Popular Post jackdd Posted March 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted March 30, 2020 Today i went to the CM immigration office to get my extension based on an Embassy letter. Arriving there: Only people who want to do 90 day extensions are allowed to drive into the immigration office area, they now have a "90 days drive through" Everybody else is directed to the parking space in front of the visa agent office opposite of the immigration office, who now charge a parking fee of 20THB for cars and 10THB for motorbikes. I chose to park my motorbike at the PTT gas station instead. I arrived shortly after 10 and got an "afternoon queue ticket" (yellow piece of paper with a printer number which is stroked out and a hand written number on the back, the hand written number is the relevant number) But they don't promise that they process the afternoon tickets in the afternoon. If they should be fast with the "morning queue tickets" (yellow piece of paper with just a printed number on it) it could be that they start processing the afternoon tickets before the lunch break and if you are not there when called you have to get a new queue ticket. Today they did indeed process the afternoon tickets after 1pm, so i had to wait for about 3 hours. For people who want to get the a Covid based extension the counter is directly on the right side with a yellow sign "Covid 19". First you go to the counter with the volunteer to check the documents. You need: Extension application form Embassy letter (i printed the PDF from the email which i got in black and white, was no problem), sign it at the bottom with blue ink The usual passport copies, arrival card, TM30 and so on, sign them all with blue ink. Two forms related to overstay and being denied an extension which you get at this counter (insist that they give you two forms of each then you don't have to copy them) And you need a complete second set of these documents (copy of the application form, but i guess you could also just complete a second one). Make sure every page you hand in has your signature in blue ink on it. Make sure you only attend the "Covid 19" queue if you had a regular tourist extension already. Today there were people who waited three hours in the queue, to then only be told that they didn't have a regular tourist extension yet, so they are wrong and have to go to the other queue/counter. When it was finally my turn it went quite quick. You wait on the white chairs, when your number is called you go to the mobile immigration van, where they again check the documents. If everything is in order they write a new queue number on your documents and then you wait on the red chairs. When your number is called you hand them all the documents, money and passport and they do the stamp and take a photo. Total time spent at the immigration office was about 3.5 hours, of which 3 hours were waiting (with lunch break) for my first number to be called. I got a 20 days under consideration stamp (added to my existing permitted to stay date, so i have to come back on 23rd), then i'm supposed to get another 10 days. I asked them if on the 23rd when i come back it's possible to directly apply for the next 30 day extension. They confirmed this, but i will need a new embassy letter. Let's hope they make the process easier for everybody, but in case they decide to keep the current rules in the future it's at least sufficient to attend immigration once a month and not twice. 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finy Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 If you copy the TM7 it means the photograph will be a copy too. Do you have any idea if they only need one actual photo (plus one copy), or if they want a fresh photo on each copy of the document? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunderhill Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 Ridiculous and pathetic faff, waste of time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdd Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 5 minutes ago, finy said: If you copy the TM7 it means the photograph will be a copy too. Do you have any idea if they only need one actual photo (plus one copy), or if they want a fresh photo on each copy of the document? Cheers I had only one photograph glued on the original TM7, the copied TM7 did just have the black and white copy of my photograph, that was sufficient. But i would recommend to always carry a backup photograph, just because you never know 100% what will be required when you go to get your extension and it would suck to be turned away for a missing photograph. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee b Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 3 minutes ago, jackdd said: I had only one photograph glued on the original TM7, the copied TM7 did just have the black and white copy of my photograph, that was sufficient. But i would recommend to always carry a backup photograph, just because you never know 100% what will be required when you go to get your extension and it would suck to be turned away for a missing photograph. True always think ahead and take more than you need just incase. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbi1 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 (edited) Quote Make sure you only attend the "Covid 19" queue if you had a regular tourist extension already. Today there were people who waited three hours in the queue, to then only be told that they didn't have a regular tourist extension yet, so they are wrong and have to go to the other queue/counter. Are you on a SETV/METV? Why did you need an embassy letter when about a week ago UbonJoe posted a thread with a directive from Immigration that there's NO NEED for embassy letters for a 2nd 30 day extension of a tourist visa? Was the embassy letter stating your name specifically or a general letter? Aussie embassy refuses to give letters for people here on tourist visas, or so I believe as they said they only do it for "long stay visas". This is absolute BS if embassy letters are needed by immigration! Edited April 5, 2020 by bbi1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANDREW999 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 12 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Are you on a SETV/METV? Why did you need an embassy letter when about a week ago UbonJoe posted a thread with a directive from Immigration that there's NO NEED for embassy letters for a 2nd 30 day extension of a tourist visa? Was the embassy letter stating your name specifically or a general letter? Aussie embassy refuses to give letters for people here on tourist visas, or so I believe as they said they only do it for "long stay visas". This is absolute BS if embassy letters are needed by immigration! Im on TR and i was required for an embassy letter for my 2nd extension. People should read more about real experiences in IO. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJack54 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 10 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Are you on a SETV/METV? Why did you need an embassy letter when about a week ago UbonJoe posted a thread with a directive from Immigration that there's NO NEED for embassy letters for a 2nd 30 day extension of a tourist visa? Was the embassy letter stating your name specifically or a general letter? Aussie embassy refuses to give letters for people here on tourist visas, or so I believe as they said they only do it for "long stay visas". This is absolute BS if embassy letters are needed by immigration! They are required. Early on ubon that police order did not require embassy letter. Fact is all offices do. Some even have some ridiculous "extras" such as bring landlord along with you. Think Trad and Hua Hin to name a couple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANDREW999 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 (edited) Im just surprised about the fact that you can apply for 3rd extension when you go pick up the remaining days on your 2nd. I went on friday, i got the remaining days, but they didnt say a word about I could come back. Edited April 5, 2020 by ANDREW999 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdd Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 11 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Are you on a SETV/METV? Visa exempt, so same category, "tourist entry" 12 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Why did you need an embassy letter when about a week ago UbonJoe posted a thread with a directive from Immigration that there's NO NEED for embassy letters for a 2nd 30 day extension of a tourist visa? The memo was misinterpreted, this was not an order, but a suggestion on what to do. In theory immigration could issue extensions without an embassy letter (for any kind of visa), but i've not heard of a single case where they did it. 16 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Was the embassy letter stating your name specifically or a general letter? It has my name and passport number on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJack54 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 OP, Thanks for clear report. Especially interested in ability to apply for 3rd extension with new embassy letter at same time of stamp for last days "under consideration" visit. Think BritTim suggested possibility in another thread. One win for the underdog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finy Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 Is anyone sure we can't use the same embassy letter every month until the crisis is over? It seems strange that we would have to annoy our embassies every single month. