Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption immediately after getting it in Chiang Mai?

Question

Hello all. First off i've just managed a successful border bounce at Mae Sai going from one 30 day visa exempt to another with no problems in case anyone is unsure about the possibility of doing this. No outward ticket required, no proof of finances asked for, no passport photos or application forms. $10 or 500bht payable to Myanmar immigration. I'm not sure how late in the day you can do this but i crossed at 7.30pm and was told to come back through immigration by 8pm so i just turned straight around and re-entered Thailand.

 Now my question is can i now go to immigration in Chiang Mai tomorrow and have my current 30 day visa exemption extended for another 30 days past it's date of expiry having only just got it yesterday? Or do i have to wait until closer to the time?

Now my question is can i now go to immigration in Chiang Mai tomorrow and have my current 30 day visa exemption extended for another 30 days past it's date of expiry having only just got it yesterday? Or do i have to wait until closer to the time?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user successfully crossed from Thailand to Myanmar and received another 30-day visa exemption. They inquired if they could extend their current visa exemption at the Chiang Mai immigration office on the following day, having just obtained it. Community responses indicate that extending the stay is possible anytime for those holding a 30-day exemption in Chiang Mai, with some suggesting to wait until closer to expiration to avoid scrutiny.

Tod ********* · Answer

Chiang Mai allows you to apply for an extension of stay when you have 45 days or less left on your current admitted until stamp. Seeing as the O/P got a 30 day exempt stamp he could go to the Chiang Mai immigration office ANY time and get the 30 day extension. They add the 30 days to your current expiration date so there is no down side to going early,

[mention redacted], is correct though, some immigration offices want you to apply closer to the actual expiration date. But Chiang Mai isn't one of them .

Vincent ************* · Answer

Probably better to wait a bit or they may get suspicious that you are stayingbhere permanently on a tourist visa. wait until youhave 8 days left on your current 30 days!

John ************ · Answer

Well i will give it a try and report back. Thanks for the comments guys.

Dan *********** · Answer

This is interesting I didn't know this. Thanks guys

Maxim *********** · Answer

You can do it tomorrow np, ull be fine until around mid july.

Robert ******* · Answer

You will get 30 days counted from admitted to stay date, it is called an Extension of Stay. You can go on any day, some offices will only do 15 days before expire some do it on day nr 1. Depends on office and officer.