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What options do I have for visa extension in Thailand after my tourist visa expired?
Thailand visa rulesExpired tourist visaVisa extension optionsEd visaVolunteer visaThai immigrationAmnesty extensionVisa processing services
Aug 18, 2020
6 years ago
Angela *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHey everyone seeking some advice. I'm on expired tourist visa but don't want to leave on 26th september.
From what I understand I only have 2 options, ed visa or the shady volunteer visa. Anyone else in my situation? What did you do?
From what I understand I only have 2 options, ed visa or the shady volunteer visa. Anyone else in my situation? What did you do?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A person currently on an expired tourist visa in Thailand is seeking advice on what options they have to stay longer without leaving the country. They mentioned two potential options: acquiring an educational (Ed) visa or a volunteer visa, but expressed concern about their reliability. The comments provide various insights, mentioning the unlikelihood of a visa amnesty extension, the potential introduction of temporary special extensions, and the general sentiment that going through official channels or using visa processing services is a more reliable option than engaging with dubious visa agents.
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Jin *****
Ed visa may be too late to apply.. likely they are going to extend the amnesty since the emergency continues..
Bobby ********
@Jin ****
. The difference is that Thai immigration have given instructions to foreigners how to deal with their respective situation. Get an extension or make plans to leave. The emergency decree only applies to people coming in, there has never been any restriction on those going out. Jin *****
Other more civil countries extended their visa amnesty with no problems.. the message from the IM "..you have to leave the country..." totally rude given the situation we are in... the Thai economy is in free fall where the tourism is large part of that and what policymakers did kick out foreigners.. I don't know what they have in their mind.. potetos?
Jane ***********
I think it's highly unlikely the amnesty will be extended
Paul *******
@Jane **********
Me too. I think what could happen is a form of special extension, but you would have to pay for it. If this happens, they'll announce it sometime next month. Jane ***********
@Paul ******
I really don’t think so. ‘Letter from Embassy’ or short medical extension only I think (sadly). Paul *******
@Jane **********
That's what they've said so far. But there remains a small possibility of a limited tourist visa extension IF the authorities deem that there are still too many tourists stuck without some sort of way of converting to another visa type or departing by then. A big IF but in my opinion, a higher likelihood of going ahead than another amnesty extension.
Jane ***********
@Paul ******
I don’t know where you’ve seen that ‘possibly’. They seem to have made their position v clear, if you ask me. Paul *******
@Jane **********
They've made it clear but my point is that they might consider such a possibility depending on the situation at the time around mid September. I mean, IF there are still tens of thousands of stranded tourists some of whom can't get embassy letters then what.I wouldn't necessarily count on it though, and I'm certainly not (I am eligible for a normal visa extension anyway) but for some desperate folk, there might be a small glimmer of hope. I do agree that they are best of assuming it won't happen.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Anthony *********
as much as it sucks that people who have lives here like me are in limbo right now forking out big money for a dodgy visa will likely end in tears, they will be stopping nearly every single forigener omce the amnesty runs out and if your paperwork is fishy or you don't actually qualify for it then the fact you paid somone agent won't matter , far better to wait to see if they do anything or kick it in a country nearby and wait it out till you can come back in, that's my plan amyway I ain't paying crazy money to these pricks
Maxim ***********
Dodgy visa with an agent is done by IO's and legit, I know people who have been using Thai Visa Agent for 10 years, never an issue. It's illegal, but you get the same visa as everyone else who apply legally, you are in the computer like everyone else.
Tod *********
Bob Joris, you have been able to EXIT thailand since they closed the borders on March 26th with one flight or another. That you cannot fly directly back to your country does not mean you can't leave thailand :/ You CAN leave..
