COE - Pending Approval over 7 business days

[Desert]

I’m puzzled as to what could be going on with my COE. Traveling from the US intending to take part of the Phuket sandbox reopening. I submitted my pre-approved COE application Wednesday last week (granted this was pre sandbox system update) with my SHA+ booking, etc…however instead of getting rejected, the application has just been pending for over a week. I’ve tried emailing the US embassy to no avail since it’s been well beyond the 3 business days. Any thoughts on what’s going on? I also tried to create a new application (just to see) which wasn’t allowed since I already have an application pending. Has anyone else had a COE application get lost in ‘pending’ limbo over a week?

[sirineou]

Which embassy branch are you using? We came here May 4th  and Used the Washington DC branch, They were very responsive and quick at the time, When we had to change our travel plans to get here before the May 6th quarantine change , they did a new COE in a day. Did you try calling them? My wife called them several times on the telephone. They were very helpful. 

[sammieuk1]

You would have thought there would have been a rapid way of eliminating any type of O visa requirements now its 5-7 working days waiting for the postman if I have got everything right then it will be another 3+ days to get this wrenched COE with more money upfront and non refundable of course   

[Desert]

Using LA since that corresponds to my State; however, when I submitted the application, the auto-reply email was from DC. I tried calling the number listed on the auto reply email and the line wasn’t working ????

[ezzra]

Take heart, everything in Thailand at the moment is pending, life, traveling, business and work as well as the future of this country as a whole...

[Freeduhdum]

Seems there only letting in Israeli's at the moment?

"Most Israelis have been vaccinated and they will be the main group of tourists entering Thailand this time around,” said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's COVID-19 taskforce."
 

 

[sirineou]

54 minutes ago, Desert said:

Using LA since that corresponds to my State; however, when I submitted the application, the auto-reply email was from DC. I tried calling the number listed on the auto reply email and the line wasn’t working ????

5:30 am here in Thailand now, I will ask the wife what numbers she called at the Washington embassy, when she wakes up in a couple of hrs  . if she still have them I will PM them to you.  

[Freeduhdum]

One consideration. Many have gotten tripped up with the SHABA reservation certificate from the hotel. Were you able to upload this certificate from the hotel? 

[Desert]

No, I submitted my application before they changed the rules on having your accommodation booked through the new SHA website. I had booked through Agoda, which did show the SHA+ designation. However, with the application pending approval (seemingly in perpetuity), the system won’t let me edit any details on my application. 

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

5:30 am here in Thailand now, I will ask the wife what numbers she called at the Washington embassy, when she wakes up in a couple of hrs  . if she still have them I will PM them to you.  

Unfortunately she does not have the numbers with her, From the email we got with our approval below are the following numbers.   

Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. (สำหรับผู้มีสัญชาติไทย: +1-202-999-7690) (For non-Thai nationals: +1-202-431-0882)

Try calling the number for Thai nationals and play dumb that you did not realize it was the number for Thai nationals, They might answer the Thai nationals number more. 

Good luck

[sirineou]

She gave me these additional number 202 431-7766. she said , Try using different numbers telephones when you call. 

She would use one telephone, and they would not answer, then she will use another telephone and they would immediately answer. she said that she thinks they might be blocking some numbers who call a lot.

[buick]

i submitted my final application for the COE on a thursday afternoon and didn't get the approval for 6 business days, got it monday (not the following monday).  mine was to go to bangkok using the LA consulate.  my travel date was three weeks away so i figured maybe i was not a priority.  when i had to change dates after receiving the COE, they got it revised quickly, two business days.  this was in mid june, i travel next week.