Answered6 years ago
What options do I have for extending my visa in Thailand due to medical reasons before the amnesty ends?
Hello members I would try to make long story short, I am like many of you under visa Amnesty which is going to the end on 26th of September. I have serious medical reasons to ask for not more than 30days extension... I have all paperwork from Thai public hospital in Thai language and translation in English. I have asked Polish embassy for help (to assist me with appropriate letter regarding my situation) , however I haven't got any answers yet... At the moment I am taking all prons and cons and if I don't get any help from the embassy I would have to stay illegal after 26th for about 2 weeks. Yes I am aware of overstay charges 500thb a day and a risk of being arrested... However if I am lucky and safely get to the airport after 2 weeks of overstay what should I expect??? I have never been in situation like that before, coming to Thailand since 10 years, never had any problems but now I am in desperate situation and it looks like I might not have any other choice. I have talked already to Division Immigration Office in Wattachana and Immigration Office in Trang and in both places I have heard "no help and no letter from embassy, no rights to stay". Please answer 🙏🙏🙏
Answer summary
The post discusses a situation where an expat in Thailand is seeking advice on obtaining a 30-day visa extension due to serious medical issues amidst the impending expiration of a visa amnesty on September 26. The individual has hospital documentation but faces difficulties getting assistance from the Polish embassy and has been told by local immigration offices that the absence of an appropriate letter precludes an extension. Community members respond with various suggestions, including the recommendation of using a medical extension based on provided hospital documents, and caution against overstaying, which could result in fines and potential blacklisting. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating immigration rules in Thailand, especially regarding medical circumstances.
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Alwyne ********
Can you go to Cambodia go there
Alwyne ********
If you want go back there phone embersy
Alwyne ********
@Edward *******
australa goเอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Alwyne *******
????เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Alwyne *******
even if you show up with a negative test, if anybody on the plane you are on test positive, you have to do the mandatory quarantine 
Darren *******
@Alwyne *******
they weren't issuing visas last I saw but that was a few weeks back
Dorothy ************
Contact Claudio swd visa he can maybe help with medical extension
Rob ******
Get the hospital applying for that for you . Its easy for them .
Claus *********
@Rob *****
depends on your visa type. They can only do tourist visa Rob ******
@Claus ********
Well they are getting people into thailand and its definately not on tourist visas at present , so what visas are they using for that ? Rob ******
@Claus ********
Yes . So just elect a procedure that fits .Not rocket science to get . Claus *********
@Rob *****
a tourist medical visa type MTClaus *********
if you are on Non-B you can’t a hospital to make extension. Just call Bumrungrad if you in doubt. In is a different thing for medical purpose
Claus *********
In Chang Wattana they are strict and have a doctor evaluating these extensions.. u need to admit to a hospital, take a picture with. Eg. Today’s Bangkok post with staff bed and room, and then send somebody to say you can’t leave. Sorry that’s how it is. Or you use an agent !
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Claus ********
That sounds so hard-coreClaus *********
@Edward *******
well.. but facts 
Kata ****
OPThank you again for your replies!!!
Ivan ************
I would seriously consider using an agent to get the medical extension. Some immigration offices will take the view if YOU can physically show up yourself at the immigration office, you can get to airport and leave. There are recent reports here in Chiang Mai for example that they will not consider medical extensions for anyone other than those unable to get out of a hospital bed. Physically turning up at immigration is not a great idea, it undermines your case.
Ivan ************
And an agent will know this. I have had two 90 day medical extensions, (six months total) which I did employ an agent for. Fee was 5k which I think was reasonable. They were legit, but she was very specific with the doctors as to what to write and I remember on the second one she said the hospital left something out which she knew immigration would need, and so went back and got that. I wouldn't have known, and I doubt the hospital would have either, it was a public hospital and they are in the business of medicine, not visa extensions. End result, I got the extensions, and they were for the full 90 days each time.