Richard ******
They dont want you go home
Bobby ********
@Anthony ********
. If you have a "life" here how is it you cannot get a legit visa?Anthony *********
Quite the pickle isn't Im so close to retirementmet but yet so far lol last thing I wanna do is take my 300k bwkx when in two years it'll be in the region of 750k 🤷
Anthony *********
@Bobby *******
my plan is to try to go another country close by and wait it out and cone back once the borders open on either a tourist visa or a new non b visa if I decide it's worth while opening my place up again but failing that I will work online as I can do that wherever until I can either get my cash back in January or If I can get by for 2 year then I'll at least double my investment and I'll be able to live comfortably out here forever especially once me and the Mrs are married and we move to the north as we plan to Anthony *********
Bobby Howard my non b runs out October I think that I can get a year non b again hoeevrr I don't have a business now as I own a hostel on Koh phangan with no tourists I've had to shut for now and will re opme when toursits return, I'm working online atm to get by and I have enough from my shares in the UK to live on but I'm only 37 and can't get a retirement visa and I'm not married yet either so even though I have a large amount of cash in the UK I don't physically have it here as it's in offshore bonds and my company back Manchester, although I'm thinking of just getting the year non b or the Ed visa I'm actually waiting till last minute to be honest as my girl works for a well known and reputsd visa run company so I can get things done quickly but this lockdown has took up some money I had here and I don't just have 50,000 or so in baht lying around here, I get 30,000 from home to live on as a directors loan till I can cash my shares in January and have £300,000 in the UK but its August now and not January lol
Reply to
Anthony *********
Reply
Bobby ********
Bob Joris. I think they're trying to hint that maybe your time in Thailand is up? If they refuse an extension, you have to leave. Come back when things have settled. Dodgy visa you won't ever be coming back. But you have the choice. There is a distinct anti-farang vibe in the government, so they will be looking closer
Anthony *********
Bobby Howard I've lived here for 5 years now and tbh if it wasn't for my partner and her son id be happy to leave and already would have done, the anti farrang vibe is so true and it's gotten much more noticeable in the past two years or so since the military came and shut down all the hostels in Koh phangan, since then whenevr I leave the island and go to say bkk or what where I'm not known the hostility in general leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, every time I go to Penang to renew by the time I resch hat yai I'm like why the fuck am I coming back here of my own free will 😂😂
Reply to
Anthony *********
Reply
Anthony *********
I'd rather spend money on a quarantine than a visa that won't be worth a toffee when people stsrt getting stopped left right and center
Todd *********
Anthony Jackson that sounds wise 😂😂😂
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Anthony *********
Bob Joris it's a dilemma but there has to be a nearby country to fly into till everything opens
Reply to
Anthony *********
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Littlefinger *******
Ezio ********
I found a Muay Thai school that can give you 3 - 6 - 12 months visa, and legal (elite fight club)
You won't be able to go to Thai language school right now cause you are supposed to leave the country.
You won't be able to go to Thai language school right now cause you are supposed to leave the country.
Josh *****
You paid 7k for 3 months?
Matt *******
@Guilhem *****
How are you supposed to get the ED Visa IN your passport seeing as you have to take all the paperworks to a Thai Embassy outside of Thailand and all the borders are closed...Ezio ********
@Matt ******
For thai language school yes you have, but not for muay thai. They have a lawyer and they got all the approval, you will also have to go immigration with their lawyer to complete your visaMatt *******
@Guilhem *****
How much extra is that gonna cost for the lawyer to get the ED Visa in your passport without leaving Bangkok?Ezio ********
@Matt ******
You pay 7k for visa feesReply to
Ezio ********
Reply
Richard ******
@Guilhem *****
what a complete farceEzio ********
@Richard *****
This is not a jokeRichard ******
@Guilhem *****
why not get an ordinary visa not a trick oneEzio ********
@Richard *****
This one is an ordinary visaRichard ******
@Guilhem *****
then why go muay thai to get itEzio ********
@Richard *****
Educational Visa Reply to
Ezio ********
Reply
Margaret *******
@Guilhem *****
hi, are you able to provide more information on this please?Ezio ********
@Margaret ******
What do you want to know exactly ?Margaret *******
@Guilhem *****
where is the Muay Thai school based and do you have any contact details for them please? Ezio ********
@Margaret ******
You can contact @Elite **********************
It is near Phrom Phong BTS, they also have another school in Hua Hin I thinkThe owner is a french guy
Margaret *******
@Guilhem *****
thank you! ☺️Reply to
Margaret *******
Reply
Valérie ************
😱 This page is a display of hatred and rudeness. None of those people should even be allowed in Thailand, they will scare off the decent visitors.
