Can you extend a visa exempt in Thailand to an actual visa?

Visa Exemption Visa Extension Thai Visa Categories Non-O Visa Immigration Rules in Thailand

April 6, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

# Anyone know the rules for a visa exempt - such as can you extend it to an actual visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Visa exempt holders in Thailand can extend their stay for an additional 30 days once. They may also convert their visa exempt status to an actual visa, provided they meet the qualifications for the specific visa they wish to obtain.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Steve ********

Would be more beneficial if you said what visa you wanted to convert it to. The answer can be yes or no depending on the visa

a year ago

Stuart *********

You can extend it for 30 days once. You can also convert it to an actual in country visa if you qualify for a reason to do so.

a year ago

John ***********

@Stuart ********

What is required for the extension? Photos? Baht? (I did not realise visa exempt can be extended)

a year ago

Stuart *********

@John **********

Passport

Fill out form TM7 (available at the office)

Copy passport data page (signed by you)

Copy of entry stamp (signed by you)

Copy of your visa - either the sticker in your passport or pdf evisa (the former signed by you). * if you had one.

Copy of TM6 departure card (signed by you) *if you were issued one - if you entered by air after July ‘22 you wouldn’t have been given one so leave the space on the form blank.

Passport photo (most offices have facilities on site or nearby)

1,900 baht

Some offices may ask for a TM30, which your hotel or landlord should have filed on your behalf. A screenshot of their filing it online will generally suffice as evidence you have one - except if you use the Chiang Mai office. You have to get the screenshot converted to the paper receipt from a normal TM30 filing.

a year ago

John ***********

@Stuart ********

Really appreciate your detailed response. I would have looked it up eventually but nice to have it all in one place. Thanks Stuart!

a year ago

Reply to

John ***********

Stefan ********

@Stuart ********

what types of in country visas are available and how should one go about switching please?

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Stefan *******

an O visa for various reasons. A B for business (difficult but possible) an Ed and possibly some others.

a year ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Stephan ***********

@Stuart ********

Is it possible to extend the visa exempt first with 30 days before you apply for Non-O (retirement)? Immigration wants to see the money in the account one month before application.

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Stephan **********

Yes you can. Most offices will require at least 15 days (some 21) left on a valid stamp for conversion to the non O

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Stuart ********

Thanks Stuart! The days I have, but not yet the money. Didn't know that it has to be in the bank one month before you apply. New rule? Anyway... just to make sure... exempt > extension > application is definitely okay?

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Stephan **********

There is only one office I know of that has that rule (and to be fair I thought it was 2 months prior). Almost all others have no stipulations as to how long the money must be in the account to convert to an in country non O. The 2 months prior rule is usually only reserved for the extension not the visa.

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Stuart ********

Well... what can I say... I was surprised too. And thanks to all the holidays (Eastern, Songkran) I'm probably running out of time a bit now to transfer the money... we talk about 3 days. It's Phuket Town... and no... it's not written anywhere, not online, not in the office, but was told by the officer. One month before application for the visa, and then "don't touch" before you apply for the extension. He even suggested a new border bounce, not a word about the option "30 day extension".

a year ago

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

@Stephan **********

definitely not a rule in Phuket, and

@Stuart ********

would know. Not sure who told you that but it's not correct

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Brandon ***********

Room 103, the same guys who are always there outside to check the paperwork for my retirement extensions in the last 3 years.

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Stephan **********

I checked with other volunteers there and that definitely is not a rule in Phuket unless it’s changed in the last few days. I’m not there for 2 weeks so can’t ask directly but my guess is it’s a “lost in translation thing”.

Here’s the list of requirements for room 103.

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Stuart ********

Another question... about the Bank Statement / Bank Certificate... do they really want two sets "original" or is one original / one copy okay? Oh... and what about the Chanote? Is it a "must have"?

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Stuart ********

I was there on this Tuesday and I have exactly the same list. I've tried to diskuss with them... they insisted... one month before application! And they clearly differentiated the application for the visa from the following extension about the money seasoning. We'll see... I'll give it a try without the "seasoned" money... let's see what will happen. I'll let you know!

a year ago

Frank **********

@Stephan **********

probably looking for a bribe

a year ago

Stephan ***********

@Frank *********

Nah, I don't think so. Normally not at this place... never heard anything about it, never happened to me before. Phuket is actually quite "easy" and the guys there are very helpful, compared to some other provinces.

a year ago

Reply to

Stephan ***********

Osama ************

@Stuart ********

if I'm 50+ can I convert my exempt to retirement visa?

a year ago

Richard *********

@Osama *************

YES,i did i in Dec

entered nov 26th visa exempt, < non O visa issued dec 28th, 1 year extension issued Dec 29th

used an agent

a year ago

Frank **********

@Richard ********

no way you did everything that fast.

a year ago

Richard *********

@Frank *********

so ur saying I'm Lying

AGENT!!!!

a year ago

Frank **********

@Richard ********

no. It just would be the first time that I have heard of anyone doing it this fast that I know of even with an agent.

a year ago

Steve ********

@Frank *********

An immigration officer has been bribed. Anything's possible when you use corrupt methods!

a year ago

Richard *********

@Frank *********

AS Brandon states Just casue you do know does not make it not true

a year ago

Frank **********

@Richard ********

okay excuse me for being ignorant, I didn't know it was possible.

a year ago

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

@Frank *********

fairly common with agents especially in Pattaya. They get both stamps at once.

a year ago

Reply to

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

Graham ******

@Osama *************

Yes if you meet the requirements, first thing is open a Thai bank account

a year ago

Osama ************

@Graham *****

Thank you! I have the financial requirements they are asking for, i just hope i can find a bank that will open an account with exempt status.

a year ago

Kris ********

@Osama *************

i did one week ago... Krungsri Bank(Samut Songkhram)

a year ago

Graham ******

@Osama *************

You can't meet the financial requirements yet for an in-country Non-O visa without a Thai bank account

a year ago

Elly *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Osama *************

can you open a Thai bank account with an exempt?

a year ago

Kris ********

@Elly ******

I did a week ago... Krungsri Bank Samut Songkhram...

a year ago

Phil ********

@Elly ******

You'll be arsed to do it, but it's certainly possible.

Suggest you choose a Bangkok Bank branch near where you'll live because in the long run, it'll be convenient as you can only do many things at the branch where you've opened your account.

Bangkok Bank at EmQuartier near Phrom Pong BTS is reportedly easier than most. Pop in with your passport to obtain their current requirements list.

Obviously tell them your purpose is to obtain a visa and straightaway you'd like to transfer in the required 800k baht. They may 'ask' you to buy an real insurance policy as the staff gets a bit of commission from that, (allegedly) 🙃 555

Siam Legal solicitors can assist you, charging around 5,000 baht; but with diligence; you'll get it done.

a year ago

Reply to

Phil ********

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Can I extend my Visa Exemption for 30 days after its initial 60 days?

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