How soon can I apply for a visa extension in Thailand after using the 60-day exemption?

Sep 10, 2024
2 months ago
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi we are planning on coming to Thailand for 3 months from the uk 60 day visa exemption and 30 visa extension how soon can I do the extension at immigration
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TLDR : Answer Summary
For a 60-day visa exemption followed by a 30-day extension, most immigration offices in Thailand typically allow you to apply for the extension when you have 30 days or less remaining. Some locations, like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, may accept applications with up to 45 days left. However, other places, such as Pattaya and Koh Samui, recommend applying just within the last week before expiration. It's advisable to check the specific policies of the immigration office you plan to visit.
Terary **********
Depends on the immigration department. You may want to figure out the places you'll likely be at/around 2 weeks before your visa expires, then ask about that immigration office's policy/practice.

I have heard that people in Pattaya can extend 2 weeks prior and I have been told by the pattaya immigration office that I can only extend the day it expires (I have a feeling they were given me extra hassle because of my visa history).
Mike *******
week before it expires
Henrik *****
If you want to make the extension straight after arriving in Thailand, you show the immigration that you never had the intention to comply with the 60 day visa excempt conditions, but only choosed visa excempt because it was easier, than getting a proper visa that allows 90 day in Thailand.

In you used the loopholes once, you may do it again, and your may be looked at as untrustworthy and don’t care about the laws and rules of Thailand.

Do you want to be that kind of person.
Todd *********
@Henrik ****
lol. What are you raving on about
Damo ***********
@Henrik ****
haha wtf? The 30 day extension is perfectly legal, and an option on the 60 day Visa. People may get into Thailand, and then immediately travel far into the country 100's and 100's of miles etc.. far from the nearest Immigration.

Your "Do you want to be that kind of person" statement??? I find it stupid!
Maksym ***********
@Henrik ****
there is any tourist visa that allow 90 days? No.
Michael *******
First week into my stay.
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
what immigration office did you use?
Michael *******
@Pamela *******
phuket.bluetree.
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lynnette *******
Depends which immigration office.
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Erhan *******
@Pamela *******
Pattaya wants 2-3 days before 60 days visa expires ….( I was there a week ago )
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Erhan ******
ok thanks
Brandon ************
@Pamela *******
then you must wait until the last week of your stay. Else they will make you wait in line only to turn you away after your queue is called and tell you to return during your final week.
Brandon ************
Most immigration offices will accept extension applications when you have 30 days or less left. Some will accept when you have 45 days or less left (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai) and some will only accept during your last week (Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan)
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
the last time I got an extension I did it the first week of arriving in Phuket
Brandon ************
@Pamela *******
that's because you had a 30 day visa exempt. It only changed to 60 days in July.
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I actually had a 45 visa exemption it was just after they reopened after Covid maybe a bit more relaxed? Thanks for your help
Maksym ***********
@Pamela *******
on Koh Phangan after COVID they did extensions 30 days before, but later only week when were full and managed to prioritize query
Brandon ************
@Pamela *******
my original reply specifically says that Phuket accepts applications 45 days ahead
Pamela ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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