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Do I need a hotel address to extend my visa in Thailand after just arriving?
Thai visa extensionTM30Visa requirementsImmigration adviceBangkok addressHotel stay for visaExpat experienceVisa regulations in Thailand
Aug 26, 2021
5 years ago
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI just arrived Bangkok. My visa ends tomorrow but l was told l needed Bangkok address in order to extend. I told them l don't have since l just arrived. They insisted l had to have one or else they would not extend.
A friendly lady officer adviced me to simply check into any cheap hotel get the hotel to sign a form l was given stating l stay there and submit that ! This sounds absurd to me and l was wondering if this is normal practice and if anyone has any experience with this or advice.
Thanks in advance
A friendly lady officer adviced me to simply check into any cheap hotel get the hotel to sign a form l was given stating l stay there and submit that ! This sounds absurd to me and l was wondering if this is normal practice and if anyone has any experience with this or advice.
Thanks in advance
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user recently shared their experience in Bangkok where they faced challenges extending their visa due to not having a local address. They were advised by an officer to check into a hotel and obtain a TM30 form to prove their stay. This practice drew mixed responses from the community, with some confirming the necessity of an address while others found it absurd. Many reiterated that a hotel would file the TM30 for them upon check-in, which is required for visa extensions. The advice given, though seen as unusual, was deemed necessary for compliance with Thai immigration regulations.
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Anne *******
Checking in a hotel in Bangkok is fine for your extension
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROr it seems that very nice ladies advice. Play the Covid card. It makes sense. They don't want be near s Covid infection or risk spoiling their treatment. It's a bit naughty but makes sense
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Stanley ********
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Napalak **********
KAREN
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have just had a huge drama and it seems l am about to be arrested. I made it very clear l will not be paying any overstay or running around anymore to get any documents that l consider nonsense. I must admit they were once again very nice and tried to explain to me it was nonsense but their system. I said l have simply had enough. I have taken off my mask ( which changed everything) and now waiting to ....l don't know what will happen really but quite prepared to be arrested. It's just too much
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Noah....is it? It sadly seems so. And perhaps more. I wasted a whole stressful day yesterday engaged in utter bs. I totally lost it in the end which l thought would get me kicked out and l feel very lucky that l didn't. I feel sorry for the staff having to enforce these rules. But comply and play along l shall not. So l kind of see your point
Greg ******
@Stanley *******
Disobedience is the solution.Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSteve Heap....l think l will see an agent next time. I nearly had melt down .
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROur Facebook account description clearly states ". This page is used by several people and we never use our born name or personal details. We like out privacy" you other mistake today was assuming the Pakistan connection after we very clearly stated no personal details on this page would reflect ours. We could not of been clearer.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAgain you have not sent me a PM. You don't want to see proof of my claims. I don't wish to play your childish and very obvious game thank you
Ammar *******
You could start by answering
Lor de kis ilaqay da ain?
Lor de kis ilaqay da ain?
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERMr Ammar...... just pm if you want evidence of you mistake. Keep this childishness up if you wish to avoid admitting you were wrong. I like educating the igronant
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAmmar Zahid...l just set a photo of myself at the department with an officer as wall background here( it's a bit blurry l like to keep my privacy) Lots more upon request. But you are correct on onething. I did have a lot of time on my hands today over this incompetence but it finally all worked itself out. With really nice staff
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAmmar Zahid....if you think my claims are untrue PM and l will send you copys of the photos l took of myself and documents as well as name card of assistance....... please allow me to educate you if you dare. " Hahahaha"
Michael ********
@Stanley *******
wheres the photos we been waitingAmmar *******
@Stanley *******
lor de kais ilakay da ain?Reply to
Ammar *******
Reply
Ammar *******
this guy's trolling hahaha you seem to have a lot of time on your hands 'Stanley' from 'Pakistan'
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt looks like l am off to Immergration Detention Center . I was told if l had of "played along" all would of been fine. I have taken off my mask and loudly berated this insane system and also their monarch.! ...( Many grinned when l did this) l wonder what my fate will be.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNow l have to sign an apology letter because l said l thought their system was the epitome of stupid. The letter l wrote said l am sorry the Thai system is so stupid and for pointing this out ! I made it very clear l have no intention to play by their insane rules and have offered myself for arrest several times. I am still sitting waiting for decision of senior officer who apparently l was rude to.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo many insane questions that have no relevence. Still sitting here. Told that they can understand my logic " but this is the way things are done here" . Each time a new question which leads to new issue. The different passports and me not being able to remember details seems main issue.
