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Answered6 years ago

What are the updates regarding Thailand's visa extensions starting September 27th?

Thai Immigration Visa Extension Amnesty Program Non-O Visa Tourist Visa ED Visa

Tod *********

OP

asked Sep 4, 2020

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ATTENTION MEMBERS:

This announcement by the Immigration Office (in thai :/ ) states that extensions for visas of ALL kinds will be effective starting on the 27th of Sept (the day after this amnesty ends).

It also say you can go apply from now until the 26th and your extension will be dated from the 27th. 

SO if you're getting grief from your office stating that "your extension isn't covered" or some other lame, knee jerk b/s excuse, show them this print out. It might not work BUT it should :)

And here's the english version thanx to Alex...

Answer summary

The Immigration Office of Thailand announced that extensions for all visa types will take effect on September 27th, following the conclusion of an amnesty period. Individuals can apply for extensions until September 26th, but the effective date of the extension will retroactively start from the 27th. There are clarifications regarding eligibility for extensions depending on the type of visa and specific circumstances, such as whether or not an applicant has previously utilized a 30-day extension during the amnesty. The community discussion highlights various interpretations and experiences with local immigration offices, underlining the inconsistency in applying these rules.

101 repliesnewest first

40

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Ümit ********

Ümit ********

It doesn't work like this announcement. Here each office writes different issues. I applied with the letter from the embassy. Thay started my 2-month extension visa from apply day

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

there is no 2 month extension based on an embassy letter:/

What did you get that extension for AND when did you apply for it ?

0

Casa ********

Casa ********

I renewed my OA 1 year visa yesterday. Immigration officer himself was confused whether to start date from yesterday or from 27th Sept. when he asked his lady supervisor she told to start from yesterday itself not 27th. So you see each immigration office might be taking decision in accordance to their understanding

2

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

, when was your current stamp expiring? If it was between Aug 1st and Sept 26th you should have gotten a year extension dated until Sept 26th 2021..

0

Casa ********

Casa ********

I think it had expired in May. So I guess it is fine that they have extended from 11 Sept instead 27th Sept - not much of a difference anyways

0

Gregor **********

Gregor **********

. . . you didn't "renew a visa". You got a 1-year extension of stay permit. It has nothing to do with the amnesty, so your extension starts with the day you apply for

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Gregor *********

actually extensions that expire between the 1st of Aug and the 26th of Sept DO fall under this amnesty and should be dated from the 27th.

A friend was at Chaengwattana two weeks ago with an extension expiring on the 5th of Sept, and his new yearly extension was dated good until the 26th of Sept 2021 :(

0

Jo ****

Jo ****

thank you for keeping us informed

and team

1

Chris *****

Chris *****

I applied for ED Visa and the school sent my passport to the IM which I should get back on Wednesday, they will then forward papers to MOE. Question, since this will take approx. 2-3 to process, is there a possibility that I will fall into overstay if it takes longer for them to process my ED Visa? In that case, I might need to extend with 30 days in order to obtain legal status until I have my ED Visa on my passport. I did however mention this to the school, but they said I won't fall into overstay. I have not done any 30 extension prior amnesty.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

you need to be talking to your school, as not one person on this group can tell you what to do but them.

2

Maik **********

Maik **********

My extension started 27 august and i asked shy and they only said no reason just start today. Very unfriendly. Was 60days visit thai family when on amnesty and had tourist as last visa

0

Maik **********

Maik **********

What do you mean by challenge?

0

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

@Maik *********

Show them the handout, and if they still say no, file an appeal. Which immigration office where you using?

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Maik *********

you should have told them you wanted to file a written appeal, OR if they were standing firm on the extension starts the date you file for it you should have told them to cancel it and you'd come back closer to this amnesty running out

1

Maik **********

Maik **********

@Benjamin *****

jomtien in pattaya

2

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

@Maik *********

why didn't you challenge it?

0

Damian *********

Damian *********

Try telling smat Prakan immigration that. Went yesterday and they wouldn’t have it! They said come back 26th if I want the visa extension to start from 26th! Was there 4 hours!

2

Michael ********

Michael ********

@Damian ********

That's because each office can do what they want.

3

Kamonwan **************

Kamonwan **************

@Damian ********

same like Phuket

0

Damian *********

Damian *********

@Kamonwan *************

I spoke to the boss and she told me to wait maybe get another automatic extension. I tried to say that the Thai immigration advice and showed them the press releases wouldn’t have it! And they told me because I live in smat Prakan the Bangkok office won’t deal with me. So will be a cluster on the 25th as the 26th is a Saturday.

3

Shiela ****************

Shiela ****************

Katherine Rubiales Zorilla Oliveros

1

Bill *******

Bill *******

My education visa expires September 24. Will I be able to apply for 30 more days once I’m on amnesty?

