How does the stay extension work for a 6-month Thai visa, and what are the fees involved?

Sep 16, 2024
2 months ago
Hi everyone

Can anyone tell me how the stay extension works and what the fee is?

I understand the first stamp is 6 months, which can be extended by 6 months while staying in Thailand. Is it the case that you then have to leave the country to get a new 6-month stamp in your passport? And is this also extendable once every year?

And does anyone know what the fees are for the extension?

Thanks very much

Chris
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of extending a stay in Thailand typically involves obtaining an initial 6-month stamp, which can be extended an additional 6 months. Some commentators suggest that issuing new stamps can allow for re-entry into the country for another 180-day stay rather than extending the current one. There are differing reports on the extension fees, with estimates ranging from 1,900 baht to 10,000 baht, though the most quoted figure is likely 1,900 baht. It is noted that clarity on the extension procedure might take time, and some recommend exiting the country and re-entering for straightforward re-stamping.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Seb ********
Why would anyone even bother with that? Why not just go somewhere for a few days and then come back? I will never understand these people who want to spend the entire year in Thailand of all places and never travel anywhere. Are you on some Interpol watchlist? šŸ˜…
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Seb *******
PS: Thailand "of all places"? Would you suggest a better place? I'm here because I love Thailand and Thais. I'm not some kind of globetrotter with millions of dollars šŸ™„ I'm actually very happy in Thailand.
Seb ********
@Chris******
Iā€™d rather jump off a bridge than spend more than 2-3 months in one stretch in Thailand. It was horrible enough during the pandemic but hey, different strokes for different folks. I need a bit of civilization every now and then (HK, Korea, Japan etc).
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Seb *******
oh my God.. I'll just pass over this and avoid the obvious bait here. Enjoy "Civilization" šŸ¤£
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Seb *******
that's a very bizarre comment. I live here and have a house here with my partner. Not all of us are 20 or 30 somethings without a family. But I do work remotely. So this visa is possible for me. I honestly don't want to travel out of Thailand more than once a year (to visit friends in Europe).
Wannikea *********
Every time you enter you'll be stamped in for 180 days, each entry can be extended 180 days (1900 baht, it is assumed as this is the normal extension fee), or you can leave and return and be stamped in again 180 days. Nobody knows how the extension scenario will eventually play out it, it was suggested that paperwork/proof may need to be resubmitted. Right now it's recommended to bounce rather than extend.
Keith ************
@Wannikea ********
I think this is the most likely scenario. And of course, each office will put their own little twist on how to resubmit and how to meet the requirements.
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
thanks for your answer!
Tod *********
not one single person has been ON a DTV entry stamp long enough to have applied for the one 180 day extension you can get per entry yet.

I mean face it, the visa itself is 9 weeks old (63 days šŸ˜‰)

It's gonna be another 3-4 months before anyone has reports of what is required to get the in country extension and what the cost really is (there are reports it would be 1900baht AND reports it would be 10K baht)

Remember though the visa is a FIVE year multiple visa, meaning every time you exit/re-enter you get a new 180 day stamp. You may never NEED to get an in country extension if you just bounce out/back at the end of your entry stamp for a new one
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
good point šŸ™‚ I wonder if someone managed to find out about these issues somewhere as I've read so much official information about the visa and I can't find any definitive answer. Yes, I understand that if you leave and re-enter the country, you automatically get a 180-day entry stamp. As the official info says the visa allows for a "one-time extension of stay", that sounds like once in 5 years, which would be strange.
Tod *********
@Christopher ************
the 180 day extension is definitely once per entry, but requirements / pricing for it are still unknown
Christopher *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
once per entry, ah. That would make sense. Thanks. Well, I guess we will see how it plays out when someone attempts to do it. That'll be "interesting"...