Is a one-day overstay in Thailand a significant issue?

May 31, 2023
a year ago
Vic *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is a one day overstay a big deal? Thank you all for the great comments and good answers.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among expats regarding a one-day overstay in Thailand is mixed. Some believe it is generally manageable, often resulting in a small fine of around 500 Baht upon exiting the country. Others caution that while a minor overstay may be overlooked, being caught by authorities could lead to complications, especially concerning future visa applications like the Elite Visa, which has strict zero-overstay rules. Overall, while most agree that it may not drastically impact a traveler’s current situation, it is advisable to avoid overstaying when possible.
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Gordon *********
500 baht
Pornrat ***********
Subject to the Thai Immigration officer's discretion, it can be.

In practical terms, a small period of overstay may be overlooked with a fine.

Seems the officer gave you a dressing down with no long-term issues
Alex *******
Overstayed a couple of days about 10 years ago because my flight was cancelled (volcanic eruption in Bali). I made it to Suvarnabhumi and got pulled aside to a counter to pay the fine. Some guy was yelling at me and threatening to send me to the Immigration Detention Centre, and kept going even when I showed him proof of the flight cancellation. But in the end I just paid the money and got on the flight.
Sel *****
Yes if you want to apply for the Elite Visa.
Ron *******
@Sel ****
or if you want to apply for any visa in Malaysia
Graham ******
@Ron ******
Explain please (I read before it might be a problem for getting a Singapore Visa)
Ron *******
@Graham *****
I've no idea regarding Singapore but Malaysia simply won't issue visas to anybody having an overstay in there passport
Todd *********
Look at the fear and panic in these answers. Holy.
Todd *********
No. It’s not. Pay your fine and carry on. Enjoy. Happens all the time
Stephen ********
Is it really so difficult to leave on time
Todd *********
@Stephen *******
obviously yes. When retired or real travel, you tend not to give a 💩. Thus the huge lineups in overstay area to pay fine at BKK
Stephen ********
@Todd ********
I’ve never had a problem leaving on time from any country but this forum seems to have a lot of people who don’t understand the concept of leaving on time
Todd *********
@Stephen *******
I don’t really worry about it much at all. Pay the ‘fine’ which is less hassle than getting the renewal in many countries. Their get their money. And everyone moves on. Could really just charge a daily rate for anyone staying in any country and make them pay on exit. Nice revenue for the govt
Alex *******
@Stephen *******
It is if you’re flight’s cancelled.
Mike ********
As a person with “previous” 1 day overstay expierience, (2019) I guarantee you will be pulled to one side at immigration and put on the naughty boy step and be lectured and have a written note in your passport, probably no 500 bht fine, but have it ready just in case,. say sorry and a wai and alls good,.
Ron *********
Death by firing squad.

No, it's about the money, they get paid if you overstay. In fact the ring a "cha ching" bell as your leaving the overstay counter at the airport to rub it in.
Nick *********
No
Michael ******
****************************
Bob **********
No but you don’t really want the overstay stamp in your passport
Todd *********
@Bob *********
doesn’t matter
Bob **********
@Todd ********
you must not travel much
Lye **********
If you have a bad luck on that day of overstay and got caught by police. Then it is a big deal.
Ulrik *************
Any overstay is bad. Apply for extension.
Erik ********
You could get banned from getting Thailand elite visa for at least 3 years.
Kent ******
It depends. Some will allow you to pay the fine, some will get you in trouble.
Claudia **********
One day overstay is not a problem
Paul ********
its not even a small deal bro 🕶
Tohksic ******
@Paul *******
You are a moron.
Duncanc **********
Just a criminal offence … no biggie
David ***********
Gary *******
Yes it is, a person with a weird eye and a wooden leg told me so...
John ********
Juan *********************
No issue as far as you pay the fine. I was 35 days due to some problems with the visa renovation. I got the new visa, paid the fine and ok.
Jeff ********
@Juan ********************
you are the exception, not the rule
Vic *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the answers.
John ********
Go to the airport today and there will be no problem just a fine or you can have a big problem
Brian ********
Any overstay could get you banned if they want to push it, and as was mentioned above the elite visas require a zero history of overstays. Not sure about others. Just don't do it.
Brian ********
Sorry all, I was mistaken about the retirement visa. I'll adjust the pist accordingly.
John ********
@Brian *******
are you sure about the retirement visas as I believed that it was just the elite visas
Henrik ****
@John *******
, yes, only Elite Visa and only for some years back.
Henrik ****
@Brian *******
, does a retirement visa require a zero history of overstay? If so, this is a new requirement.
Jeremy ********
It depends on what visa you want to get in the future….elite visa has a zero overstay standard… don’t get caught by the BiB either
Charles *****
Not at all
Tember ******
One day no Problem max 500 Baht fine @ the Airport or maybe nothing happens. 🤘🏼
Michael *********
If you get checked by police yes. I got banned for 5 years for two day overstay and my baby is there.
Mark ********
@Michael ********
You must have had priors?
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