What is the start date for a Non-O visa issued during the amnesty period in Thailand?

@Lou ***

they probably didn't know what they were talking about. Can't blame immigrations for that..

Remember when you use a service to get a back door, under the table visa, it is what it is :P

@Tod ********

an 'extension' would then apply only for people on an actual hard stamp visa prior to amnesty then - versus tourist exemption? Is that correct way to see this?

@Todd ********

nope, not at all you can apply for an extension from a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp, a 60 day tourist visa stamp, a 90 day Non-Imm entry stamp, a year non-O-A entry stamp etc. As long as you're applying for an EXTENSION OF STAY between Aug 1st and Sept 26th, it will be dated from the 27th.

@Tod ********

yes you are right and very clear..

@T**

agreed but the normal way here on Phuket is you get a 30 days now ....normally not only 2 weeks because “ they say” it need for sure 2 weeks to check ...so they give u 30 days under consideration.....and ...just today saw the same in a passport from here.....but in this time nothing is normal ...and don’t knowing fro. Witch visa it comes ....Wright ......but let’s see what’s happening especially as she no tell everything just ask...does we know she is really in Koh Lippe ?

In other words, one would have to keep using a fake agency stamp indefinitely, and never leave Thailand in order not to be caught.

Anyway, maybe that's not what you implied. Many agencies will deposit the money into the applicants bank account. That's where the hefty charge comes in. The seasoning requirements aren't met, but a statement showing the funds can be shown to immigration. The officer pockets the money and approves the extension.

@Bim ******

I wouldn't say it's "not legal". Some agencies have an agreement with certain immigration offices and can do things that others can't. There is a lot of corruption in Thailand and that's how things work. Not all immigration offices will deal with these agencies, which is why specific ones are selected.

In Cambodia and Vietnam, most agencies would by your definition not be legal, since they all bribe immigration to get visas extended but that's the system there. Almost no one goes to get their extension done themselves, since immigration there generally won't approve one without the agent doing it on behalf of the applicant. In the vast majority of cases applicants have little to worry about.

Back in Thailand, you have law firms that do things by the book and can't help if your documents aren't in order. Some charge a hefty sum. Others are agents that charge just a few thousand Baht to do the legwork for you at your local immigration office.

The days of illegal stamps, which are totally fake are mostly over. They tend to pre-date the computerization of immigration records.

It would be insane for anyone these days to use a service (if one exists) which issues fake stamps, since at the first encounter with immigration, whether it's for 90 day reporting, to seek an extension or when departing the country, they would be caught, arrested, deported and blacklisted.

@Paul ******

my point is the corruption is illegal which ever way you look at it.

@Bim ******

I see. Although...it's Thailand. Corruption will take a long time to go away.