Dave ********
@Ivan ***********
using an agent =10k+ baht ..... 14 days overstay = 7k baht ...... I know which one i would choose 😎เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Dave *******
Dude, don’t do a 14 day overstay. Two or three days is no problem, I’ve done it once or twice. But a 14 day overstay might get you blacklistedIvan ************
@Da**
using an agent may not cost that much if there is actually some medical basis to the extension. In that case they are not necessarily fabricating anything or paying people off, they just providing a legit service and have an idea how to present it. They will also likely get an extension longer than 14 days (up to 90) which may be convenient if your plans change unexpectedly.เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Ivan ***********
Might not hurt to be on crutches. LOLIvan ************
@Edw***
this is the thing though, in Chiang Mai at least, crutches will not get you a medical extension. You need to be literally stuck in a hospital bed. I have heard reports before of people turning up to immigration with broken legs in a cast and being refused. Generally, medical extensions are for really serious stuff, they don't typically hand them out to outpatients.An agent familiar with your particular immigration office may have a good understanding of exactly what they need and may be able to present the application in such a way that it gets done. I'm suggesting this particularly as she has already been rejected with her hospital letter, what she has clearly isn't sufficient to do it on her own.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Ivan ***********
Her rejection might’ve been because the content of the letter wasn’t specific, it might’ve just said she was in the hospital and had a medical condition.. We don’t knowเอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Ivan ***********
yes, it was at Ram hospital, Achilles rupture. Literally I was driven to another hospital and went to the ER and the doctor attending that date was also an orthopedic doctor and he said he could repair it. He look like he just got out of medical school, and I told him, - meaning no offense but how many have you done? He said 10, so I told him I’d like to have it done by the person who trained him. No problemIvan ************
@Edw***
was that in Chiang Mai? It's one of these things that varies by the office. I know there is abuse, I have heard of people getting medical extensions through agents with absolutely nothing wrong with them. But this is only more of an argument that if your condition is marginal, using an agent may secure you the extension that you wouldn't have got otherwise. As I said, she's already been rejected going by herself, so she needs to try something different.เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Ivan ***********
maybe that’s true now, but pre-Covid, following surgery on my Achilles tendon, on crutches, I got the two week extension. However, there’s some truth to what you say I think, because the doctor was hesitant to give me more than two weeks, and I asked him about political pressure, and he said the government was always looking over the doctor shoulders because many doctors abuse the system. That shouldn’t surprise any of us 
Tod *********
okay, even on amnesty you CAN definitely apply for an "unable to travel due to medical reasons" extension and depending on the immigration officer it can be granted for no more than 90 days at a time. In fact the current amnesty decree specifically mentions medical extensions AND the fact they will be added to the end of the amnesty (mean they will start on Sept 27th no matter when you apply)
Take your documentation to the immigration office and apply for a medical extension of stay.
you should NOT need anything from your embassy to get an extension based on being unable to travel after Sept 26th due to medical reasons.
Take your documentation to the immigration office and apply for a medical extension of stay.
you should NOT need anything from your embassy to get an extension based on being unable to travel after Sept 26th due to medical reasons.
Paul ********
@Tod ********
your so Sexy when Angry 5555Kata ****
OPThank you so much!!!
Andy ********
@Kata ***
Tod has got it exactly correct.The only think I would add would be maybe get your boyfriend to go on his own in the first instance. Pre COVID-19 I helped a friend by extending his tourist visa. I was able to do it on his behalf. It might reinforce the fact that you are not fit enough to fly and you are not fit enough to travel to immigration.
Tod *********
here's the english version of the police order in effect that governs medical extensions
Ron *******
A lot of unnecessary unkind testosterone here. ...chill
Adam ******
still 20 000 thb if you not get caught
Adam ******
ive over 357 day
Adam ******
after if you surrender its 20 000 thb ..
