Automatic Extension of Visas for Foreigners in Thailand

On Tuesday (April 21), the cabinet of Thailand has announced a second automatic visa extension for foreigners in the country for more three months.

Narumon Pinyosinwat, spokeswoman for Thailand’s cabinet, said that foreign visitors whose visas had expired since March 26 will be permitted to stay until July 30 without having to apply for visa extension.

The cabinet has approved it with aims to prevent long queues at immigration centres and curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. The cases of this deadly virus are still increasing. Thailand has confirmed 2,826 cases and 49 patients have been died from this virus, as of April 22.

An identical visa extension was previously granted until April 30. The government of Thailand has banned entry to foreigners since late March to fight with COVID-19 pandemic. Only diplomats and work-permit holders were permitted to enter into Thailand.

Further, the government has announced a series of steps worth billions of dollars to control the impact of the outbreak. It plans to borrow 1 trillion baht to finance the measures.

The cabinet has also approved 98.7 billion baht in relief measures to help in reducing the impact of the outbreak, which is driving the country towards recession.

Rachada Dhnadirek, the deputy government spokeswoman, said that the government is agreed to increase the number of workers receiving cash handouts to 14 million from 9 million. It will increase its total handout by 75 billion baht. Each worker receives 15,000 baht.

Moreover, the government is set to cut or waive electricity bills worth 23.7 billion baht for 22 million households across the country.