Can I extend my 30-day visa stamp after a border run to Malaysia?

Question

I've been in Phuket since the start of February. I done one land border run with a van. Then yesterday I done a border run by plane from Phuket to Malaysia, flew in got the stamp and back out. First time I've done it by plane. Immigration at Phuket pulled me aside and said I can stay for 30 days and then leave and if I come back to Thailand I need a visa next time. I had to show them an exit flight before the 30 days. They have given me the 30 day stamp as normal. My question is do you think I would be able to extend that 30 day stamp as I normally would or would there be something on the computer system that tells them I have to leave before the 30 days. I wanted to extend it and sort out an ED visa in that time. I should of just done the ED visa to start with before any border runs but I thought a couple of border runs first wouldn't hurt but my mistake

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user has been in Phuket and completed a border run to Malaysia, receiving a 30-day visa stamp upon re-entry. They are inquiring whether they can extend this stamp for an educational visa (ED visa) since they were advised by immigration that they would need a visa for future visits. Responses indicate that the user should be able to extend their 30-day entry without issue, although they are encouraged to promptly begin the process of obtaining an ED visa as it may require additional time for approval from their school.

Alex ******* · Answer

Thanks for the replies.

I got the answers I was hoping for ☺️

Brandon ************ · Answer

You need to get started finding a school and getting everything going. Your school will need to apply to the ministry of education for your approval which can take a few weeks and you also need at least 3 weeks left on your stamp when you apply for the ED visa at immigration. So if you wait you might not have enough time to do it on this entry.

Bob ********** · Answer

Go now and see what happens you don’t have to wait the extension will be added to the end of your 30 days and that will give you time to sort an ED visa as it takes the school awhile to get the paperwork in place

Tod ********* · Answer

There's nothing "in the system" or anything like that and you won't have any issue getting a 30 day extension on your 30 day visa exempt entry.

It didn't "hurt" you in the least.  You're allowed TWO free visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year, and officially no limit to them by air

BUT

as you saw, they are less than cordial sometimes at passport control and they wanted to impress upon you that free 30 day entry stamps aren't for you to live here on 😛 .

Can I extend my 30-day visa stamp after a border run to Malaysia?

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