Adam ******
just dont get caught
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
If you don’t mind me getting personal, I would ask specifically what does the letter from the hospital say. A year and a half ago after I had surgery, I got a two week extension because I had a letter from my doctor saying I was not fit to fly. Does your letter specifically state that? If it does, then I think The Covid situation has immigration throwing you into the same boiling pot that thousands of others who are in, September 26. If your letter from a doctor actually said you’re not fit to fly, If it was me, I would consider using an immigration lawyer in Bangkok if someone could recommend a good one to you, Because if this was normal times and you had that specific letter stating you were not fit to fly, it would be a slam dunk in your favor
Oliver ********
Just go (or send a friend) to Chaeng Wattana with the letter from the hospital. They will tell you if need anything else but that should be sufficient. You wont need anything from the embassy.
Terary **********
A) From what I understand less than 30 days is only a fine to be paid at the Airport
B) You may have better luck with the Polish embassy if you translated documents to Polish
B) You may have better luck with the Polish embassy if you translated documents to Polish
Paul ********
Brexit in Thailand
Keryn ******
Unfortunately not all immigration offices have the same rules. Maybe try another one.
Frank ************
KLM fly into BKK
Have you tried getting a flight back home with them
Have you tried getting a flight back home with them
Maxim ***********
I'm a bit confused by some of the answers. He said that he cannot fly until a few weeks after amnesty due to medical reasons. And yet people told him to fly anyways if it's between that and overstays. Even with my terrible english I was able to understand OP post.
Jonas *************
Some people are just there to argue. Block them
Kool *******
If by chance you have to overstay, do not get caught by any police, or official. When you get to the airport you will be separated at passport control, and have to pay bt500 for each day you overstayed, up to a maximum of bt20,000. As long as the overstay is under 90 days it will not affect your ability to return, unless you get caught overstaying before you get to the airport, or if it is longer than 90 days, in which case you will be banned from entering for 1 year. Another option, if you have insurance that covers it, is a medical flight back to your country. These cost about US$30,000+, and why I say, if you have insurance that covers it. What I see happening now is immigration thinking that your unfit to fly condition could change before Sept 26th, and why they are refusing at this time. Just a thought.
Bobby ********
@Kool ******
. Totally agree with what you say, but if the OP has certificate from a hospital there should be no problem. It's unusual immigration will reject a medical certificate, but they must have a reason.Claus *********
@Bobby *******
no it’s not ... in Chang Wattana Kool *******
@Bobby *******
, from my experience, I suspect it is an unfit to fly letter, and it is too early in their opinion to make that determination, as he doesn't want that much time extra, but I am just making an educated guess.
Anthony *********
2 week overstay not ideal also not the end of the world, what's the worst can happen they kick u out, they doing that anyway even In 5he unlikely event they blacklist u for a year it's unlikely that they will be open up to come back feely amyway for at least 6 month more now so I wouldn't worry to much tbh
Kata ****
OPThank you for some reasonable answer. I have never been in situation like that.
Anthony *********
@Kata ***
Ive been here 5 years now had a couple of occasions where I've had 3 or 4 days overstay for various reasons, one time 2 years ago with the storm pabuk I think I was 5 days over, wasn't a big deal had to pay the fine but no major even at the border, literally they take u aside u fill out a from, sign it pay up and be on your way, also with the amnesty ending 26th (as of now) I would think there will be a lot of overstays ,. Few days or a week here and there due to availability of flights etc 
John ****************
@Anthony ********
it only becomes a huge problem when the overstay exceeds 40 days - 20,000 Baht...
Joaquina ****************
It would be so easy for them to continue paying in Immigration like many other countries. That money could be used to help the Thai people who are suffering so much ...
Todd *********
Eddie *******
If you have a letter from your doctor you can bring to immigration and it should be no problem.
Kata ****
OPI did it already they said "no letter, no rights to extend"
Eddie *******
@Kata ***
really? The specific form ? Not just a hand written letter, but the specific form asking the immigration? Really?If you have the specific form i would go back and try a different immigration officer. It can not hurt
Todd *********
@Ed***
she is not alone in this. The official support letters from at least some embassies are NOT being honoured at some Thai immigration points Zabel ******************
In regards to the overstay don't go down that road because it would probably end with both fine and Blacklisted.
