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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
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    Immigration Bureau pursues visa relief for foreigners

    The Immigration Bureau (IB) plans to seek cabinet approval for a new raft of measures for three different categories of foreigners in Thailand affected by the Covid-19 crisis.


    The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for approval in the coming week, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, chief of the IB.


    The proposal was drafted in line with an order by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has expressed concerns about foreigners who have been left stranded in Thailand after many airlines stopped operating and countries imposed lockdowns, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.


    The foreigners are now divided into three groups: Foreigners with resident visas who normally reside in Thailand but cannot return to Thailand due to the Covid-19 crisis; foreign tourists who are unable to depart Thailand due to the crisis; and visitors from neighbouring countries who hold a temporary border pass and got stuck in Thailand after the borders were shut, he said.


    Foreigners in the first group are normally required to return to Thailand within a year of their departure and since they might not be able to re-enter the country in time, the IB will propose extending their compulsory return deadline until after the pandemic subsides, he said.

    The extension of the return period would not affect any immigration rights and benefits they usually receive when strictly following the one-year return period requirement, he added.


    However, they are advised to return to Thailand as soon as they can after the pandemic subsides.


    For foreign tourists in the second group who reported to immigration authorities for a 30-day extension after their visas expired on March 26 or thereafter, their visas will be automatically renewed every 30 days until the pandemic subsides, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.


    "Under the government's social distancing policy, these tourists will no longer have to visit the immigration bureau and risk contracting the virus in a crowd," he said.


    This proposed measure, however, won't apply to those foreigners who are working and/or have a family in Thailand. They will still be required to report to immigration authorities regularly, he said.


    For visitors from neighbouring countries in the third group, they will be allowed to stay in Thailand until the borders are re-opened, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong, adding they will be required to leave Thailand within seven days after the borders reopen.


    The authority to re-open any border lies with the relevant provincial governor, he said.


    Other foreigners who are now in Thailand and affected by the Covid-19 crisis, but aren't covered in the above three categories are advised to adhere to the usual laws, he said.


    Earlier last month, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said there were some 500,000 tourists who would end up overstaying their visas now that countries in Europe have started sealing their borders to deal with Covid-19, preventing entry to their own citizens.


    Most of the remaining tourists are long-stay elderly travellers from Germany, Italy and Russia who spend their winters here, said the minister.


    They came to Thailand before the virus hit their hometowns and decided not to return home, fearing they would not receive sufficient healthcare in their countries during these trying times but are now left with few options, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong.

    Immigration Bureau pursues visa relief for foreigners

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat

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    Indeed, all those retirees failing to report every 90 days would represent a real threat to the national security of this country........

    Do they know just how ridiculous they appear to us, do you think?

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    ^^

    A bit of good news. Thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    all those retirees failing to report every 90 days
    They could "report" using the existing online option. As for how dangerous they are, I'll leave to you.
    Last edited by OhOh; 07-04-2020 at 09:49 PM.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by OhOh View Post
    They could "report" using the existing online option.
    I did a 90 day report online for the first time ever last week, nobody was more surprised that me that it actually worked.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    Indeed, all those retirees failing to report every 90 days would represent a real threat to the national security of this country........

    Do they know just how ridiculous they appear to us, do you think?
    When 8-year olds are playing silly buggers, do you think they think they look ridiculous?

  6. #6
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    latest news from [webfact t.v.] is immigration are going to anouce the 90day report for expats and them that reside here will be put on hold.

  7. #7
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by headhunter View Post
    latest news from [webfact t.v.] is immigration are going to anouce the 90day report for expats and them that reside here will be put on hold.
    Nice newsi info but until announcement is official best get 90 day done.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Norton View Post
    Nice newsi info but until announcement is official best get 90 day done.
    report says it will be announced later today. mine is due 2/5/63 that if it goes ahead saves me 700bht.taxi fare.

  9. #9
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Not to mention loads of time. How is the Korat office?

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Norton View Post
    Not to mention loads of time. How is the Korat office?
    in over 10yrs.i have never had a problem at any of them.but my last extension nov.2019 was an absolute nightmare[new io] who didn't know the rules regarding fixed rate deposit accs.she was adamat she was right and every other i.o.were wrong.[she didn't last long before being moved.] lets see what comes with these new idea's.because I entered 2009 I am not able to do my 90day report online not in the system they say,i have to leave the country and re-enter and korat don't do postal service either.so having to go through the center of the city is no problem,90day reports just a couple of mins.ext.no more than a hr.except for the last 6hrs.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Mate wasn't sure what to do about his 90 day report, so he called his visa agent, the same guy that charged him 20 something thousand for a retirement extension a few months ago. Guy said no worries, 500 bt, sent a kid round for his passport and returned it with all in order later the same day.

    Now, I know it should be 200, not 500, because that's what another mate pays every 3 months, and according to Thai law taking advantage of the current situation by gouging is illegal. So here's one for our legal experts; shouldn't that law also apply to visa agents that routinely bribe immigration officials?

  12. #12
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    Richard Barrow reporting on twitter. Usually very reliable...

    Automatic 30 day visa extension for foreign tourists stuck here. Suspension of 90 day reports. Waiting for Prayuth to sign off.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by aging one View Post
    Richard Barrow reporting on twitter. Usually very reliable...

    Automatic 30 day visa extension for foreign tourists stuck here. Suspension of 90 day reports. Waiting for Prayuth to sign off.
    it will be printed in todays gazette so it becomes law.
    waiting to see if there's any details regarding the suspension of the 90day reports.eg.postal.

