Some people still managing border runs even though I thought they were dead in the water days ago

[theVenerable]

I'm jealous..
My visa is running out fast, and last time I asked for advice in this forum a few days ago was told Visa runs are pretty much done with, over.
Since then I see a few people have managed it.
Dammit can anyone help and suggest a border ANYWHERE what will let me do a damn run?

Nobody seems to know anything apart from conflicting information.

[treetops]

Why not use the new powers to get an extension without doing a border run?  They're detailed here on the forum.

[DrJack54]

So I'm thinking this is your 4th or 5th thread re your issue. Come on.

Today Thai authorities announced extension available to folk even with extension already. You will need show cancelled flights etc.

[theVenerable]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

So I'm thinking this is your 4th or 5th thread re your issue. Come on.

Today Thai authorities announced extension available to folk even with extension already. You will need show cancelled flights etc.

Some say to you need to snow cancelled flights, and some don't.
I'm from UK and the flight are still running.

Of course this is my fourth or so thread, I've still not got any answers, and this is a problem affecting pretty much all tourists here in Thailand.
If it doesn't effect you you are welcome not to open the thread.

[theVenerable]

9 minutes ago, treetops said:

Why not use the new powers to get an extension without doing a border run?  They're detailed here on the forum.

Detailed on the forum but they are STILL leaving people confused.
Not just me

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, theVenerable said:

Detailed on the forum but they are STILL leaving people confused.
Not just me

I don't see confusion. Your visa is ending.

You have option to return UK. Granted not simple or palatable. 

GO.

Stop with side step.

[Dumbastheycome]

So you  have  "seen"  "heard" others  have achieved border  run success. Ask them.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, treetops said:

Why not use the new powers to get an extension without doing a border run?  They're detailed here on the forum.

Thinking you will need to demonstrate that you are not able to leave. eg email from airline confirming cancelled flight.

[theVenerable]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see confusion. Your visa is ending.

You have option to return UK. Granted not simple or palatable. 

GO.

Stop with side step.

I'd rather listen anyone else but you jack.
You can't help but insult.
Don't bother replying to be 

[theVenerable]

5 minutes ago, Dumbastheycome said:

So you  have  "seen"  "heard" others  have achieved border  run success. Ask them.

Threads on here.
Successful run even yesterday.
It's always 'too late'   but then someone manages to pull it off.

[theVenerable]

26 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

So I'm thinking this is your 4th or 5th thread re your issue. Come on.

Today Thai authorities announced extension available to folk even with extension already. You will need show cancelled flights etc.

Bye the way, Why would the UK be on that list if no flights are even cancelled?
Makes no sense.

[NanLaew]

5 minutes ago, theVenerable said:

13 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see confusion. Your visa is ending.

You have option to return UK. Granted not simple or palatable. 

GO.

Stop with side step.

I'd rather listen anyone else but you jack.
You can't help but insult.
Don't bother replying to be 

Thai Immigration doesn't want you to stay in Thailand longer if there are flights available to your home country.

 

It's not personal. They don't want any foreigners to stay here longer if there are flights available to their home countries.

 

Visa runs are over but maybe the few people you see managing it have totally different circumstances to you, different type of visa or extension or nationality.

 

Yes, there are too many confusing variables in Thailand but there is one constant here and that is you can go home.

[NanLaew]

9 minutes ago, theVenerable said:

Bye the way, Why would the UK be on that list if no flights are even cancelled?
Makes no sense.

UK flights aren't being canceled but they are placing heavy restrictions on who can FLY IN on them.

 

AFAIK, there are no restrictions on you being able to FLY OUT on them.

[theVenerable]

5 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Thai Immigration doesn't want you to stay in Thailand longer if there are flights available to your home country.

 

It's not personal. They don't want any foreigners to stay here longer if there are flights available to their home countries.

 

Visa runs are over but maybe the few people you see managing it have totally different circumstances to you, different type of visa or extension or nationality.

 

Yes, there are too many confusing variables in Thailand but there is one constant here and that is you can go home.

If that's my only option so be it.
I'm just looking for clarity.
People like you try to give it, People like jack can't help throw insults as they give 'advice'.

You are probably right, but UK is on that visa extension list for some reason.. yet most flights are still running.
So I'm still unsure completely.

Edited March 22, 2020 by theVenerable

[treetops]

1 minute ago, theVenerable said:

. . . . UK is on that list for some reason . . . .

UK is on the list as it is a country where "Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) is now getting more serious".  It's part of the preamble to the workaround being offered by Thai Immigration, which is detailed in the remainder of the document.

[spiekerjozef]

So why not go to the immigration office and ask?

[theVenerable]

20 minutes ago, treetops said:

UK is on the list as it is a country where "Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) is now getting more serious".  It's part of the preamble to the workaround being offered by Thai Immigration, which is detailed in the remainder of the document.

