Should I extend my visa to avoid overstaying while preparing for a marriage visa in Thailand?

Nov 20, 2023
a year ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mid process of getting married and will want to go move to a marriage visa in a few months. Leaving for a week in December and my ideal departure date is about 4-5 days after my visa exit date. Should I get the extension or is that level of overstay a non issue?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently in the process of getting married and is considering transitioning to a marriage visa in a few months. They are deliberating whether to extend their current visa to avoid potential overstaying by a few days before leaving Thailand. Community responses advise strongly against overstaying due to the risks of arrest and future immigration issues, recommending that the user obtain a visa extension instead to ensure compliance and lessen potential future complications.
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Declan **********
Why even consider risking it 🤦 you're potentially fucking up your future over a few pieces of paper, 1900 baht and a couple of hours at an Immigrant office...
Damo ***********
Seeing as IO often troll groups like this, and you may be using your 'real' name on FB, I would suggest maybe you spend 1,900 and get the extension. Otherwise you may personally find out for real if your over-stay is a 'issue' or not.. ps. m0r0n!
Michael ********
Its a non issue unless the immigration officer who deals with your non O later on takes issue with it. Get the extension is easier
Nigel *********
Get the extension.
Jorge ****
I recetly read some news about an overstayer getting busted at the airport, on the way out.

You want to deal with marriage based visas, extensions, etc.? Getting an extension now may be a good way to start getting familiar wth the incoming bureaucracy. It is unforgiving. Good luck.

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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jorge ***
oh I'm familiar - that is the only reason I even thought of this.
Brandon ************
Is the risk of being arrested, deported and banned for 5 years worth it, even if it's a .01% chance?
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Your question is based on there being a .01% chance. I don't know what the chances are so I am asking. I've seen people talk about short overstay not being a big deal, but it wasn't a recognised authority nor was it qualified in any way.
David ********
@Jack ***************
it’s usually not an issue if your overstay is at the airport as you are leaving, you pay the overstay fine and from what I hear that’s usually the only ‘issue’ … if on the other hand you are stopped by some authority and they find out you are on overstay … that could be much more serious.

No set process either way, but the .01% chance goes way up closer to 99.01% in the wrong circumstances.

I wouldn’t chance it, but you do you.
Brandon ************
@Jack ***************
if you have any interaction with the police while you're on overstay, maybe a normal police checkpoint on the road when driving around or anything, they'll arrest you, deport you and ban you from Thailand for 5 years.

There's also been a recent crackdown on overstayers and they've sent police to people's houses looking for them for even just a few days overstay.

Is it likely to happen? Probably not. But is it worth being banned for 5 years to make it more convenient for you? Is flagrantly and purposely violating the law of a country you want to live in long term a good way to get started there?
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
You could have said, "it's potentially a big deal and you are a dipshit to even ask" and saved a bunch of keystrokes.
Incognia **********
@Jack ***************
i can tell you dont do it.Even risk or not.Leave from the country as well as can before the visa expiration date.
Alistair **********
@Jack ***************
it's not a big deal IF you don't get caught before leaving. It's probably unlikely you'll get caught, but if you're wanting to live here long term, it's probably not worth the small risk of being banned
Lynnette *******
@Jack ***************
try it. Take a chance. Get caught? Let us know how it went for you.
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