Unanswered6 years ago
What have been the experiences of amnesty passport holders seeking extensions from Thai immigration using embassy letters?
Good news for some amnesty passport holders. For those on "amnesty"...some embassies are issuing letters saying words to the effect, "due to COVID....flight issues , lockdowns ...etc... please give due consideration to extending the visa of "John Doe"... reciprocal extensions will be considered for Thai citizens not able to fly from ...back to Thailand " The embassy letter can be taken to immigration in support of a 30 day extension beyond Sept 26, (Thai immigration ask for embassy letter) ...so my question (is not really for the resident experts or the die hards on retirement visas,) but for people in this amnesty situation who have actually taken an embassy letter to Thai mmigration ... What stamp did you actually get in your passport and could you attach or message me a photo of the extension stamp? Thanks.
Summary so far
The post discusses the experiences of amnesty passport holders attempting to secure a visa extension in Thailand due to COVID-19. Users share their challenges with immigration, including reporting varying responses to embassy letters, receiving only temporary extensions, or experiencing delays with 'under consideration' stamps. Specifically, some report getting 30-day extensions while others face uncertainty and confusion about their visa status. The conversation highlights discrepancies in how different embassies issue support letters, with some expats feeling frustrated by immigration policies and communication surrounding visa regulations.
101 repliesnewest first
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Marguyvin **********
I'm not aware of anyone receiving a stamp dated 26-Oct yet. The few reports I have seen were of the "Under Consideration" type, which required them to return later this month or in one case mid-October.
Bim *******
@MarGuyvin **
yep I am under consideration. 
Jesse *********
FYI I just went to Udon Immigration with a letter from U.S. Embassy via email (also printed it out in color) and they said it had to be an original document via post mail lol... I asked the U.S. Embassy but no reply yet, I doubt they will offer that. Police were grumpy today and I pushed a few times to be sure... not sure if their excuse is accurate or just bullshit trying to delay dealing with these.
Jesse *********
U.S. Embassy just replied to me in surprise saying they should be accepting the email/printout version is enough.
Ciarán *******
@Jesse ********
my understanding is you need a physical official letter. If they sent an email they should have no problem sending a letter. 
Tod *********
MOST people ( at least in Bangkok) who have applied for a 30 day extension based on using the embassy letter have gotten an "under consideration" stamp and go back after the 11th of Sept to find out what they get.
IT would appear that ALL extensions issued during this last amnesty period (from Aug 1 to Sept 26) are supposed to be dated as being effective from the 27th (meaning you'd get an extension stamp until Oct 25th no matter when you applied for it)
IT would appear that ALL extensions issued during this last amnesty period (from Aug 1 to Sept 26) are supposed to be dated as being effective from the 27th (meaning you'd get an extension stamp until Oct 25th no matter when you applied for it)
Tod *********
I think it's gonna take waiting for people who already paid their 1900baht, turned in their embassy letter and application for extension and got the "under consideration" stamp to go back on that date and see what they really get as far as an extension of stay :)
Dave *********
OP@Tod ********
possibly but it seems like if someone is turned down and they don’t have a criminal record or stamps in their passport and in the unlikely case turned down, they could move to Phuket and get extensions?
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
That would be a positive outcome for many. Unfortunately, I’ll give you all kinds of odds that America won’t reciprocate to save it’s life
Brian **********
No one has received the 30 day extension. Many reports of people going to immigration and receiving the under consideration stamp with these new embassy letters issued last week. It will be sept 11th ish before someone gets the first real extension stamp.
