Greenwich Boy

I use a firm called Currency Fair for my transfers. Similar to Wise. A few weeks ago they emailed me to say that transfers above 50k Baht may have to be sent via Swift and may take longer and result in additional fees. This being a change at the Thai end.

To be honest I have no idea what Swift is and my transfers are less than 50k so did not pay much attention, just reporting what they said.

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Clearly you deal with CM so you must know.

However having to apply for covid extension on date of expiry is ridiculous. 

I have friends done Covid extensions in CM. There is no need to go on the last day. I would be uncomfortable doing that for any extension.

The issue is that for your first Covid extension here you get 60 days from application date with subsequent extensions tagged on. You also need to do the 15 days under consideration unless you use an agent. My info is only up to date as of last week!

I liked the buses for the convenience. I dislike the faff around getting a songtaew unless you just want a very short trip. I tried to get one from the train station to Maya last week. I got the full list of excuses

Nimman very busy (I asked for Kad Rincome Huay Kaew)

Cant leave yet, not enough customers.

Very long way.

100B but must drop other customers first.

I was not expecting a 30B ride but you do wonder if it worth the effort.

I walked round the corner, got a Grab for 90B

32 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:

Good question.

I have been a Singapore Airlines fan for over 20 years. When Emirates started flying out of Stansted I used them. I got stuck in Bali when the Covid poo hit the fan in March 2020. The only flight I could get out was with Qatar. I flew back to Thailand with them in May. They really are very good and will have my business if schedules suit (I am paying myself and sit in the back of the bus)

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I would go few days prior to 25th.

Perhaps Frid Jan 21.

Your covid extension (if granted) should commence from 20/2.

As for early announcement re what happens after Jan 25 don't place much hope in that. Most likely announced at last minute.

 

IMO lot depends on land borders which given new variant do not look like opening soon and ending covid extensions would be crazy.

I am with you on most of that.

I will be going on the Friday before.

This will be my first Covid extension. Friends of mine who have done this in CM have got 60 days from application date on first extension but 60 days tagged on to subsequent extensions. Time will tell.

I agree that until land borders open Covid extensions will continue but I am not prepared to wait until announcement.

2 minutes ago, yogi yogi said:

so currently jan 25 is cut off date 60 day covid. extension ,  that is  a tuesday so what day is safe to go last minute for it.   sunday is 23 jan .  so i guess friday jan 21 is last safe day to try for it.    

Using my situation as an example. I am stamped in till 20/2. I am not running the risk of waiting till 24/1 to see if they extend. Going to immigration on the last day can open up a can of worms if you catch an officer in a bad mood. I will go the week before. If they do extend I have spent 1,900B and only got 30 odd days but can get another. If they dont well I still have 30 extra days. Just wish they would not leave it till the last minute to announce extension or not 

17 hours ago, London Lowf said:

Thanks guys - I think I'll go to immigration next week and, if they won't post-date it to start on 1st January, then I'll hope that I can get another extension in mid-February.

 

Joe - I get stressed easily, and with all of those public holidays just as my present extension expires, I would worry that there would be long queues meandering outside in the full sun on the 4th.

 

I'll try to remember to let you know how I get on.

One option is to go to immigration now and get your 60 days. As the covid extensions are currently available till 25th Jan go back a couple of days before this and get another 60 days. A bit of a pain and extra trips but it is only another 1,900B and it removes some of the stress element.

18 hours ago, RubenRemus said:

The Thai Visa forum facebook group says that the first COVID extension is always stamped from the day you apply, but that any later extensions (2nd, 3rd, etc.) are tacked onto the last day you are allowed to stay. 

That is what I have been told by my agent in Chiang Mai

A 30 day extension will get him to about 6th Feb. Covid extension are currently available till 25th Jan. Worth considering getting the covid ext just before this in case it is not extended again (I hope it is)

As the announcement regarding the extension is only made at the last minute it will provide peace of mind. Either that or fingers crossed 

8 minutes ago, Mangolina said:

Wellington, New Zealand. Do you think it's ok now to cancel long term accomodation that I booked on Agoda since they gave me the visa? I doubt someone is going to check at the airport the validity of my agoda booking? I read another thread on this forum and this exactly what other travellers did, only they cancelled once they landed in Thailand. I need to cancel earlier than my flight though because the hotel will charge me full price, the cut off day is the day before my flight..

Can only report my own experience. Everything was checked at departure airport and again at Bangkok. I strongly recommend at least two hard copies of everything. With regards hotel booking, as long as you have a printed copy of paid for accomodation, I can not see them contacting the hotel to check. See no reason why cancelling before departure will be an issue.

I have done both my extensions (I am still here) I used an agent because I am lazy and hate immigration, my paperwork was all in order. First extension I only needed my passport and the usual copies. Second time I was asked for insurance. Pot luck on the day and which office you use.

