What is the process for embassy request extensions in Thailand and why is it important to 'close the loop'?

Sep 25, 2020
4 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ATTENTION MEMBERS:

Keep in mind the "embassy request" extensions are TWO STAMPS. <- meaning you first apply and get an under consideration stamp with a date you return to the immigration office and then you go back and get the final extension inked into your passport,

You have to get both stamps if you're going to apply for another embassy request extension down the road.

There are multiple reports of people who last time only got the under consideration stamp and never went back to the immigration office to "close the loop" (get the extension of stay stamp) :O

They are being denied a new embassy request extension until they go back to the office that issued the original stamp and get it "closed".

This is an example stamp from someone who got an under consideration stamp from the Surat Thani Immigration office on April 7th BUT neglected to return to the office on the 24th of May to get the actual "extension of stay" stamp put in (closing the loop).

Sadly for them, they are now in Chiang Mai and were denied a new 30 day embassy request extension until they go back to the Surat Thani Immigration office and get the final stamp of the process :(

The other image shows BOTH stamps of the two step process :)

DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU ...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post highlights the crucial two-step process for obtaining an embassy request extension in Thailand. Applicants must first receive an 'under consideration' stamp and then return to the immigration office to get the final extension stamp in their passport. Failure to complete this process can lead to denial of future extensions.
Marty *******
And does going to "close the loop" cost any money?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
nope, it's a show up with your passport and the receipt type of thing. totally free
David ********
So if I have a US embassy letter and I'm going in on Monday, they won't give me the 30 days? I have to get a stamp and then come back?
Dominic *********
There seems to be no logic

🤣😂🤣
Sarah *********
@David *******
I went yesterday (Thursday) to Chiang Mai Immigration with a US embassy letter and they just stamped me until Oct 26th... no under consideration stamp...sounds like it’s on an individual basis.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarah ********
and on your stamp it says "extension of stay permitted until" not the "application for extension under consideration"?
Sarah *********
@Tod ********
yes! I read it 12 times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things!
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarah ********
thanx.. Seems like ONLY C/M is doing that, some offices are giving the under consideration stamp right up to the 25th of Oct :/ meaning you have to go back to get an extension stamp valid for one day only :(
Alayna *******
@Tod ********
I know it seems like a stupid question but my 1st stamp says to go back on the 11th October (which is a Sunday)... I'm presuming as immigration isn't open on Sundays, I'll need to go in on Friday 9th? (I live about 2 hours away from immigration so want to save myself some hassle!) :)
Matt ******
@Alayna ******
Samui immigration stamped everyone to come back on Oct 11. Some people were told to come on the 12th and some people were told “any day after the 11th”.
Alex ******
But this is negligence guys... It clearly says to report back on that day.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And if you did show up on Sunday the 11th I bet you'd find other people there too :P GO Friday OR Monday ;)
Alex ******
@Tod ********
eheh true, better on Friday though
John *****
Just to add, make sure you go back on the date stamped and not later, else there will be more trouble.
John *****
That is up to each office.
Matt ******
@John ****
Samui immigration stamped everyone to come back on Oct 11 and they said it’s ok to come back any day after that since the 11th is a Sunday
Si ********
So it's possible to get more than 1 embassy request extension?
Bill *******
@Tod ********
do you think it’s likely for the embassies to issue another letter?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ******
that is between you and your embassy..
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Immigration offices have already came out and said you could apply for another 30 day embassy request extension when this one runs out IF you have a new embassy letter.

There is no one who has done this yet because the current extensions based on embassy request don't run out until Oct 26th
Si ********
@Tod ********
@Benjamin *****
Thanks guys. Have a great day
Kevin ********
Thanks for explaining this...I left Bangkok immigration with NO explanation of this "under consideration" stamp....I'll return Oct 21 to get my Visa approved for 5 more days....like everyone else under visa amnesty (Oct 26)
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