1

Bill *******

Bill *******

Thank you

0

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

On September24, you will go on the automatic amnesty, which is valid until September 26. If you want to stay longer, you will either need:

1. a letter from your embassy saying you can't return to your home country. NOT all countries are issuing these letters, and so far immigration has not approved of any.

2. A letter from your doctor saying you can't travel due to health reasons. Getting this approved is difficult.

3. Another extension of stay that you qualify for.

See attached.

Applying for an extension of stay is 1,900 THB, and there is no promise that you would be approved.

1

Alex *******

Alex *******

6

Kareem *********

Kareem *********

So, i'm was on visa exemption before amnesty and still didn't use my 30 extension, does that mean I can extend my visa exemption now?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

it means you can GO to the immigration office you used and SEE if they will allow you to get the "regular" 30 day extension you didn't get yet. Some are and some aren't. IF they say no you can't get it your only option would be to get the embassy letter and ask for the 30 day can't travel due to covid extension

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

Okay, listen up, there seems to be some confusion about this post. It does NOT change anything on the latest amnesty decree.

in fact it specifically states in the english in the amnesty decree image that immigrations put up that extensions will start from the date amnesty ends,

BUT

some offices aren't doing that so I posted this (in thai) so you could take it in with you just in case your office wants to start your extension from the date you apply for it and not from the 27th.

Sorry if my posts seem rough, coarse, terse or demeaning. I mean no disrespect in any way shape or form to people with my answers and you're free to ask questions.

I just don't want people to read anything in to this post that isn't there.

This is only an announcement that says extensions applied for during this last amnesty will start on the 27th, that's it

6

Viesturs *********

Viesturs *********

I went to immigration yesterday to extend my nonb visa with letter from embassy and they counted my extension from yesterday, that’s from 8th september til 6th october, 1900 baht

0

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

@Viesturs ********

Did you ask them to change the date to the 27th?

0

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

@Viesturs ********

You can try

0

Viesturs *********

Viesturs *********

@Benjamin *****

I didn’t. Was happy letter from embassy got accepted, so didn’t want to ask nothing. Should I go and ask for correction?

0

Craig **********

Craig **********

Tod Daniels I am on extension of stay under retirement (have been for last 5 years). I am currently stranded in Philippines since Feb. My extension expires 19 Nov 2020. Does this notice apply to me or am I shafted!!!

0

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

This does not apply to you. IF the borders reopen by November 19, you should be able to enter and return to Thailand.

1

Craig **********

Craig **********

@Benjamin *****

IF!! 😂🤣

1

Nina ******

Nina ******

Non b extension as well? Since we can’t do border runs?

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

All you can do is get a letter from your consulate asking for the 30 day unable to travel extension OR as immigration stated in this amnesty decree "prepare to depart" on or by the 26th of Sept

0

Kamonwan **************

Kamonwan **************

Does it work at Phuket Immigration?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

should be all immigration offices and ALL extensions you apply for during this amnesty period (Aug 1 - Sept 26th) BUT that's why I posted this notice so you can take it with you when you apply for an extension in case they're wanting to date it from the date you applied

0

Marleenee *********

Marleenee *********

@Kamonwan *************

think all immigration offices

0

Tereza *****

Tereza *****

I’ve got multiple entry tourist visa until 3rd Sep and got letter from my embassy.. do you think that’ll work? I’ve just read multiple entry visa doesnt meet the requirements for some reason?

0

John ********

John ********

I had multiple entry B that will expire 22-sep. I used embassy letter and my request was accepted in CM Immigration office

1

Sonda *******

Sonda *******

for short business meetings, or work permit?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

and did you get your 30 day extension stamped into your passport yet or did you get an under consideration stamp or what?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

you are confusing two things, your multi-entry tourist visa doesn't let you stay IN thailand it lets you ask to get in. You can't get out and back to get anther entry on that visa, :(

You're here on a 60 day tourist visa entry stamp that expired LONG ago and now on amnesty. GO with your embassy letter to your immigration office and apply for the 30 day unable to travel extension

1

Tereza *****

Tereza *****

Yeah of course, make sense.. that’s what stated in issued letter, hope they’ll consider 🤞🏽 thank you Tod!

1

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

No. Immigration office reopens on Tuesday

1

Tereza *****

Tereza *****

yes of course! Immigration offices are open from today right?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

let us know when you apply for it how it works out okay?

0

James ***************

James ***************

I'm assuming this will apply to the 60 day family extension based on an original 30 visa on arrival. Cheers?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

It WOULD seem to indicate ALL extensions, but check with your immigration office to see how they interpret it

0

James ***************

James ***************

thank you I will update you when done

0

Sasa *******

Sasa *******

If i understand right its mean everyone who is TR you can extend for 30 more days and need to pay 1900 baht is the right ?

