Answered3 years ago

Can I still use my unused 30-day extension after switching to a smart visa in Thailand?

Visa Exempt Smart Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Visa Regulations

Seth *********

asked Sep 20, 2023

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Hi all, I entered on a visa exempt and never extended, but was approved for a 6 month smart visa. Now I'm waiting for approval of the smart visa extension for 2 years but my visa expires on the 27th and I'm being warned that the approval may not happen before then.

Question: Do I still have the ability to use the original visa exempt 30 day extension since I never used it?

Thanks in advance 🙏

Answer summary

A user inquired about using an unused 30-day extension on their visa exempt status after being approved for a smart visa but facing a potential expiration. Responses indicate that since they applied for a different visa type, the 30-day extension is no longer valid.

7 repliesnewest first

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John *******

No visa exempt 30 days and extension of 30 day stay on visa exempt no longer applies because you have applied for a different visa and awaiting approval it's the same as getting 30 day extension for 1900baht and leaving the country after only stay 10 days it is voided you have relinquish your opportunity Chokh di

3 years ago

John **********

Normally if you have already applied for an extension and are simply waiting for it to be processed you will not be seen as on overstay but I don't know how it works with regards to the BOI. Best to ask them.

3 years ago

Seth *********

@John *********

BOI hasn't approved or rejected the extension application and made it very clear that we will need to somehow extend our visa or make preparations to leave if they don't finish in time 🙄

3 years ago

John **********

@Seth ********

Have you paid for the extension and do you have a receipt? If so I'd push the point with the BOI and ask them to talk to immigration for clarification. If you leave Thailand (because there's no other extension open to you) you will probably lose your status and have to start from scratch.

3 years ago

John **********

@Seth ********

they work in mysterious ways. I don't know enough about the BOI to help further

3 years ago

Seth *********

@John *********

I've paid for the 6 months visa. Have the receipt. But have not paid for extension because it has not been approved. The point was pushed and I've been told to leave Thailand until they've made their decision whether to extend or not. At that point I can either receive the smart visa extension at a tourist embassy in another country, or come back on a tourist visa and switch to the extended smart visa.. 😶

3 years ago

Brandon ************

No, the 30 day extension is a tourism extension. You're no longer on a tourist entry, as you changed your visa type. So you wouldn't be eligible for the 30 day tourist extension.

3 years ago