Answered9 years ago

How early can I apply for a 30-day extension before my permission to stay expires in Thailand?

Visa Extension Thailand Immigration METV Permission to Stay Expat Advice Visa Rules

Danny **********

asked Dec 24, 2017

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Greetings All, 

I have a METV which expired on Dec 22. If my current 60 day permission to stay is stamped until Feb 2, how early before Feb 2 can I apply for a 30-day extension at Immigration? 

Thanks in advance, and Happy Holidays :)

Answer summary

A user is inquiring about how early they can apply for a 30-day extension on their visa in Thailand, given their current permission to stay validity until February 2 and an expired METV. Comments indicate that in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, applications can be made when there are 45 days or less remaining on the current stamp, while other areas may have different rules.

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Joe ***********

If you have booking documents for a flight out of Thailand scheduled within the proposed 30 day Extension, I don't think it will be denied. You would be scheduled to leave Thailand - so why give you a hard time over 30 days?

9 years ago

Joe ***********

I do know of two people who got an Extension on a Visa denied at Immigration. They were instead given a denial and 7 days to leave. But this is not wide spread.

9 years ago

Tod *********

as a rule (except in that totally uncommon situation JD mentioned) you'll be sold the extension denied 7 day to get out of thailand stamp for 1900baht. All extension stamps and the 7 day extension denied stamp too are added to the expiration of your current stamp.

9 years ago

Joe ***********

In the uncommon event they should deny you an Extension, I think they would do nothing but let your Visa stay run out. But if you go now - then you will know absolutely and have time to plan

9 years ago

Danny **********

Thanks for the info. JD Gruen and

@Tod ********

, in the rare case that if I did apply for 30 day extension and was denied at immigration, do you know if I would only be given 7 days from the denial date to leave, or would it be 7 days added to my Feb 2 permission to stay stamp? (I'd assume the latter!)

9 years ago

Tod *********

The rule is you can apply for an extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp (in bangkok and chiang mai). Other offices want 30 days or less and sometimes jomtien wants 15 days or less.

9 years ago

Danny **********

Oh wow. Really? I didn't think they would allow to apply for an extension more than 30 days before permission to stay stamp expiry date! That's great. :)

I am one of the long time expats who posted recently about getting hassled/interviewed at my last entry, so I'm a bit wary of the extension possibly not going through.

Has anyone ever heard of, once someone is already in-country, getting an application for extension denied by the immigration office, based on long-term stay (5+ years)?

9 years ago

Danny **********

I don't think I remember being asked anything by an immigration officer when applying for an extension. I usually just show up when my number comes up, and look into the camera. :) If asked, I would probably just answer: visiting friends.

9 years ago

Tod *********

Don't confuse what a person at passport control asks you when you stamp into the country with what an immigration officer would ask you when you apply for an extension.

9 years ago

Robert *******

Next option to go is tomorrow from there any day without weekends, 1 and 2 Jan.

9 years ago