Hi,

My girlfriend and I have been in Thailand for nearly 90 days (60 day tourist with 30 day extension) and I've had the misfortune to contract dengue right on the cusp of our departure. The hospital wanted to admit me to make sure it doesn't develop into its serious form and said they can provide a certificate for immigration to extend my visa, but they won't do anything for her. Of course she's not going to leave me here, so we're left with the ridiculous decision to defy doctor's or immigration's orders, neither a terribly compelling choice.

Is this standard of all hospitals in Thailand? I'm in Phuket and both the Bangkok and International hospitals gave the same answer. Would hospitals in Bangkok tell me the same thing? Any other options there?

Thanks!

The only option would be for you to get the extension of stay on medical grounds and your girlfriend do a border hop. On re-entry she would get 15 or 30 (G7 countries) day visa exempt entry. If necessary she could extend that a further 30 days at immigration.

As said, she can get a visa exempt entry by crossing in and out at a border immigrations post and that permission to stay could be extended for 30 days if needed at immigrations.

If you expect to need a week or less, she could try applying at immigrations for a standard extension. It would be refused because she's already had one extension, but they should give her 7 additional days to leave the country. The visa exempt entry at a border is probably the better option.

The hospitals do not make immigration rules. A person travelling with you who is not sick would not be eligible for a medical extension.

It is possible for her to get an extension as a caregiver if requested by the hospital or doctor. But I think they are aware that immigration probably would not grant it since they are not married.

From clause 2.25 fo the police order.

"(2) In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital or state medical institution providing the examination and treatment or by an embassy or consulate.

(3) In the case of caretakers who are not the parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse's children, permission shall be granted for no more than one person."

It is worth a try.

They might give her the same extension as you.

A famous Thai popstar died horribly recently of hemorrhagic dengue - don't take any chances.

At least you are not in Phuket where a mate on crutches with a plate, 8 screws and two wires in his foot, under strict orders to not weight-bear nor fly (risk of DVT) from a Professor of Orthopaedic surgery was denied a medical extension by our favourite Colonel - despite all the correct paperwork presented.

So now his missus has to drive him to Penang.

Hi,

My girlfriend and I have been in Thailand for nearly 90 days (60 day tourist with 30 day extension) and I've had the misfortune to contract dengue right on the cusp of our departure. The hospital wanted to admit me to make sure it doesn't develop into its serious form and said they can provide a certificate for immigration to extend my visa, but they won't do anything for her. Of course she's not going to leave me here, so we're left with the ridiculous decision to defy doctor's or immigration's orders, neither a terribly compelling choice.

Is this standard of all hospitals in Thailand? I'm in Phuket and both the Bangkok and International hospitals gave the same answer. Would hospitals in Bangkok tell me the same thing? Any other options there?

Thanks!

let your girlfriend fly to KL, she can come back with the same plane. gives her another 30 days which can be extended by 30

Thanks for the advice everyone! We did not want to split up, and her phone had the misfortune of breaking this morning, and the complications surrounding making sure she didn't get denied reentry or I get denied an extension were just too much so we endured the flight. It was rough, but made it and now checked into a hospital in Cambodia.

On my way out got a bunch of bad vibes from the immigration folks and someone came over and said no reentry. Couldn't begin to guess but they didn't elaborate and I didn't question. Don't suppose we'll be going back for a while, had a great time until the perfect shitstorm at the end.

Anyway thanks again everyone!