Why was I told to come back for my COVID-19 visa extension before my expiry date at Chiang Mai immigration?

Question

So I just got back from my 3rd visit to Chiang Mai immigration to get the special covid-19 30 day extension. Was the first to get there early morning and when I finally was seen, he said everything I had was correct (which I owe a huge part to this group and the extremely useful information here). I was told I was "too early". I am stamped on my passport until the 12th of April. So I asked when it was that I could come back and he said 2 days before then. I was wondering if anyone else got turned away for the same reason? Obviously I explained I was worried about what the situation would be like in 2 weeks and how I was trying to be as prepared as I can be but still no go

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user shared their experience with Chiang Mai immigration while attempting to secure a COVID-19 related 30-day visa extension. Despite having the correct documentation, they were informed they arrived too early and should return two days prior to their visa's expiry date. Other commenters confirmed similar experiences. The discussions highlighted that some immigration offices might not be adding the extension to the existing visa dates but starting it from the application date, leading to confusion and advice to minimize trips to avoid unnecessary stress.

Robert ******* · Answer

It is time to go home, not time to arrange Extension of Stay weeks before your current Extension of Stay expires.

Time to realize that the game is over, it is getting serious in real life.

EDIT; took out a part of the text, sorry to hurt people feelings.

Andy ***** · Answer

I just got turned down today (March 25) at Chiang Mai immigration for the same reason. My visa expires April 12th and they told me to come back two days before it expires. I had all the correct paperwork. A fellow American in front of me got his and his visa expires March 31st. They also emphasized using blue ink when filling out all forms. The officers were very patient and polite to everyone.

Jc ****** · Answer

Yes, I was told I came in too early for the covid-19 extension.  I went in Monday and the officer said to come back March 30.  My 1st extension expires April 3.  This was at Nonthaburi Immigration.  Good luck and stay safe 🙂

Quinn ********* · Answer

I just hope this helps anyone who likewise is cognizant of potential exposure as these outings were the only ones i've made in the past few weeks. Don't waste a trip and the extra stress it may incur. Good luck everyone and thanks again to the moderators and contributors 🙏

Kelly ******** · Answer

Normal I think

Michael ******* · Answer

Anxious times

Robert ******* · Answer

just to show, this is the last sentence of the memo, just a little enlarged and an arrow to the text, UP TO 30 DAYS, there is no text guaranteed 30 days.

Tod ********* · Answer

I think it's because they're so busy AND the fact that SOME offices are not adding the 30 day covid-19 extension to your expiration date BUT starting it from the date you apply. SO they told you to to come back closer to the expiration date of your current stamp to not burn you for those days.

Enya ********* · Answer

Yes I’ve seen a few others Say the same thing. Some have been told to come back on the day of expiry.

Why was I told to come back for my COVID-19 visa extension before my expiry date at Chiang Mai immigration?

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