This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
How can I use my overstay and passport stamp to get my security deposit back on my apartment in Thailand?
Jun 6, 2025
a year ago
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello all, I made a huge mistake of overstaying and immigration police made me get a flight out of the country and essentially banned me for 6 months. My question is since I’m moving on this day, how do I use this information (and passport stamp) to get my security deposit back on my apartment?
Thank you all for being so helpful as this is an advice group 💜
Thank you all for being so helpful as this is an advice group 💜
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks advice on how to reclaim their apartment security deposit after overstaying their visa in Thailand and facing a 6-month ban from re-entry. Many commenters suggest it is unlikely they will recover the deposit since breaking a lease is generally not a valid reason for a refund. Several responses also emphasize the consequences of overstaying a visa, pointing out that it is ultimately the user's responsibility for the situation.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ben *******
You just learn your lesson. Not wise to over stay
Sungnam *****
못받을겁니다 지킬건 지키면됩니다
Daniel **********
Forget about the deposit but give the Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok a call about your immigration problems. Perhaps they can help.
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel *********
thank youReply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Some landlords take up to 2 months to return the deposit
But with you banned from re-entry for a long time…
Good luck
But with you banned from re-entry for a long time…
Good luck
Stig ********
Stupid mistake
John *******
I'm no angel with my first years of coming to Thailand, but over the past 21 years never had a problem with immigration. And never overstayed, my life in Thailand isn't worth the risk.
Mike **********
My guess is
Your money is gone
Lesson learned
Your money is gone
Lesson learned
Brandon *********
You’re not getting your deposit back. It’s Thailand and you were on a tourist visa. You have zero protection
Paul *********
@Brandon ********
not just Thailand anywhere in the world if you break a lease you lose depositBrandon *********
@Paul ********
true but especially in ThailandReply to
Brandon *********
Reply
Gina ***********************
Either you pay the remaining months of the lease or lose your deposit.
Melanie *******
Idk why some of yall are so quick to judge/make fun of people who make costly mistakes. We are all just people trying to make it in this crazy world. 🤷♀️ It can be incredibly easy to accidentally overstay or miss a deadline. Lol Maybe I just understand bc i have adhd. 🥴
Nongnuch ********
@Melanie ******
In 1998, at the Don Mueang Airport standing in front of the exit Immigrations counters, I stopped a run-down looking Englishman who had just been prevented from leaving the country by immigration officials, in his tracks before he could walk past meI asked what was wrong.
He said his plane was leaving soon, but he was "overstaying for four days" and, unfortunately, didn't have a single Thai Baht left, and no British Pound Sterling to pay the 2,000 THB fine!
He was completely distraught!
I gave him the 2,000 THB and told him, "If you ever meet someone in dire straits, pass this gift on!"
He thanked me profusely and went through the exit immigration ahead of me.
When it was my turn, the immigration officer asked me “why did you help this man?”
I explained to the officer that I had once, in 1979, I had been in a similar situation after a trip on my motorcycle to Morrocco. I got stranded in Barcelona without any money. A Swiss guy, to whom I told my story, bought me a train ticket to Basel, from where I could easily hitchhike back home.
I said to the officer: This was a gift from the heart, and today I have passed it on to someone in need.
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
that is amazing and exactly the situation I was in that caused my overstay 😪 there are no ATMS past security in the airport! Only currency exchange!Melanie *******
@Nongnuch *******
May God bless you for your kindness. ❤️Reply to
Melanie *******
Reply
Jim ***********
@Melanie ******
accidentally overstay? Not possible. Was a decision to overstay and now it's payback loose deposit. Could been worse could been arrested then deported.Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim **********
it’s very possible with the amount of wrong offices you can go to. There’s no official site that says you must go here. It’s a game of try and fail until you get it rightReply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Ivan *********
500 baht lolz
Greta *****
No deposit. You pay for your own actions in this world
Steve ********
Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
David ***********
Do not expect to get it back
Matthew **********
You haven't been banned for 6 months. If a Thai tried to go to your country he wouldn't get very far because of international visa requirements. Though he also wouldn't be banned.
