Is it easier to get a visa extension in Patong or Phuket Town?

Blue Trees

For a 30-day extension for the reason of tourism, Patong is fine. For almost anything else prefer Phuket Town office.

I had a not so good experience at Pattaya last year. The staff there made everything so difficult and were neither friendly or helpful. A TM30 was necessary before even considering my extension. The clothing I wore was also a big issue to them and they also insisted that i use a blue pen. This year I extended in Patong, and what a complete difference. I went prepared, took a copy of the TM30 from the hotel, took a blue pen with me and looked reasonable. Absolutely zero issues. The TM 30 was not needed, when I asked if the blue pen was ok they laughed and said no problem. Staff were really friendly and when I told them of how Pattaya do their business, they appeared amazed. Anyway, the office opens at 10am and you are given a number and the TM7 to complete when you arrive. You need 1 passport sized photo, copy of your bio page, copy of the page showing your entry stamp and 1900 bahts. If you don’t have a photo, they will take for you for a small fee. Took 10 minutes to submit everything. Was then told to return in an hour or i could sit in the air con waiting area. I chose to wait and I got my passport back within 20 minutes. Total time 30 minutes and this year was a very good, friendly and helpful experience.

Either will work. You could use Blue Tree office too. Patong will be less busy than Town. Expect about 10 minutes there. Probably 20-40 in town.