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Should I extend my visa or just pay a penalty for overstaying in Chiang Mai?

Thailand Visa ExtensionChiang Mai VisaOverstay PenaltiesThai Immigration RulesNON-O VisaExpat AdviceVisa Types
Oct 18, 2023
a year ago
Kristin *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I miscalculated days I stay in Chiangmai. My outward flight is 2days after my visa to be expired. Should I extend the visa or just pay penalty when I leave?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community strongly advises against overstaying your visa in Chiang Mai, as it can lead to significant penalties including fines and potential deportation. The cost of extending your visa is 1,900 baht, while the penalty for overstaying is 1,000 baht; however, the risks associated with overstaying, such as a ban from re-entry, far outweigh the cost difference. Many users recommend visiting the immigration office to secure an extension for peace of mind.
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Brad ********
30 day extension would be easiest.
a year ago
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Aaron *******
I was in the same situation recently, so I flew to Phnom Penh for a 3 day weekend. Got my new visa exempt stamp, and a nice little trip to Cambodia. No Problem.
a year ago
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Bhola **********
@Aaron ******
 Is Cambodia worth visiting.
a year ago
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Bhola **********
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Kǎisǎ **********
Border run.
a year ago
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Jim *****
Just extend
a year ago
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Neil ********
Extend now
a year ago
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Kristin *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for all your opinions. I will find the time to visit the immigration office to extend visa.
a year ago
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Kristin *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thx
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Kristin ****
 👍
a year ago
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Kev *********
@Kristin ****
 good choice.
a year ago
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Kev *********
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Luc ************
Dont be stupid, get an extension.
a year ago
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Jeff *******
I done 1 day over, less than 24hrs. Got a fine waver at airport. But i defo wouldnt risk it if you have the chance to go immigration office prior.
a year ago
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Tony *********
What's it worth to you .?1900 baht fir an extension or get an overstay stamp in your passport and 1000 baht fine and running the risk of denied entry next time
a year ago
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Stuart *********
The difference in price is 900 baht or approx £20 or $25.

The difference in peace of mind that you won’t get stopped at a police checkpoint and fined and potentially deported is priceless.
a year ago
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Daniel **********
@Brandon ***********
 your putting other people's lives at risk then. Not carrying your passport doesn't harm anyone. In fact some hotels and most motorbike rental shops ask to keep your passport with your deposit. This is normal. Chill, my dude.
a year ago
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Kev *********
@Daniel *********
 never give up your passport.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Daniel *********
 you should never give your passport to anyone to hold as you legally must have it with you at all times. I would never do business with someone who required it.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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Daniel **********
@Brandon ***********
 I've been in Thailand for years, never been asked to show my passport. Most travelers who walk and hang around town don't carry their passport.
a year ago
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Kev *********
@Daniel *********
 true but what you've got away with and what the law states are 2 different things.
a year ago
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Stuart *********
@Daniel *********
 Just because something has never happened to you does not mean that it hasn’t happened to others, or could in the future.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Daniel *********
 I've been driving for many years. I run every red light I see and I've never been pulled over. So running red lights is clearly okay even if it's illegal.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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Daniel **********
@Stuart ********
 you don't need to carry passport or show it during a police traffic stop.
a year ago
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Bobby ********
@Daniel *********
 WRONG!
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Daniel *********
 good luck with that. Thai law states you must have your passport with you at all times.

The only way you're likely to get away with it is if you have a copy to show them including the data page and your visa or extry stamp.
a year ago
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Terry ********
@Brandon ***********
 that may be the law but in 8 years here, I’ve never been asked by the police to show my passport. Just my DL. But if one is only a tourist, without a DL, then yes, they would need to show it.
a year ago
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Kev *********
@Brandon ***********
 yes Brandon. Some people are so misinformed and should not give wrong advice.
a year ago
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Kev *********
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Richard *********
1,000 baht

less than 1,900

BUT dont be caught
a year ago
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Brandon ************
You should NEVER go on overstay if you can avoid it.

You'll be charged a fine of 1000 baht and the extension costs 1900, so spend the extra 900 for your own peace of mind.

If for any reason you have an interaction with the police during those 2 days, like a random traffic checkpoint or anything, you're likely to be arrested, deported and banned from Thailand for 5 years.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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