Heads Up | Exempt -> 60-day -> Non Img O

[Jenkins9039]

As mentioned previously in another thread, was in East Africa when Corona appeared, recognising that i was there speaking with the Government about the medical side (private/public) and after hearing all their constraints, thought <deleted> this, getting out of dodge before it hits here, I'd usually renew my visa in Nairobi, instead thought i'd do in Europe, tried first of all in Suisse (where i reside when in Europe), could not as non-resident (some new policy, can own home, but does not allow you to resolve visa in country), thought i'd do in Turkey whilst there for a meeting, could not, non resident so did not, hunker down in Suisse was in order until corona was striking just across the border in Italy (northern), got out of dodge, thought i'd do it with my visa on arrival, (exempt), flew to Thailand Feb 24-March 24 exempt), went home, amnesty one arrived, continued to extend after the 30 days (march 24 - april 24), then amnesty two arrived, and place-cards and adverts and news reported nothing had to be done till the end of July, so thought, ok dont need to do anything at all and can then convert to Non Im again in country.

 

Went to immigration today, obtained the 60 day family extension (simple), what they dont tell you until its done.

 

You cant then convert that to a non im visa because your original exempt or non im would have expired during the amnesty, so you are allowed the 60 days and thats it.

 

There lays the issue, had you known that you'd likely not bother till you know what is going to occur, as chances are you would get up til sep amnesty anyway due to the situration, and then 60 days after that with the family extension.

 

Some will argue you can convert the 60 days to non im O, i can assure you we fully discussed this today, its not possible, not in country, some new law/rule.

[ubonjoe]

It really has nothing to do with your 60 day extension. The problem is that since the extension of your visa exempt had expired they considered it not a valid visa entry that is required for the non immigrant visa application.

Some offices have accepted the 60 day extension and unused extensions of visa exempt and tourist visa entries as being valid for the visa application.

 

[jackdd]

22 minutes ago, Jenkins9039 said:

Some will argue you can convert the 60 days to non im O, i can assure you we fully discussed this today, its not possible, not in country, some new law/rule.

Yes, you can convert it. You could even have gotten a non-immigrant visa directly from the amnesty without applying for the 60 day extension.

The problem is your local immigration office doesn't want to do it for just the regular 2000THB fee. Do it through an agent and you will see that it's possible. Or move somewhere else to a less extortionate immigration office.

[Jenkins9039]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

It really has nothing to do with your 60 day extension. The problem is that since the extension of your visa exempt had expired they considered it not a valid visa entry that is required for the non immigrant visa application.

Some offices have accepted the 60 day extension and unused extensions of visa exempt and tourist visa entries as being valid for the visa application.

 

Have any process/rule we can reference, as the IMG guy (was not even handling my passport), was the one (Family Visa division) who said it was not possible after checking the passport when it came back, and checking against the system, and rules.

[ubonjoe]

48 minutes ago, Jenkins9039 said:

Have any process/rule we can reference, as the IMG guy (was not even handling my passport), was the one (Family Visa division) who said it was not possible after checking the passport when it came back, and checking against the system, and rules.

The rules that go by are not available to the public and what they are saying is really only a local policy.

You could try calling the Immigration help line that is 1178 and ask about it.

[Seeall]

19 hours ago, jackdd said:

Yes, you can convert it. You could even have gotten a non-immigrant visa directly from the amnesty without applying for the 60 day extension.

The problem is your local immigration office doesn't want to do it for just the regular 2000THB fee. Do it through an agent and you will see that it's possible. Or move somewhere else to a less extortionate immigration office.

The office should be investigated and action taken!