@Tony *****

the fact remains that it has been happening with certain nations. There have been numerous arrests recently for illegal sweatshops, call centres etc with masses of people working illegally whilst on visa exempt or tourist visas. It has been regular news here over the last few months. Hence the crackdown. Also as a tourist why would you not have a flight booked to leave the country?

@Tony *****

there have been many people recently abusing the system by staying long term on visa exempt stays and even on tourist visas and working illegally. This is one reason for the crackdown.

@Paul ****************

not true

Where is a link to a news source?

@Euan *******

ok then😀

@Euan *******

not wrong information. You can ask the immigration officer if he/she can do it. It is up to the discretion of the officer you deal with. I have seen it happen several times.

You can enter visa exempt for 30 days and then to activate the 60 day visa, you must leave the country and reenter to be admitted with that visa.

@Lewis *****

it does but it would be the worst time to get rejected just before your flight. I have so heard that theTM30 is not required at the airport but not willing to take my chances.

Thank you all for giving me the peace of mind. I can now stop pulling out the little hair i have left on my melon. This group is worth its weight in gold.

I had 3 covid extensions in Hat Yai last year with no questions asked. However, I have since switched to a 12 month retirement extension and have not had to approach them for another one since they highlighted that it would become more stringent for approval(from the end of November 2021). I am not sure if the Hat Yai office has become stricter on issuing these since 3 extensions i received last year. The only way to find out is to approach them and see what type of outcome you get.