Can I extend my stay in Thailand without a TM30 as my visa exemption is expiring?

Oct 1, 2024
14 days ago
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am currently in Thailand under the visa exemption, and my exemption stamp is set to expire in three days. I would like to extend my stay but I do not have a TM30. Since arriving in Thailand, I have been staying with a friend, and I was unaware that a TM30 was required.

Is there any possibility for me to extend my stay at this point, or will I need to exit the country? This is my first time attempting to extend a visa exemption, so I am unfamiliar with the process.

I acknowledge that I should have researched this more thoroughly beforehand, and I appreciate any guidance or advice you can offer.

Thank you in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges of extending a visa exemption in Thailand without having a TM30 form, which is usually required to indicate the location of where a foreigner is staying. The user seeks guidance as their visa exemption is about to expire, and they have been staying with a friend who has not filed a TM30 for them. Responses from the community suggest various solutions, such as staying in a hotel for a night where the TM30 can be filed, the possibility of exceptions at different immigration offices, and the option of hiring an agent to manage the process. General sentiments indicate that requirements may vary by location, with some users successfully extending their visas without a TM30, while others recount needing to provide it to receive their extension.
Thomas ********
I went to get an extension and did not have a TM 30. The lady behind the desk helped with one. My Thai wife had an apartment we stay in while in Chiang Mai.
Danny *****
Laksi IT Square office does not require a TM30 for extension. Source: I extended without a TM30 back in March.
Graham ******
@Danny ****
it's now October and I think you'll find it has changed
Andy **********
Not worth all the messing around, with the cost of booking a hotel etc, just pay an agent đŸ€·
Pam *****************
Check in a hotel for one night. But first ask them if they file TM30. (tomo samsip in Thai) Tell them it's for your visa. You have to make sure they will do it and ask for a copy because not all hostels/hotels do that automatically.

If they say no, move to another hotel that does. Request for a copy.
Peter *******
Just use an Agent, cost 4000 which includes the 1900 visa fee plus they take care of the TM30 and photo and any form you need đŸ€·â€â™‚ïž
Paul *******
Book a hotel for a week where you can cancel.

Take your booking confirmation. I’ve only ever shown that for my extensions
Wayne ********
Yes, you can extend your visa, if you do not have a TM 30 on file you will probably get a àžż2000 fine. ïżŒ
Aaron *******
Check into an inexpensive hotel, which files TM30s, for a night.
Steven *******
Ajané **********
They made up pay a fine (1600 baht) to get the tm30 first and then allowed us to extend. We forgot to request a new tm30 after reentering from a border run.. but as others have stated, some immigration offices won’t require one at all. From what I’ve seen/experienced, they won’t make you leave just because you didn’t have one
Paul ********
If your going Phuket it’s to the left of the marble steps room 101 I queued in two wrong queues as I approach the office from the side and didn’t see the big sign saying tourist visas
Paul ********
Also if you came on a digital visa which you applied for in U.K. take a copy of that I didn’t and I had to go to the photo copy shop to get a copy
Paul ********
I extended last week at Phuket they were really strict they even went on Google maps to check out my hotel, my advice based on my experience only !! Take your TM30 a picture the correct form filled in for the extension your 1,900 bhart and be confident if they ask about your hotel stay say your not that happy with the accomodation so you are moving in next couple of days I doubt it will be an issue but you’d better go in the morning to allow a bit of time to address any challenges
Jason ******
If you have a rental contract for a property ,take it along and they won't even ask for a TM30 as the contract is proof of accomodation
Reed **********
go stay one night in a hotel and get the tm30 you just need to book it and check in. could stay elsewhere that night
Chris *********
See an agent
Narelle *********
@Stuart ********
gives the right advice! I have extended at Krabi - had the tm30 ready as I knew I might need it. They checked it online and saw it had been lodged & only wanted me to verify that’s where I stayed. You need to have the tm30 - even if for just the night before you go to immigration.

