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What are recent experiences extending a visa at immigration in Chiang Mai?

Jul 19, 2025
a day ago
Any recent experiences here from Chiang Mai of extending visa at immigration? I understand its easier to leave and enter but curious if things have changed to plan accordingly for next extension. Thank you. 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent experiences shared by expats indicate that extending visas at the Chiang Mai immigration office remains straightforward, but a border run is the easiest option. Reports also highlight a specialized officer for Digital Nomad Visas (DTV) and positive interactions with the staff, although some extensions may still face challenges, such as needing 500k for financial requirements. Overall, no significant changes have been reported, and yearly border exits are still necessary.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Wannikea *********
Nothing has changed. And no matter how you dice it you're going to have to leave the country at least once a year anyway, so plan your bounces.
Greg ********
Recent report from Airport Immigration Office (not actually at the airport) is they had one officer specialising in the DTV. Only heard 2 reports of extension. One was refused as did not have the 500k. The other successful and the immigration officer who knows the DTV helped. Not many immigration offices get kudos in expat groups but Chiang Mai Immigration does. They have graduate trainees and student helpers who go out of their way to help. One expat last week reported 2 of them escorting him to his car with umbrellas last week in the rain :-) :-)
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
Thank you Greg. I conclude from this that it makes little sense to try extending at the immigration even if one has all docs etc. ?
Greg ********
Anonymous participant The person who got approved said they were helpful. If it was me I would go over and ask one of the service staff who are about and ask exactly what is required. I asked about something different and they were very helpful and gave me a step by step guide for what I needed. They are very helpful. Definately very different to any other immigration office I have dealt with. Costs nothing to ask.
Andi ***********
NO reported changes a border run is way easier.
James ********
@Andi **********
just be sure the border chosen will stamp in a DTV Visa holder and whether you need to stay outside of Thailand one or two days before reentry.

That's why I recommend the use of an experienced border run service company with a same day return.

Or fly out with return a same day. Be careful of Chiang Mai Thai Immigration Officers at the Airport. They're questioning DTV Visa arrivals. Suggest you carry with you the documents used to get the DTV visa.
Andi ***********
@James *******
Good tips.