What is the policy for medical certificates and embassy letters for visa extensions in Thailand?

visa extensions medical certificates Thai immigration policy embassy letters Jomtien immigration 48-hour visa appeal process

September 24, 2020

4 years ago

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am just leaving jomtien immigration where I was turned away with a medical certificate from bangkok hospital saying I am unable to fly for 14 days.  They said they only accept embassy letters not medical certicates. Is this the policy at all immigration officea in thailand? I thought if u had an embassy letter OR a medical certificate u would be given an extension.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user reported being denied a visa extension at Jomtien immigration despite presenting a medical certificate stating they cannot fly for 14 days. The immigration officials informed them that only embassy letters are accepted, leading the user to question if this policy is consistent across all Thai immigration offices. Comments suggest that acceptance of documents depends on the discretion of immigration officers and recommend appealing the decision if the extension is denied.

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for the advice

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

If you have a temperature, immigration will not let you inside. Have your hospital submit the extension of stay paperwork for you.

4 years ago

Magnus *********

@Jaymie *******

If you were sick with a temperature and they registered that on the temperature check on your way in, that could be the reason why this employee told you to leave. Not allowing you to come in with a fever.

Hence, if this was the reason, it won't help to go there again, if still with a temperature.

4 years ago

Reply to

Magnus *********

Benjamin ******

I'm closing this down, and don't see the point keeping this open.

If you believe you really are sick and can not travel, go back to immigration ASAP. IF you are denied an extension of stay based on medical reasons, have your doctor or someone at the hospital on speed dial on your phone, and have them talk to the immigration officer.

The immigration officer, not the person opening the door, has the say if you are granted an extension of stay. If you are denied, ask to appeal it (in a polite, Thai way of course).

Good luck!

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

It is the immigration officer's discretion if they would accept an embassy letter or a medical certificate. If you believe you should have been issued a 14 day extension of stay based on medical reasons, I would have requested an appeal.

4 years ago

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a 38 degree temperature and acute tonsillitis. They hooked me up to an anti-bacterial drip for an hour. There is no way any airline will allow me on a flight in my condition. I am not trying to scam an extension. I would like to go home but I truly can't in this condition. And it was a full medical report. Two pages, blood work. They didn't even allow me to open the envelope.

4 years ago

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I should have clarified. It was the guy who was directing traffic not an immigration officer. I didn't actually make it to the counter. I sent my medical certificate to my embassy and I expect they will issue me a letter but time is the concern now.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Jaymie *******

>It was the guy who was directing traffic not an immigration officer.

That's not an immigration officer, and he has no power. Go back tomorrow and demand to see an immigration officer. You'll also need to convince your immigration officer that you can not leave Thailand, which hopefully should be easy for you to do.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

He didnt even give me an opportunity to explain the health issue. Once i pulled the certificate out he said no and pointed to the exit.

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@Jaymie *******

. I think you need a full medical report outlining the exact reasons why you cannot travel. A note from a doctor just saying "unfit to travel" won't satisfy many IOs, they just see it as a ruse to stay longer in the country

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Jaymie *******

In that case, I would return tomorrow with your doctor and have the doctor explain your medical condition and why you can't leave Thailand.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Jaymie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

i tried to appeal but the immigration officer got quite angry and told me to leave. I didnt raise my voice, I was just looking for an explanation. I understand these officers are overworked and tired but i didnt think i deserved that treatment.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Jaymie *******

Sadly, how you think you should be treated doesn't change what happened. Was there a reason given why she denied the extension of stay?

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

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