What Types of Visas and Extensions are Covered by the Amnesty Program in Thailand?

Apr 23, 2020
5 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ATTENTION MEMBERS

Visas, entry stamps & extensions covered by the up coming amnesty program

-14 day bilateral agreement entry (two countries)

-15 day visa on arrival entry (18 countries)

-30 day visa exempt entry (51 countries)

-30 day bilateral agreement entry (6 countries)

-90 day bilateral agreement entry (5 countries)

-60 day tourist visa entry

-30 day extension (on 30 day visa exempt & 60 day tourist visa entries)

-30 day COMPLETED covid-19 extension (NOT the under consideration stamp)

-60 day visit thai family extension (marriage to a thai & raising kids)

-single entry Non-Imm visa 90 day entry (any type; O, B, ED, etc)

-multi-entry year long Non-Imm visa 90 day entry (any type; O B, ED, etc)

IF you have ANY of the above stamps (OR a combination of those stamps) and your current stamp expires AFTER the 26th of March you are currently covered on THIS amnesty plan which runs until the 30th of April.

AND

When the NEW amnesty plan (that has not been passed into law yet) starts you will be covered until no longer than July 31st.

NOTE: if you are on a long term extension of stay based on education or employment that is stopping you CANNOT just let it run out :O you MUST go to the immigration office and cancel the extension and THEN you will qualify for the amnesty program
14,444
views
210
likes
393
all likes
66
replies
2
images
38
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post details the types of visas, entry stamps, and extensions that are covered by Thailand's upcoming amnesty program, which runs until July 31. It outlines the various entry types applicable, such as visa exemptions and tourist visas, and emphasizes the importance of confirming details with immigration offices, especially for those with long-term extensions. Members are encouraged to seek clarity on their specific situations regarding the amnesty coverage.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Benjamin ******
Given how big this thread is getting I'm closing comments. If you have a question, please make your own post. Thank you.
Anat *******
Hi... I'm on a 90 days non-B visa valid until June 8.

I understand that I'm currently covered by the amnesty until July 31. But I wander what will happen if things get better, borders open, etc. before June 8th (my original expiry date), can I still stay until July 31?

Thank you
Benjamin ******
Under the current rules, you can stay until July 31. However, I recommend getting the right visa/ extension of stay for your stay (assuming you aren't going to leave Thailand after this).
Peter *******
My ‘marriage’ visa ends May 7.am I covered by amnesty do you know?

Regards
Benjamin ******
There's no such thing as a marriage visa. Can you show us a picture of your "marriage visa" (with any confidential information removed).
Robert *******
What do you call a marriage visa?
Colten *******
Arrived back in Thailand on February 28th (30 day visa exempt) did a normal 30 day extension on March 24th (which extended me until April 27th)

I am covered under this new amnesty period until July 31st correct?
@Tod ********
or any other admin that can answer..

Thanks.

Canadian passport holder, if that matters.
Benjamin ******
Yes, you're covered by the amnesty
Evan *****
Thanks for your advice,
@Tod ********
.

My wife had an under consideration due to covid stamp and we went to muang thong Thani according to your advice, they gave her another stamp to complete the process and told us she can stay till July.

There was less than 5 people at immigration when we went.

It sets our mind at ease now.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
and that's exactly how the process should work (y)

