The American Citizen Services Bangkok official Twitter account has posted a notice advising American citizens in Thailand that they will no longer be able to apply for an extension letter to remain in Thailand beyond the end of the visa amnesty which expires on July 31st.
The tweet, sent this morning, advises American passport holders to seek longterm visas, obtain permanent residence, or return to the United States before July 31st.
The U.S. Embassy will no longer provide extension letters. U.S. Citizens have until July 31, to either return to the U.S., other permanent residence, or obtain appropriate long-term visa.
— ACS Bangkok (@ACSBKK) July 14, 2020
Refer specific visa questions to Thai Immigration. More info here: https://t.co/CQVIbHqmfK
While there has been no official announcement, the notice is the latest hint that the visa amnesty, which was initiated in March, will expire as initially stated on July 31st.
On Monday, Bangkok opened a second immigration office at Muang Thong Thani to relieve foot traffic at the Chaengwattana complex as they expect an influx of foreigners leading up to the July 31st deadline.
Additionally, Pol Maj Gen Piti Sai-ubon, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Division 1, stated last week that the Interior Ministry’s automatic visa extension would expire on July 31st.
Prior to the visa amnesty, many embassies and consulates had issued extension letters to citizens who could not fly home or leave the country.
However, with some international flights resuming out of Thailand, the United States embassy has taken the step to stop issuing extension letters with immediate effect, and others may follow.
Any foreigner who is currently staying in Thailand under the visa amnesty should begin considering their options now and contact relevant authorities to find out what options are available.
Some good points of contact include your local embassy or consulate in Thailand and your local immigration office. There is also updated information available on the Immigration Bureau website here and via the Immigration hotline on 1178.
Source: Twitter/ACSBKK