Scott *********
You don't get it back go home
Noie ******
how long overstay and where please i thing is good to know
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Noie *****
must go to division 1 in Bangkok to sort visa stuffReply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Dennis *********
You should think about DTV. You didn’t say how long you overstayed. If not a long period then exit and apply for DTV and re-enter. Keep your apartment. But not sure why you had a long term lease without proper planning. Getting the deposit back under normal terms and finishing the contract is a challenge
What is your goal? To stay in Thailand long term? If yes get DTV if no then forget get the deposit and head back home and take it as a loss
What is your goal? To stay in Thailand long term? If yes get DTV if no then forget get the deposit and head back home and take it as a loss
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis ********
goal is to stay long term however I do need to go back to make my money in the USDennis *********
@Raquel *******
hmm that sounds like your only temporarily in Thailand if your needing to go back to USA for money. Maybe head home to get finances aligned then you can always come back and get proper visa then As far as your deposit it’s probably lost unless you have a landlord that is super understanding and wants to help you. But getting deposits back is a struggle under perfect circumstances
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis ********
well thanks for your kind words at the very least 💜Reply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Steve ********
jeez, wake up, lady! You screwed up!…It’s all on you! Getting your deposit back is the least of your problems! Welcome to The Real World…!
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
did you eat today or are you normally this crabbySteve ********
@Raquel *******
…whatever else I am, I am ALWAYS focused on reality…I always live by ‘what is fair and reasonable’. It works…you should try it sometime!…Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
this is a group where people are helpful. Why are you hereReply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Tommy ********
Why does everyone come to Thailand thinking they can do this?
You f around, you find out.
So many slack tourists come to Thailand these days it’s crazy. Feel sorry for the country
You f around, you find out.
So many slack tourists come to Thailand these days it’s crazy. Feel sorry for the country
Jan **********
What does the document or stamp that came with your "6 month ban" say?
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJan Glorieuxit’s not stamped that but they did write in the date of my flight
Reply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Derek *******
you can’t. And you shouldn’t get your security deposit back. It’s not the landlord’s concern that you messed up your immigration stuff. The landlord deserves to keep the deposit because he took the apartment off the market for you.
Bartłomiej **********
@Derek ******
yep, well saidReply to
Bartłomiej **********
Reply
Stephen *********
No chance of getting deposit back sorry
Eryk ************
Your security deposit is the least of your problems right now.
Pe ****
@Eryk ***********
The rising tide of nationalism, inflation, environmental degradation, and insecure nuclear facilities to name but a few.Reply to
Pe ****
Reply
Paul *******
I am curious as to how overstaying can be a mistake. The date of leaving is in the passport of everyone
Mike **********
@Paul ******
oh BSMelanie *******
@Paul ******
people are not perfect. It is easy to confused or forget a date for many people.Christopher ******
@Paul ******
i think they mean they made a bad decision, which was a mistake.Paul *******
@Christopher *****
ok . I seeReply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul ***************
You broke the contract . Not the landlord's fault . As you said your mistake.
Hampus **********
Why would they give back your deposit because your overstayed your visa? 🙃
Ryan ******
Your deposit would be kept as rent toward the remainder of your lease
Ning ******
get another tenant to take over your existing lease ?
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ning *****
trying toRaquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you!
Arnold *****
@Raquel *******
what's the place look like? how much is it?Reply to
Arnold *****
Reply
Ning ******
@Raquel *******
****************************
try contacting this company to see if they can help, or google airport safe entry etc.Reply to
Ning ******
Reply
Jayson ********
Destination f*cked 😆
Russell *********
If u do any little thing .. I have seen so many renters get screwed out of their deposit ..
Henrik *****
It’s not the landlords fault, that she broke the laws.
Brandon ************
@Russell ********
breaking your lease is a pretty good reason to not get your deposit backReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Geri *********
How long did you overstay for? I am planning to visit Thailand for 4 months.
Gina ***********************
You can only get max 3 months visa as a visitor.
