What were the recent updates on visa extensions at Samui immigration for expats handling COVID-related issues?

visa extension COVID-19 immigration updates ED visa Thailand Samui expat advice

Nov 13, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Update from my trip to Samui immigration yesterday: got 60 days under consideration (have to come back 27/11/2020). I was on an ED visa which would’ve ended next week. Just needed the usual stuff for extension of a tourist visa, plus the letter from my school stating they ended my visa. Also, they provided me the “poor me because of COVID” form on the spot. 

I’m from Holland, there are still flights to my country. But I stated on the application that I can’t go back because of the partial lockdown there & the fact that even the Dutch embassy advised Dutchies in Thailand to stay put since its safer here. 

So I did not bring or need any embassy letter or unfit to fly document 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user provided an update from their visit to Samui immigration, where they received a 60-day extension on their ED visa due to COVID-19 circumstances. They reported that the process only required standard documents for a tourist visa extension, along with a letter from their school confirming the end of their visa. They mentioned being given a COVID-related hardship form and did not need additional documentation from the embassy, as they cited travel restrictions in their home country.

Tod *********

Thanx for that update. I'd also post it on one of those "Island of Misfit Toys" f/b groups about the southern islands so those people can know too.

4 years ago

Laura ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Happy days!

4 years ago

Colin *******

Thanks, Laura. Seems a little unusual, because their previous announcement was that all extension applications made during October would apply from 1st November, so I therefore thought all extension applications during November would apply from 1st December. I will call Samui immigration tomorrow and if I learn any more, I will post accordingly.

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Colin ******

the previous announcement was that all extensions applied for BEFORE Oct 31 would start effective Nov 1.

That has nothing to do with new extensions applied for now. They start when your current stamp runs out.

4 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Laura ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Laura *******

when you go back on the 27th you should get stamped in 59 days from the date your current extension expires ..

Thank you

@Paul ******

for reminding me that extensions START from the date the previous one ends. I blew that with the earlier answer. :P

4 years ago

Paul *******

@Tod ********

why 10th Jan? Should the 60 days not be valid from the expiry date of current extension? E.g. my current 60 visit family expires on the 25th which is when I go back to get the new 60 day stamp. I was hoping the new 60 days would start from the 26th

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Paul ******

It will, you are totally correct, I edited my post

4 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Laura ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

According to them it’s 60 days from now, so it’s until beginning of January. Checked with a Thai local and she also said 60 days from now.

4 years ago

Colin *******

Thanks, Laura. Does this extension take it through to the end of December or end of January once you close the loop on 27th November?

4 years ago

Laura ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

You don’t need anything like that. The form gives you three lines to put your COVID reason why you can’t go back now. I just paraphrased what the embassy has told another Dutchie, according to Facebook. And we all know Facebook = truth. So, basically what I put there is this: “currently my home country is seeing a surge of COVID and they are in partial lockdown. The Dutch government advices against unnecessary traveling. Also, the Dutch embassy advised its citizens in Thailand to stay there, since Thailand is a safer place.”

4 years ago

Tod *********

Piet de Keizer you don't need a stamped statement saying that your consulate doesn't issue the letter. EMAIL the Dutch Consulate here and they usually answer right back saying they don't issue the letter OR it's posted on the website of the consulate here in thailand

4 years ago

Laura ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I also spoke to a local who works at Samui immigration every now and then, he told me he has seen a lot of people leaving the building crying because they got denied. Not sure if the rules are eased now, or they fucked up or Buddha just loves me

4 years ago

Reply to

Laura ********

James ********

Thanks for your report.😊

4 years ago

Reply to

James ********

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