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Is it easier to extend a 30/45 day visa exemption in Bangkok or Ko Samui, and how does the timing of the extension affect the validity?
Visa ExtensionThailand Visa RulesVisa ExemptionsImmigration Office ProcessVisa TypesTM30 ReportingBangkokKo Samui
Dec 31, 2022
3 years ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone with experience of extending a 30/45 day visa exemption stamp know whether it’s easier/quicker to do it in Bangkok or Ko Samui?
Does it matter when during the initial period you get the extension? Do they add the 30 days to the original validity date or from the date of the extension application?
Does it matter when during the initial period you get the extension? Do they add the 30 days to the original validity date or from the date of the extension application?
TLDR : Answer Summary
When considering the extension of a 30/45 day visa exemption stamp, many users express that the process is generally straightforward in both Bangkok and Ko Samui. However, based on user experiences, Bangkok may offer quicker processing times, typically around 30 minutes if visited early in the day. The extension is added to the existing visa validity date, regardless of when during the initial period you apply. It's recommended to visit the immigration office where your TM30 was filed, and the choice between Bangkok or Ko Samui should depend on your proximity to these offices.
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Robert ************
Extending a Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa is a simple non-problematic process, easily done at any Immig. Office with TM7 App., payment of 1900 Baht Fee, and attaching copies of PP and all relevant stamps, (and copy of TM30 receipt at certain offices).
Robert ************
@Mark ******
Nothing to do with Malaysia or Singapore. But, a TM30 is technically by Thai Immig. Law, for everyone to report their place of residence w/i 24hrs of arrival. (Actually, the Law supposedly requires your Landlord or Hotel to do it, but the Foreigner is the one who suffers if not done -- small fine, and problems at Immig. if apply for Extension). It can be done online, or at your Local Immig. Office. If you are moving around, yes it can be problematic. But, at least do your first on arrival.Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ***********
TM30? We’ve been on the road for months at this stage - Thailand Malaysia and Singapore, not a mention of a TM30 so far. What is a TM30 receipt?Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
Bernard *****
They add to your original whatever the day you go during the 45 first days
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ber****
thank youReply to
Mark *******
Reply
Alistair **********
Don't know about Samui, but Bangkok is very quick, about 30mins in and out. But only if you go early in the morning (say before 9:30-10am) and don't go first day after a long weekend, or it could be many hours.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
Thank you! 🙂Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
Brandon ************
In Bangkok and Chiang Mai you can get an extension when you have 45 days left, at most other offices it's when you have 30 days or less left.
The time will be added to the end so no reason to wait until the last minute.
You need to go wherever your last TM30 was filed which each hotel should be filing when you checkin. Where you go is really up to you and I'd say depends on how near you'll be to the immigration office at each place.
In Bangkok you'd go to IT Square LakSi for visa exempt extension.
The time will be added to the end so no reason to wait until the last minute.
You need to go wherever your last TM30 was filed which each hotel should be filing when you checkin. Where you go is really up to you and I'd say depends on how near you'll be to the immigration office at each place.
In Bangkok you'd go to IT Square LakSi for visa exempt extension.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you
@Alis****
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you
@Rob***
Robert ************
@Alistair *********
If you say so. 😂Alistair **********
@Robert ***********
unclear because your post made no sense and implied he couldn't apply with 45 days and that he could apply whenever, mixing 30 and 45 day exemption periods. That's what was confusing.Unless Brandon edited it, the way it's stated now makes complete sense.
Robert ************
@Alistair *********
I never said it was not "relevant". Indeed, that was my point, that OP's original inquiry was 2-part, Timing and Where. Again, I thought answer with regard to "Timing" was unclear, and Mark's latest question again shows it was. Agree to disagree! And, at least, I provided OP with contact info. for Ko Somui Immig. Office, so he can actually get the right answer.Alistair **********
@Robert ***********
his latest question showed it was 100% relevant and beneficial to state when you can apply for an extension. I'd say the commentary is what has made it more confusing.Robert ************
@Mark ******
You should check with Samui Immig. Office, whether their requirement is 30 or 45 days. SAMUI IMMIGRATION OFFICEตม.จว.สุราษฎร์ธานี เกาะสมุย
333 Maenam Road, Soi 1 Moo 1,
Tambon Maenam, Amphoe Koh Samui,
Suratthani
*****
Tel. 077 4234 401E-mail:
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Robert ************
@Alistair *********
I understand that, just thought and still do that his answer was not clear and confusing with respect to someone on Visa Exempt/Tourist -- as Mark's latest question shows.Alistair **********
@Mark ******
there was a report last year of the 30 day requirement in Samui. So you'd probably have to wait till you have less than 30 days left on your entry stamp before they let you apply there.Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
So does that mean we not able to arrive in Ko Samui with a fresh 45 day stamp and apply for an extension within the first week?Alistair **********
@Robert ***********
most immigration offices require 30 days or less on your current visa or stamp to apply. Brandon was pointing out that Bangkok has a 45 day requirement instead. So you could land, be stamped in for 45 days and go straight to immigration and get an extension, where as most other offices you'd have to wait 15 days before applying.Robert ************
@Stuart ********
You are right about the fee; was thinking of fee for converting to Non-O. And you are also right that only some offices (e.g. CM) require TM 30. Made appropriate corrections to my Post. But, don't agree about your co-Moderator's original advice, which at a minimum was unclear/confusing regarding the "Timing" aspect, for someone seeking Extension from Visa Exempt. And, that was ***
of the OP's question(s). Nevertheless, I also agree, the wording of my criticism was inappropriately harsh. So for that I apologize to @Brandon ***********
.Stuart *********
@Robert ***********
Except that the information you’ve provided is incorrect. All visa extensions are 1,900 baht regardless of the length of time of the extension. Not all offices require a TM30 for short term extensions. Phuket doesn’t Bangkok generally doesn’t, but Chiang Mai does.
Before berating a moderator who gave correct info perhaps you should be clear on your own facts first.
Robert ************
Wasn't commenting on the "Where" part of your posted advice, only the "When". Pray tell, if OP is on a
*****
Visa Exempt, how could he apply with 45 (or 30 days) left? If, what you meant was, he could apply anytime, why didn't you just say that? That would have been far more clear, wouldn't you agree? ("wtf"). 🙂 P.S. And, see my final Post, with helpful detailed advice to OP on how to get Extension. 👍Brandon ************
@Robert ***********
wtf are you on about? I literally told the OP where to go for visa exempt. Maybe you should take your own advice and read firstReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Stuart *********
They add the days on to your existing stamp.
Can’t comment on Bangkok vs Koh Samui. Not used either.
Can’t comment on Bangkok vs Koh Samui. Not used either.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks
@Stu***
Reply to
Mark *******
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