Nongnuch ********
@Gina **********************
you don't get any 3 months visa! There is nothing such like a 90-days touristic visa, except the Non-Imm visa categories. . . . . On a tourist visa or on a visa-exempt entry, you get stamped in for a 60 days stay permit. You can buy 30 more days on Immigration for 1900 Baht.Gina ***********************
@Nongnuch *******
yes we were there last year and we got the 3 month multiple entry visaNongnuch ********
@Gina **********************
in the e-visa system of the Thai embassy and consulates inside the USA, you can apply for the "6-months multi entry Tourist Visa". This visa will get you stamped in on EVERY entry within the 6-months visa validity, for 60 days. You can extend for 30 days, or you can do a border run and get another 60 days stamped. vGina ***********************
@Nongnuch *******
ohhhh sorry. I thought it's Vietnam. My badGina ***********************
@Nongnuch Kamdee Yes, Vietnam offers a 3-month multiple-entry visa for travelers, including U.S. citizens. This visa allows multiple entries within a 90-day period, making it ideal for those planning to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during their stay.
---
🛂 Types of 3-Month Multiple-Entry Visas
1. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
Availability: As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues 3-month multiple-entry e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories.
Application: Apply online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal.
Fee: USD $50.
Processing Time: Typically 3–5 business days
---
🛂 Types of 3-Month Multiple-Entry Visas
1. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
Availability: As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues 3-month multiple-entry e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories.
Application: Apply online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal.
Fee: USD $50.
Processing Time: Typically 3–5 business days
Nongnuch ********
@Gina **********************
we are talking about THAILAND, not about VIETNAM. For Thailand you do not get a 3-months tourist visa. You can apply for the 60 days single entry tourist visa and extend the 60 days stay permit with a 30 days extension you buy on Immigration for 1900 BahtReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jim ********
@Geri ********
On what visa?Geri *********
@Jim *******
Embassy in Canada told me to apply for a single entry tourist visaJim ********
@Geri ********
yeh so you’ll only get 3 months out of that in total and then you’ll have to leave the countryGeri *********
@Jim *******
looks like I will have to leave the country at some point and come back in.Reply to
Geri *********
Reply
Edna *******
@Geri ********
at 30 day overstay. That will get you a three year ban, or possibly ten.Nongnuch ********
@Edna ******
it depends. If you are caught on overstay at the airport whilst you are exiting Thailand, you pay 30 x 500 Baht and receive an ugly stamp in your passport, and are good to go. However if your overstay gets detected in a random police check inside the country, you will be arrested and detained in the airport Dentention Center. An overstay of less than 1 year gets you a 5-year ban from ThailandTodd *********
@Edna ******
there is no ban for a 30 day overstay. Fine only. 15,000 baht.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Henrik *****
You should check with the Thai Embassy website in your country, which lenght of visa you can obtain.
That’s the right way of doing things.
You can not always get what you want, but have to go with what you can get.
That’s the right way of doing things.
You can not always get what you want, but have to go with what you can get.
Geri *********
@Henrik ****
I called the Thai Embassy in Canada. They told me to apply for a 60 day tourist visa and visit immigration for the extra days. They said usually extra 30 days is not usually a problem but it is Thai immigration that make the decision whether they allow me to stay 90 days or 120 days even with a return ticket. More than likely I will have to to immigration 2x to get the extra 60 days but I have no intention of overstaying.Nongnuch ********
@Geri ********
you won't receive two 30-days extensions on top of a 60-days single entry Tourist Visa. . . . . . . . .the Thai Embassy totally misinformed you. You will only receive ONE 30 days extension. You will have to exit Thailand before the 90th day stay permit expires. This is called "border run" and you better don't attemp to do that by yourself. I instead recommend using a "Visa Run Agency" that takes you to to a land border safely in their minivans and ensures that you exit and re-enter without any problems from the border officials. This is called a "visa-exempt entry" and will get you another stay permit stamp for 60 days. The "Visa Run Agencies" usually cost between 3500 and 5200 THB, depending from where you start out. They will check your passport for the stamp history and will guarantee that you can get another 60 days stay permitGeri *********
@Nongnuch *******
thanks for the info.Reply to
Geri *********
Reply
Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Geri ********
my advice is the first thing you do when you arrive is to find the correct visa office and physically go there just to know exactly where it is. Rainy season, holidays, and map mistakes can all add up heavilyGeri *********
@Raquel *******
I will be in Bangkok.Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Geri ********
bangkok visa office is called “division 1 immigration center” it’s at IT square on the train if you know how to use itReply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Tank *****
@Geri ********
three is easy. Border run gets 2 moreLynnette *******
@Geri ********
but are you planning on overstaying?Nongnuch ********
@Lynnette ******
that would be a cool "it's friday night, bitches" question in the group: "I plan do overstay for 35 days, what is the best way to do it?" 😂Geri *********
@Lynnette ******
I have my return ticket.Lynnette *******
@Geri ********
what's that got to do with you staying 4 months? What visa have you got.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Jim ********
You more than likely won’t get the deposit back because you haven’t stayed the full term of your contract
เดแคลน ***********
You're likely not getting it back... Its not seen as a valid reason for breaking your lease.