Which means I don't need to show any proof of cancelled flights?

 

[theVenerable]

10 minutes ago, spiekerjozef said:

So why not go to the immigration office and ask?

I'm going tomorrow morning.
I thought someone might know something in here.
Some people seem to 'know' a lot but how much of it is actually fact...

[blackcab]

 

 

[theVenerable]

1 minute ago, blackcab said:

 

 

People still unsure (Yes, it NOT just me) about some of the finer details of this.
I'll try to ask the IO tomorrow if I qualify or not and will report back here.
If others do the same maybe we can get some kind of clearer picture.
Maybe start a thread about successful/failed extension attempts.
Of course, Immigration offices may vary in their opinions.. which might muddy the waters.. as usual.

[thecyclist]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Thai Immigration doesn't want you to stay in Thailand longer if there are flights available to your home country.

 

It's not personal. They don't want any foreigners to stay here longer if there are flights available to their home countries.

 

Visa runs are over but maybe the few people you see managing it have totally different circumstances to you, different type of visa or extension or nationality.

 

Yes, there are too many confusing variables in Thailand but there is one constant here and that is you can go home.

Come on, the general advice from health experts, governments, etc is don't travel unless absolutely necessary, especially not air travel. Stay put. That there are still flights available doesn't mean it's advisable to take them. So the venerable is right. He can afford to stay put, so why shouldn't he. 

[Airalee]

I don’t think that anybody here has tried to insult you.  It’s just that when you ask here on Thaivisa, you’re really just going to get conjectures, second hand information or even first hand information that won’t apply to your personal circumstances.  Asking multiple times will just add more confusion.
 

Nobody knows your reasons for wanting or needing to stay so the only way I think you’re going to find out is when you either do or don’t get an extension stamp in your passport.  Even then, your personal outcome won’t necessarily apply to the next person who comes in and asks the same question.

Edited March 22, 2020 by Airalee

[scubascuba3]

6 hours ago, NanLaew said:

UK flights aren't being canceled but they are placing heavy restrictions on who can FLY IN on them.

 

AFAIK, there are no restrictions on you being able to FLY OUT on them.

UK flights are being canceled,in the last few days 2 friends had their flights from Bangkok cancelled, no communication and no new flight yet.

 

Anyway Op just try Immigration, let us know what they say

Edited March 22, 2020 by scubascuba3

[MAF666]

We called Ban Pakard and Pong Nam Ron IO offices yesterday.

Both offices reported that crossings are closed to non Thais.

[NanLaew]

12 hours ago, thecyclist said:

13 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Thai Immigration doesn't want you to stay in Thailand longer if there are flights available to your home country.

 

It's not personal. They don't want any foreigners to stay here longer if there are flights available to their home countries.

 

Visa runs are over but maybe the few people you see managing it have totally different circumstances to you, different type of visa or extension or nationality.

 

Yes, there are too many confusing variables in Thailand but there is one constant here and that is you can go home.

Come on, the general advice from health experts, governments, etc is don't travel unless absolutely necessary, especially not air travel. Stay put. That there are still flights available doesn't mean it's advisable to take them. So the venerable is right. He can afford to stay put, so why shouldn't he. 

Keep in mind that this government hasn't even advised that their own people should shelter in place. It is easy for certain governments to say 'stay put' when the host nation decides otherwise is better.

 

As for the rights of a foreigner in Thailand... if he can afford to stay, I am pretty sure he will be able to buy some sort of extension.

[NanLaew]

7 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

UK flights are being canceled,in the last few days 2 friends had their flights from Bangkok cancelled, no communication and no new flight yet.

Yes, I was incorrect in suggesting there were no cancellations since airlines are selectively canceling or suspending services.

 

Maybe your friends airline is waiting for a sufficient passenger load for the return sector?

 

In this regard, the OP should try and get a booking anyway instead of seeking ways to get an extension WITHOUT a current booking which is impossible. If he's lucky, his flight will get canceled and he can get an extension.

[theVenerable]

Just returned from a huge queue at Immigration Office in Jomtien.

When I eventually got to talk to someone at a desk, they told me they are offering SEVEN DAY EXTENSIONS ONLY - at cost of 1900 Baht.

I did not even qualify for that, due to not having any cancelled flights, and being able to travel to UK.

I tried to argue my case of having nowhere to stay when I arrive in UK, but no avail.

Waited and talked briefly to another guy at a desk.. just a flat out 'No' was the answer.

So if you are from UK and your have no proof of a cancelled flight, I'd say you will not get an extension.
If you do have a cancelled flight, you might get a 7 day extension for 1900Baht.


That's my story.. 
I hope others' experiences at least don't conflict with mine then we at least know the situation.


