How can my wife and I extend our travel visa in Thailand beyond November 17?

October 30, 2021
3 years ago
Brian **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My wife and I arrived here in Thailand on October 19th. Our travel visas expire on November 17. We want to extend for as long as possible. We are getting conflicting stories about the process.

Does anyone here know the process or know someone that does that could walk us through it?

TIA 🍻
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user and their spouse want to extend their stay in Thailand past their visa expiration on November 17. They arrived using the visa-exempt scheme, which allows for a 30-day extension at an immigration office. They may apply for this extension for tourism, provided they meet the necessary requirements and can pay the associated fees. Comments provide insights on the extension process, required documentation, and alternatives like enrolling in courses for longer stays.
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Benjamin ******
I'm going to shut this down. IF you and your husband want to study in Thailand, I highly recommend either asking on a local Facebook group, or contact schools close where you live for school recommendations.

The only non-formal subject that can be studied currently that qualifies for a visa to my knowledge is Thai language. A person can only acquire an ED visa to study Thai for a year.

I recommend starting this search as soon as possible. Some immigration offices require more time remaining on your existing "admitted to" stamp than other immigration office.

If I misunderstood the comment, please send a mod a message and we'll reopen the post for commenting. Thank you.
Brian **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert *******
arrived 18 Oct, admitted to stay 17 Nov, this means you do not have a visa but used the 30 day visa exempt scheme. You can apply once for an Extension of Stay for another 30 days based on tourism at an Immigration Office in your area.
Dawn *************
@Robert ******
yes we did use the visa exempt scheme. 😊
Benjamin ******
Regardless of what you have, you can get a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism at the local immigration office. You will need the following for each person:

1. Your passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. A copy of the submitted Notification of Residence of Foreigners form ("TM 30”).

4. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

5. 1,900 THB processing fee.

>We want to extend for as long as possible.

For what reason? For tourism, you can stay for an additional 30 days. If you have other reasons, and you meet the criteria, you can stay longer :)
Dawn *************
@Benjamin *****
our reason is that we are retired and want to spend this winter in Thailand. We are only 46 however so we don’t qualify for a retirement visa. I was planning to do some online courses this winter for something to do… maybe I’ll look to do them off line.
Brandon ************
The very first thing we need to establish is how you entered the country. Did you enter on visa exempt and get a stamp for 30 days? If so you don't have a Visa.

Visa exempt can be extended for 30 days at immigration for 1900₿ and a bunch of paperwork.

Or did you apply for and receive a Visa before you came to Thailand?
Brian **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bra****
…. We have to do this every 30 days?
Brandon ************
@Brian *********
no, Visa exempt and tourist visa only qualify for ONE extension. So you either need to switch to a longer visa like an Education visa, or leave Thailand.
Benjamin ******
>Our travel visas expire on November 17. We want to extend for as long as possible

What is a "travel visa"? is this the "Admitted to" stamp that is placed in your passport on entry, or is this a full page sticker placed in your passport?
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