Visa amnesty expected to be extended to 31 October

[FarFlungFalang]

2 hours ago, Happyman567 said:

Talking about that did anybody have trouble getting one from the Aussie embassy I still aint got mine but have a little extension left 

I was initially refused when I mistakenly though I had only to send my Bio data in to get the letter then I explained my situation in great detail and was thus granted a letter "due to my extenuating circumstances" which was this is my home now and I don't wish to leave it.

[samisaurus]

2 minutes ago, 2530Ubon said:

So it’s 2:30- half an hour after the announcement ended. Only announced the expected STV visa. Time to call it a day I think. Fake story 

I thought Cabinet meets Tuesday to discuss? 

[Rockbottom]

I paid the 1900THB and I demand a refund. Clowns. The stench of extortion in the air.

Edited September 28, 2020 by Rockbottom

[thecyclist]

What about the people that already paid 1900 for an extension? "can they get a refund? 

[Dart12]

1 minute ago, Thaiophil said:

1900 baht is a bargain. For those of us locked out, the cost to get in is min $2000 - flight, ASQ, Covid tests, visa fees etc

the money was no big deal.  

But the 3 days at 2 different immigration places and having to arrive at 4am to secure a sacred 100 spot IS a big deal.

[Gulfsailor]

50 minutes ago, Jack Hna said:

Lads steer clear of 711 I've seen 4 this morning all with a copper at front checking farang passports. This was in udon so God knows what they are doing to find overstayers on BKK.

 

 

7/11 delivery ????

[Jack Hna]

Just now, Gulfsailor said:

7/11 delivery ????

Order on Mrs account heard they got grasses in the network too.

[samisaurus]

There's people that literally have left now for no reason other than their embassy wasnt giving out a letter. I know because on 25th my flight out was quite packed as well as Emirates flights. This was all handled strangely. 

[BusyB]

49 minutes ago, Benitostacos said:

It could happen, nothing is set yet and the cabinet meets tomorrow. At this point, nothing this government does surprises me anymore. I wasted 6.5 hours getting the 30 day extension this time, and wasted 3 days getting the extension the first time, only to have the amnesty retroactively kick in (likely twice). It is what it is, but I am grateful to be here.

 

Yes, indeed. Had to cancel a 2 month trip in April ... no idea when or how I'll get back in. I have half a life in LOS ... don't even know right now if I'll have to write it off totally. I don't expect to get in before next September at the earliest. 

 

Enjoy your stay Benito ... nice to hear some gratitude amongst all the negativity.

 

Busybee

[Dart12]

2 minutes ago, BusyB said:

 

Yes, indeed. Had to cancel a 2 month trip in April ... no idea when or how I'll get back in. I have half a life in LOS ... don't even know right now if I'll have to write it off totally. I don't expect to get in before next September at the earliest. 

 

Enjoy your stay Benito ... nice to hear some gratitude amongst all the negativity.

 

Busybee

agree. happy to be residing here.  This isn't the only country where the gov is a mess right now. (ahem, 'merica, Britain, Oz, China)

[FarFlungFalang]

1 hour ago, audaciousnomad said:

Could it be possible that PM's authority to order a further amnesty was contingent on there being a continued state of emergency, thereby giving him the emergency powers to further extend the amnesty?  If so, that would explain the lateness of the amnesty extension. He could not do it until after a new emergency decree has been formally put in place maybe?  Thoughts @ubonjoe ?  

Are you saying the PM had to apply for and extension as well?It's sort of like a temporary permission to section 44.I wonder if he used an agent to save all the running around?

[audaciousnomad]

6 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Are you saying the PM had to apply for and extension as well?It's sort of like a temporary permission to section 44.I wonder if he used an agent to save all the running around?

I'm just not familiar with the laws here. In some countries, the ability to issue sweeping amnesties such as this would be dependent on a 'state of emergency' that would then allow such drastic measures to be implemented. Absent that state of emergency, the "normal" limits on executive powers would be in place. Again...it's a question...I don't imply that I know what is happening, just trying to rationalize it. (Yes, I know that trying to rationalize policies here is futile) ???? 

[Matzzon]

42 minutes ago, Dart12 said:

But the 3 days at 2 different immigration places and having to arrive at 4am to secure a sacred 100 spot IS a big deal.

No it is not.

 

51 minutes ago, samisaurus said:

I thought Cabinet meets Tuesday to discuss? 

Yes, but they should make an anouncement today, which they didn´t. So, probably just a fake. Good in that case. We do not need more confusion.

Edited September 28, 2020 by Matzzon

[Percy P]

8 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Why not extend it until Dec 31? Ridiculous.

Because November could bring in 1900 Baht . December another 1900 Baht. We're being EFD about by immigration. No doubt the amnesty won't be announced until Nov 1st, Dec 1st when every body has more then likely paid the 1900Baht. I find it most deceitful. The virus isn't going away overnight

and could be permanent. I have a cold sore virus and thats permanent. It easily transmitted through  spit I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wear a mask when I feel one coming on. 

[Jackcwba]

I’m sick to death of these cowboys MAKE THAILAND GREAT AGAIN!!!!

[JTXR]

If it's true the amnesty is extended -- 2 days after the deadline -- then in future, no one here under the amnesty will have any reason at all to believe anything the government says about deadlines.  No one will have any reason not to wait until the very last minute.

Edited September 28, 2020 by JTXR

[Percy P]

9 hours ago, Somtamnication said:

Why not extend it until Dec 31? Ridiculous.

Quite so . It's the 1900 Baht each month as any  amnesty won't be announced until the 1st November,December. A most deceitful move. Can't wait to get out.