Jim ***********
Put down to experience. It's gone
Braulio *********
@Jim **********
GoneReply to
Braulio *********
Reply
Brandon ************
I've never heard of a 6 month ban for overstay. But that's not going to be a reason to break your lease and get your deposit back.
Dane ********
@Brandon ***********
I had a 6mo ban for overstaying for 2 days. I was a broke traveler and it was cheaper to pay the fine and ban than it was to make a visa run for 2 days. This was forever ago, though.Nongnuch ********
@Dane *******
well this is not an "overstay ban". There is nothing such as a 6-months overstay ban. . . . It was a warning that within the next 6 months, you will not be allowed to enter Thailand, be it on any visa or visa-exemptDane ********
@Nongnuch *******
oh ok. I just knew I wasn’t allowed to come back for 6mo.Nongnuch ********
@Dane *******
it's not a real "ban" but it is a notice in the Central Computer of the Thai Immigration that you have been warned not to exceed visa-free stays inside Thailand and have been warned and advised to stay abroad for a minimum of 6 monthsRaquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
thank you 💜Dane ********
@Nongnuch *******
good to know! Thank you!Reply to
Dane ********
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Mary *******
stop making stuff upRaquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBrandon Thurkettleit must be new! They told me to stay out of the country for at least 6 months
Nongnuch ********
@Raquel *******
so you haven't been banned actually. You paid the overstay fine and had to leave Thailand. You have been warned that you overstayed and maxxed out your visa-exempt stays in Thailand. It means that you need to keep away from Thailand for a minimum of 6 months, before they will let you enter again - be it on a visa or without a visa. You will now have been flagged in the Immigration's Central Computer, so every border official will see on the screen that you have been warned, after he scans your passportWannikea *********
@Raquel *******
unless they put some kind of stamp in your passport you have nothing to really worry about although it may be difficult for you to get in, you're going to have to use some kind of agency to get fast tracked at an airport into the country with a visa. How long was your overstay? Where and how did you encounter the immigration police?Raquel ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe story is long and convuluted but I overstayed 5 days then had a flight to Singapore. Immagration police in airport said I must pay and I was happy to do so but there is no atm past security. This debacle made me miss the flight, when they took be back to beginning of security where they actually did have atms they didn’t wait for me to get the money to pay the overstay. I got a flight to Phuket on the fly same time thinking I can see them again and pay but no immigration on domestic side. This was a Friday night and Monday was a holiday. Stayed the weekend in Phuket. Came back to monsoon rain in Bangkok, travel was impossible. Took a bolt to “immigration” of course it takes me to the immigration detention center and the real place is an hour away. It becomes a 12 day overstay. I finally pay them abs have a flight to Vietnam. I get back from Vietnam and I’m way too casual about the questions so they take me to the back to interrogate me. It was a mess
Reply to
Raquel ********
Reply
Maksym ***********
@Raquel *******
try to send passport to visa agency that propose safe entry, they can check your passport and some have options even deported...Maksym ***********
@Raquel *******
that's not what a ban looks like. Only recommendationReply to
Maksym ***********
Reply
เดแคลน ***********
@Brandon ***********
yeah, I'm a little confused by this one too, never heard of 6 months.Reply to
เดแคลน ***********
Reply
29 comments
a year ago
32 comments
a year ago
41 comments
a year ago
154 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
2 years ago
92 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
3 years ago
87 comments
3 years ago
53 comments
3 years ago
29 comments
3 years ago
36 comments
3 years ago
56 comments
3 years ago
17 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
6 years ago
22 comments
6 years ago
14 comments
6 years ago
14 comments
6 years ago
79 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
35 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
11 comments
7 years ago
17 comments
8 years ago
14 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.