Covid19 - updates on immigration and visa extensions

[Big Boy]

Of course, but that is one of the many ways that official notice can be interpreted.

When I initially read it, I thought I'd read it the way HHTel suggests it is. However, I have a routine these days, end of the month, transfer the cash, collect 12 transfer slips and I qualify for a new visa. Why would I want to fix it if it isn't broken?

[Groodman]

Asked by Prachuap Immigration to let anyone know that it will be a THB 2000 fine if 90 Day Reporting not done by the end of the month

[Big Boy]

Thank you. Do you know where that number came from? Is there an official announcement, or something they've just thought of? Or maybe an interpretation of overstay rules, which I thought was about 500฿ per day.

[Groodman]

It was the officer who did my 90 day report, he asked my wife to warn anyone we knew who might need to do areport.

[Big Boy]

I don't doubt the fine will be imposed, and I would think most overstayers would expect a fine. It's just the randomness of the 2,000฿ that I wonder about.

[buksida]

I don't doubt the fine will be imposed, and I would think most overstayers would expect a fine. It's just the randomness of the 2,000฿ that I wonder about.

Its not random and its nothing to do with overstay. 2,000 THB is the fine for doing the 90 day report late, it always has been. It now appears that Dansingkhon will be enforcing it.

[Big Boy]

I've always read that it was 500฿ a day, up to a maximum of whatever.

However, you are right, the rule says, "Failure to file your 90-day report can result in a fine of 2,000 THB, and can increase to up to 5,000 THB once you get arrested."

So I wonder what I've been reading in the past?

[PeteC]

I think 500 Baht per day up to 20,000 max is the overstay fine.

[Blot]

My apologies if this has been asked before. I have looked through many pages of posts and cannot see anything that answers my question.

A friend of mine is stuck in the UK and his Non O retirement visa will expire before he can get back to Thailand. Is there any way for him to renew online or maybe renew late when he is able to return to Thailand ?

[REEM]

I am in the same position, and my retirement extension will expire before I will be able to return, and there doesn't seem to be any way of renewing it if you are out of Thailand.

Unless Thai Immigration announce that they will renew expired retirement extensions automatically once the holder has returned to Thailand (which I doubt they will do) and I doubt they would let any foreigner in to the country for more than 30 days if they rock up with an expired retirement extension so I will apply for the relevant non-immig. visa here in the UK before travel and use that to start a new process in order to obtain another retirement extension.

I must say though that life here in the UK is most pleasant at the moment and I am in no hurry to return, however, come the cold winds of November and I might change my tune.

[PeteC]

There's an article today indicating no tourist entry until "at least 2021". High season won't exist IMO. I would imagine non-O for retirement would fall under the same rules. Full story below.

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai ... l-2021-tat

[FarangJon]

Be interesting to see how quiet things become sept 26 when all the current tourists are forced out, and nobody can get back in.. flights and asq hotels are the big bottleneck which is why they won’t open to retirement visas for months. I can’t see commercial flights allowed this year.

[Big Boy]

Tourists to get unlimited 30-day extensions to stay after ‘visa amnesty’ ends

https://www.thephuketnews.com/tourists- ... ODjtmnD00Y

[nil]

Can I change my retirement visa to a Covid visa?

[PeteC]

Immigration to provide 30-day extensions after ‘visa amnesty’ ends, in some circumstances

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/im ... cumstances

The Thai cabinet has approved a number of concessions on the situation for people stranded in Thailand under any form of tourist visa after September 26. The Thai Immigration Deputy Commander announced that….

• Tourists unable to return home after September 26 (the end of the tourist amnesty), due to sickness or are unable to fly, are to apply for an extension of their stay by applying at a Thai Immigration office and presenting their medical certificate certifying they are unable to travel at this time.

• Those who are unable to return to their home country’s because of a lack of flights or any other circumstances must present a letter from their country’s embassy or consulate requesting that the foreigner can continue to temporarily stay in Thailand.

Foreigners will be granted 30 days’ stay each time, according to the announcements.

Gen Pornchai also warned that the visa amnesty for all visa types will end on September 26. (If you have a valid and current visa, the September 26 amnesty is not a concern to you at this stage, although you will need to renew it, as per normal, if it expires after September 26. All current visa holders must also do their normal 90 day reporting after the end of August)

“All long-term visa holders whose permits to stay expired after March 26 also must submit an application for an extension to stay from now until September 26, 2020.”

“Please contact a local immigration office as soon as possible, in order to avoid congestion at immigration offices in the last few days.”

Reading between the lines, it appears that Thai Immigration are now prepared to provide 30 day extensions if you are able to prove that you are either unable, or unfit, to fly back to your home country after September 26. In any case please make sure that you get all the information relating to your personal circumstance as soon as possible.

Any foreigners on tourist visas, or any other type of expired visa, are urged to contact their local immigration office or a qualified visa agent to discuss their circumstances and NOT leave it to the last day (September 26).

WARNING

There are plenty of ads being posted at this time offering magic extensions to visas and opportunities to stay in Thailand after September 26. Please be aware that some of these alleged visa agents are scams. There are also plenty of very good visa agents who will be able to provide you with advice and solutions, at a cost, allowing you to remain in the country.

If you do wish to contact a visa agent at this time make sure you get a referral from a friend, visit their office in person or ask plenty of questions and check their bonafides. Do not start sending money to agent’s accounts until you have seen some paperwork or evidence that they are able to provide you with a legal and professional service. Caveat emptor!