Edited September 28, 2020 by Percy P

[Eindhoven]

7 minutes ago, Matzzon said:

No it is not.

 

Yes, but they should make an nouncement today, which they didn´t. So, probably just a fake. Good in that case. We do not need more confusion.

 

If it was a big deal to him, it's a big deal to him. Nothing to do with you. Seems you are just looking for an argument.

 

Are you looking to be nominated for OPOTY? 

[EricTh]

It's fake news. The amnesty is not extended.

 

news

[Jack Hna]

5 minutes ago, Jackcwba said:

I’m sick to death of these cowboys MAKE THAILAND GREAT AGAIN!!!!

Replace great with FUN

 

[Eindhoven]

1 hour ago, lkv said:

Overstay 2 days today. If they catch you, you are going to IDC. And you get a 5 year ban.

 

I kid you not.

 

Nope. Overstay fines start tomorrow.

[shady86]

For those who had paid 1,900THB, dont expect any refund as the Imm is short of funds due to 0 income for arrival visas.

Also, I expect a lot more last minute flip flops to squeeze out foreigners stuck here. 

[Matzzon]

8 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

If it was a big deal to him, it's a big deal to him. Nothing to do with you. Seems you are just looking for an argument.

 

Are you looking to be nominated for OPOTY? 

And what does it look like you are doing with the above comment. You not live by your words, Mr Eindhoven.

 

What is OPOTY? Something in your wet dreams?

Edited September 28, 2020 by Matzzon

[Percy P]

5 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

If it was a big deal to him, it's a big deal to him. Nothing to do with you. Seems you are just looking for an argument.

 

Are you looking to be nominated for OPOTY? 

Who are you refuring

[Matzzon]

3 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Nope. Overstay fines start tomorrow.

Yep, according to Phuket Immigration. You ever seen anything differ from office to office?

Edited September 28, 2020 by Matzzon

[Eindhoven]

Just now, Matzzon said:

And what does it look like you are doing with the above comment. You not live by your words, Mr Eindhoven.

 

It's looks like I am asking you why you choose to fight with everyone. It's like you hate everyone. Do't you have good days? I'm asking seriously.

[lkv]

7 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Nope. Overstay fines start tomorrow.

No, those are the fines that you pay tomorrow, when you go to Immigration (whilst on overstay), and Immigration grants you another extension, after you pay the fine.

 

If you extend today there is no fine, because 26 was on a Saturday.

 

Tomorrow, you will pay 1,500 baht.

 

However, if between 27 September and until you get to Immigration, you are caught on the street, then you are on overstay, subject to being arrested, deported, and banned for 5 years.

Edited September 28, 2020 by lkv

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

You know I read some really stupid stuff on here, like 'The Prime minister will lose face, and jokes about them changing their minds. etc.

 

 Most of these comments are from those LIVING around Thailand but cannot speak the language, apart from ordering beer, check bin, thank you, and that's about it.

They do not understand the language or systems but think they can advise us all on Thai Visa and then sit in their computer chair thinking how well they have done with their smug ill informed comments and are expecting a ' like ' from forum members to say how smart they are.

 

I have taken and paid for from my own pocket during my 26 years in Thailand, three Thais and put them through English in the UK. We still, all of us, stay in touch now.

 

The Thai government have advisers, do you people really think a nation as large as this, just does not know what is going on in the world?

 

They don't give a damn about the spending power of a few expats from Europe, America or anywhere else. They must look at the big picture.

 

They are fighting a massive pandemic and sure, things will change on a daily basis until they know where they are. they are changing the rules daily in Europe and around the world.

 

Of course, they want to get the bloody country open ASAP, they want the revenue, same as every other state.

 

 

I speak, like others long term on here, Thai and Lao, and yes, thee is a vast difference. More than that, I buried myself in the culture for ten years. I am addressed by Thais in Isaarn by name, not by the term Farang or any other relating to foreigners.

 

I equally know their names, and chat, smile and buy products and speak to all of them as my equals, which they are.

 

THESE PEOPLE ARE NOWHERE NEAR AS STUPID AS THEY WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE, IT'S ALL A GAME!

 

This reads like one of those "I’ve gone more native than you, so I know more” comments.... 

 

Not one aspect of what you have mentioned implies that you should know any more than anyone else on any subject in Thailand. 

 

Now, had you attended meetings of the Thai Chamber of Commerce or been privy to the discussions of those in decision making power then your insinuation of ‘being more knowledgable’ would carry some water. 

 

Unfortunately, its a common thing amongst those who’ve been here any length of time, they seem to think they have somehow gained an inside understanding of Thai’s and how Thailand works, they have scratched the surface, pulled back the veil, decoded the Thai Smile... etc... etc...  and now also eat insects so they are definitely respected by the locals !!! - these guys are tragic.

 

 

The reality is - things are just disorganised, this situation is fluid, decisions are being made and if it causes a problem there is some back pedalling - thats it, there is no secret. This government is bumbling through this crisis as every other government in the world is. 

 

-----

 

With regards to visa amnesty - there is no intelligent reason not to extend it. 

 

[Percy P]

9 hours ago, Grumpy John said:

Silly lot of rot they go on with.  Why the he11 didn't they extends it a week ago.  These clowns in government are annoying so many people with their silliness. 

Simple, they'd have missed the 1900Baht most of use have now paid. How do we get reimbursed.

[Wongkitlo]

2 hours ago, Promula said:

Why are his posts being followed as gospel? Is this the guy that mentioned almost being kicked out of Thailand by immigration a couple of months ago?

He has released several today. One said an Immigration source said the amnesty may be extended tomorrow by cabinet. Another one said another  source said they knew nothing about it. He did say continue as if no amnesty and get an extension. He is just reporting it as he hears it.