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromas Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 Could someone upload a list of the documents actually required for a COVID extension in CM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbi1 Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 (edited) 13 hours ago, jackdd said: Visa exempt, so same category, "tourist entry" The memo was misinterpreted, this was not an order, but a suggestion on what to do. In theory immigration could issue extensions without an embassy letter (for any kind of visa), but i've not heard of a single case where they did it. It has my name and passport number on it. Which country's embassy are you using? The Aussie embassy as basically said "fuk you" to their citizens who are on SETV/METV or visa exempt and only issues them to "long stay" visas. Edited April 6, 2020 by bbi1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdd Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 17 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Which country's embassy are you using? The Aussie embassy as basically said "fuk you" to their citizens who are on SETV/METV or visa exempt and only issues them to "long stay" visas. German, but this information won't help you. I think most embassies are issuing these letters for all their citizens. If Australia doesn't do this, then it obviously sucks. Have you tried to just request such a letter? Maybe their official stance is that they won't issue it, but if you give them a good reason there could be a small chance that they still issue you one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbi1 Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 8 minutes ago, jackdd said: German, but this information won't help you. I think most embassies are issuing these letters for all their citizens. If Australia doesn't do this, then it obviously sucks. Have you tried to just request such a letter? Maybe their official stance is that they won't issue it, but if you give them a good reason there could be a small chance that they still issue you one. Not yet. I've still got a month left before a 30 day extension of my 30 day extension is needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 14 minutes ago, bbi1 said: Not yet. I've still got a month left before a 30 day extension of my 30 day extension is needed. You may not need to worry about the 2nd extension. In a news article I read online early this morning immigration intends to do automatic 30 day extensions for those that applied for one after March 26th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finy Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Does that date include March 26th? When someone says something like that in writing it usually states something like 'from March 26th onwards'. I've seen the government do it a few times and can't work out if it included 26th or means 27th. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 1 minute ago, finy said: Does that date include March 26th? Or thereafter is what it says but that only in news article at this time. We will have to wait for the official announcement to be done to know what it really is. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldriglikvid Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 When things started to break down I contacted my embassy really early because I was unsure of how long the mentioned letter would take to produce. I got the letter just 2 days after my regular and legit extension of my SETV. I need to do the COVID-19 extension mid-april which means my embassy letter is ~30 days old. Would that be in my disadvantage? That perhaps "you should have went home when u had the chance" or "can not be this old". What do you guys think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otherstuff1957 Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Does "Automatic" mean that tourists won't have to do anything to get the extension? Or will they "Automatically" give the extension when you apply for it with all the appropriate paperwork. If I was a betting man, I know which one I would put my money on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdd Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 (edited) 51 minutes ago, finy said: Does that date include March 26th? When someone says something like that in writing it usually states something like 'from March 26th onwards'. I've seen the government do it a few times and can't work out if it included 26th or means 27th. I didn't see the Thai original, but i think something was lost in translation. This is just my personal opinion, i guess the actual wording is somehow like this: Foreigners who entered Thailand as tourists and who had been granted permission to stay in the Kingdom until at least 26th March (this is the day the emergency decree was enacted), will receive automatic 30 day extensions until the situation is resolved. Edited April 6, 2020 by jackdd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 44 minutes ago, otherstuff1957 said: Does "Automatic" mean that tourists won't have to do anything to get the extension? Or will they "Automatically" give the extension when you apply for it with all the appropriate paperwork. It states that people will not need to go to immigration in the article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 1 hour ago, jackdd said: I didn't see the Thai original, but i think something was lost in translation. This is just my personal opinion, i guess the actual wording is somehow like this: It is only a news article. Nothing official from immigration. No need to think about it being lost in translation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdd Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 43 minutes ago, ubonjoe said: It is only a news article. Nothing official from immigration. No need to think about it being lost in translation. According to the article this information comes from the immigration police chief, he probably held a press conference, so this is quite official. But the press conference was most likely in Thai, so when the author of the article translated in into English some details might have gone missing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 27 minutes ago, jackdd said: According to the article this information comes from the immigration police chief, he probably held a press conference, so this is quite official. It is not official until it is issued as a order on paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrunchWrapSupreme Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 22 hours ago, jackdd said: it would suck to be turned away for a missing photograph. I feel like I've hit the lottery every time I leave immigration and had everything that wanted. Despite trying to keep up to date here and on other farang sites, I'm always missing something. I think they just make it up whenever they feel like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mulambana Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 8 hours ago, ubonjoe said: It is only a news article. Nothing official from immigration. No need to think about it being lost in translation. They may announce it as soon as tomorrow. It will allow 1) PR holders who are outside Thailand to stay more than one year outside Thailand without losing their status 2) Tourists to get automatic extension 3) Visitors pass holders from neighboring countries to remain as long as the borders are closed. No concessions for others like retirment extensions etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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