Is it possible to extend a visa exemption in Thailand for an additional 60 days, and what is the application process?

Aug 12, 2021
3 years ago
Al***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone,

So, I entered Bangkok, Thailand, in mid July under the โ€œvisa exemption schemeโ€, which granted me to stay in the Kingdom for 45 days. I wanted to extend my stay to another 60 days, would that be feasible? And how far in advance that applicant should submit the visa application (TM.7) โ€” I'm sorry for asking this extension-related question again. But I really need your guidance on this matter. Thank you ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about extending their stay in Thailand under the visa exemption scheme, seeking to extend their 45-day stay for an additional 60 days. Responses indicated that extensions are feasible, though some immigration offices may require a first regular 30-day extension before granting a COVID extension. It's advisable to apply for the extension 3 days before the current visa stamp expires, with suggestions to be prepared for potential delays in processing.
Wannikea *********
Sounds like they are in Bangkok, go 3 days before your current stamp expires. More than likely you'll get 30 days for 1900 baht, then go again just before September 27th to apply for Covid extension.
Tod *********
@Wannikea ********
pay attention to the type of stamp people are on please. The O/P entered on a visa exempt entry <- that means in Bangkok they go to Muang Thong Thani which has NO rule about 3 days before your current extension runs out. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ The only thing MTT does for counter K (the visa exempt counter is limit it to 300 people a day).

It's Chaengwattana that people can only show up 3 days before their current stamp expires.
Al***
ORIGINAL POSTER
noted,
@Wannikea ********
thank you for the suggestion ๐Ÿ™
Frank-Steven ***********
Yes. Feasible. Some Immigration Offices might ask you to take the regular 30-day extension, first. Others may "directly" grant you the 60-day COVID extension. As for the regular extension, you could apply for it any time you like and it would start counting / be added to the end date of your initial permission period stamped in your passport. As for the COVID extension, the first one would (by most Immigration Offices) be counting from the day you get it - thus you may lose permitted days if you go and apply too early. And with all of that, that is just the rule, but there can always be arbitrary exceptions to it - as nothing with immigration is hardly ever applied consistently across immigration offices (or even officers). Also, be prepared for an "under consideration" situation, meaning, that with COVID extensions, you might initially get an under consideration stamp and have to come back to the very same immigration office about two weeks later to get the final extension stamped in - just another needless inconvenience, but nothing you can do about it. Enjoy your stay - you currently can for as long as you want.
Al***
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you
@Frank-Steven **********
for sharing this information ๐Ÿ™
Benjamin ******
Which immigration office will you use?
Al***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@Benjamin *****
, I found two offices where I can submit my application for extension in Bangkok:

1. Immigration Bureau (Sub-Div.2, Imm. Div.1) at Chaengwattana

2. One Stop Center for Visa and Work permits in Chamchuri Square Building

I plan to go to #1 or..do you have any recommendations on which Immigration office I should go to?
James ********
@Al***
as you entered visa exempt you use the Mueang Thong Thani immigration office in Bangkok near Chaengwattana.
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