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Could Automatic Thai Visa Extensions Be Granted to Non-Tourists?
Transcript of the above video:
As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing automatic Thai Visa extensions as a result of Coronavirus, yet again.
Something that seems to be coming up with some frequency is the question: "Do I qualify for one of these automatic extensions?" and the short answer is if you are not a tourist effectively “No”. This whole policy was implemented in order to deal with tourists in Thailand who basically were inadvertently stranded as a result of Coronavirus. Those who have a Non-immigrant Visa, are going to have to deal with an extension just like just like anybody else.
In an article from the Nation, nationthailand.com, the article is titled: Tourists get Automatic Visa Extensions. Quoting directly: "People who hold other types of visa still need to go visit the Immigration Office for extensions." So it is pretty clear, at least from the announcements they are making that those who hold for example a Non-immigrant Visa; that can be a Business Visa, an Education Visa, a Thai O Marriage Visa that is Non-immigrant, a Thai O Visa for parentage of Thai children for example, or a Thai Retirement Visa, you are going to have to deal with your extensions in sort of the standard way. I do understand and we are going to do a specific video on this topic, there are those who are in Non-immigrant multi-entry status who are going to be kind of painted into a corner if you will, some of them are going to be compelled to need to do an extension and that may or may not be feasible depending on their circumstances.
The thing to take away from this video is if you are not a tourist, and you did not arrive in Thailand in Tourist Visa status, it is very unlikely you are going to be able to avail yourself of this new benefit associated with automatic extension due to the Coronavirus outbreak.