Bim *******
@Brian *********
mine said 17thBrian **********
Here is one of the first shared pictures of the under consideration stamps
Brian **********
@Bim ******
depends on when you went in. Brian **********
@Bim ******
whataver gets you sorted. Each case is different and a kind immigration officer goes a long way. Bim *******
@Brian *********
I had a phone call from immigration. They have known me a long time and guess they must have felt sorry for me so have sent a request to do a Non O on the back of it. Nice of them. Might not come to anything but at least they try. Brian **********
@Bim ******
yes they are being processed at the regional office and not the provincial level. Bim *******
@Brian *********
mine has to go to Chang Mai for approval
Austin *******
Wow. Posted 18 hours ago and still not a solid answer as defined by the OP. Sad
Jay *****
I got a letter from the British embassy 3 days ago requesting 30 day extension whilst waiting for my non-Imm visa. I made TM7 application on Wednesday. Paid 1900 & got stamp to return in 20 days.
Bim *******
@Jay ****
I got my letter also from the British Embassy for the same. My immigration office advised me if I get the letter they will issue me with a 30 day extension and off the back of that a Non O based on retirement as I meet the criteria. The embassy letter specifically states Non O however got there yesterday and paid the money and got a awaiting stamp to come back on 17th to get my 30 days to only be now told I still have to leave to get a Non after the 30 day expires. I can come back in on a tourist visa and they then can issue a Non O in the country. Not even possible to do as we know as am back to square one 
Ivan ************
@B**
policy may change once you have the actual 30 day stamp in your passport. You'd then be on an "actual stamp" and may be able to change status from that to a non-O. Wait until you get it, and then ask them when you actually have it, and if they still say no, keep checking.
Graham *********
@Jay ****
waiting for non-imm visa? Jay *****
@Graham ********
yes, the embassy will issue letters for people on long stay as well as tourist(dependant on circumstances) & is FOC.Graham *********
@Jay ****
but what not imm will you apply for and how does this help? 
John ********
Phillips did you go to CM or BKK
John ********
It is very hard to return also
Philip **********
@John *******
Our Immigration Office is closed. I along with a group of people emailed them. They responded with that.They want us to go home.
Philip **********
Canada isn’t issuing them
Philip **********
@Brian *********
I contacted my MP Member of parliament 
Ryan ************
Let me know also please man. I need to email them as well.
Philip **********
@Ryan ***********
PostedBrian **********
@Philip *********
can you follow up with them. Bunch of embassies reverses stance last thursday. I have not heard of a letter out of Canada yet, but it's worth revisiting the issue with them since so many changed stance a week agoPhilip **********
@Brian *********
I received this.Thank you for contacting the Embassy of Canada.
The Embassy does not issue visa extension letters at this time.
If you wish to remain in Thailand in the long term, you will need to apply for the relevant visa (e.g. retirement, marriage, employment, study) from the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Please be informed that the Embassy of Canada had a meeting with Commissioner of the Thai Immigration Bureau last week and have been confirmed by them that Immigration has established a new procedure which has been commenced since Friday, August 28, 2020 as follows.
Again, under long-term visa categories, no/no visa extension letter from the Embassy is required; END.
I told them I don’t want to stay long term just another month. I also told them that other countries are issuing them.
Philip **********
@Brian *********
They won’t issue them because they want people to go home or apply for a long term visa. This just goes to show you. Canada is run by complete imbeciles. Totally incompetent. They treat refugees better than their own citizens. Disgraceful.They even closed their eyes on the announcement Thailand immigration posted about getting letters from your embassy due to an outbreak.
Canada Embassy told me that they had a meeting with Thai immigration and that they were not requesting letters from embassies.
Total BS.
Brian **********
@Philip *********
I have a friend fighting with them for a letter still and he has legitimate reasons to not go. They are particularly unhelpful.Philip **********
@Brian *********
The final decision is with the embassy. I’ve contacted my MP. I can’t believe they want us to go home. Sept 12 they had 515 new cases.Brian **********
@Philip *********
sorry to hear that. I'd be calling every day and escalating to members of parliament.Philip **********
@Brian *********
This is what I received.The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians abroad to return to Canada. The Embassy of Canada doesn’t issue visa extension letters for tourists to remain in Thailand as there are many commercial flights available to return to Canada.
