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Will the Thai visa amnesty be extended beyond July 31, 2020?

Thai VisaVisa AmnestyImmigration RulesTourist VisaED VisaVisa Extensions
Jun 25, 2020
4 years ago
Jenn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are their talks of extending the Amnesty?

om still in sit and wait mode...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation centers around the uncertainty regarding the potential extension of the Thai visa amnesty, which is set to expire on July 31, 2020. Many participants express doubts about the ability to remain in Thailand without a clear plan for reentry or visa adjustments. Some suggest the process for obtaining an Educational (ED) visa remains viable, while others stress the importance of waiting for official government announcements instead of relying on anecdotal information from immigration officers or embassy employees. The general sentiment is one of concern and frustration about the lack of clarity and options facing those stuck in Thailand during the pandemic.
Oliver ********
the amnesty is supposed to be for tourists who became stuck here because of disruptions to air travel preventing their return home. i can't imagine there will be many who haven't managed to get a flight out with any amount of reasonable effort by the end of july.
4 years ago
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Roger ********
I believe that the amnesty was also intended to cover those unable to do the 90 day border bounce. If the Amnesty legislation did not specifically state 'tourists' or the intention to give them time to leave then it is a cover-all and those remaining under its umbrella should not experience any difficulties on July 31st provided they then do as the Thai government requires.
4 years ago
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Matt *******
@Oliver *******
 It’s also a good way to actually live in thailand during this whole pandemic without having to leave the country. not sure if you noticed but no one is going to pay for a flight back home when it's possible stay inside thailand for as long as possible
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
@Matt ******
 yes it seems some people who live here are treating the amnesty as an alternative to extending their visa just because its easier. i think they will have serious problems to continue their stay in the kingdom afterwards.
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
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Daniel ********
I believe it is essentially an airline question. If there aren’t enough flights to meet the demand of people required to leave, how will this be possible? The airlines have to be ready to go with unblocked borders to destinations and buyable fares.
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
@Daniel *******
 there are flights to most major airports on a regular basis. some tourists got stuck here when the airlines cancelled a bunch of flights earlier on. the amnesty was supposed to give them extra time to find a flight, which should have been possible for most of them by now. 31 july seems a very generous final deadline.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Daniel *******
 not Thai goverments problem. Departing flights have been leaving with many empty seats
4 years ago
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Michael ********
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Roger ********
I fell under the amnesty 2 weeks ago. I could extend using the married man option but the hoops you have to jump through are too excessive. I am hoping to go for a retirement extension next month when I can meet the requirements. Under another post above, one commentator is saying that those on overstay have lost their visas and have to start again. I do not believe that that is true. I hope it is not.
4 years ago
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Roger ********
They have to meet the conditions to extend.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
It's not just tourists. It also affects people on multi entry non immigrant visas, or people on non immigrant visas that can't extend.
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
i'm not sure why they can't extend (everything seemed normal at chaeng wattana, except for the tourist / visa exemption zone, last couple of times i've been there) but i'm sure there will be a mechanism for people with valid visas to extend later, assuming the lockdown has had some impact on their extension.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Oliver *******
 as Roger says, there are non immigrant visas where it's easier to qualify to get the visa but much more difficult to extend. Some people would use multi entry non immigrant visas and just border bounce every 90 days, but don't have the 2m THB capital and 4 Thai employees needed for an extension. They can't bounce now with the borders closed.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
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Ivan ************
I think they will extend it, or do something. They might go back to people having to apply and pay with embassy letters.

Whatever you think about this the situation is there are a lot of people here on this. What are they going to do? Throw them all in prison? Put in the IDC anyone who can't pay the fine? They don't have the space. Some of these people are old, they will literally start having deaths in there if they do that. Aussie pensioner dies locked in a cockroach infested cell... Not a good look.

I think they have to do something for people until borders are open and SOMETHING of a at least a partial flight schedule is back in place. I know there are convoluted flights you can take through Doha or Hong Kong, but back to New Zealand (for example) is over 100,000 right now. Many simply don't have that. Others have booked flight after thousands-of-dollar flight but they have all been cancelled- and no refund. It's not that easy to just go home for everybody.

It will be a PR disaster if they do nothing for these people. And for what benefit? None of these people are a risk. So that a few crusty bitter old expats who happen to be lucky enough to be on a long term visa can feel smug about themselves.

I think there will be some mechanism past July 31. Having said that, if you CAN extend, if you have a legit option- I'd do it. It's going to be a huge weight off your shoulders. But I appreciate many people just don't have any option.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
To the poster who deleted- as I have witten it- I'm saying this because there seems to be a real hardcore gang of expats who post here (and even more on the "other" visa group, or the likes of Thai Visa) who seem to utterly relish the idea that some of their fellow expats may get screwed over by this.