Many others have asked this question before & had to follow the same thing you ask here by staying / paying for local hotel (if their friend / landlord wasn’t able to get it done otherwise).
Bob **********
You can just pay the fine if it comes to that
Ajané **********
@Bob *********
they just made me pay the fine and get a new tm30, then get back in line to do the extension.. took a full day and was a pain in the behind, but it’s possible
Sylvia ********
@Ajané *********
exactly same in pattaya
Stuart *********
@Bob *********
Nope. Doesn’t work that way. Again will depend on the actual office you use, but as an example in Phuket you will not get an extension without a filed TM30. [edit: Printed copy of the filing]
Kami ******
We just went in Bangkok and no TM30 was not requested
Ricketa ***********
@Kami *****
girl you everywhere 😂 I’m definitely linking up with you soon for more info.
Stuart *********
@Kami *****
Bangkok seems to be hit and miss on this one. Some report requiring one and some say not. What I suspect is that they check if you have one filed on the system already (you’re staying in a hotel or your landlord has already filed) so they don’t bother to ask, but if you aren’t on the system they will ask you for it - which you obviously won’t have as you’re not on the system.
Marianne ********
@Stuart ********
Have always needed a TM30 in Bangkok
Stuart *********
@Marianne *******
Perhaps re-read my reply.
Marianne ********
@Stuart ********
it was more to reaffirm that some folks get asked. Even if others don't.

Tagging you specifically might have been a mishap. :p
Stuart *********
@Marianne *******
Ah ok. Understood.
Kami ******
@Stuart ********
You know what you may be right?Because I have a one year lease so the landlord probably already reported in the system
Jan ******************
Not all immigrations require a TM.30 for extension. I would have asked or get handed over their requirements first and done one night in a cheap hotel to get an updated TM.30 if required as Stuart states.
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
Thank you for the information 🙏
Ben ********
I've extended visa exemption many times and never been asked for this tm30, only time I've heard of it is on these groups to be honest. I might just be lucky or maybe my accommodation has sorted it out for me without me knowing but I've never taken one with me just told them where I'm staying and given address
James *********
@Ben *******
so you're advising all people to not bring tm 30?
Ben ********
@James ********
where did I say that big dog?
Lloyd *********
@Ben *******
it would help everyone if you mentioned WHICH immigration office YOU use.
Ben ********
@Lloyd ********
Krabi, Phuket and some random ones along the Malaysian border.
Brandon ************
@Ben *******
Phuket started requiring it last month, so even previous experience doesn't mean much. Better to have all the legal requirements complete to be safe.
Ben ********
@Lloyd ********
why did you put which and you in capitals? 😂😂
Lloyd *********
@Ben *******
whenever caps are used selectivley it's for emphasis, whereas ALL caps are considered shouting ....
Ben ********
@Lloyd ********
yeah you don't need to emphasize I know the meaning of which and you.
Stuart *********
@Ben *******
Completely depends on the immigration office you use. For an example in Phuket you never used to need one, but as of the last few weeks it’s now mandatory.
Deano *************
@Stuart ********
oh that’s good to know what is this form I’ll be in Phuket for the first month and will be extending the 30days at the immigration. My hotel is literally a stones throw away from it
Stuart *********
@Deano ************
the hotel can provide it
Deano *************
@Stuart ********
brill nice one
Anthony ******************
Visa exemption but visa expires 555
Anthony ******************
Do not know where ypu get that idea from. But hey dream on
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *****************
Nice catch, Anthony! I highlighted that I’m in Thailand on a visa exemption—just to make it crystal clear. Thanks!
Anthony ******************
@Thomas ******
a visa exemtion that has a visa expiration 555 it really is a free visa registration on arrival
Nick **********
@Anthony *****************
that is wrong also : no "visa registration on arrival", no visa stuff at all with exemption.
Anthony ******************
@Nick *********
of course there is. They even record facial Id and finger prints.
Nick **********
@Anthony *****************
if there is no visa (-> visa exemption), then there can't be a visa registration. OP was on exemption
Anthony ******************
@Nick *********
yes that is what I said. It is never the less a visa. They record your entry and issue you what is effectively a visa on arrival. They do not just let you in willy nilly. They record a facial recognition photo and a finger print scan. On most cases if flying in the passenger list is forwarded ahead of time.
Nick **********
@Anthony *****************
this is a misunderstanding : they (the immigration officers at those booths who check and stamp your passport at the airport) do NOT issue a visa on arrival.

It's a common misunderstanding.

A visa on arrival is for specific countries, has to be paid for and is issued BEFORE you get at immigration. In Suwannapum airport, it's at the same side of immigration, but before immigration of course.