As you mention a cancelled flight from Manila, please note that you may be eligible for the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 emergency loan. Further information regarding this program can be found here:
*******************************************************************************************
Philip **********
@Brian *********
I think my only option is to go to a clinic and get a not fit to fly certificate. Brian **********
@Philip *********
friend has the same problem. Have you tried escalating to your senator or equivalent?Philip **********
@Brian *********
Ok I will. Ty. Philip **********
@Brian *********
I sent them an email. I’m in Roi Et. It’s holiday today and Monday. I went to immigration today but they’re closed until Tuesday.Brian **********
@Philip *********
let me know how it goes. You might have to harrass them for it to get a one off. I know another Canadian that needs one so let us know how it goes 
John ********
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CB ******
Is anyone have idea of the news about the unlimited extension for tourist pls share thank you
Bobby ********
There's nothing new here. This is a verbal confirmation of what immigration put out over a month ago:-
Bim *******
@John *******
thanks for sharing. How utterly bizarre as myself meet all the criteria for a retirement visa and have lived here over 6 years. 
Todd *********
essentially nothing correct in the story. Hopefully they just take it down. Ignorant
Dave *********
OP@Todd ********
what reality do you live in? How do you know more than the general?Bobby ********
@Ivan ***********
. That's true. I'm giving worse case scenario, that any application fees with Thai immigration are non-refundable. Ivan ************
@Bo***
that's technically true but in practice immigration does not usually take the money if they do not plan on issuing an extension. If they think you don't qualify they will usually refuse the application and the money at the time of application.Bobby ********
@Dave ********
. The extension fee is non-refundable. They make that very clear. Accepting the fee does not guarantee getting an extension, and they'll keep the money anyway. But this article is exactly what immigration published ***
weeks ago. There's been no change.Ivan ************
@Da**
they are just saying there's nothing new in the article. The headline insinuates anyone stuck here will be able to get unlimited 30 day extensions, but these actually need either (1) doctors letter or (2) embassy letter. Still no option for ME 90-day stamp non-immigrant people, still no official option for people who need to border bounce to change visa category.This is no change from the original immigration announcement, it's just a repetition of the exact same thing they said a month ago. The way it is phased suggests it's a development, some sort of policy change, but it's not.
Dave *********
OP@Todd ********
you are the cynic.... as discuused above ... a letter from embassy ... with payment of 1900 baht...likely results in stamp saying "under consideartion" come back on date... but the payment covers 30 day extension.... oi they had no intention of extending they would simply send you away... as they have done before.... but NOW ...it has changed... some still get turned away... others get stamp, with verbal assurance of 30 day extension.... they have taken the money... do you really think they will take the money only to return it? only the die hard retirees think they know best...Todd *********
@Da**
the key question you are truly looking for is this: Has ANYONE currently on amnesty, taken a letter of support from their national embassy, to any Thai immigration and received the promised 30 day extension commencing 27 Sept? If so, please show us what that stamp looks like. I believe the answer is no. In spite of the general instruction from immigration stating that is all that is necessary to extend a tourist visa.... that's the reality i'm living in. And once you get over yourself and start paying attention, you will arrive there also. So save your cynical bullshit. Dave *********
OP@Todd ********
this is why I said no responses from die hard retireesTodd *********
@Da**
there are clearly multiple issues with awareness, translation, confusion and misunderstanding in the steaming pile of dogshit. Starting with the errors in the title. And the generals all clearly have a separate agenda to the PM. There is zero new info in this shit article and it's so poorly written it will only add to confusion. Bim *******
@Todd ********
yes nothing makes sense until it's been officially denied.Dave *********
OPthanks probably be similar elsewhere
Neo *****
only for the illness reason
Brian **********
@Neo ****
