What is the process for asking immigration for an extension of stay in Thailand due to a dire situation at home?

Aug 7, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Does anyone have any information on, is there any process for asking immigration for an extension of amnesty (i.e. possibly letter from embassy) due to a dire situation in one's home country? 

I entered Thailand with a tourist exemption, it's really my home, my home country the US is not only crappy but dangerous, and I'm not sure there's any other visa I can apply for (I've already done a year of Thai language ED visa). If conditions were normal I would have traveled back to the US and applied for a 6-month tourist visa. Moving to other countries can be an option but not desirable. Looking for some constructive information and possible direction here.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquired about the process for requesting an extension of their stay in Thailand due to a dangerous situation in their home country, the US. They specifically wanted to know if a letter from their embassy could assist in obtaining this extension. Responses indicated that while some embassies may issue letters for a 30-day extension due to ongoing circumstances like COVID-19, the US typically does not. Alternatives, such as applying for different visa types like the Thai Elite Visa or setting up a company for a work permit, were also suggested.

Robert *******

If you are a tourist the Thai Elite Visa is an option, if you need to work, set up a company and apply for work permit and Non B visa

4 years ago

Greg **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is setting up a company as complicated and expensive as it seems it might be?

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Greg *********

Depends. You'd have to contact the BOI and talk to them.

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You can also contact the United States Department of State about starting a Treaty of Amity business

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4 years ago

Tod *********

Sadly

@Greg *********

that is unfortunately not a thai VISA advice group question, post it on a f/b page related to where you live in thailand

4 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Benjamin ******

Good idea! I heard the BOI is issuing the SMART visas inside Thailand as well.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Greg **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So all other countries will do that except for the US?

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

Some countries do, some countries won't. NZ issued those letters, however from a report yesterday the Extension of Stay was denied, and for them to return later.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Greg **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes I am American. Then your next suggestion?

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

Go to

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And look at the restrictions for the countries, and then ask on relevant facebook groups about getting a visa to that country.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

Prepare to leave to either return to the USA, or to go to a third country. What country that is, I don't know, sadly.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

I'm not sure what your passport country is. If you are American, they *WILL NOT* issue those certificates for you. IF you are *NOT* American, then this is the process to get a 30 day extension of stay from the Embassy letter:

1. A person goes to the embassy and request a letter because you can't leave Thailand because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This letter will be issued *IF* there are no flights available OR there is an "outbreak situation".

The definition of an "outbreak situation" is defined by each country's Center of Disease Control, or equivalent agency, and will be stated on the letter that's issued. Do not try to argue with Thai immigration that you should stay longer because there's an "outbreak", they won't care.

2. *IF* a letter is issued by the embassy, you'll go to the local immigration office and *REQUEST* an Extension of Stay.

3. The immigration office will then either approve the request, reject your request, or tell you to return later. *IF* it is approved, an additional 30 days will be granted, starting on September 27, 2020. If it is *NOT* approved, you have to leave by September 26, 2020.

All extension of stays are 1,900 THB.

As you can tell, there's a whole lot of *IFs* and *Mays* and "Requests* in this post. Having the letter does not mean automatic approval to stay longer; having the stamp in your passport will. Unless you have that stamp in your passport, assume you can stay no later than September 26, 2020.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

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