Chris ************
@Stanley *******
if you came during the Pandemic, you should have got the extensions stamped in your passport, whichever one you came in on. Here it's best to do what they say, hotel, TM30, and then the extension. Good luck, but be nice.Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNow I have been advised to use an agent. I flatly refuse because that is expensive
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTEREverytime l am getting a question that can not be answered or new " problem"( now it's because l have no entry stamp in this passport and they seem very puzzled at multiple nationality) each time an official speaks to a new one. What an insane system
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI was not cuffed but taken away by another very nice officers. Same question again though and new problem/ issue. They noticed l have multiple nationality and are asking me details l simply don't remember and see how this has anything to do with the matter at hand. But again, they are being really nice and understanding.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBeing detained now. Put my mask back to show respect . ( I have asma) passport confiscated. Guess l am done here. The staff however are still so nice......gotta give them that
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Stanley ********
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Exit **********
It works; don't wonder!
Steve **********
Don't start brushing the fur in the wrong direction.
Steven ********
Normal
Steve *********
Is it dated for tomorrow? If so ends today at midnight….
Guno ******************
Es it is to have info where you are s look eepibg that when you get infected they know which protocol to use
James *******
who would have thought you'd need an address to get a visa...
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt's an absurd situation. I could of given a previous / future one that l often use to receive packages. I drove in and intended to leave immediately. They could of had an address but under these circumstances the clearest way to prove how utterly absurd they the lady understood ( as l am pretty sure others did) and the only advice on something that works in such a flawed system is to commit a crime. To just book in anywhere get the receipt and go wherever l choose. Why was my postal address not good enough? Because their system can not handle anything out of the box- which in itself reflect a lot about these sorts of things. Everyone has to fit into something and if not......you have to break the very thing they are supposed to promote
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Stanley ********
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Jerry ********
Do exactly what the lady said to you and it will work. Don’t waste time.
You can figure out why it worked after you’re finished.
It’s a very good reason it was sound advice. Just do it
You can figure out why it worked after you’re finished.
It’s a very good reason it was sound advice. Just do it
Oliver ********
Go find a place to stay, extend your visa later, and chill out.
Duncanc **********
Keep arguing it’s absurd and don’t do what immigration tell you
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDuncanc Swire you seem to be correct. I did argue them. Flatly refuse to play along and offered myself for arrest on more than one occasion. They just don't seem to have procedure in place for this and seemed very confused. In the end it all worked out but l do think l was lucky
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERArgue didn't help . I actually felt sorry for them in some ways
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Stanley ********
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Brandon ************
You cannot get an extension without a TM30. You are required by law to have a TM30 filed for you within 24 hours of arriving at a location you will be staying. Hotels will file this for you so that is why the lady mentioned it to you. You can checkin to a hotel and ask them for the TM30 proof and use that. Else you can get your landlord to file your TM30 for where you will be staying.
You will not get an extension without a TM30. It's not immigration's fault that you don't meet the requirements for an extension. So meet the requirements or leave Thailand, those are your options and the same options everyone visiting Thailand has.
You will not get an extension without a TM30. It's not immigration's fault that you don't meet the requirements for an extension. So meet the requirements or leave Thailand, those are your options and the same options everyone visiting Thailand has.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI did neither Brandon. Not trying to sound clever and at one point l thought l was in trouble. And I can not leave Thailand either. Not by plane anyway. I can be arrested obviously and l clearly request that l did after flatly refusing to comply with some requests. Luckily they didn't.
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Stanley ********
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Nicholas *********
Just do it
Burnard ************
Why do you need to extend if you just arrived?
Sorry, I have been away a while. But yes, you need an address before you arrive or before you extend.
Done this many times.
She was very helpful to you. That is what some of us know but they don't usually like to tell you that you anything less than a hotel reservation for the entire length of your stay.
Sorry, I have been away a while. But yes, you need an address before you arrive or before you extend.
Done this many times.
She was very helpful to you. That is what some of us know but they don't usually like to tell you that you anything less than a hotel reservation for the entire length of your stay.
Josy ********
Her advise is on par with the requirements, take it or lose the extention.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHer advice was kind and we'll meaning. Extremely nice lady
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Stanley ********
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Lyndon ************
Her advice sounds pretty good if you want the visa extension
Corey *******
Just register the address where you are staying if it's a private residence. It should be free. If it's a hotel, you can ask owners to fill out a form.
I am in Songkhla province. My first time to extend, they told me I was registered for Bangkok. They told me I either need to have an address in Songkhla or would need to go to Bkk to extend. I used my friends address, and they sent me to another building to update it, and they gave me a receipt..