no false. There are two paths to an extension. Doctor letter unable to travel or the embassy letter.Ciarán *******
@Neo ****
yes but some embassies are giving them out no problem. Pay the 1600 or whatever it is Neo *****
@Ciaran ******
confirmed information？Ciarán *******
@Neo ****
I have a letter from my embassy yesBim *******
I got a letter from the British Embassy specifically asking for a Non O. I am a long term resident but my retirement age fell this year that I know required me to border bounce to get the Non O or even come back on a tourist visa and they can convert from that to a Non O. However got back from Immigration today and all they gave me was 30 days which starts 26th September and told to leave the country after this expires. Offering little flexibility at all. In a time when Thailand is crying out for tourists they are even kicking out long term residents. BTW my last visa was Thailand Elite. Not exactly cheap. It makes no sense to me
Chris *****
Denied my letter today. 😞
Bim *******
@Chris ****
really? Did they say why?Chris *****
@Bim ******
no proof of why I should stay. I told them I had a verbal job offer, they need a contract. Chris *****
@Bim ******
I think I will need an UK embassy letter. Do you just show up? Looked on the website and see no option for appointments. Bim *******
@Chris ****
how to get the letter. You don't need an appointment. I didn't give any information for number 4.To apply for a visa extension letter email:
**************************************
Please provide evidence of:
1. Copy of the biodata page of your passport
2. Entry stamp in to Thailand
3. Proof of residence in a third country e.g. visa (if applicable)
4. Supporting documents relating to your long-term visa application e.g. marriage certificate, employment contract
Chris *****
I wish you the best! Part of me still thinks a further amnesty extension, could just be wishful thinking. 🤷🏻♂️
Bim *******
@Chris ****
very welcome and so very kind to say thank you. Been here nearly 7 years and the most they can give me is 30 days so hoping I get my retirement visa sorted. Chris *****
@Bim ******
thanks a bunch mate. On a side note it’s great to see more brits helping with the the plight of animals in Thailand. Bravo!Bim *******
@Chris ****
so sorry to hear that. Hope they can work it for you. Keep the email as brief as possible as am sure they get many and skip the long ones. Chris *****
@Bim ******
I’ll give it a try. My main concern is my mother, dual UK/US citizen and currently in Michigan with terminal cancer. If I need to urgently get to the US I cannot from the UK, but can from Thailand. Obviously not Thailand’s nor the UK’s problem and can only really rely on compassion, if it even exists in this situation. Bim *******
@Chris ****
they reply pretty quickly if you follow the above. They tend not to reply to any other email or enquiry. Chris *****
Cheers! No idea if they will help. Resigned from my job in May whilst on an extension of stay.
Bim *******
@Chris ****
I just sent you the process above Chris *****
@Bim ******
sorry, meaning getting the embassy letter. What’s the process with the British embassy? Do you submit an enquiry online? Dave *********
OP@Bim ******
can you message me or show photo of stamp? Bim *******
@Dave ********
for sure. It's a temporary stamp until 17th September and I have to go back then to get the 30 day stamp. I live in Nakhon Sawan and it has to be sent to Chang Mai to be approved Dave *********
OP@Bim ******
yes I believe they will thanks Bim *******
@Dave ********
they told me Dave *********
OPthanks, how do you know 30 days only and cannot be extended again?
Bim *******
@Dave ********
BTW when it says I arrived in Thailand date that's the only day I spent outside the country in 6 years. And it was less than 24 hours. All others were extension of stays Bim *******
@Dave ********
yes plus another 100 to fill the application form out for me. Dave *********
OP@Bim ******
thanks was it 1900 baht?Ciarán *******
I have a letter I'm waiting until the 26th because I think I can only go then
Ivan ************
I love the hand drawn map thing. Interesting to see they have decided this is essential for this category.
Dave *********
OP@Ciaran ******
but the question is what stamp do you actually get? Ciarán *******
@Dave ********
forehead Dave *********
OP@Ciaran ******
no you can go now but need letter from landlord, ID of owner of property ( copy), map of residence, proof of residence ( can do at immigration), copy of visa and other pages in passport, photos and of course embassy letter ... Brian **********
@Dave ********
that's for pattaya. Bkk list is shorterCiarán *******
@Dave ********
all of these? Activity
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