Wish you best of luck with finding a solution.
Wish you best of luck with finding a solution.
Kata ****
OPThank you everyone and each separate for your time and effort to reply my question. I will try one more time tomorrow in different office and also will forward all paperwork to Embassy of Poland... Wish me good luck because so far it seems like there is no rules at all and not much help from the official workers. Thank you again.
Kata ****
OPPlease no need to fight here. I am asking for help and advice 😣
Zabel ******************
@Kata ***
No worries no fighting I wouldn't wast time on that I'm sure you will find a solution for your medical needs for staying longer ☺️🙏Todd *********
@Za***
you pay your fine with a smile at the overstay office in BKK. Your advice here is uselessZabel ******************
@Todd ********
The reason why mention that with the Blacklisted is because that's what's both the volunteers and the immigration officer has told me a couple of times when calling them. So shame on me for bringing that kind of news.So all I do is passing it on.
And by the way I don't need to be a superstar I never had dose needs I stand in myself without needs for other people to tell me that I'm all that.
Todd *********
@Zabel *****************
no photo, because of course there is no blacklist. No. They cannot say overstay was back to last hard stamp. That’s why they call it amnesty. Just shut up. Save us the pain
Zabel ******************
@Todd ********
Seems you didn't read what I wrote I called that wouldn't come with a photo would it.And secondly we are in a special situation so nothing is like it use to be with their mindset they could in reality say the overstay was from the last hard stamp you got and thereby we would be in the blacklist zone anyways just passing on what I has been told I couldn't care less about you smartass comments I post to help and advice not to put other people down or boost my own ego.
And in this case that's the information I have gotten from the immigration.
Todd *********
@Zabel *****************
feel free to post a pic of their notification of blacklisting. Will help dispel the lack of knowledge and understanding Todd *********
💤
Zabel ******************
@Todd ********
See experience comes in many ways and in this case I have seen and known quite a couple of people who got blacklisted and yes believe or not I didn't make the rules so you can feel what ever you want to feel about be I won't lay sleepless over you're feelings but it won't change the law. Captain all mighty
Todd *********
@Za***
Carry on superstar. I look forward to future irrelevance from you Zabel ******************
@Todd ********
What is your issue with me seems you are having a beef with the reality and the good advice I'm giving what ever your problem I can't help you it seems to be an issue with yourself hope you find a solution for it so you can move forward in life good luck with it. Todd *********
Jacob Brandau clearly - you suck as a human. Sorry for your genetics you shit pump
Jacob *********
@Todd ********
you are a fucking asshole I hope you get bad karma dealt your way you monkey Todd *********
You are correct. You are the stupid one. Disregard people with actual experience as u wish. U will need the luck. Not me
Zabel ******************
@Todd ********
You sound like a real nice fellow.So I must be the stupid one because I haven't overstayed and yup must be the clever one since you have 🤔.
With that kind of logic.
Then it sound like you can use all that luck in life you can get so I will send you some 😜
Todd *********
@Za***
oh look. Now u have learned google. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 She is looking for a period of under 90 days. So 500 baht per day fine to a max of 20k baht and NO suspension nor your non existent ‘black list’. Take a seat. Todd *********
@Za***
I have experienced overstay on several occasions. Which clearly you have not. Your shit advice is not based on experience or knowledge. My beef is with stupid people. They annoy. And u are the winner right now 
Patrick ************
When u really have serious medical problems u need to call your embassy to help u get home when u not able to arange your self ,, this is not a problem from imigration
Kata ****
OPThank you for replying without judging and hate.
