What Should Expats Know About the Current Amnesty Program in Thailand?

ATTENTION MEMBERS:

Current Amnesty Program

There is some confusion about this amnesty program.

It is NOT a "free pass" to "kick it in thailand for 3 months" sort of deal. :O

It was written with wording that specifically says people who take the amnesty will be allowed to stay NO LONGER than the 31st of July.

That means IF they can get the borders open for people to ENTER the country before July 31st, the government can put out a decree stating when amnesty holders need to exit the country AND anyone on amnesty will have to follow it.

Also there is some confusion about whether you can take the amnesty and then AFTER it runs out apply for an extension like normal.

No one knows if/how that will work. Some offices are stating take the amnesty then come apply for your extension before the 31st of July,

BUT

some offices are saying IF you take the amnesty you can't apply for an extension after that. This is why for people who are on long term extensions (marriage, retirement, employment, education, volunteer, raising kids etc) we are recommending you go and get your extension like normal when it comes time.

There is good evidence that IF you take the amnesty you cannot apply for any in country Non-Immigrant type visa. AND there are even reports that people who got extensions based on being unable to travel due to covid-19 with the embassy letter were denied being able to apply for in country VISAS as well.

I would suggest everyone who is on the amnesty pay close attention to the borders / airspace re-opening and to the notices put out by the thai government regarding what amnesty holders need to do once that happens.

Good Luck, stay safe.