The moment you are at the booths where the IO stamp your passport, you can NOT get a visa, they do not give any visas at all.

A visa exempt is NOT a visa and NOT a visa on arrival.

And a visa on arrival is NOT free.
Anthony ******************
@Nick *********
yeah right. Take a look lat your passport they register you in record your details and stamp your passport
Nick **********
@Anthony *****************
registering your details is NOT giving you a visa. You don't understand the meaning of the word visa. Take a look in your passport : the stamp you get when passing immigration is NOT a visa. It only explains how long you can stay based on the visa you already had, or didn't have (exemption)

You always have to pay for a visa. The entry stamp they give (permission to stay which is stamped) you is NOT a visa.

In fact, IF you have a single entry visa at the moment you pass immigration they will even INVALIDATE the visa, because it is being used to get your entry stamp. So you lose the visa at that moment if it is single entry.

Nobody magically gets a visa (and certainly NOT for free) when passing the immigrations booths at the airport.

You conflate the entry stamps they give with visas.

It's a common misunderstanding, but it is wrong. Look at the words at the stamps.

A visa gets USED when passing the IO, instead of being given.
Anthony ******************
@Nick *********
I deal with visas evey day thanks. Yes my stamp says visa. You an fool yourself no pro let. But the fact remains OT is a visa
Nick **********
@Anthony *****************
you deal with visas every day, but youndon't know the difference between the actual visa from Thailand - which what you get BEFORE you pass the immigration booths, and the entry stamp/ permission to stay stamp is which you get when the IO officer in that booth stamps you in ?

OP didn't have a visa, OP was visa exempt. So OP didn't get a visa when he got stamped in either. He git a stamp which allows his stay, which is not a visa.

Visas on arrival have to be paid for, and are obtained BEFORE you pass the immigration booths.
Anthony ******************
@Nick *********
I know exactly thanks it is you that is deluded and miss guided. Sorry fact.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
no it's you that is delusional.

It's called visa exempt 60 days,
Anthony ******************
You have not indicated where you live. My advice is go to the nearest Immigration office they can assist you. you can always do a border cross .. Which options are available really depends on what you are trying to achieve.... yes, you should have researched this more thoroughly beforehand
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
you respond before you researched plonker
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
no I responded as I considered appropriate. The OP has no idea what he is doing. As he said he should have done some basic research as uou would expect and traveller would do.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
load of shit what country are you from looks like south Africa by the name
Anthony ******************
LOL it is never-the-less a visa.
Chris *********************
Stewart or brendan can you step in and close this dispute with this prick please ,
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
you haven't got a clue
Anthony ******************
and you still do not understand Thailand's visa system lol. Yes I get 3 months stay on arrival and If I need I can extend that. Cross the border to Vietnam and come back get another three months. Australia clearly has better relations with Thailand than the UK.
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *****************
I didn’t ask about what you think you’re entitled to 
 I wasn’t going to waste my time on you, but here we are, 5 days later, and you’re still dragging your feet trying to be clever. It’s honestly painful watching your brain work this slow. Everyone else grasped it in seconds, while you’re busy nitpicking every little detail
Anthony ******************
@Thomas ******
You, on your own admission did not do basic research ...

