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Can I extend my Visa Exempt stay in Thailand by applying for a Covid extension?

Apr 27, 2022
3 years ago
Ellie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Michael Fallow wants to post:

Greetings, would appreciate advice on the viability of maximizing my extensions based on Visa Exempt extension plus a Covid extension. Arrived 16 April Visa Exempt stamped in until May 15. Will apply for a 30 day extension by May 2 and assuming granted my stay would be extended to 15 June. Would I in addition be able to apply a Covid extension before that option expires May 23 and if granted extend my stay beyond June 15? With the Covid extension of stay adding onto the Visa Exempt extended stay? Extending my stay all together to something like 15 August?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Michael Fallow is seeking advice on extending his stay in Thailand, currently on a Visa Exempt stamp expiring May 15. He plans to apply for a 30-day extension by May 2 and is inquiring about the possibility of applying for a Covid extension before it expires on May 23, potentially extending his stay until August. Responses indicate that he can obtain a 30-day tourism extension but the successful granting of a Covid extension depends on the discretion of the immigration officer.
Eakkawee **********
They'll see you from a mile away. The 60 days will likely start from the day you apply, each officers discretion.
Ellie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
You will get a 30days tourism extension until 14 June (because it's 30days, not 1 month). You are eligible for an extension based on being unable to travel due to the Covid situation. But if your application is approved or not depends on the immigration officer you will deal with on your application.

It also depends on the Immigration office, but your first covid extension will most likely start on the day of application IF it is approved. So, in reality, your stay might be until around 22 July if you apply on 23 May.

Here is general information on Covid extension. But as I wrote, details depend on the immigration office. (And we don't accept the question about "immigration office fishing")
Michael ********
@Ellie ******
Thank you for your generous and detailed reply to my hypothetical and gaming it out. This is not a strategy I will pursue, but if you don't ask you don't know and it looks in any case like there would be little gain in it, and good chances to get on the wrong foot with Immigration. Thanks again for laying out the details and information.
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