Covid-19: Many tourists go to extend visas at new office - Big Oud drops in too

[webfact]

Covid-19: Many tourists go to extend visas at new office - Big Oud drops in too

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thai immigration chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang dropped in to see how things were going at new offices opened up to handle tourist visa extensions in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi yesterday. 

 

The offices of the central police investigation unit were open on the first day Thursday after the nearby Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana was swamped with stranded tourists on Wednesday after the impending State of Emergency had been announced by the government. 

 

Thai Rath reported that at 10 am there were many foreigners at the new center set up to ease the overcrowding at the Government Complex.

 

Applicants could do 90 day reports, report their address according to Article 38 and extend tourist visas by 30 days - most were doing the latter. 

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

At 11.45 am Lt-Gen Sompong - known in Thailand as Big Oud - dropped in and was shown round by Region 1 immigration chief Pol Maj-Gen Piti Nithinonthaset.

 

Chief Sompong said that tourists had been concerned that immigration offices might be closed and had gone to the Government Complex in great numbers meaning it was necessary to open new facilities for them. They were being made to sit 1.5 meters apart. 

 

Most were tourists who could not go back to their home countries because they were sealed off or because they couldn't get flights.

 

He said that they could renew for 30 days each time up to a limit of 90 days. They would need a letter from their embassy to process the extension.

 

The new facility would stay open for as long as necessary, he added. 

 

Source: Thai Rath

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-03-27

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[bluesofa]

The first two IO's in the photo don't seem to be a metre (plus?) apart. Their arms are almost touching.

What about this 'social distancing' the government are prattling on about it?

[Phuketshrew]

The only way that they will stop this madness is when a few of the IO's start to become infected from ai farang.

[FarFlungFalang]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

He said that they could renew for 30 days each time up to a limit of 90 days.

After the 90 days what happens?

[Chazar]

close  the  bloody things down u retards, declare amnesty

[spiekerjozef]

Good job. Better for everybody.

[Zack61]

9 minutes ago, Chazar said:

close  the  bloody things down u retards, declare amnesty

What!!!!! And forego a bu$ine$$ opportunity?

 Their motto is “CV is not a health issue it’s a business opportunity”

[Baerboxer]

3 hours ago, Phuketshrew said:

The only way that they will stop this madness is when a few of the IO's start to become infected from ai farang.

 

I sincerely hope no IO is infected by contact with a farang. I dread to think what the draconian consequences could be.

[marko kok prong]

I agree with Chazar,stop this farce,declare amnesty like Indonesia,but of course then less chances for extra fee,or special fee for you,ect.

[fruitman]

At least they sit inside now, yesterday they sat outside in the heat and sun as i saw on pictures.

[bluedoc]

It’s all about the money, money, money.

[PremiumLane]

So you have to go to an embassy, get a letter, then go to immigration to get your extension. Thus exposing yourself to travel and other people, the very things you shouldn't be doing at the moment.... good job immigration, gold star for you

Edited March 27, 2020 by PremiumLane