You can feel the glee as they admonish people stuck from their pedestals, to "just go home", that they have had plenty of opportunity, despite the fact that all neighbouring borders are closed flights may be incredibly expensive and out of reach if they are even available at all. And some of these people are working here (legitimately, on 90 day ME non-Bs) but can't extend. Or have a Thai family but can't meet the financials for a year extension. Or are retired here years, but can't extend, have their whole life here and nothing to go back to.

It's real "I'm all right Jack" stuff. I have a visa, so all is well with the world and you can just go. I am all right myself, but I have some empathy. Some of these people seem to have had their empathy gland surgically removed at some point.
4 years ago
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Thomas ********************
Totally agreed, Ivan. Even the current amnesty seemed surprisingly "generous" when it was announced. They don't want any more horror scenes at airports and immigration offices. I'm certain there'll be something (at least somewhat) sensible announced soon.
4 years ago
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Alan *******
I agree with some of what you say but some is utter nonsense. For example, "It will be a PR disaster if they do nothing for these people. And for what benefit? None of these people are a risk. So that a few crusty bitter old expats who happen to be lucky enough to be on a long term visa can feel smug about themselves."

Why drag foreigners on long-term visas into this issue? For a start, this has got nothing to do with them. Plus, nobody except you has ever suggested they have a say in this or for a moment want their fellow foreigners in trouble. And lastly, why would "crusty bitter old expats" wish ill on their fellow foreigners? There's nothing for them to gain from such an outcome. Frankly, it is you that sounds like a "crusty bitter old expat", Oy maybe your keyboard just got away from you
4 years ago
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Darren *******
@Ivan ***********
 PR disaster? The amnesty will have been in place for about 3 months by the time it expires at the end of next month. If people haven't sorted a flight home, be it commercial or repat, by then then it's their fault. Not going to be a PR disaster if overstaying farang dies in prison for breaking rules.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Dar***
 whatever about your personal views on it, there are still a substantial number of people here, many who don't have reasonable options.

Yes it has been in place for 3 months- with borders closed and almost all incoming passenger flights banned. It's not that easy for everyone just to go home.
4 years ago
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Darren *******
@Ivan ***********
 3 months is plenty of time to organise flights home.
4 years ago
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Peter ************
@Darren ******
 I've had 4 booked flights cancelled already from having the airports flight bans extended. Next earliest booking is August 3. Who is benefiting, the airlines not repaying on cancelation of flights.
4 years ago
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Jane ***********
@Peter ***********
 I had the same - EVA flights just getting rescheduled over and over. I canceled eventually because it was impossible to plan. And, of course, they take ages to refund. I also agree with
@Ivan ***********
 pompous twats with an 'I'm all right' attitude and clearly nothing better to do with their time than 'tell people off' at every opportunity.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
In normal circumstances, sure. Not with borders closed here and around the world and a near total flight ban.
4 years ago
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Darren *******
@Ivan ***********
 borders are open for a significant part of the world and flights have been operating every day out of Thailand, and indeed around the world. There have also been repat flights available. If I were a betting man I would put a lot of money on the amnesty not being extended.
4 years ago
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Darren *******
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Steven ****************
Very happy, I looked at the world and thought it's not going away in 4 weeks and got my 1 year extension today. Going to be a lot of visa agents smiling in the next few weeks
4 years ago
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Alan *******
spot on. I just did mine and when the agent sent me a copy of the EMS tracking number it was just one in a long list - she's raking in a fortune!
4 years ago
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Alan *******
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James **************
All these people commenting that an immigration officer told them, an embassy told them etc....

Ignore them.

Immigration dont know or embassies dont either.

Wait for the government to announce what is happening.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@James *************
 yep they dont know
4 years ago
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James **************
@Michael *******
 lol, you are joking right?

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

What does that email say about the amnesty?