My second time extending the visa, the same immigration told me I was registered to Bkk. I told them I already updated it, and showed them a photo of the receipt. They said ok.
Today, I went for a third extension... They told me my address was still Bangkok... And I needed to update it.. I told them we already had this discussion... I sent them the photo of my receipt, and they processed my visa. The officer comes back with a printed copy of my photo of the receipt. He says just to bring it next time....
Instead of just updating my records, they want me to bring a receipt saying it was recorded before that I changed my address 😂 I would hope immigration kept better records of me
I am in Songkhla province. My first time to extend, they told me I was registered for Bangkok. They told me I either need to have an address in Songkhla or would need to go to Bkk to extend. I used my friends address, and they sent me to another building to update it, and they gave me a receipt..
My second time extending the visa, the same immigration told me I was registered to Bkk. I told them I already updated it, and showed them a photo of the receipt. They said ok.
Today, I went for a third extension... They told me my address was still Bangkok... And I needed to update it.. I told them we already had this discussion... I sent them the photo of my receipt, and they processed my visa. The officer comes back with a printed copy of my photo of the receipt. He says just to bring it next time....
Instead of just updating my records, they want me to bring a receipt saying it was recorded before that I changed my address 😂 I would hope immigration kept better records of me
JJ ***********
Any hotel will add you to the TM30 system when you check in. They will check this when you do the extension. This will be proof enough for them 👍🏻
Eliane ****
I had similar issue arriving at airport before going to ASQ. I had to show immigration where I was going to stay after quarantine. I booked a room on my phone to Agoda and show them the confirmation email.
Phill ******
yep , you need a TM 30 .
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNow lady advice me to act sick and say l am on way to hospital for check up! I just don't understand this kind of thing.
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI did Michael but it was not in Bangkok. I had driven in ( for another reason) and intended to leave immediately.
Richard ********
@Stanley *******
Thai like to joke !!!!Michael ********
@Stanley *******
civil servants they have to tick all boxes to issue, got to admits its unusual to not even have a hotel adress for the nightWill ************
@Stanley *******
start coughing. You'll soon get a bed for the night. 🤣🤣🤣Richard ********
@Will ***********
and they take him to hospital for ***
weeks !!!but not free !!!Chris ****
@Will ***********
oh godReply to
Chris ****
Reply
Will ************
I think you will need an address in the province where you are applying for your extension from
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo Frederick...my visa ran out today. I not in middle but at very end. I did try do it on arrival to BK but was told l had to live in BK to get extension here. The address l could supply is out of town. I do hope l have understood all this correctly and no complaint whatsoever about them. Could not of been nicer. Seemed to agree with my plight. I this is a case of very decent people having to enforce rules that sometimes make little sense
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThey say the address has to be in Bangkok. Thats seems to have been the problem. I wanted leave immediately
Burnard ************
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI simply don't have unless l forge one. Is that what is normal here? It seems absurd
Frédéric ******************
@Stanley *******
what seems absurd to me (and to the immigration staff) is that you want to get an extension in the middle of your way. Almost everybody does it before departure or after arrival, not passing by. The only reason would be if you live in a camper, but Thais are not familiar with this kind of housing yet.Will ************
Stanley Dancer in which case you can check in to a hotel and ask them for a copy of the TM30.
Reply to
Will ************
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Sam *******
can buy house lease/rental papers in Tesco in the stationary section
Joseph *********
So you're living on the street?
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI clearly said l just arrived BK NOT Thailand
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI want extension because visa runs out . I have been driving around North and just arrived in Bangkok this morning for this purpose. I told the lady that l can give her an address but it's pointless waste of time and money because it will be a fake one just so the form will be filled out. I didn't mean this disrespectfully it's just fact. I would not stay there and intend to leave. They asked where to abd l honestly replied l was not sure due to pandemic restrictions ( therefore no address)
Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI arrived just at start of the pandemic ( this time) . I never had this sort of problem before. They were very polite but could not seem to accept fact l had just arrived in Bangkok this morning and intended to leave as soon as visa granted. It seemed to really confuse them.
Burnard ************
@Joseph ********
I missed it. You want to extend on the day of arrival? Why? Stanley ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo not at all Joseph. I just arrived in Bangkok this morning. Drove in. Went straight to immergration to extend and was intending on either going to HuaHin or Nakon Sawan. I don't have a permanent address and obviously l checked out of my previous hotel
Tony *********
@Stanley *******
so you didnt just arrive . You been in Thailand for how long now ?Reply to
Tony *********
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