Answered6 years ago
What are the options for tourist visa holders stuck in Thailand after July 31st?
Hello group!
I'm checking what is the situation of tourist visa holders stuck in Thailand and what are the options for them to stay after July 31st. I've seen some companies are offering 1 year volunteer visa as a solution for those, who don't wont to wait for decisions whether amnesty will be extended. Has anyone here used it? Is it legally possible ot get this type of visa without leaving the country and use if without any hassle/risk?
I'm checking what is the situation of tourist visa holders stuck in Thailand and what are the options for them to stay after July 31st. I've seen some companies are offering 1 year volunteer visa as a solution for those, who don't wont to wait for decisions whether amnesty will be extended. Has anyone here used it? Is it legally possible ot get this type of visa without leaving the country and use if without any hassle/risk?
Answer summary
The discussion centers on the situation of tourist visa holders in Thailand facing uncertainty after the July 31 deadline. Options such as a volunteer visa and education visa are explored, with mixed opinions on their legality and feasibility. Some commenters suggest that switching visa types without leaving the country is possible but involves more paperwork. The government may extend the visa amnesty, but confirmation is pending. Additionally, concerns about repatriation flights and the complications they entail for those unable to return directly to their home cities are raised. Overall, those inquiring are advised to keep an eye on updates from the government and immigration offices.
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Gabriela ********
Li ****
No for volunteer visa you still need to leave Thailand first, I asked one of the foundations.
Martin **************
@Li ***
wrongLi ****
@Martin *************
ok which foundation are you with without having to leave
Joe **********
The government gave you time under the amnesty to sort your travel out when it expires, it's not a wild card to stay longer...
Kacper *********
OP@Joe *********
thanks. I wasn’t aware until you wrote it. But for real, the purpose of visa amnesty is clear. For some reasons, staying here longer for a month or two it’s better than coming back for many different reasons.
I just want to know the possibilities and options; If I’m gonna use it or not, it’s another story.
Joe **********
@Kacper ********
the only option to give you peace of mind would have been to book (or stil book) a flight out under the amnesty arrangements, no one knows what will happen on it before the 31st if July but so far the info has been that everyone overstaying their entry or extension stamp is on overstay without pay or consequences - which is great - so, again, the government gave or gives everyone time under the amnesty to arrange their departures to their home countries if there are no other options available for those individuals.
Mongkon ***********
FYI, Elite Visa was introduced more than 15 years ago at 2 M.baht with discounted golfing fees and free limo pick up at airport. No limit entry and exit from Thailand, priority fast lane at immigration. Lifelong visa.Things have since changed,lower pricing and no frills and reduced visa lifespan. At the start, Elite visa was a failure but continued lethargically. X-PM Taksin's idea of Elite. He had hoped of attracting 1M applicants and 2 B baht for the treasury.Well, there's your story of Elite.
Steven ****************
it was actually free golf and spas
Mongkon ***********
when it was first mooted There were many other perks too at its maiden introduction. Am not bothered to list them.You might want to check if you were shortchanged. The introductory period was loaded with goodies.Since you fly a lot, I assume, Elite then gave you free access to VIP lounge at the airport (DonMuang)
Mongkon ***********
The then PM suggested a price of 2 M and then dropped it to 1 M. I am not here to impress, just giving background info on Elite
Bobby ********
And meanwhile the wealthy Chinese are getting Thai Elite visas
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Rob ******
Yes the mall owners are thrilled
Bruce *****************
@Bobby *******
that’s ok western people can do the sameBobby ********
@Bruce ****************
. They can, but they don't. But I expect we'll see a spike when the amnesty finishes! 
Alan *******
@Bobby *******
that's true, as long you have 500k to spare, rightBobby ********
@Alan ******
. That's very true, but they're the easiest visa you can get from amnesty. The days of border bouncing and visa runs are over, certainly for the short to medium term, so an Elite does offer some securityAlan *******
@Bobby *******
why? Unless you're wealthy they're pointless, just glorified tourist visas with 1-2 fringe benefits thrown in. If you're over 50 they're pretty much a waste of money
Frank ******
All can be done for $$$
David **********
I thought there are repatriation flights to your home country, right?