Take care, stay safe :)
John ******
And who is now covered this amnesty plan until no longer than July 31st, they dont need to go immigration ? Everything happen automatic?
John ******
Yep but i didnt sure do need to go immigration.. but seems now everytthing ok :) just relax home or somewhere.. thanks
Benjamin ******
That's correct. See
****************************************************************************
**********
**********
*****
*****
*****
3/permalink/
*****
*****
*****
9/
Joe **********
@Tod ********
hi tod another question i read everything but still feel the need to ask, my tourist visa ends in may but now with the new law im able to stay till july 30th ?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And you bought a tourist visa from a thai consulate in another country BEFORE coming here and that 60 day entry stamp is good until May correct?
Oliver *****
So i got non o 1 year multi entry based on Thai marriage, my first entry stamp is over in 5 days, am i covered or do i need to go and apply for an extension (got 9 month left on the visa)
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seeing as you can't bounce out and back in to get another 90 day entry stamp you either do nothing and are covered on this new amnesty plan until no longer than July 31st OR you go and apply for a 60 day visit thai family hard stamp extension which will give you 2 more months stay
Peter ********
I came to Thailand on March the 19 as an visa exemption . And technically my visa exemption expired on April 17. Haven’t done an extension . Yet since that amnesty got published in the gazette , I assume that I’d be covered until July 31st?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yep, you are covered until no longer than July 31st on this new program. You don't need to do anything.
Marcie *************
Libby **********
Just in case anyone is in my same situation, I'm on a single entry non immigrant O volunteer visa, extended every 90 days since November. It expires in early May, so I double checked with immigration and I still need to go in to extend. The way this was announced as covering visas of any type is very misleading, so if I were you I would go and check.
Libby **********
I'm not calling out the post, I'm saying the initial announcement in the press release was misleading (they actually used the words "visas of all types"). Just hoping no one accidentally misunderstands, which is why I posted my situation as an example.
Ellie *******
If you are going to immigration office to extend every three months, you are not on visa anymore, you are on extension of stay. your extension is not one of two that are covered with this program as
@T**
mentioned in this post clearly..
Robert *******
no it is not misleading. You work as a Volunteer, therefor you need a valid Work Permit and a valid stay inside your passport.

You are not a tourist who got stuck and can not leave the country and therefor can use this amnesty.
Ivo ***********
That makes it clear, hopefully all immigrations offices will see it the same way.
Dave *******
How about METV? I dont see them on the list.
Ellie *******
check what METV stands for...
Warren ********
@Dave ******
the METV is just a tourist visa. So your here on a 60day tourist I would think
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
People IF you don't think what I am telling you is correct, PLEASE contact YOUR immigration office where YOU got your stamps.

I am not gonna have this post which I made to try to make it easy for you people to understand what's what turn into a debate about what is and isn't accepted or done at the 70+ immigration offices.

And I can see by the clock on the wall that I'm done. So I'm closing the comments on this thread. Take the information for what it is, my best explanation of how these amnesty programs will work for the various entry stamps, visas, and extension types.

Good Luck, take care, stay safe (y)
Rachel *******
If you had a normal extension through March 29th and then got the under consideration stamp through April 17th...would you still need to go to immigration as the original stamp was still good through March 26th ?
Thomas *******
I would go to immigration as you were under consideration.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
the unable to travel due to covid-19 extensions were issued in a TWO STEP process. You apply get the "under consideration stamp", go BACK on that date and you get the "extension of stay" stamp that closes the loop on the process and completes the extension.

The immigration officers I talked to said people should go back and "finish the process".

Contact YOUR immigration office to see what they say, What I'm NOT gonna do is debate whether you are or aren't covered on the amnesty with just the first step of a two step extension process.
Gilles *********
Ben *****
Thank you for the thorough clarification
@Tod ********
!
Sodi *********
My current METV 60 day stamp runs until 11th May, I was hoping to do a border bounce to get another 60 day stamp prior to the METV expiry date of 19th May. So where do I stand and what are my options now?
Kolby ***********
@Sodi ********
I'm in the same situation. What did you hear? Can we simply stay till the end of July?
Nicholas ********
Thank you so very much
Adam ***********
So I'm on multi-entry year long Non-Imm visa, 90 day entry (type; O based on marriage). Currently stamped in until late May. Has there been any clarification on whether the 60 day in-country extension can be applied for at the end of the amnesty? Or is that something I should check nearer the time at my local Immigration office?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Personally
@Adam **********
, I would get the 60 day visit family extension tacked on to THIS current entry stamp you have that expires in May. That way you didn't use the amnesty, AND you're hard stamped rather than the fairly tale make believe amnesty stamp that expires for thousands of people on the same day.
Chris ***********
This a stupid question. I have a non b visa. It expires on the 2nd of May. Do I need to go and apply for a tourist visa at immigration and then do I fall under the amnesty bracket? As I cannot do a border run.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
you can't change your Non-B to any other visa in country, AND you can't get a tourist visa INSIDE thailand

