PHUKET, THAILAND – After flight disruptions in the Middle East delayed departures for many foreign visitors, the Immigration Bureau responded with temporary overstay relief while extension applications in Phuket surged.
Overstay waivers tied strictly to delayed departures
The Immigration Bureau announced a temporary rule for travellers whose flights were disrupted after 28 February. Those affected would not face overstay penalties when they finally left the country.
According to the agency, the relief applied only to travellers who departed as soon as flights became available again. Officials stressed that it was not a blanket permission for a longer stay.
Extensions still required for those who remain in Thailand
Foreigners who did not leave the country still had to apply for a standard 30-day extension, which added pressure on Phuket Immigration. The office reported a marked increase in people seeking to prolong their stay.
The authority underlined that the overstay waiver was no substitute for regular procedures. It was described as an exception limited to departures blocked by travel interruptions.
Unusual crowds at immigration counters
Pol Lt Col Laddawan Waenkaew, secretary to the chief of Phuket Immigration, reported unusually high demand for extensions in recent days.
“I am not sure how many people exactly received their extensions, but it had been extremely full every day recently,”
said Laddawan, secretary to the Phuket Immigration chief.
Drive-thru closure followed complaints of traffic chaos
The situation was further strained by the closure of the former drive-thru service, which had allowed foreigners to complete certain steps without entering the building. This option had previously helped to spread demand.
Laddawan explained that the service was ended following complaints from local residents and nearby authorities. Waiting cars were said to have blocked traffic around the immigration compound.
Vehicle lines reached customs office and nearby schools
According to immigration officials, the line of vehicles at times stretched as far as the nearby Phuket Customs office. The congestion significantly disrupted through traffic in the area.
Complaints also came from Thai parents driving children to schools in the vicinity, as well as from employees of neighbouring government agencies. They reported difficulties accessing their workplaces.
Two machines insufficient, all procedures moved to Room 101
Immigration stated that only two machines had been available at the drive-thru. They could not process the rising number of users quickly enough, causing vehicles to back up along the road.
Officers therefore redirected the procedures to the regular public service area. Applicants were instructed to complete their cases inside the office, specifically in Room 101.
Online options promoted as new service points considered
Despite the long queues, Phuket Immigration insisted that all people who lined up were processed on the same day, according to Laddawan. Staff continued to handle applications until everyone had been served.
At the same time, the authority increased promotion of online services such as electronic 90-day reporting. Additional service points outside the main office were under consideration as a way to reduce pressure on the central facility.