Answered8 years ago
Can I get a 30-day extension on my Tourist Visa in Thailand after a close call with immigration?
Hey everyone,
I've been in BKK for a year now and just returned from a Visa run in Korea a few days ago. When I got to Suvarnabhumi Airport I was questioned by immigration and long story short - was VERY close to getting deported back to the US.
The lady who escorted me to the questioning area literally told me that I was lucky because if she was at the passport control desk she would have deported me right away. I answered some basic questions and then was told that it was ultimately the supervisors decision. Luckily the supervisor gave me a pass and told me "This is your last time" as I left.
After reading some of the horror stories I am extremely lucky and grateful that I got through ok esp since all my stuff is still at my apartment here.
Anyways here is my actual question - My current Tourist Visa is set to expire mid March and I am wondering if after what I went through at the airport recently if I am able to get a 30 day extension here still? I have gotten them before but just want to make sure I don't run into any Visa trouble because of what I went through... Also if I am able to get the 30 day extension, can I get it in Chang Mai? I'm thinking about spending my last couple months there.
Thanks for the help!
PS: I have 5 Tourist Visa stamps now (3 in Laos and 2 in Korea).
I've been in BKK for a year now and just returned from a Visa run in Korea a few days ago. When I got to Suvarnabhumi Airport I was questioned by immigration and long story short - was VERY close to getting deported back to the US.
The lady who escorted me to the questioning area literally told me that I was lucky because if she was at the passport control desk she would have deported me right away. I answered some basic questions and then was told that it was ultimately the supervisors decision. Luckily the supervisor gave me a pass and told me "This is your last time" as I left.
After reading some of the horror stories I am extremely lucky and grateful that I got through ok esp since all my stuff is still at my apartment here.
Anyways here is my actual question - My current Tourist Visa is set to expire mid March and I am wondering if after what I went through at the airport recently if I am able to get a 30 day extension here still? I have gotten them before but just want to make sure I don't run into any Visa trouble because of what I went through... Also if I am able to get the 30 day extension, can I get it in Chang Mai? I'm thinking about spending my last couple months there.
Thanks for the help!
PS: I have 5 Tourist Visa stamps now (3 in Laos and 2 in Korea).
Answer summary
The user, after a challenging experience with Thai immigration upon returning from a visa run, inquires about the possibility of obtaining a 30-day extension for their Tourist Visa, which is set to expire in March. Several commenters affirm that an extension is possible, even in Chiang Mai, provided the user has a registered address there. They caution, however, about the risks of relying on consecutive tourist visas and suggest that pursuing a more suitable visa for longer stays might be a better option in the future.
16 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Tod *********
you can get the 30 day extension from what ever immigration office serves the area where you live.
Being ALMOST denied entry doesn't have any bearing on whether you can apply for an extension or not.
Being ALMOST denied entry doesn't have any bearing on whether you can apply for an extension or not.
Liam *****
You're pushing it a bit there man. You can get an extension, but after that you're going to struggle without getting a proper visa for whatever you're doing in Thailand.
Also, just to clarify, you will not be deported, either when applying for an extension in Thailand, or if you attempt to return in the future without a proper visa. If you try to return again you would be denied entry, which in most cases would result in you having to return to wherever you boarded the plane (contrary to what IOs sometimes tell people, you DO NOT have to return to your home country - though most people don't want to hang around in the IDC to argue that). Denied entry and deported are not at all the same thing. You can only be deported if you're already in the country, commit some sort of offense, go to court and get deported.
Also, just to clarify, you will not be deported, either when applying for an extension in Thailand, or if you attempt to return in the future without a proper visa. If you try to return again you would be denied entry, which in most cases would result in you having to return to wherever you boarded the plane (contrary to what IOs sometimes tell people, you DO NOT have to return to your home country - though most people don't want to hang around in the IDC to argue that). Denied entry and deported are not at all the same thing. You can only be deported if you're already in the country, commit some sort of offense, go to court and get deported.
Paul *******
The Problem, my friend, is that Immigration consider that your stays in Thailand indicate that you are more than a tourist but staying on back to back tourist visas and extensions. If you want to return to Thailand after your current visa and extension, then you will need to obtain a visa more suited to longer term stay in the country.
James ********
You probably can get a 30 days extension in Chiang Mai Immigration. Beyond that be prepared for the worst. Get an Ed visa ? Or if you have a college degree get a teaching job.
Do not try to fly in to Thailand if you leave without a proper visa for your longer stay purpose. You were very lucky ...you know that. Now do what's right for you.