Gordy *****
@Valérie ***********
Well said 👏👏👏Reply to
Gordy *****
Reply
Chris ********
*****
k for a Ed or voluntary visa, prices have jumped, good luck.Richard ******
Go home
Mark ***********
Fuck you.
Richard ******
@Mark **********
how rude .only making a suggestionMark ***********
@Ric****
, haha, "Only making a suggestion," as if going home was possibly something that Angela just had not thought of? You made a douche comment and when someone calls you out, you pretend to be offended. Wow.Richard ******
Please learn to speak english correctly
Mark ***********
@Ric****
, we are not "speaking," which is an oral activity. No, we are writing. So, I guess you meant; "Please learn to write English correctly?" Richard ******
@Mark **********
dont guess its not cleverReply to
Richard ******
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Frank ******
Ire entertainment, just sit back enjoy popcorn and shouting match
Reiner *********
Very Crazy question for a so called educated.....
Bim *******
Never understood the free Amnesty. Why not charge 2000 bht for an end of year visa in country until the borders open and cut out the visa scammers and corruption. They have made a fortune. Common sense hey. Never a reality here.
Anthony *********
@Bim ******
logic is lost in the thai, most stubborn peoole ever, they probably realised they should he eating with a fork instead of a spoon but instead of losing face they just said nah that's how its done your all wrong 😂Bim *******
@Anthony ********
stubborn. Haha. Nail on the head. Paul *******
@Bim ******
Other countries (such as Indonesia) have been even less generous and we don't know when the borders will reopen, could be over a year from now. Proper tourists can't stay forever without working or going back home. I think another 3 month extension to weed out the remaining tourists would be the best way to go, but this is what they've decided.
Indonesia is telling tourists to leave by today, NZ says to leave by Sep 25 (1 day before Thailand), while the USA to my knowledge has not issued any special covid extension at all.
Todd *********
@Paul ******
there are literally millions of retirees disguised as tourists worldwide with all the financial wherewithal needed to stay anywhere indefinitely. Those are the ones every nations WANTS to keep in place and some like Barbados are now actively recruiting. Paul *******
@Todd ********
In Thailand it's easy for anyone over 50 to convert a tourist entry into a retirement entry. I am talking about tourists on a tourist visa with no other options to seek a different type of visa. These people either have to seek a special extension showing proof they can't leave, a medical extension or depart by the deadline.
Barbados is NOT actively "recruiting" anyone at this time. I took a look at the entry requirements for Caribbean nations recently. All of them want some sort of covid test, online health declaration and some are barring US citizens altogether, or throwing them in quarantine.
Right now stranded tourists should be seeking ways of legitimizing their stay on a non-tourist type extension or going home.
Now's not the time for international travel. Maybe next year.
Todd *********
@Paul ******
yes, if over 50 no problem to convert to retirement here. Easy. And realistically education and volunteer visas easily obtainable also. Most nations have some sort of means with which to allow people to work out a period of stay or head home (for those who have one) Barbados has an active program to offer a one year visa for remote workers. Turkey is open. Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia open in also. It’s unique times and we all have to realize that the world has changed. And some people are in very unique and precarious situations all over the globe.
Agree now is not the time for international travel. I have been on the road for 84 months now and here will be ‘home’ for quite some time I suspect.
