Hello. US passport here.
I arrived in Phnom Penh today and was planning to go to thai embassy asap to get a 60 day tourist visa as advised on this page. However I neglected to realize they don't open till Monday plus it will take a minimum of 3 days to process the visa. I don't want to wait around in this city for 4 or more nights. My question is if I were to just enter Thailand on 30 day visa exemption as originally planned and extend 30 days in bangkok would this process also take a minimum of 3 days? Or Is it just in and out in few hours? I don't want to be stuck there either any longer then I have to. The 60 day visa at the embassy is about 20$ cheaper than the 1900 b extension that was my motivation and just to have it taken care of in advance. I have to be in bangkok by Feb 5th and I have airfare out if Thailand March 16th.
Thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A US passport holder can enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and apply for a 30-day extension at a local Immigration Office. The extension process is typically quick, often completed the same day, unlike a 60-day tourist visa from the embassy which takes about three days to process. However, do check for public holidays that may affect the office's availability.
