How can I extend my stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expires, and avoid immigration issues?

Aug 2, 2018
6 years ago
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Urgent advice needed

So here's my situation, Pattaya based. Arrived into Thailand 5 months ago, 30 day visa on arrival. Extended it for a further 30 days, then did a few trips to Cambodia every month and most recently went to Laos and got a 60 day tourist visa which is now due to expire on the 5th of this month. I fully intend on staying in Thailand for at least another year, if not longer; having spoken with a School here that most people recommend for an education visa they tell me 14 days (30 recommended) is needed to fully process the application which clearly I don't have.

I could easily just fly out again and come back, but I'm very worried about the amount of stamps I have already. the last time I came back from Laos the immigration officer pressed me about why I stay so long time in Thailand without a long term visa, I'm afraid if I do it again I will have problems :/

Trying to recall conversations I've had with mutual friends here I seem to remember someone saying, if you come back via bus/minivan there's a way in which you can avoid being grilled by immigration officers, is there any truth in this? Is it a case of a little extra baht is paid when coming back over the border and no questions are asked? This will be the last time I need to make the trip in such a risky way so I need to ensure I'm able to get back , soon as I am I will start the education visa process. I fully intend on attending all classes, if I'm gonna be living here learning the language will be useful
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, based in Pattaya, has faced challenges with their visa situation, having initially entered Thailand on a 30-day visa on arrival, then extended for 30 more days, and most recently obtained a 60-day tourist visa which is about to expire. They express concern about returning to Thailand after multiple visa runs, fearing scrutiny from immigration due to the number of stamps in their passport. Commenters suggest applying for a 30-day extension on the current tourist visa at immigration for 1900 baht, as well as paying a deposit at a school to obtain paperwork for the education visa. Overall, a solution is presented where the user can extend their current visa and avoids additional trips that could lead to problems at the border.
Tod *********
Okay thanx to
@El***
(y) I think the O/P now knows that they can go apply for a 30 day extension on their current 60 day tourist visa stamp at the immigration office for 1900baht.

AND

they already are going the ED visa route so any more discussion isn't all that helpful.

I'd say we're done :)
Biff *******
Have you extended your current 60 day Tourist Visa at immigration? You can get another 30 days that way without leaving Thailand.
Ben ************
Go to the school and pay a deposit for your course. They will give you required paperwork to show immigration officials you intend to study with them if you explain you are worried about doing the final visa run. Then you shouldnt have a problem at the border.
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's my own fault for being lazy and not sorting a longer term visa sooner but I shall be doing that as soon as I have my extension
Ellie *******
did you extend your current 60 days stay already? if not, you an buy time of 30days to seek out for next step I guess.
Bob **********
@Shane ******
yes you can extend
Ellie *******
Patrik Phopan unfortunately, not all...
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's awesome! Literally exactly what I needed, 30 more days gives me ample time to sort out my education visa. I was thinking because I'd done it once cannot do it again
Elisa *******
You can extend your 60 day for 30 more days. Go to Immigration with 1900 baht photos etc
Ellie *******
yes. one extension for each entry by visa exempt or tourist visa. your stay will be until beginning of Sep.
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
so to be clear, the first time I arrived I simply did a visa on arrival, 30 days etc, I then extended that a further 30 days at jomtien and then did trips to cambodia and finally went to laos and got 60 day tourist visa which is due to expire on the 5th. So I am able to extend that 60 days to 90, even though I already extended in the past
Ellie *******
if your current stamp is from your SETV, you can do same way you did with exempt stamp.
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I extended my 30 day but not the 60 day, am I able to do both or not
Areeb ********
Way to avoid immigration would be pure illegal, I suppose. Be careful.
Robert *******
We can not give what you ask, sorry but it is as in the description of this group: We can give advice, but be aware the last decision is always in the hands of Immigration Officer,

we cannot guarantee that the advice given will be 100 % successful to obtain the visa, extension of stay or entrance into Thailand.
Robert *******
You went a few times to Cambodia, if you have 2 land border crossings with the Visa Exempt Entry in this year, the only option is to fly out and come back. Best option is with a new tourist Visa for 60 days, have the funds, accommodation and onward travel prepared if asked. But also reading you did not apply yet for the 30 day Extension of Stay on your current 60 days of stay you got on your Single Entry Tourist Visa I would go to Immigration and get this Extension first.
Shane *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's fair enough, but put yourself in my shoes what would you guys recommend? I fully understand it's just advice
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