Paul *******
@Todd ********
Well there you go. Perfectly summed up.Dan ********
@Paul ******
but why ‘weed out any remaining tourists’ when they’ll only come flooding back when things are relaxed ? what’s the difference economically between a tourist and someone with a low income business here (and therefore visa). Not arguing, just curios. If it’s about money/spending, there’s been no question of ‘means testing’. I was getting the same hard time at immigration, as people now posting asking for free accommodation, 3000bht a month rooms, or volunteering for food/accom, or even money for a flight home. On your other point, I thought Bali opening borders on 10th sept ?Paul *******
@Dan *******
Bali isn't opening then. There was an article somewhere where they said it probably won't open before January, similar to Thailand. You can argue about tourists contributing money all you like and I don't disagree with you, but the current immigration laws don't allow tourists to stay indefinitely. They'd have to change the laws or something first.
Again, most other countries are kicking out tourists, who can't change to another type of visa as we speak. Vietnam is one (unless you're on a type of visa where you can extend through an agent), Indonesia was next, then we have New Zealand and 1 day later, Thailand.
Todd *********
@Paul ******
no other nation is kicking out tourists. If amnesty periods are winding up, there is an available extension option for those who wish to stay. Paul *******
@Todd ********
Many nations ARE kicking out tourists. Including Indonesia. Todd *********
@Pa**
no, they are not. Amnesty periods ending, requesting people convert to stable visa of some sort. There is no ‘boot out the tourists’ movement from any nation. But u go ahead and read it however You want 😂Paul *******
@Todd ********
Indonesia IS kicking out tourists. Plenty of articles about it. But keep your head in the sand if you want, Mr "know it all" who only thinks Thailand is the bad guy. BTW Thailand isn't kicking out tourists either per se, just that they're ending the amnesty.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Kuan ******
Visa agents can do miracles - it’s legal but it comes with a pricey tag .. from 40,000 onwards I heard..
All people on amnesty need to leave to reapply for a valid visa of some kind.
All people on amnesty need to leave to reapply for a valid visa of some kind.
Maxim ***********
40k visas with agents are NOT legal, they are illegal but legit. This is an important nuance. These visas are done by IO's, with valid stamp, and you are put in the system like everyone else, but it is not legal by definition.
Bobby ********
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/05/american-thai-wife-arrested-operating-an-illegal-visa-business-in-bangkok-using-fake-stamps/Maxim ***********
@Bobby *******
This bust was never about forged visas. They are still operational. They work from an office in BKK.James *****
@Bobby *******
there's legal agency to handle legal visa , if u are worried then go back home Bobby ********
@James ****
. 🤣 I'm not worried! I have a legal visa obtained from the immigration office. I just like to warn people of the possible ramifications if they use an agent who engages in "extra-curricular" activities! 🤣🤣🤣Khun ******
@Bobby *******
Be careful what you post. This case was cleared out and they are legal and never stopped operating. In fact a certain Richard Barrow posted also and put agents look bad. Now he had huge troubles to got his own Visa. Just telling.Dan ********
@De *****************
Richard barrow is getting a bit too ‘busy’ for some, I believe.Darren *******
@De *****************
he had the same issue last year apparently too so I doubt it's got anything to do with him posting an article about that agentBobby ********
@De *****************
. It's not my story. It's published by Thai Examiner. If it was incorrect I'm sure it would be removed or an apology issued. Just tellingJames *****
@Bobby *******
cool buddy 😎 , have a nice dayBobby ********
@James ****
. Every day is a nice day! You too. Stay safeReply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Mark ***********
Hey, did you say that exact same thing in June? Just wondering where your logic comes from...
Bobby ********
@Kuan *****
. For 40,000 upwards it's NOT legal. It's still paying off an immigration official. It's great if you don't get caught.Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Mark ***********
Anyone think they will extend the amnesty again?
