Is it better to get a visa extension in Bangkok or Chiang Mai for my stay in Thailand?

Dec 8, 2021
3 years ago
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just arrived in Bangkok - will be here for 5 days on no visa (from UK so 30 days I think)?

Heading to Chiang Mai where I'll probably spend the majority of the ~55 days I want to spend in Thailand.

Would it be easiest / quickest / best to get the visa extension in Bangkok or can I do it in Chiang Mai?

How long will it take / how do I do it?

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has arrived in Bangkok without a visa, planning to spend 5 days there and then move to Chiang Mai for the majority of a 55-day stay in Thailand. They inquire whether it is more efficient to obtain a visa extension in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, along with the required steps and duration for the extension process. Comments suggest that getting the visa extension in Chiang Mai is feasible and can be done quickly, with detailed instructions provided by a comment about the necessary documents and processes to follow.
Ron *********
Bruh, you made it πŸ’―πŸ’―πŸ’―
Paul ***********
hi was bangkok airport busy when you arrived
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul **********
not very busy no
Paul ***********
@Ni**
πŸ‘
Wendy ************
I went yesterday in Chang Mai and in and out in under 2 hours, can be less.

Probably more detail than you asking but here is what I did:

Having extended me stay yesterday (30 days) at the Chang Mai, this is the order in which I did things:

*Prep at home:*

1. Copy of passport

2. Copy of the Thai stamp of arrival (inside your passport)

3. Copy of TM6 (you get this on the aeroplane/ when you arrive at customs to complete- they tear half of it and you must keep the other part)

4. TM 7 Extension of Stay completed

5. a Passport Photo

6. 1900 TBH

7. TM 30 this is the one that seems to trip people up on the day!!! this is when your Hotel/ Airbnb Hist must legally check you in onto the Thai Government system. You will need a print out of this for Immigration. they will then write out a smaller slip which is part in parcel of your application. There is a TM30 form but they did not need that, proof of registration is what will get you that slip.

*On the day: *

8. You should get a number at the entrance this is for your application process at the prep tent

9. First thing is go straight to the office around the back that will process the TM30 for you- give them the copy of your registration as per your Hotel/ Airbnb host (step 7) they will give you that little slip, get it photocopied next door.

10. Return to the prep Tent and complete Acknowledgement of overstay (form is there, but if you can print from internet that will make your more prepared)

11. STM 2 (form there) can’t remember the detail of this form

12. Initial all pages you have prepped

13. Wait at chairs and wait for your number to be called out (step 😎

14. They check that all your docs are in order for final finale.

15. Go to the main building here they will tell you which counter to go to.

16. Go to that counter, pay monies and give them your pack.

17. Sit down - you almost there!

17. They will call you to take a photo

18. Tadaaaaa! Passport contains updated stamp βœ…

took just under 2 hours, could have been 30mins if I knew the sequence and order

(my step 8, 10 and 11)

Hope this is helpful, good luck!
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wendy ***********
what time did you arrive at the visa office? Do you think it needs to be really early or would say midday be ok?

Thanks.
Wendy ************
@Nick *********
at 8:15am and was 19th in-line.

But most people made the same mistake and didn’t go to the TM30 office.

So you could be in and out within an hour.
Jonas *************
Even one year extensions is 1900.... There's no general 60 day extension I think that's what you're far into is for covet reasons about still requires you to have 30 day extension before.
Felix ******************************
@Wendy ***********
That's not correct, a 60 day extension is 1900. You got ripped off.
Tony *******
@Rupert ********
a 30 day extension is 1900 baht. What is incorrect?
Felix ******************************
@Tony ******
So a 30 day and 60 day cost the exact same. Why on EARTH why you get a 30 day then?
Tony *******
@Rupert ********
because you must get the 30 before being allowed the 60.
Felix ******************************
@Tony ******
thanks for clearing that up
Wendy ************
@Rupert ********
some passports get 30 days on arrival other 60. To my understanding the extension will always be an additional 30 days.

But my knowledge is based on my passport.
Felix ******************************
@Wendy ***********
My mistake, I thought we were talking about covid extensions.
Nick **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wendy ***********
Awesome thanks a lot!
Grant ***********
You can get the visa extension in chiangmai
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