Answered5 years ago
Will the Covid extension scheme for visas in Thailand be extended beyond January?
What’s the likelihood that they will extend the Covid extension scheme beyond Jan?
Answer summary
Community members express varied opinions on the likelihood of extending the Covid visa extension beyond January. Some believe it will continue due to the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact, while others assert it will likely end based on stricter immigration policies being implemented. There is a consensus that the situation is fluid and may depend on changes in travel and tourism dynamics.
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Peter *******
I went into immigration in phuket today to ask them if I can get a covid visa extension before Jan 25 and they said no problem at all just come one week before the visa I had was going to expire
I would go and see your immigration personally as it may be different from different immigration offices
I would go and see your immigration personally as it may be different from different immigration offices
Frank-Steven ***********
@James *******
Come on, James! How many times have both you and me seen this program be continued and extended again and again over the last year or more? Stricter: maybe. Ending in January: nope.James ********
@Frank-Steven **********
it will end. That's my two cents.Peter *******
My friend only needed a 30 day extension in Bangkok last week at immigration. But he asked about a covid visa, the immigration officer said no more Covid Visa
That was one officer but who knows
That was one officer but who knows
Felix ******************************
It's deffinitely going to be continued. Omicron is here, fear is high and the 'pandemic' is still in full swing. It could be up to 40 years before this flu is finished in the developing nations.
Dror *********
@Rupert ********
if you think thailand will continue the covid extensions therefor allow people to live in thailand for 40 years just on these visas then you are dead wrong and should stop sleeping so much so you wont have those dreams anymoreFelix ******************************
@Dror ********
I'm absolutely right.Dror *********
@Rupert ********
that you are wrong? Yup
Mma *******
I tend to think it will be extended. We are spending money here instead of elsewhere so... It's possible when Visa runs become viable again they'll can it. But it makes sense to keep it going for the foreseeable future. $$ make Cents...
James ***********
It will continue for sure. Thai economy is bleeding, baht lost 15% against USD, they try to bring in new tourists using STV scheme.. That would be insane to send away long-term tourist who have income to finance their stay.
Maluku ********
It has been proven to be insane already so hold your heart dear
Michael ********
@James **********
its gaining on the pound this weekJames ***********
@Michael *******
Thai Fed uses 1 thb x 34 usd as their resistance level, each time dollar hits that level they start selling foreign cash like there is no tomorrow. They manage to pull back to 33.0-33.5 levels but then thb weakens as soon as they stop selling
Todd *********
100%
Kool *******
Lots of people have been reporting the need to have a plane flight booked and paid for to leave the country before getting this latest covid extension.
Frank-Steven ***********
High! The underlying situation has not changed, thus nor will the visa extensions.
Jared **********
i think until there’s a reasonable option for border runs they will keep the Covid extension, and as already announced not be so easy handing them out. If you’re on your 5+ one I would have a Plan B
Jonathan *******
@Frank-Steven **********
it has changed as almost all countries are open and there are plenty of flightsTodd *********
@Jonathan ******
not relevant whatsoever. In spite of ‘unable to travel -Covid’ title, it should be called the ‘waiting for border runs to be available’. Unable to travel was the right thing at the right time. They just never changed the nameFrank-Steven ***********
@Jonathan ******
There has always been flights. People could always return to their country of origin. This extension was never about that. COVID extensions exist, because Thailand relies on tourism. And as long as there is not "enough" inflow of "fresh" tourists, and as long as border runs are not possible again, the COVID extensions will be around.Jonathan *******
@Todd ********
AiteTodd *********
@Jonathan ******
for the 9th consecutive time ‘people should not count on it’ lol. Yup. One day it will change. Who caresJonathan *******
@Frank-Steven **********
Yes exactly, it should b easier for digital nomads and long term tourists to enter. That'll be greatFrank-Steven ***********
@Jonathan ******
And maybe something better is in the making. After all, the Thai cabinet agreed to create more long-term visa starting in the new year, attracting e.g. remote workers.Jonathan *******
@Frank-Steven **********
If it does then it is a good thing, as you say Thailand relies on tourists and their money. I just get the feeling that the end is nigh, stricter handing out and needing onward flights etc. Who knows, maybe you're right :DFrank-Steven ***********
@Jonathan ******
Fair enough. Yes, one cannot rely solely on COVID extensions being extended. TIT. Always have a plan B. But the question was about the likelyhood of it being extended. And based on why it existed in the first place, it is likely to be extended quite a while longer, IMHO.Jonathan *******
@Frank-Steven **********
Makes no difference to me in the slightest. However, latest police order does specifically say they will be more strict in issuing these extensions. There are also more and more reports of people being asked for proof on onward travel. If it gets extended then cool beans, but people should not automatically assume it will.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Jonathan ******
Simply not true. Even the respecitive form for the COVID extensions suggests, that NOT WANTING to travel / leave during COVID times is reason enough for applying for it. Checking "the COVID situation is ongoing" is good enough ... and this will apply many months more. And as I said, it was at all times possible to leave Thailand. If only I had a penny for all the times some old expert suggested COVID extensions would end soon. It is about money. And it is about keeping foreign spenders in the country. Period.Jonathan *******
@Frank-Steven **********
that's exactly what it was about. And now Thailand is open and tourists can come back on legit visas and extensions of stay there is literally no reason for them to keep extending.
Bobby ********
One day it's going to end, so it's nothing to do with what's happened over the last year. At this stage January 25 is the last day to apply, but you'll get 60 days from your previous expiry date, so you'll be right up to around March 25 (or thereabouts). It's way to early to be asking what will happen, but it does seem immigration are getting a little more pedantic in issuing them
James ********
@Bobby *******
they are not always giving 60 days...reports of varied # given.Jonathan *******
Probably 0, they seem to be cracking down and making it harder to get this time round anyway
Garrett ***********
@Jona****
I haven't seen any issues, just wen for an extension last week myself.Jonathan *******
@Garrett **********
Nice, I have seen a few people saying they need onward flights or even being rejected. Seems a lot more hit and miss these days
Christopher *******
Expect restrictions for the next 3 years and then after that a social credit system that dominates every aspect of your life forever.
Christopher *******
I have to present a QR card issued to me by my government that proves i have been compliant with their demands for what must be injected into my body if i want to eat food at a restaurant....
You people have chosen to accept a social credit system.
Today you earn a government permission slip to participate in society by getting vaccinated.
Tomorrow you will have to obey other commands.
You are a peasant minded idiot if you don't see where this is going.
You people have chosen to accept a social credit system.
Today you earn a government permission slip to participate in society by getting vaccinated.
Tomorrow you will have to obey other commands.
You are a peasant minded idiot if you don't see where this is going.
Andy *******
@Christopher ******
then the Zombie Apocalypse and we all drop deadBobby ********
Christopher David. Jesus, the whackos have infiltrated the Thai Visa Advice group. 🤣🤣🤣
Marguyvin **********
@Bobby *******
It's not without precedent. China already does this. Every citizen is tracked and scored. However, I don't see the rest of the world following suit on China's example. People would revolt.Bobby ********
MarGuyvin A. The Stasi were doing it in East Germany over 50 years ago. That failed too
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