Stuart *********
Mogens Nygaard there are lots and lots of people on amnesty that arent tourists. They live here full time and spend money here. They just don’t have the ability to put 400k into a bank here, or their company doesn’t employ enough staff for them to get a year extension. They still spend money, they have for years, but usually are quite content doing their 90 day border bounce. Economically it would certainly be a loss to local economies if all those hundreds if not thousands are forced to leave. Not everyone on amnesty likes the 7-11 toasties. I guess some do, but many more are spending money on rent, food and other stuff.
Bobby ********
Mogens Nygaard. I struggle with that concept too. People cannot afford to get the right visas in country, and yet they're claiming that they're supporting their local economies. How are they doing that? With their 30baht cheese toastie from 7-11, their 80baht stir fry chicken and cashew nuts and two bottles of beer a day? Something doesn't add up. I think the Thais would prefer to see 40,000 or 65,000 baht coming in each month, or getting the big bucks from Thai elite visas. I think we're going to see a massive shake up in Thai Visa World in the coming months, which may cause some big problems for some people, but realistically they've had months to sort out their situations.
Nick ************
@Bobby *******
until the shake up happens it is somewhat difficult to sort out a situation that might prevent big problems unless, of course, you have a crystal ball and can foresee what needs sorting out.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Stuart *********
@Bobby *******
yes it’s *****
0 for a marriage extension or 40,000 per month for the past 12 months in income (and paid taxes). Quite a number of company set ups don’t have the requirement for getting a year extension. Not been a problem in the past. Bounce out and in and no issue. Obviously this option doesn’t exist now. Bobby ********
@Stuart ********
. So with the possibility of border bouncing a long long way in the future, should people be looking at viable options for the so-called "new normal"? I don't know. But pinning your future for probably the next twelve months or more is praying for further amnesty extensions, it doesn't sound like a good strategy to me.Stuart *********
@Bobby *******
absolutely not. However I was just saying that I think there may be an extension purely on the basis of so many people stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have no idea if it would/could happen but there’s hundreds (or maybe thousands) here that are hoping for it. Roy ***********
@Stuart ********
You are correct in saying that many people live here and can not border bounce. But I do not get the feeling that is something Thailand cares about. Very few Thai people will care if thousands of Farang are being send home.If there will be another amnesty/grace period, it is because Thai immigration can't handle all cases. Or Thailand is scared of what the world will think of their hospitality.
Stuart *********
@Roy **********
too true. I don’t think Thailand cares about the people in “limbo“ per se. however these people are actually contributing to the economy, which for places like Phuket are seriously suffering. Why “kick” them out, find a way to get them to stay and continue to contribute. Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. Can I interest you in a 50% share in my buffalo?Mark ***********
@Bo***
, I have no idea what that means.Reply to
Mark ***********
Reply
Bobby ********
@Mark **********
. The amnesty as such is finished. Thai PR are referring to this period Aug 1st to Sept 26th as a "grace period", and have actually issued instructions on what people need to be doing during this period. So my thoughts are no way are they extending. Stuart *********
@Bobby *******
I’m not so sure. Be it as it may I do believe that they may well extend the amnesty period because there are thousands of expats on “marriage” visas and 3 month “work” visas who would normally border bounce every 90 days but can’t. They live here. Full time and have no other option of getting an extension because they don’t have the financial option to extend for a year visa. Would they really want to eliminate all those people? Not from anything official but just a gut feeling. Anthony *********
@Stuart ********
I'm with you mate tbh it's a very real concern we have lives here it's not quite as simple as just leave and go home, this is my home and many others too, it'll be chaos and I kind of think they will at some point soon realise that and come up with something, pure guess work but one thing I ain't doing is giving some agent 50k+ for a piece of paper in my passport that's not worth the paper it's written on, myabe they would stop ripping foreigners off if forigeners stopped being so dumb half the time, be much better bombarding immigration and their phones lines to bitch about this rather than bithching on here Bobby ********
@Stuart ********
