Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can kids under 15 stay in Thailand on a tourist visa indefinitely without fines for overstaying?

Dec 15, 2024
a year ago
Jack *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it true kids under 15 can stay on a tourist visa indefinitely, there is no fine or banning for overstaying on exit? We arrived on tourist visas, I will extend mine but there's no point in paying to extend his if I don't need to. He's 5 years old.
2,376
views
48
all likes
14
replies
11
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
There is a belief that children under 15 years old can stay in Thailand on a tourist visa without facing fines or bans for overstaying. However, while some comments confirm this notion, others suggest it is more respectful and prudent to extend the child's visa to avoid potential issues in the future, especially if they plan to stay long-term or receive an education in Thailand.
Sophie *************
I always extend and follow the same rules for my son as I do for me. I just think it is respectful to do so but also I worry about any future implications not following rules could carry as I like to come to Thailand often so I'd prefer to do things right despite him not necessarily needing it. Everyone says it depends on the immigration officer on the day when you do different things and last thing I'd want is questions galore around this or it to even impact my son or me returning or it affecting my ability to get a longer term visa at a future date.
Like
Reply
Henry *********
Yes it's true. However if your kids plan to stay in Thailand long term and be educated here, they should stay legal and get proper visas and extensions.
Like
Reply
Christopher *************
Yes but you can't drop them here and never pick them up lol πŸ˜†
Like
Reply
Jack *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher ************
That was my follow up question 😁
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack *******
Reply
Teresa ***********
Yes. Until 17 years old which is the legal age in TH.
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Teresa **********
17 is the legal age of what?
Like
Reply
Teresa ***********
it's my own experience in Phuket. To prove this better bring the passport in IO.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Teresa ***********
Reply
Garrett ***********
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Teresa **********
After 14 the child will be fined. They cannot be banned until they turn 18.
Like
Reply
Rolf *********
@Stuart ********
I know many kids that came with their parents a decade ago and when they turned 18 and didn’t get valid visa they were sent to IDC and then deported
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rolf *********
Reply
Paul ***********
@Teresa **********
20 is the legal age in Thailand not 17 πŸ‘
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Teresa **********
legal age for what? Nothing I am aware of has the legal age at 17 in Thailand, and I've dealt with this for over 20 years, living here for 14. 15 is a legal age for some things, 18 for other things, and 20 years old for most other things, but I've never heard of 17 being the legal age cutoff for anything.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Bob **********
Yes
Like
Reply
John **********
No fine or ban but an overstay stamp
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members Β· 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.