What does ot say about july 31st?
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@James *************
 nothing they just said wait till end of month. I spoke to her as well she just said they been told to wait for announcement monday.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
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Edna *******
When the decision is made, it will be tough. If your not a whale (Los Vegas, very rich) we’re screwed. Thailand will soon find out those people can and go anywhere. They will not tolerate being told what to do, amen.
4 years ago
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Reiner *********
@Edna ******
 welk agreed .and it does not matter if you are ritch.....if you American .....you will not let in as a normal ....because of. . ? Your crazy government think ....there is no virus ....but here we look at everybody bringing in this shit.....
4 years ago
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Reiner *********
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Matt *******
They will probably extend it once 31 July comes closer
4 years ago
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Thomas ********************
Even the government don't know. Try emailing embassies in a couple of different countries. I'd bet you you'd get conflicting info. They know even less. We'll have to wait for proper announcements. But I'd agree with Matt. The amnesty will be extended. Or some sort of gentle transition.
4 years ago
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Roger ********
What e-mails?
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Matt ******
 no chance of extension amnesty announcements early next week.
4 years ago
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Rich ********
@Michael *******
 2nd week of July they will talk about it.. :)
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Rich *******
 no got e mail from embassy end of June not the only person been told this. Thats fair a month to sort out a visa or flight home
4 years ago
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Rich ********
@Michael *******
 I got an email from the us embassy too. I am not making plans until the third week of July whatever that means..
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Rich *******
 This was from Thai embassy
4 years ago
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Rich ********
@Michael *******
 I am still waiting until the third week of July to see what happens. Rules change all the time here.
4 years ago
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Rich ********
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Rich ********
@Matt ******
 crossing my fingers they don't want to do more financial harm by sending us away :)
4 years ago
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Rich ********
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Andrew *********
Yes if yours ran out after 26th March.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
They need to allow those changing visa status to do them inside the country rather than extend the amnesty.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Bim ******
 yep about time they did that. Hopefully that will be changed
4 years ago
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Michael ********
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Stan *******
So is everyone else
4 years ago
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Jenn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
anyone know any schools that can do it
4 years ago
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Kodchapin *************
@Jenn *********
 My school is still accepting new students requesting of a change of amnesty visa without leaving the country. The deadline is tomorrow. If you live in Chiang Mai and you are on a Tourist Visa / Visa on Arrival that has expired after 26th March and currently converted to the Amnesty Visa until 31 July, we may be able to arrange documentation to submit for a change of visa at Chiang Mai Immigration without leaving Thailand. Contact our school for more details
@New *****************
4 years ago
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Kodchapin *************
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Jenn **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
i was told by a chang mai school that they can do a ed visa whileon a ed visa...also told by two other chools 1 in pattaya and 1 in phuket
4 years ago
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Li ****
@Jenn *********
 which one in phuket?
4 years ago
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Jennifer ********
@Jenn *********
 which one in Pattaya cause I was told by chaing mai I could do it but need to go there every 90 days but I’m in Pattaya so it’s a bit of a paid
4 years ago
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Chester ********
Which ones in pattaya?
4 years ago
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Lance *********
@Jenn *********
 Ed visa while on an Ed visa? 🤔
4 years ago
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Lance *********
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Mark ***********
Tourist visas are still good until July 31, right?
4 years ago
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Michael ********
If you are on a tourist visa start making plans to go home
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
4 years ago
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Rich ********
I am on a tourist visa.. not planning to go yet.. but I will have my medical checkup and insurance ready to go in case there is a border situation or non leaving option opens.
4 years ago
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Andy *****
@Rich *******
 u got to get started on a visa asap if u want to stay
4 years ago
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Rich ********
@Andy ****
 do we know of a school in Bangkok that can get an ED with an amnesty tourist visa? I am a little more fate driven than fear. If I have to go back for a few months I will do that.
4 years ago
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Rich ********
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Michael ********
4 years ago
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Rich ********
No information on it that I have seen. Some people trying to get ED visa. Apparently you can get it while in Thailand
4 years ago
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Matthew *******
My partner and I have applied for an Ed visa (in March) after the recent events we hadn't heard back. We got back in contact and they are redoing our papers, we're still pretty sure you won't be able to leave Thailand to actually get the visa, does anyone else have information on the Ed visa conversion from amnesty? (Chiang Mai)
4 years ago
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Chester ********
Fuk ok ill contact agent tomorrow again. I heard was only Chiang Mai at this stage
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Rich *******
 yes thats true. I took my passport to immigration to be checked if im eligible to exchange this temporary amnesty "visa" to ed visa. They said yes, and u dont have to leave the country. However its really the last minute to do it. Schools need 1..2 weeks to process the school papers so u can go to immigration for applying for ed Visa. Their deadline is apparently 16th july, so better hurry :) i hope it hepls...
4 years ago
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Li ****
@Janos *********
 is this only if you're on tourist visa?
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Li ***
 like many of others i also am on this amnesty thing till july ends. So i wanted to make sure im eligible to do this process, so i went to the immigration and asked. They said im good.
4 years ago
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Li ****
@Janos *********
 yeah I'm not on a tourist visa but on an ed visa that will run out in Sept. Plz let me know if you hear anything on how I can get another one without leaving the country it would be much appreciated thank you.
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Li ***
 oh i see. I overheard a conversation actually between a student and an administrator in the school mentioned 2nd year ed visa. If u attended to classes and took an exam at the end of the year course, received some certificate then u can apply to the next level after beginner. Thats all i know about it :) its new to me yet
4 years ago
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Janos **********
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Rich ********
@Janos *********
 I would need a Bangkok school willing to do it. I know of one and I will see
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Rich *******
 ok. Im in Phuket. I know school here but not in Bangkok sorry
4 years ago
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Fern **********
@Janos *********
 hi which school in phuket? thanks
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Fern *********
 205 Phrabarami Rd

*****************************************
4 years ago
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Janos **********
This is what i chose.
4 years ago
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Janos **********
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Jimmy ******
Any school recommendations?
4 years ago
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Janos **********
@Jimmy *****
 where are u located?
4 years ago
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Janos **********
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