Do not try to fly in to Thailand if you leave without a proper visa for your longer stay purpose. You were very lucky ...you know that. Now do what's right for you.
Jon ******
OP@James *******
Thanks for the help.James ********
I think you will be fine getting the extension...don't delay finding out...I believe you can apply now. Thereby if refused you will have time to seriously review your options. Our Admin team will reply soon...Good luck.
Jon ******
OPyes, very lucky... what are the chances I could get denied the 30 day extension? The recent airport situation made me a bit more paranoid and I wouldn't want to risk anything esp in the final months I am here.
Robert *******
You can get the Extension of Stay even in Chang Mai, but as posted today you need to have a reported address in Chang Mai to apply for this Extension. If these are your last months than enjoy your stay, if you wish to do other visa runs it becomes time to look for a visa that fits the purpose of your stay.
Robert *******
@Eric ******
NO, the address registration by TM 30 form need to be done within 24 hours after arrival.
Eric *******
Jon Egak If your landlord don’t want to report you by filing a TM30, you can ask him/her to give you the necessary documents and file it yourself at immigration, it’s very quick and easy. After that, you can ask for the extension 45 days before your last day (corrected for clarification, thanks Robert)
Jon ******
OP@Robert ******
thank you.Robert *******
@Jon *****
Your landlord needs to report you, even the Airbnb owners. You have to discuss this with them. Don't be paranoid, you had some trouble on entry but that was it. You can get the Extension of Stay.Jon ******
OPwell I was planning on getting an Airbnb in Chang Mai for the final months... would this count as a reported address? Also the gentleman above your comment suggested I do not take the chances on a 30 day extension but what are your thoughts?
Jon ******
OPthanks for heads up Robert! Seems like Chang Mai will be more of a headache now :/
David *********
you are pushing the envelope there buddy, trust me you will be caught and deported, just a matter of time , they really are getting on top of this game, I was questioned at Sukvumbumi about not having a full spousal visa like the last 2 I had in my passport, so they are checking ... I only needed the 30 day regular stamp for some family business and to check on the properties, next when I come back it will be to retire and stay here with my Thai family, and I will be prepared as I already have the money in the bank now , and married and will get on the local house book this trip. All in the rules and the planning.
Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25Which consulate should I apply for a 30-day extension of my visa in Thailand?
2.5k16252y
Is it better to do a visa run to Laos or to apply for a tourist visa extension in Thailand?
4.4k42153y
Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand and what are my options?
1.2k4143y
How can I obtain a long-term visa to stay in Thailand for a year as a tourist with an invitation letter?
7.3k54933y
Do I need separate TM30s for my education visa and tourist visa extension in Thailand?
1.2k7113y
Can I extend my tourist visa for 30 days in Chiang Mai or do I have to leave Thailand after 45 days?
2.1k11264y
Can I apply for a 30-day visa extension in a different province than where I am registered in Thailand?
1.4k7154y
Should I extend my visa again or fly to get a new tourist visa in Thailand?
1.3k8104y
Can I extend my one month tourist visa in Thailand for an additional 30 to 60 days?
1.7k12155y
Can I extend my tourist visa for Thailand and travel after the sandbox program?
1.2k895y
What paperwork is needed for a 30-day tourist extension for someone in Thailand on an education visa?
1.5k11106y
Can I get a 30-day extension of my tourist visa at the Chiang Mai immigration office like at Pai?
3.1k27216y
Can I Extend My Tourist Visa with an Embassy Letter in Thailand?
1.1k1256y
Can I extend my work visa in Thailand or switch to a tourist visa after my work permit expires?
3k16506y
Do I Need to Visit Immigration if My 30-Day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai Expires?
963497y
How Can I Extend My 30-Day Tourist Visa in Chiang Mai?
586227y
Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa in Chiang Mai, and how will the extension period be calculated?
721417y
Is It Worth Getting a 30-Day Extension on My Thailand Tourist Visa?
2.6k17327y
Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa while waiting for my work permit in Thailand?
729277y
Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa for 30, 60, or 90 days in Chiang Mai?
44237y
Can I drive to Laos or Myanmar for a visa extension in Thailand?
1.6k11137y
Is my immigration stamp error on my tourist visa a concern for my extension in Thailand?
37118y
What are my options for obtaining a visa extension in Thailand after a tourist visa?
1.7k13108y
Can a 30-day tourist visa in Thailand be extended for another 30 days?
1.9k11239y
How soon can I apply to extend my tourist visa in Thailand?
2.4k20149y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served