1

Jaime *********

Jaime *********

The image is in Thai. Most foreigners don't read Thai.

Tod, to his credit, is good at Thai. However, he wrote a comment in English that was not clear to us and when we ask questions about Tod's comment he refers to the Thai image.

Let's just focus on clarifying the message.

2

Alessandro ********

Alessandro ********

In fact, to me, this is not yet clear. Whilst I appreciate all the information being shared in here, so often times I see people being berated for asking legitimate questions.

4

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Alessandro *******

&

@Sasa *********

the ONLY way to get a 30 day extension is with a letter from your embassy. Nothing in this image says anything different, it just says ALL extensions will be effective from the 27th of Sept. Meaning even if you applied for the 30 day extension today, it would start on the day after this current amnesty runs out

5

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Alessandro *******

and what is your legitimate question?

0

Dom **************

Dom **************

@Alessandro *******

also this group isn't a support group. It's not a place to debate things or make assumptions. It's a place where you get straight and clear answers. Wording is very important to achieve it. While the initial post could've been unclear to some, these clarifications leave no doubts. If you were looking for a different answer, don't shame Tod for the decisions and the policies the Thai immigration put in place 😉

2

Alessandro ********

Alessandro ********

@Dom *************

I'm not taking anything in any way. If we are all here discussing is because there are grey areas, at least to some of us. I just commented on the tones used in here which, btw, I accept since the group is not mine and I'm simply a "guest", yet this does not prevent me from pointing that out.

2

Dom **************

Dom **************

@Alessandro *******

you are taking it the wrong way. He clarified his post and what it meant in a straightforward langage. That's the best way to avoid any further confusions.

0

Alessandro ********

Alessandro ********

I asked my Thai gf to translate what's in that announcement: "Apply to extend all visa (Apply from now til 26 Sep) the next visa will be start from 27 Sep."

You might be right, however, this statement doesn't say ANYTHING in terms of embassy letter required to do that. Yes, there are previous announcements saying that, but to me, sorry, it is not yet clear to which extent this last announcement replaces or adds to the previous one.

This said, I (again) appreciate all the information you shared in here however, to me, what

@Sasa *********

asked above, is 100% legitimate. If this is not for you, I don't get the meaning of treating anyone else like idiots!

0

Alessandro ********

Alessandro ********

I have none in fact, because I wanted to avoid receiving feedback like this.

1

Jaime *********

Jaime *********

Probably from the description you gave, Tod. It threw me too.

extensions for visas of ALL kinds will be effective from 27th of Sept.

I initially thought you were saying all visas will be extended.

You may have worded it.... If you are entitled to a visa extension, that extension will be effective from the 27th.

3

Austin *******

Austin *******

@Sasa *********

I didn't understand either. Tod posted a picture in Thai and wants to know why we don't understand. Then stated "extensions for visas of ALL kinds". You simply asked a question and got berated for not understanding his cryptic post. I could say more but I'll just leave it at that.

14

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

easy now

I didn't berate them for asking their question, I pointed out that no where in the image I posted does it say what they thought.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

there is NOTHING in that image that says everyone on a tourist visa that went to amnesty can get 30 more days :( Where did you get that from the image I posted?

All it says is IF you apply for ANY extension from Aug 1 to Sept 26 the extension will be dated from the 27th.

IF you're on a 60 day tourist visa entry that expired and went to amnesty you need to get a letter from your embassy to apply for the 30 day unable to travel due to covid extension.

1

Sasa *******

Sasa *******

i just guess 🤔

0

Crypto *******

Crypto *******

@Benjamin *****

thank you, my friend. This is a big help.

2

Benjamin ******

Benjamin ******

@Daniel *********

IF you are getting the letter from the US Embassy:

*******************************************************************

(click on "entry/ exit requirements")

1

Crypto *******

Crypto *******

how do I get that embassy letter? I'm looking at the embassy website, and can't see a link like before.

0

Alessandro ********

Alessandro ********

thank you, now it’s crystal clear. Appreciate your effort.

2

Sasa *******

Sasa *******

its ok i understand ✌👍🙏

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

I am sorry I write so direct, to the point and blunt, please realize I was not trying to be mean or condescending to you

:( Sorry about that :/

1

Sasa *******

Sasa *******

now i understand it 100% 👍👍👍 thank you @Tod 🙏🙏🙏

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

Now we're getting somewhere

@Sasa *********

, (

@Alessandro *******

) :) You are asking what IF someone showed up on a 30 day visa exempt entry OR a 60 day tourist visa entry and then went straight on amnesty without EVER applying for the "regular" 30 day extension, and you're wondering IF that extension would fall under the "all extensions" clause.

