Why has the Thai visa extension process become more rigorous recently?

Sep 12, 2020
4 years ago
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
VISA EXTENSION β€” WHEW!

I have applied for and received three Thai visa "30-day" extensions over the past few years, and when I applied today, (well, tried to, but ran out of time,) it was the most rigorous application of all four.

Here is what I needed:

1. Standard form (2 copies)

2. Overstay fine acknowledgment (2 copies)

3. Copies of three passport pages (2 copies)

4. Photograph of me, and not the cheap color copies I have been passing off. (I went to a vendor for "official" ones.) (2 copies)

5. Letter from U.S. embassy (2 copies)

6. Email proof that I asked the embassy for the letter (2 copies)

7. My landlord's ID card and license papers (3 copies, 1 for me)

8. My lease agreement with my landlord (3 copies, 1 for me)

Not complaining, here. In fact, I am glad that I can visit a small office, (Mae Sai, in Chiang Rai,) where the workers are VERY friendly, even making the duplicate copies for me. But, I'm wondering why the sudden increase in paperwork? Anyone else experience this?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent post highlights the increasing difficulty of obtaining a Thai visa extension, detailing a long list of documents required for the process. The author reflects on their experience applying for extensions in Chiang Rai and notes the friendly service from staff, despite the rigorous requirements. Several comments from the community discuss similar frustrations, attributing the stricter regulations to both attempts to deter visa abuses and the impact of COVID-19. Others provide insights about differing requirements at various immigration offices in Thailand.
Christian *******
Hi what visa are you on Mark?
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tourist. Now I'm wondering whether I will qualify for this new, proposed 270-day-max visa since I almost already in-country?
Christian *******
@Mark **********
yeah who knows... I guess we need to wait and see for a few days, this whole thing is carnage
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chri*****
, I went ahead and bought 30 more days today...
Jesse *********
There really needs to be a profile tag for "patronizing 60+ year Western expat whose only self-worth is derived from hating on younger expats on Facebook" so they can more easily be blocked in mass, just sayin'....
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Je***
, Hmm, this came out of nowhere. To whom are you referring? I don't see any hate in this post; did I miss something?
Jesse *********
@Mark **********
not you mate lol
Harolletta **********
That’s is a lot and not necessary according to the requirements on the Australian Embassy.
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
See Tod's comment...
Peter ************
Well all the documents requested for genuine overstay is easily obtainable. As an Australian I'm thankful to the Thai government for offering these extensions compared to our own government who have caused the problem by introducing flight caps making it virtually impossible to get a flight.
Irina *********
Does someone know, if the same documents asks the immigration in Chiang Mai?
Tod *********
Immigration is doing their best to Weed out those "visitors"πŸ₯΄πŸ˜œπŸ€ͺ that are trying to Game the System. As the "Gamers"πŸ₯³πŸ€©πŸ˜Ž adjust their tricks, immigration is putting in place tighter "requrements" to Keep the "Gamers" in check. My visit to Mai Sai Yesterday, was handled quickly, ,efficiently & with appropriate courtesy.πŸ‘¨β€βš–οΈ Some Folung in the waiting room seemed put off that the amnesty was not extended into perpetuity. Others realized it is like a river, paddeling not required to get where it goes. The process is a lot easier for those people that get their information from the people at the immigration office they will be applying at ,,,AND Definitly not from some drunk on an adjacent bar stool, or an online forum full of aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh

"advisors" who don't really know. Some actually do but how to which ones. You cant.
Ross ********
I agree. Always go to your local Immigration office for advice. They get to know you especially with the small offices
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for that observation β€” exactly what I was looking for!
Frank ******
@Tod ********
agree wholeheartedly!
Eddie *******
They are just doing there part to be sure All trees are cut down and used for useless paper products.

What a paper storage nightmare.

Why bother having a computer?

One piece of paper if

They actually want a real signature.....but who used that anymore...

Copy copy. Stamp stamp. Sign. Sign.
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I agree. Twelve of the papers are just copies of documents!
Jesse *********
Making it as difficult as possible for COVID extensions, unfortunately when Thai Parliament approves these things they seem to let Immigration set all the rules... just psyops to make us all want to leave sooner than later, IMO
John *********
Justifying their jobs . All differant .
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