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On September 30, 2020, the Ministry of Interior (“MOI”) had made two announcements in relation to permitting foreign nationals to remain in Thailand under special circumstances. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MOI will be permitting an extension-of-stay, as well as, granting Special Tourist Visa (“STV”) to foreigners.

1). Extension-of-Stay

Foreigner who has entered into Thailand under Section 35 of the Thai Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (“IA”) and has been allowed to stay in Thailand on a temporary basis under Section 37(5) of the same (e.g. tourism, education or business purposes etc.) shall be allowed to remain in Thailand until October 31, 2020.

Furthermore, foreigner under this criterion whose residence report (i.e. the requirement to notify his/her residence to the immigration officer for every 90 days) has been overdue is now allowed to make such report to the immigration officer by October 31, 2020 without any fines.  

2). Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigner may also enter and stay in Thailand under the Special Tourist VISA (“STV”) scheme. The STV scheme is primarily aim toward medical tourists and those who intend to traverse the terrain of Thailand on a long-stay basis.

The STV must be applied at the Thai Embassy of the applicant’s Country-of-origin. After grant, Foreigner with STV will be eligible for a 90-day stay. After the first 90-day stay period has ended, foreigner may apply at the local immigration office (with applicable fees) for another 90-day as the first extension, and another 90-day as the second extension. Overall, foreigner will be able to remain in Thailand for a total of 270 days. Nonetheless, foreigner must remain in Thailand at all times to be eligible for the mentioned extensions.

To be eligible for STV, foreigner must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be a foreign national who intends to stay in a long term;
2. Must comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 public health policies and regulations;
3. Must accept a mandatory 14-day quarantine in an Alternative Local State Quarantine (“ALSQ”) at their own personal expense;
4. Must provide proof of payment for ALSQ;
5. Must have a health and accident insurance policy covering the stay period with an OPD expense coverage not less that THB 40,000 and IPD expense coverage not less than THB 400,000 in total;
6. Proof showing such foreigner’s accommodation after the 14-day quarantine, which could be one of the followings:
   • Proof of payment for an accommodation after the 14-day quarantine has ended;
   • A copy of a title deed for a condominium owned by the foreign visitor or relatives;
   • Proof of condominium or house rental;
   • Proof of down payment for buying or leasing a condominium or house.

Overall, foreign nationals are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the latest announcement to avoid any unnecessary fines and remain in compliance with the latest immigration rules. For further any assistance, please contact us at: law@ilct.co.th.  

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development