Unfortunately what we are seeing is it's up to the individual immigration office as far as if someone in that situation can even apply for the "regular" 30 day extension (some will do it some will not). You'd have to check with the immigration office you're dealing with to see if you could or can't do it. IF they say no you'd have to get the embassy letter for the 30 day unable to travel extension.

2

Dom **************

Dom **************

@Sasa *********

yes, extensions on all visa types will start on 27th of September. This is to avoid unwanted crowding of the immigration offices nearing the end of amnesty. If you are eligible to an extension, it will be starting on the 27th so there's no need to wait.

2

Sasa *******

Sasa *******

@Dom *************

i just guess what about someone holding TR and have not done any extension before becus he/she came to Thailand in March however if they want to extend visa for 30 days which i know it will start from 27th Sep and if they can do this but pay 1900 bath or what ? Becus of the word ALL EXTENSION so thats made me wanted to know or if someone can explain to me. 🙏🙏🙏

0

Dom **************

Dom **************

@Sasa *********

you guess what? Tod is crystal clear.

4

Rizelthlyn *****************

Rizelthlyn *****************

Yonah

0

Mariana ***********

Mariana ***********

Hi! I just applied for a new ED visa which I will receive in about two weeks time. Should I apply for an extension of that new visa as well?

1

Somchit **********

Somchit **********

@Mariana **********

When you say that you just applied for a "new" ED VISA, does that mean that your previous visa was an ED visa? So this is your second ED Visa in a row?

0

Mariana ***********

Mariana ***********

@Somchit *********

No, first

0

Somchit **********

Somchit **********

@Mariana **********

Ok, thanks. Yeah, I agree with Tod. You need to show up at immigration before your 90 days are up with the necessary documents showing that you're studying. Your school will provide those for you. In some cases they'll even go there on your behalf for a fee.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

you will NOT apply for an extension until your 90 days on this ED visa you didn't get yet runs down. This post doesn't affect you at all

1

Hoan ********

Hoan ********

@Nguyễn ********

fyi

0

Astrid **********

Astrid **********

Still need to follow these rules and requirements yes?

1

Rob *******

Rob *******

Went to chiang mai Airport office for a 60 day extension to my tourist visa based on thai child, they redirected me to the mall office to get 30 day extension to tourist visa. They asked me about embassy letter which I didn't have, I explained that the other office sent me over and they stamped my visa. Not sure if having my son with me made a difference 🤷🏻‍♂️

0

Ketrina ********

Ketrina ********

@Astrid *********

: Maybe nothing has changed but considering I got an “application under consideration” stamp on 31 Aug — after paying 1900 baht — to return on 14 September, this new announcement is slightly encouraging.

2

Astrid **********

Astrid **********

@Ketrina *******

happy for you ✌

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Ketrina *******

right, that's one reason I posted it, ;)

maybe when you do go back on the 14th they'll give you the "hard stamp" until the 26th THEN add the 30 day extension starting on the 27th. It's what I'm hoping they're doing to everyone who is getting the "under consideration" stamp with the new embassy letter

3

Ketrina ********

Ketrina ********

: Appreciate it, especially since you have zero obligation to try to soothe our frayed nerves and visa anxiety. :)

3

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

same amnesty decree yes

2

Astrid **********

Astrid **********

ok so nothing changed ... thank you

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Laura *************

that was a year extension based on retirement (doesn't matter if it was from an O or an O-A) they don't show on the stamp AND it doesn't show how that person met the proof of funds either..

0

Saffy *************

Saffy *************

Was that stamp for a new Non Imm O/OA extension of stay based on 800k?

0

Shivan ****************

Shivan ****************

Tod Daniels Thanks for the CLARITY

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Shivan ********

obviously you need to MEET the requirements for the visa extension you're applying for, and that has always been the case, BUT what this notice is saying IS that anyone who applies for an extension during this last round of amnesty (Aug 1st to Sept 26th) will get their extension dated as effective from the 27th of Sept.

here's a year extension based on retirement that was applied for on the 4th of Aug (after this last amnesty started) and he was stamped in until the 26th of Sept 2021 which is year minus a day from the day after amnesty runs out on the 27th of Sept;)

1

Astrid **********

Astrid **********

@Shivan ********

yes when one meet requirements .. so Multiple Non Bs dont meet requirements for extensions. Need to increase to 4 Thai workers which means processing new visa as far as I understand

1

Shivan ****************

Shivan ****************

Astrid van Zon "Visas of ALL Kinds"? As stated in the OP above...

0

Myro ******

Myro ******

Thank you.

0

Padma's ******

Padma's ******

Thanks so much Tod. U just made my day!

1

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