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What should I know about extending my visa in Jomtien and the current immigration situation?
Thailand Visa ExtensionJomtien Immigration30 Day Visa ExtensionVisa Rules for ExpatsImmigration IssuesCOVID-19 Impact on ImmigrationNon-Immigrant VisaTourist Visa Alternatives
Sep 22, 2020
6 years ago
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTERJomtien immigration have issued all queue tickets for 30 day extension today.
People now being turned away and asked to return tomorrow.
If anyone still needs to apply then I would advise to arrive very early. Long queue outside.
People now being turned away and asked to return tomorrow.
If anyone still needs to apply then I would advise to arrive very early. Long queue outside.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the current situation at Jomtien immigration, where all queue tickets for 30 day visa extensions were issued, resulting in some individuals being turned away. Commenters express frustrations over the limited options available for visa extensions, particularly due to recent changes and challenges faced in obtaining necessary paperwork from embassies. Concerns about the bureaucracy and the effect of COVID-19 on immigration solutions are highlighted, along with discussions on the different types of visas available for expats.
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Ivan ************
People have not had "plenty of time". Many embassies were refusing to issue letters and only did a U-turn on it at the last minute. So they couldn't have gone earlier.
For that matter many immigration offices were turning people away if they went a few weeks ago, telling them to come back closer to the date.
I don't think it's even possible yet to "officially" convert from amnesty to a legit non-immigrant visa, unless you pay an agent or "special fee" to immigration directly.
There has not been a clear path to deal with this in time and officially with immigration without paying dodgy agents for many people. Cynics might say that is intentional, to encourage routes that generate a payoff.
The whole thing is a mess.
For that matter many immigration offices were turning people away if they went a few weeks ago, telling them to come back closer to the date.
I don't think it's even possible yet to "officially" convert from amnesty to a legit non-immigrant visa, unless you pay an agent or "special fee" to immigration directly.
There has not been a clear path to deal with this in time and officially with immigration without paying dodgy agents for many people. Cynics might say that is intentional, to encourage routes that generate a payoff.
The whole thing is a mess.
Carsten *********
I got an early retirement 8 years ago but was / am not old enough to get the retirement VISA at 50 though I fulfil all the other requirements. Was told to continue on Tourist VISA at immigration here in BKK and at the Embassy in Laos and Vietnam. I was hoping things would change so I could stay here in this place I now call home but the Danish Embassy is no longer giving out the letters asking for extension and thus I have no other choice to return home because I do not fit into any of the categories. I'm not married, no children, not working, not studying and not 50 years old. I speak and read Thai and has been coming here since I was an AFS student at age 16 making this year my 30th year living / traveling / working / studying here in Thailand. I fly back on Saturday and though I somewhat understand and accept the situation I still think the government could have done better and given more options to those who are stuck in the bureaucracy due to no fault of their own besides paying people off or applying for and paying for some dodgy VISA that we all know are just for show.
Todd *********
@Carsten ********
i truly empathize with the situation. But let's face it, the 'dodgy' visa you reference is not really dodgy at all, it just requires you to write the cheque for it. And ur on early retirement. Pay the money and carry on with your life mate. No problemsCarsten *********
@Todd ********
the "dodgy" visas I was referring to would be offers of getting Muy Thai / "Bodyguard" / volunteer or the now long gone "student VISA" where people never showed up for class. I already got my ticket and is actually starting to look forward to seeing friends and family again but if I had the option of staying here I imagine I would. I will take another look at the Elite VISA, I still dislike the idea of paying for the luxery of spending my time and money here but if it is "ony" 500K I guess I should take a second look Todd *********
@Car****
I do think your situation is paralleled globally by many people at present. And i think every nation should be doing their utmost to help people caught in the crossfire covid has created. All we can di is express our thoughts. And yes, ur retired early. It's 500k baht. If you truly want to stay, write the check. It's easyReply to
Todd *********
Reply
George ********
@Carsten ********
so you don t meet the criteria of the visa you want and you have been able to circumvent the rules for eight years. I wonder if Denmark shows the same empathy to Muslims who have spent 8 years as tourists and consider Denmark home? I doubt itCarsten *********
And the people who told me to stay on a Tourist VISA were people at BKK immigration and the people at the Thai Embassy in Laos and Vietnam. This was before Covid when this was not a problem but that things change and that I'm still not 50 is hardly my fault.
Carsten *********
@George *******
I am an expat and living here because the weather is better for my health. My point is that the only reason I'm on a tourist VISA is that I'm not 50 and that there should be an offer or an alternative if they were not able to give me the VISA I would need to stay here. Me not being 50 is kind of hard to change unless you know of a good place to apply and add another 4 years ? George ********
@Carsten ********
try the Philippines? Carsten *********
@George *******
not been home in 8 years and guess I'm slowly coming to terms with the idea of visiting friends and family but if Thailand is not opening up in the start of the New Year I will simply go hide in another country like the Philippines till they do open up the borders. Just wish I had the option of staying here till I turn 50 without having to bribe peopleDavid *********
@Carsten ********
Thai eliteCarsten *********
@David ********
I have been thinking about that too and it might come to that but I honestly find the idea of me having to spend a million to be allowed to spend my monthly 80.000 - 90.000 Baht pension here a bit offensive just because I'm still 4 years away from turning 50. I know its an option and in the end I might end up getting one but with the political history of this country I am a little hesitant about paying a million for a service that might be cancelled tomorrow...David *********
@Carsten ********
they have a 500k option for 5 yearsReply to
David *********
Reply
Anne ********
Ivan McAvinchey Do you mean there is still no official solution for people to stay? They can certainly leave, which is what the Thai immigration has said to prepare for, for months.
I do understand people wanting to stay, and chancing that the Government may give yet another generous extension. However, that’s a risk and a personal choice.
If the time is up, well, just be grateful that a lengthy extension has been enjoyed
I do understand people wanting to stay, and chancing that the Government may give yet another generous extension. However, that’s a risk and a personal choice.
If the time is up, well, just be grateful that a lengthy extension has been enjoyed
Todd *********
@Anne *******
it would sadly appear your knowledge and currency with global affairs, international relationships and alliances if virtually nil. Your POV here is so astoundingly myopic, i don't know where to start. Will leave the arduous task of teaching ahead to others with more patience than I. Todd *********
@Anne *******
i can appreciate Ivan's pain in dealing with the imbeciles here. Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Ivan ************
Sure Steve, but this in reply to all the people saying "you had six months" to sort something out. But many did not have six months, they spent six months with no options from immigration, being told repeatedly to wait and see, come back next month. There is STILL no official solution for a lot of people.
Dominic ****
Steve Demir they're not stupid comments. These are tourists who have been given six months extra to exit the country and are now panicking because they think they're entitled to stay even longer yet aren't getting their way.
Reply to
Dominic ****
Reply
Daniel ************
the queuq app is not working ?
Kamilya ***************
From tomorrow will open additional immigration office. I already posted
Peter *********
Fucking chancers have had plenty of warning up to 26th September deadline
David *********
If you snooze you lose. Maybe next time you get the required paperwork done as soon as you are able. Before it is too late
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
my visa expired 6 Sept. I applied for my 30 day ext before it had even expired, but I still have to return on the 25th to see if I get the stamp.Reply to
Jay *****
Reply
Eddie *******
Ha ha ah. Just like my taxes. I know they are due in april 15 but i still dont do them early.
Reply to
Eddie *******
Reply
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