Seems like each office has their own rule interpretations.Wade ****
@Benjamin *****
Ok so if I have a Non O Multi, and used 1 extension already... since I have wife and 2 kids, I should be fine to get a second 60day extension if they dont extend the amnesty?That would be a huge relief for me since border runs are out of the question.
Paul ********
Samui same 🤦♂️
Ray *******
Same. Phuket Immigration said the extension would be effective immediately and recommended to come back closer to Sept 26. Unfortunately
Ange ********
@Ray ******
that’s so stupid. the offices are gonna be overrun. i don’t get what the reasoning here is.Ange ********
can someone please post the official announcement/document? i’m in the same boat in chiang mai and was going to try immigration tmw
Ange ********
@Robert ******
ah yes thanks, do you happen to have the thai one as well? perhaps my thai husband showing it may help hahaAnge ********
Robert *******
@Ange *******
On their website **************************************************
ครม-เห็นชอบร่างประกาศ-มท&portfolioCats=45
Mike *******
I just returned from Chaengwattana where I extended my stay 60 days based on marriage and received permission to stay until November 25th.
Wade ****
Was this your first extension based on marriage on the visa or 2nd?
Mike *******
@Wade ***
it was my first. Entered on Non-O (Marriage) Feb 23 and in May was covered under Amnesty. My passport since expired and got my new passport so today I had stamps transferred and extended at the same time. Wade ****
Mike Green thanks, and happy to hear you got your extension. :)
Ryan ********
I went to immigration for the same extension and was told the same thing OP was told.
Christian *******
Glad I just went and did 12 month non o extension
I knew they wouldnt dated from 28th September onward
I knew they wouldnt dated from 28th September onward
Tod *********
just had a friend at Chaengwattana get his yearly extension based on retitrement this week and his current extension expires on the 5th of Sept and his new extension was dated as expiring on the 26th of Sept. <- meaning they started this recent yearly extension on the 27th of Sept the day AFTER this amnesty ends
Christian *******
Henrik ****
Unfortunately, it has become kind of normal to see immigration officers and offices mixing up the rules. Seems like they feel like being under a lot of pressure from BKK to be tough on foreigners. If you claim your rights or file an appeal, things might only get worse as you make them lose face. The best way is usually just to be humble and say thank you... :-)
Tod *********
Sorry
NOW that you wouldn't want to do it doesn't mean you can't do it, only that you won't do it.
@Henrik ***
, but that is a fail on too many levels for me to let slide by. There is NOTHING wrong with saying you want to appeal a decision (it is a right you have as a person requesting a visa or extension), AND there is nothing wrong with proving them wrong and making them actually issue a visa/extension using the real requirements not ones pulled out of their back side.NOW that you wouldn't want to do it doesn't mean you can't do it, only that you won't do it.
Henrik ****
@Tod ********
, it is your choice, but the problem is that almost all immigration laws have a clause saying "up to the officer of the day". Suddenly this clause applies, and things start to get real complicated. Tod *********
well, at least you tried (y) (they're wrong though) the rule clearly states that every extension gotten from Aug 1st until Sept 26th will be dated as starting from the 27th.
Thanx for the update though, at least they'll issue it so that's a plus
Thanx for the update though, at least they'll issue it so that's a plus
Sean *************
The Phuket office is terrible for making their own policies, ignoring ones announced by Bangkok.
Kool *******
I just read Ethel Ramone's post from Chiang Mai, and she was told the same thing there, it would be dated from the date she applies, not the end of the amnesty period.
Tod *********
@Kool ******
yep, seems that different offices are taking a different interpretation of the actual rule :( I hate when they do that :(
Nick ************
OP@Tod ********
I actually approached another officer on my way out of the office for clarification, and she also confirmed what I had been told earlier.Tod *********
@Nick ***********
i wonder what would have happened if you had told them you wanted to file a written appeal. There is no change to the rule, it's clear in what it says in thai and in engrish too. NOW whether your immigration office wants to follow it (without you threatening to file an appeal) is another story :(
Nick ************
OP@Tod ********
I think i'd rather wait than push their boundaries. Thanks for the timely reply, Tod.Activity
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