ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

How long before my 180-day visa ends should I seek an extension at immigration?

Anonymous *************
asked Oct 31, 2025
689
views
4
replies
0
likes
How long before my 180 days is over should I go over to the immigration for extension? Is there a time limit?
Answer summary
To apply for an extension to your stay in Thailand before your 180 days are up, it is generally recommended to start the process at least 15 to 45 days in advance, depending on the immigration office you're visiting. However, securing an extension can be challenging, as many expats find that immigration officials may create obstacles. A popular alternative is to undergo a 'border bounce,' which involves leaving the country temporarily and re-entering, though this can be more costly.
4 repliesnewest first
5

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Henrik *****
Henrik *****
Doing a border bounce is the better, but also more expensive way to do it.
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
Do you have a Thai bank account with 500,000 baht in it for at least 30 days?
John****
John****
I would say border bounce is more fun also if its near 6 months once you can visit your family

Try malaysia for a week or two
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
Depends on the office but an example for Phuket is at least 15 days prior. Up to 45 days is allowed there.

That said you’ll find it incredibly difficult to get an extension. Immigration don’t want to issue one so they will come up with all sorts of roadblocks to stop you applying.

99% of people find doing a border bounce is the better option.

Of those that have been successful in getting an extension my guess is 99% of those won’t bother to do so again.

Activity

5 joined
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
5
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5

Related

25
What is the processing time for the 12-month retirement visa extension in Thailand?
3.5k233510mo
Do I need to leave Thailand to extend my 180-day DTV visa?
1.7k10161y
How many days before expiry can I apply for a visa extension in Thailand?
1.1k741y
Which consulate should I apply for a 30-day extension of my visa in Thailand?
2.4k16252y
How detailed should the hand-drawn map for my Bangkok address be for Immigration Visa Extension?
665222y
How soon can I renew my retirement visa in Thailand while currently abroad?
2.8k10232y
Is it okay to leave Thailand on the day after my 60-day visa expires?
6.8k64352y
What are my options for visa extension after my 90-day NON-O visa in Thailand?
4k25522y
How can we secure a 60-day visa extension with an METV while in Ranong?
3.2k24303y
Can a Singaporean extend a visa-exempt stay in Thailand beyond 90 days?
2.9k24173y
How do I apply for a 30-day extension to my visa exemption in Thailand, and when should I do it?
1.1k5113y
Can I extend my stay in Samui for 30 days and how many times can I do this?
9402124y
Can I extend my 45-day visa-free entry in Thailand for an additional 15 days?
620324y
When can I apply to extend my Retirement Non-O Visa before it expires in Thailand?
1.1k684y
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival multiple times in Thailand?
1.3k6174y
Where can I apply for a 30-day extension on my 60-day tourist visa in Thailand?
890465y
How long in advance should you apply for a re-entry stamp on a NON-O visa extension?
666415y
How many days should be left on my tourist visa to extend it by 30 days in Thailand?
614235y
Can I extend my 60-day tourist visa in Thailand after I arrive, and when should I do it?
850535y
When Should I Apply for My Visa Extension Before It Expires?
1.3k5137y
What happens if you overstay your visa while waiting for an extension of stay in Thailand?
2.3k20118y
What is the duration of stay allowed on a 3-month tourist visa for Thailand?
2.6k2748y
Can I extend my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand for an additional 7 days?
612238y
How long before a visa expires can I extend it in Thailand?
1.5k1188y
Should I do a border bounce or seek an extension for my 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
955729y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?