Can I convert a 30-day exemption stamp to a Muay Thai visa in Thailand?

Question

Hi all
I arrived on the 29th with the test & go scheme. 
At the immigration the officer told me that I couldn’t get a visa, since I already had 3. 
So I just the 30 days exemption stamp.
At the time I was too tired and stressed to really think about it. 
But I haven’t been here since 2020, so after thinking about it I find it sort of odd. 
Originally my plan was to try and go for the Muay Thai visa, but I don’t know if I can covert the exemption stamp to that. 
Does anyone have some experience to share? 
Thank you.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user arrived in Thailand under the Test & Go scheme and received a 30-day exemption stamp instead of a visa due to having previously used three visas. They are now considering applying for a Muay Thai visa but are unsure if they can convert the exemption stamp. The comments clarify that exemption stamps can be converted to other visas and that extensions can also be applied. Additionally, some users discuss the rules surrounding the 180-day rolling period and the importance of the immigration officer's discretion in these matters.

Burnard ************ · Answer

Many IOs enforce a 180 in a 12 Month -rolling- period.  So, if you were here for last New Years, then got 3 visas and/or extensions then you would be over the last 180 day "rule." Don't look for it in any rulebook it's is a made-up thing.

As for if you can extend it, I have no freaking idea.  It depends on the IO you get at the Immigration Center.

If you leave and want to come back in, remember, they count the 180 days from before you were last here.

So, if you go out, you should probably stay out a couple months if you want to get back in.  Or just risk it if you don't care if you get refused entry.

I don't know if any of this applies to your case, but it is my experience.

With me, I was full up on visas and they allowed me one extension stamp, then almost got booted coming back in but I was given one more stamp when I showed them (they barely spoke English) I was in Malaysia and Indonesia for the previous 2 months.

Again, it is not a written rule anywhere.  It is something they make up on the fly.

Sometimes they are looking for excuses just because you wore a T-shirt and shorts when you came to the counter.

Also, they don't like people who have dreadlocks.  Saw a couple if them get booted before.

Chris **** · Answer

Not odd if you enter from airport to just be given 30 day without a prior visa. I wouldn’t read into it. I think they were just saying here is your visa.

Charles ******** · Answer

I received my ed visa (Thai) inside the country, converted from visa exempt. Talk to your school. Due to covid situation they can offer visa inside the country on a case by case basis.

Michael ******** · Answer

Yes you can convert anyway and you can also get another 30 day extension

Teya ******* · Answer

Visa is applied outside of the country, extension of stay is applied in immigration inside the country. If you arrived without applying a visa, you have 30 day visa exeption which you can extent for 30 days at your local immigration office.

Michael ******** · Answer

Are you talking about the immigration when you arrived at airport. Because they dont issue visas

Can I convert a 30-day exemption stamp to a Muay Thai visa in Thailand?

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