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How can I select my current visa subcategory when extending my visa exemption in Chiang Mai?

Aug 5, 2025
2 days ago
Jemma *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all. I am trying to extend my visa exemption (60 days) through the e-extension option on the Chiang Mai Immigration site. I understand I still need to go into the immigration office. I'm just not sure what "Current Visa Sub Category" as I can't see anything listed there on the stamp in my passport. Any ideas?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on selecting the correct "Current Visa Sub Category" while attempting to extend their 60-day visa exemption using the e-extension option on the Chiang Mai Immigration site, which requires an in-person visit. Commenters advise that if entering Thailand on a free entry stamp, the correct selection for the visa subcategory is 'Por 30 day (ผ.30)', despite the system being outdated. They discuss the pros and cons of using the e-extension process versus visiting the immigration office directly, recommending the latter for a quicker and simpler experience.
Brian *********
I would suggest just going, tell them why as you enter the grounds. They will show you where to go, point you to the table where the form is and if you botch it, they'll help you. Good folks in CM.
Jemma *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went this afternoon and it all went smoothly. Very easy process. Thanks for the help here Tod and Brian!
Tod *********
The eExtension system (which is run by VFS Global for thai immigrations) never updated last year in July when they switched from 30 day free entry to 60 day free entry (and when the free entry stamp code went from ผ.30 to ผ.60-ม.17)

The choice you want under current visa category if you came in FREE stamp is "exemption visa" <- visa exempt 😉

AND

The choice you want for your current visa subcategory is the Por 30 day (ผ.30) because as I said there is no Por 60 Mor 17 (ผ.60-ม.17) choice 😮

and the New Visa - Sub Category is "Tourism (Exemption Visa)

I will just point out there is very little "bang-4-the-baht" (value) in terms of jumping thru all the hoops to apply for the eExtension, paying the 500 baht surcharge in addition to the 1900baht and then STILL having to show up at the immigration office with all your documentation to get the 30 day extension sticker stuck in (yes, eExtensions are stickers)

I would say seeing as you're in Chiang Mai that you just slog on over to the Central Festival Mall satellite immigration location and get the extension there without bothering with the eExtension process.

BUT

The choice is yours 🙂 to each their own. 🙂

P/S;

I will agree that in Bangkok (where there can be several HUNDRED people in the queue out at IT Square Laksi Plaza waiting to get their 30 day extension on free stamp (visa exempt) entries that the eExtension process for 500 baht is often times a far FASTER option to get the extension.

Apply, get it approved, go to the main office at Chaengwattana (3rd floor to the eExtension room) get the extension sticker stuck in. Many people are willing to pay the 500 baht (minimum service charge) so they don't have to queue up at the crack of dawn with the zombie horde at IT Square. 🙂

These are the choices you want
Jemma *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Tod! Much appreciated. Yes definitely starting to think I just head in in person! 🙂
Tod *********
Best of luck with it, just wanted to answer your questions, it's one asked by a LOT of people who try to navigate that eExtension system
Tod *********
and here's the eExtension web-portal

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