BANGKOK, 22 April 2020:
Thailand has approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners stranded in the kingdom for another three months following travel restrictions and cancellations of flights due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said foreigners, whose visas had expired since March 26, would be granted automatic extension until July 31.
“Earlier, the government had extended the automatic visa extension to April 30. However, as the situation in other countries has not eased, many will be stranded in the kingdom.
“They will flock the Immigration centres nationwide to renew their visas. This could spread Covid-19 in the kingdom,” she said in a statement.
On March 26, Thailand declared a state of emergency until April 30. In its bid to stem the spread of the virus, Thailand also temporarily closed its borders and banned entry to foreigners, except diplomats and work permit holders.
On April 15, Thailand extended the ban to include all international passenger flights from April 18 to April 30.
– Bernama