 

[CantKeepAGoodManDown]

15 hours ago, theVenerable said:

Threads on here.
Successful run even yesterday.
It's always 'too late'   but then someone manages to pull it off.

I joined after considerable lurking to respond to this and other questions given my recent experience.

 

The reason other people have pulled it off is because they did their research, made a decision and actually tried, rather than talked about it. 

 

What happened to me yesterday would not have been possible had I waited another few hours, let alone another day.

 

I am also very curious as to the experience of @heist who is picking up his non o today and returning home

 

I was scheduled to apply for non immigrant o (family) at savannakhet, I was unable to arrive in savannakhet to submit my application friday, so instead I flew sunday 22 march via airasia to nakhon panom and took the airasia shuttle to the bridge.

 

My current visa expires on 25 march,  no extensiin option left.

 

I was greeted by a taxi driver with excellent english who showed me the newly issued order for the closure of the border sunday 22 evening. I was told I could not exit the country. I was told this by an immigration official in the terminal in no uncertain terms.

 

I went to the information counter inside and explained I had spoken to savannaket consulate friday and they informed me I would be ok to submit for non o monday.

 

I was informed at the border  the embassy was closed monday. I would assume that only pick ups of documents would be acceptable, but the border would be closed sunday night. Not sure how that worked for people already in laos.

 

I was referred to an older woman at desk 1.

 

I explained again.

 

She looked over my visa application, consulate issued laos visa, my stamp history etc, and told me that I had to go and come back now and be happy with 30 days, this was after about 20 minutes of talking and contrary to what other officials milling about the terminal had told me.

 

She told me to expect problems getting into and back out of laos but said I could come back into thailand if I were quick. That was good enough for me. After 3 temerature checks and a stamp from a guy in a thai quarantine uniform, she stamped me out.

 

On the laos side, I was greeted with concern.

 

I explained again.

 

My laos visa, procured thursday, was heavily scrutinized, 3 officials had an involved discussion on what to do with me while laos returning hime were processed around me and I was not given an entry card to fill in.

 

A fourth official was called and I explained again my desire to go to the consulate which was to be closed and that I only wanted to bounce in and out.

 

They told me i would not be allowed back in to thailand. I explained again that I had just been through this in thailand and was operating under their instruction to go out and come back in.

 

I was stamped in, asked them about the entry card and they just waved me though without one.

 

I turned around to go back through the foot traffic side and all kiosks were closed.

 

I went back to the guys who stamped me in and they took me into an office where 3 older guys looked at my passport for like 20 mins. I was told I would not be allowed back into thailand that I was the only foreigner they had let in today.

 

I explained again.

 

Eventually, one guy took me out to a kiosk in the  the car lanes, where thais were returning home, with cars waiting behind me they asked me where my entry card was.

 

The guy with me said I did not have one and to just let me go, he left.

 

Laos official stamped me out, charged me 100 baht for overtime processing because pedestrian border was closed and no card.

 

Met some younger thais on other side working as interns for thai lao company who were being sent back to thailand.

 

They had a minvan to take them back to thaI side and gave me a ride.

 

On the other side, I was pulled aside and had to provide a travel history for the last month, laos was the only country other than thailand I had visited.

 

Temperature checks were done, entry card stamped to indicate I was "clean".

 

Upon returning the crusty but cool older woman  who stamped me out smiled and said you made it. You are lucky

 

She stamped me in, with no further requests for documents, I had insurance and clinic issued cert saying no symptoms, they were never requested nor offered by me.

 

I got a flight online and a minivan back to nakhon panom, and was back in bkk on my sofa 15 intense hours after I left.

 

It took extreme patience and politeness to get it done.

 

I told my story many times to every new official I encountered. 

 

I stressed repeatedly I did not want an overstay and I was aftaid of the smart bmw. That got a laugh.

 

I needed to speak both thai and english depending on who in as talking to, often a mixture of both, on on all I waied my best wai, something I never do. It was returned by all as well.

 

My thai is good, not great, but without it I dint think I would have even got out of thailand let alone back into laos and back in.

 

The thai side was much more organized than the laos side who were solely concerned with letting their own back in and thais out.

 

Obviously, it was a time between policies and persistence was required to make anything happen. 

 

What a day.

 

Btw, I will not continue posting to thaivisa in any regular sense, I just wanted to share.

 

I will also post this as a seperat topic hope that is acceptable.

 

 

 

Edited March 23, 2020 by CantKeepAGoodManDown

[theVenerable]

Is it still possible to enter Cambodia by land or air?
Stay in Cambodia for a month or two is fine with me

[KhaoYai]

15 hours ago, NanLaew said:

UK flights aren't being canceled but they are placing heavy restrictions on who can FLY IN on them.

Have you not seen the news from Emirates? They are stopping ALL flights on 25 March. I can see the others following very soon.