What Should I Know About the Non-Immigrant B Multiple Entry Visa and Extensions in Thailand?

For anyone needing information regarding a Non-immigrant B multiple Entry Visa, I am posting to let you know what I found out at the Chiang Mai Immigration office. I have been advised that the rules change often and it is good to check back with this group. Thanks to Mike Gaudet (volunteer) for escorting me through the multiple immigration stations.

I am a US Citizen and have a Non-Immigrant Business multiple-entry Visa that is valid until September 22, 2020. However, I need to leave the country by April 9 for my 90 day Country exit requirement. I was trying to go to the immigration office to get a stamp that would allow me an additional 90 days on my Visa without leaving the Country.

Following is what I learned.

1. Thai Immigration in Chiang Mai will not give a stamp to extend the visa for 90 days. The only options available are to obtain a 30 day Covid 19 extension accompanied by a letter from your embassy OR to attempt to obtain a new 1 year Business Visa.

1. If you leave the country it is almost impossible to get back into Thailand without a work permit.

1. You can contact the US embassy at acsbkk@state.gov and give them full name on passport, DOB, and US passport number to obtain the Covid 19 Extension Letter.

1. It is not yet clear whether the 30 day Covid 19 extension will void my Business Visa. I will update once I file for my 30 day extension.

1. Obtaining a new Business Visa within Thailand is quite onerous and the Immigration office advises against it. I have attached the roughly translated list of required documents.

If someone has additional or contradictory information, I would love to hear from you.