  14. #14
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    latest is the 90day report is suspended till 30th.april.mine is due 1st.may.after the 30th.its anybodys guess.

  15. #15
    Thailand Expat
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    ^Have you tried doing it online? As mentioned, I did a 90 day report last week online and it actually worked exactly the way it was suppose to. If it didn't, I would have paid an agency to do it because under no fucking circumstances was I going anywhere near the local Immigration office.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    ^Have you tried doing it online? As mentioned, I did a 90 day report last week online and it actually worked exactly the way it was suppose to.
    ...just received the first online 90-day approval and appointment date for my next check-in...took 2 days...

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Headworx View Post
    ^Have you tried doing it online? As mentioned, I did a 90 day report last week online and it actually worked exactly the way it was suppose to. If it didn't, I would have paid an agency to do it because under no fucking circumstances was I going anywhere near the local Immigration office.
    anyone who entered Thailand before 2013 are not in the online reporting system,unless they have done a border run or a flight out of the country since 2013.

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by headhunter View Post
    latest is the 90day report is suspended till 30th.april.mine is due 1st.may.after the 30th.its anybodys guess.
    I wonder if they'll give 7 grace after the date as per normal practice? The fcuks couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...just received the first online 90-day approval and appointment date for my next check-in...took 2 days...
    2 days for mine too. Am still gobsmacked that it actually worked.

    Quote Originally Posted by headhunter View Post
    anyone who entered Thailand before 2013 are not in the online reporting system,unless they have done a border run or a flight out of the country since 2013.
    Ahhh ok, sorry but I didn't know that.

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Visa amnesty for foreigners – but conditions apply

    "The Immigration Bureau has now announced, after a few false starts, that it is granting visa relief for all foreign nationals who have found themselves marooned in Thailand. The announcement is now up on the bureau’s website.


    • Visas that have expired from March 26 onwards will be automatically extended to April 30.

    • Foreigners are no longer required to apply in person for an extension at an immigration office

    • They will not be charged 500 baht per day for overstaying their visa

    • Foreigners who are due to file their 90 day reports, between March 26 and April 30, are also temporarily exempted.

    • Foreigners with border passes will be allowed to stay in Thailand for now but will be required to leave Thailand within 7 days once the borders are opened again."





    Visa amnesty for foreigners - but conditions apply | The Thaiger

    Unfortunately no link to TI site.

    Also "announced" here:

    Where concerns remain that "Long Stay visas" are NOT included.

    One comment
    "Hello,

    Just to let you guys know, I am currently at Muang thong thani and they are sending everyone away saying that nobody needs a visa extension anymore until the 30th of april, you dont need to get the stamp, you won't pay any fine. They are not going to open the gates today apparently."




    Thai visa advice Public Group | Facebook
    Last edited by OhOh; 09-04-2020 at 10:02 AM.
    A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.

  21. #21
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    ^
    My 90-day is early next week, so is that official or a definite maybe unless perhaps?

  22. #22
    Thailand Expat
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    ^I walked past Jomtien immigration this morning around 09:30 this morning and it was as good as deserted. I would expect you'd be in and out again doing a 90 day report in under 10 minutes (like it was before the shit hit the fan) or try the online 90 day method.

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Thanks, that's not a problem as soi 5 is a short drive and it usually takes just a few minutes from picking up a number to checking my passport on the way out; just need to know if I should report, and if so I shall sneeze my way in with a touch of pepper on the palm.

    PS: You are responsible for your passport, so do check it after all dealings with immigration. Years back I didn't realise the dolt at Don Muang somehow missed my series of full page retirement extensions and gave me a 30-day tourist stamp; IO pointed it out at my next 90-day, scolded me for failing to check my passport, and kindly offered to fix it for a consideration...

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Tod Daniels

    23 เมษายน เวลา 01:49 น.

    Visas, entry stamps & extensions covered by the up coming amnesty program

    -14 day bilateral agreement entry (two countries)
    -15 day visa on arrival entry (18 countries)
    -30 day visa exempt entry (51 countries)
    -30 day bilateral agreement entry (6 countries)
    -90 day bilateral agreement entry (5 countries)
    -60 day tourist visa entry
    -30 day extension (on 30 day visa exempt & 60 day tourist visa entries)
    -30 day COMPLETED covid-19 extension (NOT the under consideration stamp)
    -60 day visit thai family extension (marriage to a thai & raising kids)
    -single entry Non-Imm visa 90 day entry (any type; O, B, ED, etc)
    -multi-entry year long Non-Imm visa 90 day entry (any type; O B, ED, etc)

    Immigration Bureau pursues visa relief for foreigners-2nd-ext-jpg


    IF you have ANY of the above stamps (OR a combination of those stamps) and your current stamp expires AFTER the 26th of March you are currently covered on THIS amnesty plan which runs until the 30th of April.

    AND

    When the NEW amnesty plan (that has not been passed into law yet) starts you will be covered until no longer than July 31st.

    NOTE: if you are on a long term extension of stay based on education or employment that is stopping you CANNOT just let it run out :O you MUST go to the immigration office and cancel the extension and THEN you will qualify for the amnesty program

    Thai visa advice public group | Facebook

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Just to be clear, so I can blame TD when they come to arrest me, my 90-day was due yesterday and I do not have to report until end of July?

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