Kata ****
OP@Todd ********
I have all paperwork work in place, even translation in English and legalisation from Ministry of Justice, my last hope is that Embassy of Poland would help however they have been quite shocked because I have provided all paperwork to Thai officers and she still refused me 😑 I am not asking for 30 days to spend on the beach its all about my health and safety and future and all consequences with it... Todd *********
@Kata ***
totally understand. I realize that immigration is not always supporting the letters. Which is crazy. But if you need overstay as last ditch effort, you will be fine. Stay safe and healthyTodd *********
@Patrick ***********
yes it is an immigration problem. No embassy has authority to extend a visa. Don’t add a thing if you have no clue Patrick ************
@Todd ********
and don’t judge or talk stupid because I have a clue my friend sit next to me and works imigration Todd *********
Wrong
Patrick ************
@Todd ********
that the person have a medical problem is not an imigration problem ,,, imigration have nothing to do with that even when u in hospital they not extend your visa when u not have the papers to do ,,, Patrick ************
@Todd ********
Kati pi I just hear that this man arrange all for u because he is the all mighty Patrick ************
@Todd ********
give if a try call them Todd *********
@Pat****
ur completely and totally wrong. Kata ****
OPI will have more paperwork tomorrow and I have draft letter ready for the embassy, will forward everything tomorrow.
@Patrick ***********
my question is what if they don't help and I have to overstay??? Never been in situation like this before... Patrick ************
@Kata ***
overstay 1 or 2 day no problem 2 weeks have to pay a lot of money they catch u at airport and u get manny questions when its more than 1 month they can arrest u and u can be kicked out of country and blacklisted Kata ****
OPThe problem is that I cannot fly for another few weeks, that's why I need 30 days extension to be safe to fly after that period of time... Thank for your reply anyway
Patrick ************
@Kata ***
the thai imigration is not responcible that if u not can fly for medical reason than u must ask your ambassy for help Bobby ********
You don't need a letter from the Polish embassy. You just have medical certificate from Doctor/Hospital and you will get 30 days extension
Sara ******
I think you should ask paper from doctor and ask then. You have show doctors letter and flying tickets. Couple friend of mine just paid that overstay 500 bht by day when the was overstay about 2-3 weeks. But that was many years ago. I think you can solve everything out with all documents you have. Or get ED visa and so no problem 😊 Everything could be solved. I think ED visa is your answer if your doctor's documents are enough.
Jonas *************
Which office? Try another one?
Personally I hear much about Bangkok immigration not being friendly, but I have no trouble and maybe they go by the book instead of by the cokor of wallet?
Personally I hear much about Bangkok immigration not being friendly, but I have no trouble and maybe they go by the book instead of by the cokor of wallet?
Burnard ************
@Jonas ************
They make up "The Book" on the spot. Bobby ********
***********************************************************************************
*****
Todd *********
@Bobby *******
I actually don’t think it is at all. The poker ♠️ game is on 🙂 and there will be winners and losers. Always is Todd *********
@Bo***
fear owns too many 🙂 I would just love to be a winner 🙏Bobby ********
@Todd ********
. I'd just hate to be a loser! ***sends up a prayer to the Lord for creating the OA visa***Todd *********
@Bobby *******
sadly - this is not happening. There is a strong disconnect between embassies and Thai immigration. Bobby ********
@Todd ********
. It seems immigration are serious about getting foreigners out. I guess the party's over.Todd *********
@Bo***
in talking to them on Samui... there is definitely a game being played here. And the situation today will not be the same on sept 20Kata ****
OPMain Division Immigration Office in Government Complex in BKK also I have contacted Immigration Office in Trang in Thai and in English and we have been told exactly the same "no letter from my embassy, no rights to extend"
Kata ****
OP@Bobby *******
I have been there last Friday with all paperwork and Thai boyfriend and this is what we have been told in Thai and in English... No need for me to say lies, I am enough in desperate situation. Thank you for your reply. Bobby ********
@Kata ***
. So tell me about section 1.1 and point out to me where it states you need an embassy letter. An acquaintance of mine has already done it, so it's very true...Todd *********
@Bobby *******
it’s not true. But it should be. And Thai immigration is the blocking point Activity
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