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What are the rules for obtaining COVID extensions for Non-Immigrant visa holders in Thailand?

Feb 14, 2022
4 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Attention ALL Members on Covid Extensions.

The new 60 day covid extension program in effect from Jan 26th to March 25th specifically states that anyone who was on a Non-Immigrant visa/extension of ANY type (O, ED, B, etc) and went to covid extensions can no longer apply for one.

It doesn't matter if you entered the country on the Non-Imm visa or got it in country ONCE you had one you're done as far as getting another covid extension

AND

If you're going to go to the immigration office all they'll sell you is that "7 day application for extension not approved" (the stamp of death) <- I call it that because ONCE you take that stamp you're done, and you will leave thailand in a week.

There is no agent/agency or anyone that can undo that stamp once you get it stamped in.

So what that means IS, if you held or hold a Non-Imm visa and you want a covid extension 'by exploring alternate means ;)' do NOT take that 7 day stamp and start looking for those alternate means BEFORE your current stamp runs out. :) <- that is the closest the group can come to telling you to start googling, pounding the phones, posting in other groups to see if you can find an 'alternate means' to get a covid extension.

Right now the only people who qualify for another covid extension are people who entered on a visa exempt OR tourist visa entry and then went to covid extensions from one of those.

Please note, this group is a no agency/no agent group and we go out of our way to discourage the use of people/places like that

BUT

when this new covid program started it became apparent that a LOT of people on Non-Imm visas were caught out. That's why I thought I'd give you people some pointers about it.

Good Luck everyone, (y)

This is what that 7 day 'get outta dodge' stamp looks like. Unless you're fixing to leave in a week DO NOT TAKE IT because once you do you WILL have to leave.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The new COVID extension rules in Thailand state that anyone on a Non-Immigrant visa (O, ED, B, etc.) who has previously taken a COVID extension cannot apply for another one. Those who entered Thailand with a visa exempt or tourist visa can still qualify for extensions. Once a '7-day application for extension not approved' stamp is received at the immigration office, it is final, forcing the individual to leave Thailand within a week. This announcement serves as a critical warning for Non-Immigrant visa holders to explore alternative options before applying for any extension.
Ahmad *******
So just to make sure, only those who entered the country on TR or visa exemption can get the last COVID extension yeah?
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Jon *************
I talked to an immigration officer about this as my covid extension ends March 7. He advised get a letter from my embassy for- unable to travel?-(U.S Embassy) to extend my Stay as In teaching and final exams at my school start March 7 and would like another week or two to finish my grades to turn in before I leave. Would anyone know if it’s still possible to get a letter for unable to travel?
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Nikita ********
@Jon ************
almost the same question. For all members of the community.

30 days exemption stamp, the last day on march 20, possible to receive covid extension for 60days on this day (20 march) or since that day my overstay starts? Thank you, folks
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James ********
@Nikita *******
apply before your current stamp expires. Good Luck
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James ********
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Ellie *******
@Jon ************
US embassy doesn't issue an "unable to travel" letter for the Covid situation.

What you may be able to try is, asking your embassy to issue the letter stating specifically detail of your situation and ask for your extension to the Immigration office.
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Ellie *******
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Finn ******
What is the maximum to get covid extension stamp because I know some had tourist visa since June 2020 and still in Thailand ?
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Ellie *******
@Rover *****
the "limit" of a number of Covid extension applications is not set. But if you have been in Thailand with Covid extensions such long time, be prepared with Plan B before you try next.
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Ellie *******
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Sergio *******
@Tod ********
those "7 days dead stamps" are given starting the day the extension is denied or start to count the day after the date one have in the valid extension stamp as expire date?
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Ellie *******
@Sergio ******
depends on the Immigration office/officer, but in most cases it would start on the day of application (denied).
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Sergio *******
@Ellie ******
yes I heard some cases like that and thought it's surreal
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Sergio *******
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Way **********
So people who arrived visa exempt or tourist visas status are reporting that they can still receive a Covid 60-day extension?
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Aiara *****************
Being a Brazilian citizen (bilateral agreement), I did one "regular" extension and 2 covid extensions - am I eligible for the new covid extension?
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Aiara *****************
@Marcel **********
that's what I thought...
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Marcel ***********
@Aiara ****************
better go ask at immigration as they didn’t say anything about it
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Aiara *****************
@Marcel **********
yeah, I'm 2h away for the immigration office, so I figured to ask here first. Information seems to be more clear in this group than when I try to talk to the officers😅
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Marcel ***********
@Aiara ****************
me avisa no privado
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Marcel ***********
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Brandon *****
Well written,
@Tod ********
. Informative and helpful…
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Stéphanie ********
Very well explained 👏
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Gibson ******
Does this apply to stv?
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Gibson ******
@Benjamin *****
Does it cost money to get the 7 day stamp?
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Benjamin ******
@Gibson *****
yes. It costs 1,900 THB, the same price as a regular extension of stay
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Benjamin ******
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Roman *********
Thank you for the help! Best group in the universe for this kind of matters
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Nippanut ***************
What about non-immigrant visa holder who never applies for covid extension before? I assume cannot based on the annoucement
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Robert *******
@Nippanut **************
You apply for the Extension of Stay based on the same reason as the visa is issued,

There is no option to apply for the 60 days due to unable to travel.
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James ********
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Nippanut ***************
@James *******
@Robert ******
Thanks both. It is clear.
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Nippanut ***************
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Shaun ********
What about STV VISA HOLDERS ?
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Shaun ********
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Shaun ********
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Von *************
Is it possible to make a Visa Run at Laos by Car and receive a normal TR Visa incl. Test and Go afterwards? Or is the only way by airplane? Thanks for any advice
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Von *************
Thanks again! Do you know if there will be problems to apply for the Thai Pass if I make a boarder run just for one night? Is this legal?
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Von *************
Thank you
@Todd ********
, Benjamin and Dhrvee for all the replies. Would you have any recommendations how to make a boarder run by plane? Maybe one night in Singapore?
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Todd *********
@Von ************
singapore yes. Cambodia also possible now. The challenge of a quick turnaround ‘border run’ is getting back into Thailand quickly.
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Todd *********
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Benjamin ******
@Von ************
the land borders are closed.
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Xjwhudkwhry ********
@Von ************
Land borders are closed
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Xjwhudkwhry ********
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Todd *********
Good public service announcement!
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Milan ********
hi, can you get 7 days denied stamp also after under consideration stamp? or not likely and they stamp you 7 days on first apply?
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James ********
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Joe ********
Oh my! Someone actually succeeded commenting before the commenting was turned off!!!???
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Joe ********
@Barry ***********
Did you have a crowbar for breakfast? Loosen up a bit. And try to have a sence of humour.
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Barry ************
@Joe *******
You're obviously trolling...and that crowbar was delicious.
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Joe ********
@Barry ***********
Yes - and no. And glad to hear.
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Joe ********
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Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Now now
@Joe *******
, there's no need for rancor 🙁 While you are owed no explanation I will indulge you (and other curious people) and let you know why we close commenting.

We used to let the comments be open and then what ended up happening was a person would get the correct information then a well meaning but clueless poster would put up wrong info and start the whole thread over again. They just ended up going in circles so we decided seeing as visa/extension information is SO specific in the answers that once someone got the correct answer we'd close the posts.

ANYONE can message a moderator/admin and request a post be opened again IF you feel you have some valuable information to add to it
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James ********
@Joe *******
would you like commenting closed ? We are most accomodating.
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James ********
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Dirk **************
Thank you! As usual great advice
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Dirk **************
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