Can I get a 7-day extension for a short visa overstay in Thailand?

Nov 2, 2023
a year ago
Meelis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I understand that for overstays of a few days there’s also a possibility to go to an immigration centre and get an extension for 7 days. Arguably the overstay won’t be recorded then and you’re more likely to get granted a re-entry visa when u enter again. Is that the case?

I’m thinking which way is more reasonable - immediate departure with overstay recorded and a fine or a trip to the immigration centre first…
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the possibility of obtaining a 7-day extension at an immigration center for short overstays in Thailand. Several comments clarify that while an extension application can be tried, it may not prevent an overstay from being recorded, and the individual would still incur fines and risk serious penalties, including deportation and future bans.
Steve ********
Any overstay is recorded and you run the risk of arrest. Then it's deportation and a potential five year ban
Meelis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
thanks. I finally got hold of an immigration office by phone as well (the first time that’s ever happened and I’ve tried them all over Thailand lol).

Yeah, it seems overstay gets recorded either way but going to the immigration office just will cost you more because you’re paying for that visit as well and you’ll pay per overstayed days too. I guess all it does is to give you a bit of piece of mind that you won’t get detained at random.

So, the best way seems to be to just leave and hope for a re-entry.
Brandon ************
No, you cannot do this.

You can apply for an extension if you're on overstay but only until you'd receive 10 days or less on the extension. The 7 days is not an extension it's an "extension denied, you have 7 days to leave Thailand" and they will not accept your application if you're not eligible for an extension and you're on overstay already.

Regardless of all that, if you apply for an extension when you're on overstay you still must pay the overstay fine and you will still receive an overstay stamp in your passport.
Nigel *********
Either way it's going to be recorded.
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