Why are so many expats in Thailand relying on COVID visa extensions?

The Thai visa system hasn't really worked well for a long time. In some ways the current covid extensions + STV options are better than what was there before for anyone under 50 that wants to stay long term & doesn't fit existing categories. STV could have been more effective if they hadn't lumped in a whole lot of paperwork requirements or prerequisites that are in some cases just impossible to get.

There's plenty who want to live in TH & manage their investments remotely, maybe have an online business, or are be prepared to risk their savings trying to start one. Those that were here at the start of covid are often using covid extensions because its the least-worst or only option.

They don't want to do ED, don't want to start a business in TH & don't want to work a regular job, & maybe have dating prospects or relationships outside Thailand & so don't qualify for any of the current visa categories.

If you're in that category technically the only legitimate visa is an elite visa for a 500K, or to use an agent to effectively pay a bribe into a corrupt system. One of the main attractions of Thailand has always been that its cheap - if you add the cost of visa agents or an elite visa, it really isn't cheap anymore. Before covid - lots of digital nomads would be based here & do visa runs which isn't possible now. If there were a less cumbersome option they'd have taken it.

In practice, many people who would be here supporting all those businesses that really need the extra income right now are moving elsewhere, because the covid extensions aren't really attractive & the combination of outdoor mask mandates, a 3 PCT test requirement for any re-entry + all the Thailand pass nonsense just makes it much less attractive than many of the alternatives. The reality is, that unless they ease up on the requirements people won't come.

i have lived in Thailand for 6 years with only Visa exempt. Yes lived. Fly out and fly back from Singapore, Netherlands or Australia. This worked very well. Many call this ‘Visa Runs’. Can I do that now in a practical sense? NO! So Covid Extensions are available for people in my situation and I am thankful and respectful to the Thai Government for being prudent

i guess no one here understands how it can work. Before Covid i would fly to Singapore about every 4-6 weeks to do some consulting work. I came back visa exempt. I basically lived in Thailand for 10 years like that. It’s not possible to do like that now with a great deal of pain.

I guess that in normal times, you only had to book a flight to Cambodia and come back , now this is a bit difficult and pricy, pcr test in thailand before to go, pcr test there ,then maybe quarantine hotels,then pcr test before leaving Cambodia, pcr test when in thailand then quarantine, I don't know but I guess that could explain it

Everybody just go home! 😂

They're the cheap charlie digital wackpackers, who are too stingy to get real visas! They're easily identifiable in 7-11s as they live on ham & cheese toasties and that God-awful 20 baht microwaved flavoured water they call "coffee". 🤣🤣🤣

"Why does everyone need Covid extensions?"

Do they?? Really??

I mean, the Thai authorities are offering something named "COVID extensions". And people are using it legally because it suits them. So what's wrong with this??

Get rid off these covid extension people

Agree 100%

@Robert ********

A lot of people like me have a Thai GF of many years and because they are still young (I'm 36), do not qualify for a retirement visa. So for most of us, we rely on various extensions and other methods to stay long-term in Thailand. As for the typical tourist, well, a lot of them want to extend their stay to 3-4, 6 months to a year, and even find a way to stay longer because they like it here more than their own country. I don't think they struggle to get back they just don't want to and I understand them.

Some people are using covid extensions as stop gaps while they season $$ in banks for other visas, waiting to switch to a work or education visa. Some people are waiting for marriage documents, etc. I think there are many reasons aside from the border bounce.

For people who retire early, it was difficult to find a way to stay longer term in Thailand between 40 and 50. Would be nice to see a option for people who are financially independent, not married to or parent of a Thai national but under 50. The only one we could find was the Elite buts the costs of that were high for the benefits.

I find great comedy in the expats/retirees who think they own Thailand. Even if you're on a long term visa, you are still a guest in Thailand as well. Stop acting like you own this country and let people live. If they can get a opportunity to spend more time here, how does it affect your life? Waaaa. I gotta spend 30 min longer at immigration because people are getting a free 60 days in Thailand due to covid. Big whip! Get a life and let people live.

Border visa run being a hassle dude...if u fly in and out how long would u able to sustain in term of money , time and ur energy ??

It would be very stupid of Thai government if they stop COVID extension now.. Keep "safe" farangs inside would be wise.

Yeah go home 👍

Unlike for old people (50+, who have it easy), for the younger crowds there are no equally attractive longer term visa options available. Thus pre-covid there was quite some border bouncing. And as the rather big group of former border bouncers is attractive for Thailand in times they have too little foreign money spenders in the country, they allow for covid extensions instead of border bounces. But what they really should do is introducing attractive visa for younger people as well. There is talk about that. But talk is cheap here. No reason people under 50 could not stay under the same conditions as the 50+ retirement visa, really. But TIT.

Different people have different circumstances... not everyone likes "Working for the Man" and is happy with their "allotted" holiday time.

Personally, I would say that the "Covid extensions" has worked pretty well and should be extended or adopted in to a new option for the future, so doing away with visa runs. Keep the money inside Thailand instead of blowing to thb every 3 months on a little trip to KL or Singapore.

Obviously people have been working here illegally (eg On line business, remote workers), but, if it doesn't impact on Thai's employment prospects or unfairly competing against Legally set up companies then what's the issue.

Short answer: No borderbounce possible

Long answer: Because borders are closed so Multiple Year visa holders can not borderbounce hence are on COVID extensions. Plus many "tourist" like to stay longer but can not go Malaysia or Laos for new visa, because same border issue.

Most people on covid extensions aren’t tourists that are stranded here unable to return. They live here and were previously on year long visas that they got stamped in for 90 days and did a border bounce out and in for the next 90 days. Since land borders are shut and most neighboring countries aren’t allowing entries they have no way of doing a bounce.

I assume it's because the land borders are closed (or at least not a simple process) thus preventing onward travel or visa runs. Also the Thais might see the benefit of retaining those already in country.

I know what a lot of the responses will be like, but here's my opinion. There are people who are unable to, or don't want to, obtain long term visa's, this is why some are playing the system. There are not many countries now that people can't return to, so it's time to stop the Covid extensions.

I will not be responding to comments.