To ill to leave: What to do...?

[teacher2557]

Hello

 

This is a situation on behalf of a friend who is 70 years of age and came to Thailand on holiday in December 2016 on a 90 days tourist visa and now in March is still in Thailand.

The friend required surgery in January and is slow to recover. After the 90 day visa was up, I went to the Immigration Office to request an extension of stay.

The officer wanted to see my friend and although he was not well and had trouble walking from post surgery complications,  we managed to visit Immigration and an extension of 30 days was granted.

 

But, the extension of stay runs out next week and more health complication are coming through (just came back from hospital just now), which means he is likely not able to fly back to Europe next week.

 

What is the visa procedure then to stay legally in Thailand until my friend has recuperated from his health problems?

What do I need to bring to the Immigration Office to proof that he is not able to fly back home yet? And quite possibly walk-in in there in person; wheelchair might work.

Is there such a thing as an extension of a visa extension?

 

Sorry, I don't know what to do....

 

Any ideas?

[dddave]

The hospital that has been treating him should know the procedure for obtaining an emergency visa extension on humanitarian health issue grounds.  His Dr. will have to fill out an affidavit.

[elviajero]

Your friend can apply for an extension of stay on medical grounds that is issued for up to 90 days per extension.

 

He would need a letter from his doctor confirming his medical condition and that he cannot travel.

[Anthony Loh]

You need to get a letter from the hospital by the doctor to write in to the Thailand Immigration to confirm your friend sickness is very serious at the moment and can't leave the hospital now. Take some photo of your friend in the hospital and with the letter, you can go to the immigration office to explain and show them the proof, talk to them nicely and request for they're understanding to help for the extension. Under Thai immigration law, yes he can get the extension for " in hospital ".

[Jip99]

It may also depend on the immigration office.

 

A friend was paralysed and his wife was not not only told that he had to come in person but she had to pay 20,000 Baht for the overstay.

 

What Anthony says is correct  -  but local variations may apply.

[Evilbaz]

You have to get a medical exemption before you are on overstay.

[BuckBee]

If gets complicated you could get a company similar to bangkok buddy help with medical visa paper work .

Should be able do it yourself but will need good help from hospital and logical/helpful immigration staff or can get a right run around.

[Sophon]

It's important to note that the letter from the doctor not only has to state that your friend is unable to travel, but also must mention a specific period (e.g. that he will be unable to travel for the next six weeks).

 

Sophon

[Suradit69]

13 hours ago, BuckBee said:

If gets complicated you could get a company similar to bangkok buddy help with medical visa paper work .

Should be able do it yourself but will need good help from hospital and logical/helpful immigration staff or can get a right run around.

The larger "international" hospitals have immigration liaison offices to help with this.

 

For example Bumrungrad:

 

Quote

Travel and Visa Services:  The service arranges travel needs for Bumrungrad patients and families while receiving hospital care. The Immigration Bureau operates a visa extension service at Bumrungrad once a week to process visa extensions for patients and their families who have doctors’ medical certificates. 

 

[dentonian]

Police Orders 327-2557.

 

2.25 In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient:

 (1)  Must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital or state medical institution providing said treatment with full explanation about the illness, period of treatment, and the physician's opinion that the illness is an impediment to travel.           

 

A. In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient:

(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.
 
Permission shall be granted for no more than 90 days.