The STV gets a bit of a bad rap, but for a 9 month stay without committing to a long stay visa and with most borders still shut it has worked out a treat for me. Good luck.

10 minutes ago, Mangolina said:

Thank you so much!

Intereting. I got my STV from London earlier in the year and the only thing in Remarks was Employment Prohibited, the same as a SETV. Do you mind saying which Embassy you applied at.

3 hours ago, RickG16 said:

First time I've heard of this. So once I have the under consideration stamp I can move around as long as I come back in 14 days? Or am I on overstay?

You are fine although I understand that you need to get the remaining. 45 days in CM. Worth checking that point though 

Back in May I got a STV with a one way flight. I know things change.

1 hour ago, RickG16 said:

By CM I mean Chiang Mai to confirm

Friends of mine have got the 'under consideration' stamp in C M on UK passports. 

I am currently doing touristy things in Bangkok. Just seen my first tour group near Wat Pho. Snake of maybe 30 people. Bloke with a stick and a flag in charge. Eastern European or Russian from listening to them. Back in Chiang Mai there are a few new faces about. Not a lot I agree but some are still keen to travel whatever obstacles are put in front of them.

I used AXA Thailand for my STV. If you want the contact details of the insurance agent I used (He is English but based in Thailand I think) PM me.

From memory I paid about £600 for 9 months cover for whatever was needed to get the visa. I am 54.

Usual disclaimer, I have nothing to do with AXA, the policy just got me what was needed.

6 hours ago, starky said:

If you think getting into Thailand is a punish don't even attempt the VTL system you'll really have something to cry about.

Could you outline the ball ache involved in a VTL, particularly the one to Singapore if you know as once Covid extensions stop I will need to leave.

Have survived the Thai evisa system, CofE, PCR tests and 15 nights quarantine. Is it really as bad? Cheers.

3 hours ago, Gold ticket said:

I’ve had so many problems with the once decent airline this year including having to postpone a paid for flight because they were too busy to answer the phone lines  or reply to my emails. 

 

The problem? They confused themselves and staff gave poor advice on which flights were eligible to take tourists to Phuket and much much more.

 

I rebooked with another Middle Eastern airline (72 hour rt-pcr test instead of 48 hours) and still have the “paid for” flight which I will begrudgingly have to use next year. 

I find the service on the plane as good as ever but everything else from even the booking process has been heading downhill for a couple of years. I have a lot of unused miles but after that will switch to Qatar

Heading down from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on the train for a couple of days just for a change.

Planning to use public transport when I can but would appreciate some tips.

I know you need two pre paid cards, that is fine. Stupid question, I have a Bangkok Bank ATM that says Rabbit on it. Can I use that on the Skytrain?

A lot of lines seem to be 'under construction' Which metro lines are actually open? Just the colour is fine, can work the rest out.

Are the cross river ferries working, and is that a cash fare?

Any of the major tourist places shut?

Many thanks

1 hour ago, 4MyEgo said:

I paid for Moderna before I got Pfizered, I will now be using Moderna as a booster.

 

Best to check which private hospitals doing Moderna, go on their Facebook page as some people on the one over here are wanting to sell their Moderna shots which are transferable but you will have to make sure its ok with the hospital for the time frame your looking at, the one that is doing me has confirmed March for me in an email for my booster.

 

If you have a Thai partner or friend, get them to look at Thai forums in Chang Mai as I am sure there will be people wanting to sell their Moderna shots, because they have received something else and don't need them, although might be a bit pricey at 3,300 baht for 2 doses, of which you will only get 1, but the way I see it is a single Pneumonia jab will set you back as much so in my opinion, it's worth it.

 

After March I would imagine vaccines will be readily available at most hospitals for a fee.

 

Hope it works out for you, forward planning is always best.

 

I agree. My second jab outside Thailand was March. Not being resident here I am a bit concerned that some countries will start asking for jabs less than 12 months old before allowing entry. Will bide my time but come February will be looking for a booster even if it is just for travel. No issue with paying, hopefully plenty available by then.

Just love the word 'haze' Would be terrible to describe it as smog, pollution or anything else more accurate.????

Previous poster is correct. Normal 30 day extension has to be done first.

There is another Covid specific form that asks you to confirm why you are asking for an extension.

There is a link to it somewhere on this forum but I am a dummy and can not find it.

Something to consider, when applying for a Covid extension at CM you initially get 15 days then the other 45 when you return. Mate did this yesterday and his extension started then, not added on to his original permission to stay date. A bit second hand info I know but just reporting what he said.

18 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Flying Q Suite for the first time this Sunday......hope they don't change the aircraft and find myself in ordinary BC!!!!

I upgraded to a Q Suite on the Doha to Bangkok leg earlier in the year. A real treat. I can't afford to do this every time but I never want to fly economy again!