Options for extension of stay on visa exemption

[mild7evenn]

US passport, age 49. Entered Thailand on Dec 23, 2021, on test and go scheme with visa exemption, with expiry on Jan 21, 2022. Currently in Chiang Mai. Original plan was to head back to US for a bit, then re-apply for test and go scheme, but the suspension of the program makes that currently impossible.

 

I'd like to extend my stay in Thailand for up to another 60 days from Jan 21, 2022, though 30 would also be sufficient. I am staying at my ex-wife's house, and I have a Thai national child living here, aged 13.

 

Please check my understanding: I can apply for a 30 day extension through normal procedures at the Chiang Mai immigration office; I can apply for that extension at any time prior to expiration of the stay; and the 30 days extension would be from the expiration of stay (as opposed to 30 day extension from date of application). Am I wrong on any of this?

 

Some other questions: any utility in asking for the 60 day covid extension, prior to obtaining a 30 day extension, considering that the covid extension scheme is apparently ending in January? And, given all the above, are there any other options for getting up to 60 days extension from Jan 21, 2022?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[Scott]

Troll post reported and removed.

[Phillip9]

It's extremely unlikely the covid extension will actually end in January.  They have been saying those are going to end for a year now.  They will likely continue indefinitely until the borders are more or less open as normal.

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, mild7evenn said:

Some other questions: any utility in asking for the 60 day covid extension, prior to obtaining a 30 day extension, considering that the covid extension scheme is apparently ending in January?

You can not obtain the 60 day covid extension prior to the standard 30 day extension.

The covid extensions may be extended past January 25. Time will tell.

You could obtain a 60 day extension to visit child.

Requirements. (copied from another thread) 

• application to extend the stay, 60 day request for visiting Thai family
• 1 passport photo glued to the application page.
• copy of passport bio page
• copy of entry stamp page (think tm.6 was also copied also on the same page.
• copy of birth certificate (showed original)
• copy of mom's id card
• copy of tambien baan for mom and child
• copy of old lease agreement in mom's name (I just advised I was staying with her or a friends house)
• present kid in person
• original of elementary school "attendance letter"  (over the age of 7, without ID card) [local office request]

[mild7evenn]

Thank you two so far! I will definitely be monitoring the covid extension status in the hopes it remains in place.

 

For the 60 day extension to visit children--is this possible with a visa exemption entry, rather than with a tourist visa? Looking at the requirements on the Thai embassy (to the US) site, it says the entry has to have been on a tourist visa, although I may misunderstand it.

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, mild7evenn said:

Thank you two so far! I will definitely be monitoring the covid extension status in the hopes it remains in place.

 

For the 60 day extension to visit children--is this possible with a visa exemption entry, rather than with a tourist visa? Looking at the requirements on the Thai embassy (to the US) site, it says the entry has to have been on a tourist visa, although I may misunderstand it.

A embassy is not a good place to look for any into related to immigration.

You can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your child with any type of entry.

[mild7evenn]

On 12/27/2021 at 7:10 AM, ubonjoe said:

A embassy is not a good place to look for any into related to immigration.

You can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your child with any type of entry.

Final verdict after going to Chiang Mai immigration today: they would not grant 60 day extension for visiting Thai national child, because I entered on visa exemption. I was granted 30 days only, and told that if I wished, I could apply for a covid extension prior to Jan 25.