PATTAYA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises travellers that the Thai Immigration Bureau has introduced temporary immigration relief measures to assist foreign nationals unable to depart Thailand due to airspace closures linked to the ongoing situation in the Middle East since 28 February 2026.
The measures apply to foreign nationals whose permission to stay in Thailand expired from 28 February 2026 onward and who are unable to depart the Kingdom because of flight disruptions and airspace restrictions affecting parts of the Middle East.
Under the temporary measures, travellers who remain in Thailand with an expired permission to stay and wish to depart the Kingdom will have their overstay fines waived. No penalty payment will be required when exiting Thailand under these circumstances.
Foreign nationals who wish to remain in Thailand may apply for a temporary stay extension. Each extension may be granted for a period of up to 30 days per permission.
In cases where the traveller’s permission to stay has already expired, immigration officers will first process the fine settlement in accordance with the law before considering the request for an extension of temporary stay.
Applicants seeking a temporary stay extension must provide the required documentation, including a TM.7 application form, a copy of their passport or travel document, and a letter from their embassy or consulate confirming the necessity of the extension. If such a letter cannot be presented, immigration officers may record a statement outlining the reason for the extension request. Additional forms STM.2, STM.2/1, and STM.9 must also be completed as part of the application process.
These temporary immigration measures take effect immediately and will remain in place until the situation returns to normal or until an official order is issued to amend or revoke the measures.
For more information, travellers may contact the Immigration Bureau at 1178 or +66 (0) 2572 8500, Monday–Friday from 08.30–16.30 Hrs., or visit the Immigration Bureau website at www.immigration.go.th.
For travel guidance and assistance, travellers may contact the TAT Call Centre at 1672 or the Tourist Police Hotline at 1155, available 24 hours a day. (TAT)
