Can I renew my retirement visa at a different immigration office in Thailand?

Question

I am an American citizen that holds a retirement visa in Thailand. My visa was issued from one of the immigration offices in Chiang Mai.

Do I have to renew it from this same office in CM or can I renew from another office?

I ask because my wife and I would like to visit some of the beaches around the time I will need to renew.

Thanks all!

Ask Thailand · Answer

An American citizen with a retirement visa in Thailand is inquiring whether they can renew (extend their stay) at an immigration office other than the one that issued their initial visa in Chiang Mai. The conversation clarifies that extensions must typically be applied for at the office linked to their registered TM30 address and discusses the timing and procedures involved in applying for the extension.

Graham ****** · Answer

Normally your first Extension of Stay based on a Non-O issued in country has to be at the same Immigration office that issued the original Non-O. If you are travelling to Phuket, for example, you can ask them if it is possible to get your first extension there,

Wannikea ********* · Answer

I'd carefully think about whether or not you want to change locations when you apply for your extension if you're main residence is in Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai you have 45 days before the permission to stay stamp expires to apply for your extension. Can you not arrange your little holiday around that timing? It's only a one day/few hours process to get your extension.

Peter ******* · Answer

You will have to do the extension where your TM30 is registered. Normally you can do it up to 30 days before expiry but that depends on the local office.

Garrick ***** · Answer

Nigel, I really appreciate your input.

Yes…extension of stay…thank you so much for correcting my ignorance.

So, to answer your question, I have already had two (12 month) extensions of stay for my non-O (aka retirement) visa.

I will be applying for another extension of stay in June of 2026.

My TM30 address is the house I rent in CM.

Thanks again.

Nigel ******** · Answer

You don’t renew a visa.

You ask for an extension of stay.

How long have you been in Thailand? As that will determine what your local immigration office will ask for, that will be where you need to apply for your extension.

Can I renew my retirement visa at a different immigration office in Thailand?

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