Go to the immigration office and check with them BUT I'd say you would fall under the new amnesty plan and get to stay no longer than July 31st
Karan ******
As I thought, but Thanks for clearing that up for the non b multi entry. 🙏🏻
Leigh *****
Thanks for update🙏🙏
Sean *******
Thanks for the info
Hoan ********
Could I ask if this stamp belongs to which type you listed out above? And if not, what's the next step should I do?
Robert *******
Application is under consideration, applicant must report in person on 5 May 2020.

On 5 May 2020 you go and visit the Immigration Office
Luboš ***********
How about under consideration stamp in Chiang Mai ? I remember somebody posted that these people are covered. Something changed or its still the same ?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
GO to the immigration office on the date that stamp expires and "close the loop" on that making it a complete extension
Tom ******
Asking for a friend. This person had 90 days Visa waiver that ends April 30th but was advised to get extension vis immigrant and after paying 1,900thb got only 7days extension without letter of embassy. Does this person have to leave before 7day expires?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
still they're okay to stay
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *****
that was a crock of shite, and they could have stayed on that entry stamp that expired on April 30th and been covered on the new amnesty that takes effect May 1st. :(
Tom ******
@Tod ********
Thank you and really appreciate it. Btw this person was advised to get extension by suratthani immigration.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *****
that's a 7 day application denied stamp, so I'd say they're fine to stay on the amnesty program
Tom ******
@Tod ********
This is the picture of stamp. So "if and when" (2nd amnesty gets approved) this person will be able to stay without any problem till July 31st? (Not having to pay fine)
Monmon ************
My ed visa is canceled already on 30th March with the cancellation letter from my school they permitted me to stay until the 16th of April. Since the border is close I can't exit. My question is I am qualified with the blanket amnesty?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
you totally did it correctly, and you are indeed covered on this current amnesty program until the 30th of April, AND when the new amnesty program starts you will be covered for not longer than the 31st of July
Scott *******
Anything definite for people with the “under consideration” stamps?

Do these still

Need to go to immigration?
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
call your immigration office and check,. in Bangkok, DEFINITELY go back on the date the stamp comes up and "close the loop" of that extension process
Tristan *********
The whole ‘AFTER the 26th of March’ confuses the story for me. It’s already the 23rd of April, how can anybody have a stamp that expires prior to that? Anyway my SETV expires after that, in mid june, so I’m fine I guess. This is great news
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
MANY people came in and then waited on "overstay" until this first amnesty passed on the 8th of April, when their overstay was forgiven and they were given amnesty until the 30th of April.
Virginia *******
Steve **********
Thank you, mate!
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
BE ADVISED if you are on a long-term extension of stay (retirement, marriage, employment, education, raising kids, volunteering, etc) GO and get your next extension like normal AND if you have a 90 day report due, try the online portals OR go file it. (The immigration offices are almost empty and you'll be in and out quickly.)

We recommend in the above long term extension situations do not fool with the amnesty program, just go get your extension as you would normally do it. While you might get a different idea reading this or that news blurb, or be told something different by this or that forum, group, person etc, this is what WE are advising on the group.
Chance *****
@T**
My visa/course runs out in June... Once it is cancelled do i then qualify for this amnesty??? Thank you
Chance *****
My school's rep has said the same thing, I still need to keep up my next extention as this amnesty doesn't apply to ed visa that can be extended.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice