l entered Thailand in March 2020 on 30 day entry (not a visa) from Malaysia.
Then due to covid l got the usual extensions due as were available.
Following that l was unable to leave due to a criminal court case, which was continuously postponed due to covid, until l was eventually acquitted in July 2023.
l currently have no visa and only have a signed document from the court, that l was unable to leave due to the court case.
From what l understand, this means l have been overstaying probably since around December or January 2020/2021 which is the last time l was at an immigration office. At that point l was simply told by the immigration officer to simply comeback when the court case had been completed. Well as mentioned l was acquitted but with little help or l assume the wrong advice from my lawyer at the time, l am obviously now overstaying and wonder if l have any options than simply paying a fine or if l will be arrested if l either go to immigration myself or if l try to leave via flight. l have no wish to remain in Thailand, nor do l have wish to return and just wish to leave as painlessly as possible even if it means a fine and blacklisting or both. l would like to avoid being sent to lDC or having to get involved with the courts again.
Do l have any options that do not require atleast a trip to lDC?
Before anyone makes snide remarks: Yes l am aware that l screwed up and no matter what bad advice l was given it is my own responsibility.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user entered Thailand in March 2020 on a 30-day entry permit and has since been unable to leave due to a court case that delayed their departure until July 2023. Currently, they are overstaying their welcome and have been advised that upon attempting to leave, they would face fines and potentially a ban. The user seeks options to leave the country without facing severe consequences like detention at an Immigration Detention Center (IDC). Community responses suggest that while fines (up to 20,000 baht) and potential bans are likely, honesty at the airport could mitigate issues, and there may be no legal recourse available to fix their visa situation. They are cautioned to avoid any further legal complications before attempting to exit.
