Answered2 years ago

Do babies need to have their visa extensions applied for when in Thailand?

Thai visa extensions Children's immigration rules Non-immigrant visa Visa extension for babies Overstay implications for children Education visa requirements

Gina *************

asked Jan 24, 2025

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Just a heads up for people with children who are applying for an extension...my husband and I just got our extensions yesterday but we brought our baby with us. The officials tell you that you do in fact need to extend for everyone, including babies. I'm assuming from what I've read on here, that it is technically required, although many people just don't do it because there is no fine up until about 14 years old. We didn't do it for our baby but may go back and do it, if it will cause problems down the line. Is it truly OK not to get baby an extension and then come back next year? If anyone is attempting this, I suggest not bringing the baby or child with you.

Answer summary

Parents applying for a visa extension in Thailand are advised that technically, extensions are required for all family members, including infants. Although there are no fines or restrictions for overstaying for children, their passports may receive an overstay stamp, which could complicate future schooling options in Thailand. Some immigration officers may overlook this requirement, suggesting parents don't worry about it. However, obtaining the extension provides peace of mind and complies with the law.

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Wan *****

Plenty of cowboys saying this and that , just get the extension, not that hard or expensive and piece of mind. I done it for my kids.

2 years ago

David ***********

Why is it so difficult for people to believe the law doesn't apply to them but find it easy to complain when their failure gets than in trouble.

2 years ago

Gina *************

@David **********

not sure if your comment is directed towards me but it doesn't even make sense or pertain to my situation.

2 years ago

David ***********

@Gina ************

nope no anyone directly. But it is quite apparent that many do not follow the rules and then complain when it goes pear shaped.

The phrase "I know my rights" comes to mind.

So if on a 60 day exempt visa you have to leave after 60 days or get a 30 extension. Then leave after 90 days. That is for each passport / person. I mean is difficult about that? The number of times I have heard "well they said this on TicToc or Facebook" ...

I am now on a 30 day extension and despite being told on Facebook because I have a Thai wife I can get another 60 days it is a crock of s1ht. So go out and come back.

2 years ago

Bobby *******

Great parenting teaching your kids to break immigration laws

2 years ago

Gina *************

@Bobby ******

Bobby Jones my baby isn't even a year old lol and I'm just following advice of the group and MOST importantly the actual immigration officers, who said "next time baby needs the extension too" they didn't even say we needed to come back this time. We respect and contribute positively to this country and every country we spend time in. So you can chill and stop judging.

2 years ago

Bobby *******

@Gina ************

well then pay for an extension and show some basic respect for Thailand

2 years ago

Bob **********

They will tell you anything to get your money

2 years ago

Mark **********

@Bob *********

how dare them suggest following the law

2 years ago

Bob **********

@Mark *********

yes stupid isn’t it they say it’s ok but if you want to give 1900 baht they’ll take it

2 years ago

Henry *********

Children cannot be fined or banned for overstaying, but their passport does get stamped with an Overstay stamp. Not likely to be an issue, unless they plan to stay long-term and go to school here.

2 years ago

Radost **************************

@Henry ********

it's not a problem at all, go to school or not!

2 years ago

Henry *********

@Radost *************************

Depends on the school. Always better to be legal in Thailand.

2 years ago

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

Of course legally everyone must have an extension. But it's not unheard of for immigration officers to tell parents not to worry about the baby even though technically they require a visa/extension. But the fact that they cannot be banned for overstay and cannot be fined for overstay make it pointless for most parents to do so. The only time it can cause a problem is if they are going to attend school later on. Some schools require the child to be on a valid stay in order to enroll, and if that happened you can just take the baby out and return and get them on a fresh stamp to convert to Education visa.

2 years ago