Wendy *******
Robert Moon 😞
Wendy *******
@David *********
no all country is open. I’m from japan, they have flights to capital , first need to 14 days quarantine, second no flight to my home city. And it’s a island no train no bus can reach there. If Im force to fly back to homecountry, I’ll have to spend money on accommodation at the capital before things open up. David **********
@Wendy ******
But you can still fly back, right?Wendy *******
@Bobby *******
thanks . Bobby ********
@Wendy ******
. Australians have been repatriated to cities thousands of kilometres from their "home town". I agree with Robert Moon, the Thais if they want you out MIGHT PERHAPS go back to the embassy letters which stated you cannot get back to your home COUNTRY. No-one knows what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks, but do get a Plan B in place. Overstay is not prettyWendy *******
@David *********
yes but not to my home city. Will be stuck in Tokyo 
Reiner *********
Well As your Visa Or stamp will be expired no Chance to Change IT here in the Country ....and wait Till the Government will give more Information about this ...For correct informations go to an immigration office ....I would not trust agents who offer ....
Carlos ********
Ok. First of all, it was always legally possible to switch visa type without leaving the country, it just requires more paperwork so it was just easier to get it outside of the country prior to all this.
Volunteer visas are a real thing but obviously caveat emptor and make sure its a legit offer.
Other options include getting an edu visa.
Additionally the govt may extend amnesty, but dont expect confirmation of it until the 11th and a
If I am incorrect on any points anyone feel free to update me, this is all accurate to the best of my knowledge
Volunteer visas are a real thing but obviously caveat emptor and make sure its a legit offer.
Other options include getting an edu visa.
Additionally the govt may extend amnesty, but dont expect confirmation of it until the 11th and a
***
hour.If I am incorrect on any points anyone feel free to update me, this is all accurate to the best of my knowledge
Wendy *******
@Carlos *******
not from non b visa to tourist.. Carlos ********
@Wendy ******
thats my understanding as well that you can convert tourist to Non B but not vice versa. One poster stated that amnesty cannot be converted and if so they are illegal backdoor deals. Ive heard otherwise but cannot say for sure conclusively.Wendy *******
Tod *********
Depending on the immigration office you need at LEAST 15 to 21 days left on a VALID entry stamp from a 30 day visa exempt entry, a 60 day tourist visa entry or an extension from one of those to apply for an in country 90 day Non-Imm visa. That's because the application goes under consideration for a period of time before you go back and get it inked into your passport and you need REAL days left on your stamp to do that..
Tod *********
you can't get ANY in country 90 day Non-Immigrant visa issued from an immigration office once you go on amnesty.
ANYONE who IS getting those stamps for people is doing it by the back door, or under the table
ANYONE who IS getting those stamps for people is doing it by the back door, or under the table
Carlos ********
@Tod ********
source?Carlos ********
That was a long “ no” but thx anyway you do sound like you know what your talking about so cheers for info 😊
Tod *********
Sorry,
@Car***
you'd have to slog on out to Chaengwattana Immigration office, walk up to section C-1 <- the section that issues in country Non-Immigrant Type visas and ask if you can get a Non-Imm visa from amnesty. Carlos ********
@Tod ********
I understand what you are saying , I was asking if you have any official or semi official source of this ( web link)?Tod *********
@Carlos *******
Bangkok requires at least 15 days left on a 30 day visa exempt entry a 60 day tourist visa entry OR a 30 day extension from one of those to apply for ANY in country Non-Immigrant type visa. That's because your application goes "under consideration" for 14 days before you go back to get the 90 day stamp and the new Non-Imm visa inked in Chiang Mai requires 21 days minimum to do it because their under consideration period is 20 days.
NO immigration office will issue in country Non-Imm visas from an amnesty stamp.
Reiner *********
@Carlos *******
depending on the "rest of days " you have on this tourist visa, if under 15 days NOT and as under this rule that allow you to stay longer NOT as well because expired ....
Andy *****
Yep
Yam ***************************
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