. Longstay visa holders have been told to go to immigration and state their case for extensions. People who choose not to do this are taking a huge chance. But I do think you need to meet the financial requirements. Those on tourist visas can get a one off 30 day extension if they have a letter from their embassy. With all due respect, this doesn't look like preparation for another amnesty extension.Stuart *********
@Bobby *******
long stay visa holders have no issues. They extend as they would normally do each year. The “problem” is the people who can’t meet the financial requirements for a year long extension through marriage or company set up. From reading the posts on the various visa sites it’s a large number of people. They need to stay because they “live” here but as yet they don’t have an option. Bobby ********
@Stuart ********
. Have any actually tried? If the answer is no, perhaps these people should now be looking at options, and perhaps trying to meet the obligations? I don't know. I thought marriage visas it was a requirement for 400,000 baht in the bank of 40,000/month transferred. I don't know about company setups. Perhaps you could please give the details of these?Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Darren *******
@Mark **********
no, wording and instructions seem a bit more forceful and direct this time round plus I'm sure their coffers are running low and they want some overstay fines coming in.Mark ***********
@Dar***
, I wonder why they haven't been charging the typical 1,900 Baht per month? I would have gladly paid it.Darren *******
@Mark **********
fines waived due to amnestyMark ***********
@Dar***
, duh, but why? They didn't have to waive them, unless I guess some people would claim they don't have the money which would be really weird.Reply to
Mark ***********
Reply
Connie ********
Ed visa and really learn one language.
Anthony *********
Bide your time id theryre not opening the borders then there is a chance they will extend it as they're not going to want the last ones left here to leave and take the last bit of money the tourist industry is getting with them, other than that you can buy a non b business visa although nornally you need to process it in an embassy outside of Thailand so it's possible they might Announce you can do it in the country at immigration and it's just as better to wait to do that than fall into the trap of the many people now offering thses dodgy visa
Oliver ********
@Anthony ********
how Much is the Price ?Anthony *********
@Oliver *******
non b visa? Around 30-35k all in but new visa rules have just been introduced before lock down which you can check out online or at a lawyers I have one but the new tax laws regards staff so social security are to complicated for me to explain right now as I've more pressing matters on another page winding up far Lefty's and labour voters ✌️Reply to
Anthony *********
Reply
Greg ********
@Anthony ********
They seem pretty deteemined on no more amnesty. As you say though wait and see but be prepared tooPaul *******
@Greg *******
I agree, it's pretty clear that there will be no more amnesty after Sep 26. That being said, they might introduce a temporary special extension for tourists unable to depart, but upon payment of a fee and submitting documents to prove an inability to depart. Other countries such as Indonesia are already kicking out tourists; today is the deadline to depart for tourists stuck in that country, while Vietnam's amnesty expired July 31, although there is a way of paying and staying to remain in that country, for some visa holders, for now.
Greg ********
@Paul ******
Yes, those unable to depart have to prove it and pay extension fees. I have to add the proviso that this is Thailand and anything could happen. I would still be making plans if it was me thoughReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Bobby ********
Thai elite visa is really the only viable legal option. But be quick, the clock is ticking
Thomas ********************
I think it could still just be doable. I did it in April-May and it was 6 weeks. But! I lost like 7-8 business days due to bankers being wankers.
Also, there was some talk during June-Juli that they had been able to speed up processing even more. I'd ask them.
Either way, one wouldn't loose anything by applying and clearing the background check phase.
Also, there was some talk during June-Juli that they had been able to speed up processing even more. I'd ask them.
Either way, one wouldn't loose anything by applying and clearing the background check phase.
Oliver ********
@Bobby *******
NOT true Reply to
Oliver ********
Reply
Joaquina ****************
Following
Alain ***************
me too
Reply to
Alain ***************
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Brian *******
At this point in time; searching for an answer to your particular situation using Facebook is the least optimal option. Contact a Visa Processing service OR go to immigration and ask them what your options are and go from there. Good Luck.
Todd *********
@Br***
at this point immigration is actually the worst option as they have nothing for anyone coming off amnesty Reply to
Todd *********
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