"I acknowledge that I should have researched this more thoroughly beforehand"
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *****************
Alright, I promise this is the last time I’m addressing this. Just re-read my last message, lol. I’m not denying it; you’re absolutely right I skipped my homework, and I own that. But let’s be real: most people understand ‘visa exempt’ instantly, and I have a feeling you did too! Just looking to poke fun at someone.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
I did have to do research I know the thai imagration laws been here long enough
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
thank you for being honest
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
Honesty is the best policy. You should learn more before you speak out and display ignorance.
Anthony ******************
As I said your moron. No idea. You clearly are not well informed. I am entitled to t5hree months visa stay (Two entries per calendar year), If I need more I can apply for another visa, But I find the three months is more than efficient. I do not think thhis visa is available to UK wankers
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
no my retarded friend us UK people that's been living here with our wife's and children for many of years know what the visa requirements are and don't take notice of scruffy people like you that get 3 month on arrival not 60 days as it is now .hope you get better soon 😄 retard
Chris *********************
Or have you got diplomatic status đŸ€” 😂 😆 😂
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
No I think it is you that has no clue. I do not need a visa but when I arrive I never the less am issued a three month stay visa approval on arrival.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
Australia can't get anymore than 30 days visa exempt according to imagration, but you are above that hahaha 😉 look on Google prick
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
Ha Ha Ha you really have no idea do you, your'e looking more and more foolish as you speak. I do not need to use the Visa Exempt system, (Which is 60 days not 30)
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
you said 3 months on arrival make your mind up please. In fact go and shut the fk up you haven't got a clue what you talking about, you are just another tourist full of bull shit,
Anthony ******************
You are mistaken, It means that you do not need a visa prior to entering Thailand but you are issued one on arrival. I have had this discussion with a number of senior Thai officials.
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
I get three months on arrival. I get three months in Vietnam, China, Russia and a host of other countries Australia is a member of Asean and APEC, It is you that has no idea what you are talking about. I am not a tourist.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
for the last time it's officially called visa exempt for the first 60 days, entry,
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
Misleading. It is a visa weather you can recognise it or not. You clearly have no idea based on what you have stated in you I'll informed comments.
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
correct me again please, 60 days on arrival is free a visa has to be paid for,
Chris *********************
Anthony van der Cracan you explain what t5hree means please
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
how 3 months not 60 days explain please with out a visa you get 3 months
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tonight, I send a special prayer for
@Anthony *****************
’ wife. May she find the patience of a saint, because living with him must feel like watching paint dry 
 only slower and more annoying. Grant her peace, and maybe some noise-canceling headphones. Amen!
Chris *********************
@Thomas ******
still chuckerling 😂 😆
Chris *********************
@Thomas ******
can't stop laughing mate đŸ€Ł 😂 😆 😄
Anthony ******************
@Chris ********************
Australia. It is obvous if you read the OP's post
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
and yes like someone else comment get a shave you scruffy looking bellend
Chris *********************
@Anthony *****************
it's still a visa exempt 60 days on arrival depending what country you come from so stop talking shite
Anthony ******************
It is a visa. You're the one that has misinterpreted the Name . Sorry
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *****************
This post is 5 days old 
 you didn’t even answer the question I asked you, instead you came to try and argue. For what 
? If you don’t know the answer 
. Please keep quite and go have a shave đŸȘ’đŸ™
Stuart *********
Your friend (or their landlord) may be able to file a TM30 for you using the online system.

Otherwise they can go to your local immigration office to file it.

Or book to stay in a hotel for one night and ask the hotel for the print of their filing the TM30. You obviously aren’t obligated to actually stay there overnight but you’ll almost certainly need to pay them to get the TM30 print.
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thank you 🙏, that was really helpful. I have one more question: If I stay at the hotel for only one night and then use the TM30 form at immigration to extend my stay, won't immigration be able to see that I’ve only registered for one night and that the remaining 50 days are unaccounted for?
Stuart *********
@Thomas ******
They don’t care where you’re off to next. They just care that you have a filed TM30 to show you are staying in the province you are applying at.
Thomas *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
But will immigration not ask why I haven’t filed any TM30s previously? I’m unsure if they can check my TM30 status online or how that works—I’m just assuming. However, I thought it was possible to face a fine for not filing the TM30 within 24 hours of moving to a new location.
Sylvia ********
@Thomas ******
certainly in pattaya/jomtien you would be fined 1600 baht for not reporting earlier

But once paid and filed you can immediately apply for an extra month at the fee of 1900
Pavol *******
@Thomas ******
yes they can ask. most likely they will not. dont worry about that, just go there. you have no other option anywehre, unless you leave.
Stuart *********
@Thomas ******
That’s the theory. But in practice they don’t care that you haven’t had one filed since your arrival. They just care that you have one now for the application of the extension.

They don’t know that you haven’t stayed in 59 different places prior to applying. Each of those places should be fined for not reporting you but that’s irrelevant. As long as you have a filed TM30 for the application then that’s all they care about.

Again the office you use may differ in their approach to the TM30 situation but this is just a general statement.
Ronald *********
@Stuart ********
A few years back I arrived and stayed in Pattaya for a few days, before going to my home in Korat.

When I went to Korat IMO they fined me 800 Baht, my Thailand partner would not contest it or explain.

I assumed they thought I had been in Korat those few days, prior to filing the TM 30.

Should report within 24 hrs of arriving, or nearest.
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