Can I apply for a visa extension in Koh Samui immediately upon arrival, or do I need a TM30 first?

Jan 10, 2021
4 years ago
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, my visa will run out Jan 29. I am flying to Koh Samui soon and would like to apply for the extension there. I have been living up north but am moving south now. I would like to live on Phangan or Tao (i dont think i can get to tao at the moment but can get to phangan). Can I go to immigration immediately when i land on samui or do I need to go check in a hostel first and get a tm30?

Also to double check, i can get the extension on Samui right? or do i need to go to surat?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the process for extending their visa upon arrival in Koh Samui, specifically whether they can go directly to immigration or if they need to check into accommodation and file a TM30 first. There are recommendations suggesting that it's better to apply for an extension before the current visa expires, and it’s necessary to have proof of residence in the area supported by a TM30 when applying for the extension. Additionally, discussions about quarantine requirements upon arrival are noted, with respondents suggesting to verify local regulations.
Laura ********
Keep in mind that you might have to quarantine for two weeks, so make sure you still have time to go to immigration after that ✅
Laura ********
Yes ask and search in the local groups :) Coming from bkk you have to quarantine, not sure about the other airports 🙏
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Laura *******
yes that is what I have been worried about and researching a lot. If I fly to suratthani or samui and go straight to phangan do you know if i will have to quarantine?
Benjamin ******
@Derek ******
We don't know, ask on a local group
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
yes i have been posting in all the local groups as well. just asking around to see if anyone knows. Thank you though
Tod *********
@Derek ******
Totally makes sense (y) I missed the part where you're moving NOW as in immediately:P .

So, move, file a TM30 and go to either Surat Thani or Samui for your extension before the 29th of Jan to apply for another covid extension.
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
ok great, thank you so much 😊
Tod *********
IF you're going to "move" you will need to prove you reside in the area served by the immigration office (via a TM30 either filed by you or where you're staying) before you can apply for the extension.

Surat Thani province has two immigration offices, the main one and then the one on Samui.
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you so much
Derek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I plan on moving in the next couple days. The only reason i wouldn’t go apply for the extension where i am now is because every extension I have done so far they give you an “under consideration” that you cannot finalize/close until after the visa you currently are on has actually ended. To finalize the “under consideration” you have to go to same office where you applied for the extension. So I wouldn’t be able to finalize/close this new extension until probably some time in February and would have to be in the same location I am currently in. If possible, I would rather move now and establish a new location than wait another month where I am.
Tod *********
Here's a thought, how about going to the immigration office where you live NOW (or before you move on the 29th and apply for the new 60 day covid extension THEN move?

There is no up side to waiting until your current stamp is running out because they add the new extension to your expiration date.
Bill **********
Too easy.
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