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

Thailand visa rules Tourist visa Children's visas Indefinite stay on tourist visa Immigration regulations Visa extension for children

Dec 15, 2024

3 days 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.

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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.

3 days ago

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.

3 days ago

Christopher *************

Yes but you can't drop them here and never pick them up lol 😆

3 days ago

Jack *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

That was my follow up question 😁

a day ago

Reply to

Jack *******

Teresa ***********

Yes. Until 17 years old which is the legal age in TH.

3 days ago

Garrett ***********

@Teresa **********

17 is the legal age of what?

3 days ago

Teresa ***********

it's my own experience in Phuket. To prove this better bring the passport in IO.

3 days ago

Reply to

Teresa ***********

Garrett ***********

@Teresa **********

3 days ago

Stuart *********

@Teresa **********

After 14 the child will be fined. They cannot be banned until they turn 18.

3 days ago

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

3 days ago

Reply to

Rolf *********

Paul ***********

@Teresa **********

20 is the legal age in Thailand not 17 👍

3 days ago

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.

3 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Bob **********

Yes

3 days ago

John **********

No fine or ban but an overstay stamp

3 days ago

Reply to

John **********

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