Answered4 years ago

What are the options for expats refused entry due to visa extension regulations in Thailand?

Visa Extensions COVID Visa Regulations TM30 Registration Phuket Immigration Rules Immigration Advice Expats in Thailand

asked May 20, 2022

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Hello, I've just been refused entry at Laksi Square immigration queue. I've been doing covid extensions in Phuket for the last few months, and moved to Bangkok 1 month ago. I have TM30 registered in Bangkok, but they insisted we have to go do the extension in phuket (obviously impossible) saying its a "new regulation". Is this actually true? I have friends that did 1 extension in phuket and then 1 in koh samui recently. What are my options now? Thank you!

Answer summary

The user was refused entry at Laksi Square while trying to extend their visa. They've been living in Phuket and recently moved to Bangkok, having their TM30 registered in Bangkok. However, immigration insisted they return to Phuket for their extension, citing a new regulation. The discussion highlights options such as traveling back to Phuket for the extension by May 24, considering traveling to a neighboring country, or flying abroad. Additional comments mention the need for TM30 filing if returning to Phuket and suggest that many are now using cross-border trips or visa runs due to changing immigration policies.

9 repliesnewest first

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Ellie *******

Time to be closed. OP got her answer. We don't do poll who did that.

4 years ago

Steve ********

A neighbour went to Laksi two days ago for another covid extension, and was given a seven days to leave stamp. i think they're done. Land borders have been opening the last week, airlines are flying full schedules, realistically anyone saying they are "unable to travel due to covid" is taking the mickey out of immigration, and they might just be getting their backs up. Have another plan. Go do a border bounce or a visa run and reset your clock.

4 years ago

Ryan ********

Before they do the extension you might have to file a TM30 in Phuket if you go back.

If you get an under consideration stamp ask them if you can send someone else to get the final stamp.

4 years ago

Robert *******

Options are: travel to Phuket to apply before 24 May for the Extension of Stay based on being unable to travel.

OR

Visit a neighbor country as land borders are open

OR

Fly to another country as airports are open.

4 years ago

James ********

What kind of visa... if any... did you first enter Thailand with?

Alice **********

visa exemption

James ********

you could try one more time on Monday in Bangkok ...but Tuesday is last day possible.

Or go to Jomtien Pattaya before Tuesday...check into hotel this weekend.. get screenshot of the tm30 from the hotel and try making COVID extension app on Monday at Jomtien.

4 years ago

James ********

@Alice *********

then return to Phuket. The advise of optionsgiven you by

@Robert ******

are correctly stated.

4 years ago

James ********

Return to Phuket and apply for the COVID extension by May 24th

4 years ago