What are the challenges of getting a visa extension at the Chonburi Immigration office in Pattaya?

visa extension Chonburi Immigration Office Pattaya AirBNB TM30 form Thai visa rules immigration fines hotel reservation requirements

Jan 15, 2018

7 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, so this is strange. I decided to go to the Chonburi Immigration office (servicing Pattaya), for a 30 day extension.

They required hotel reservation with some other supporting documentation (business card from the hotel or something).  Or you can use a private residence with some other supporting documentation.  I had none of these as I was using AirBNB (turns out to be a big no-no).  

As I was waiting in line to do the 'check-in' part of the extension, the guy in front of me was saying how once, he had done the same thing.  However, because he didn't 'check-in' within 10 days (or some small window) he was fined 1600 Baht.  

I didn't stay to complete the process.  Based on my limited experience, unless you need to- avoid the Chonburi Immigration Office.

Anybody else agree (or disagree)?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user shares their experience of attempting to extend their visa at the Chonburi Immigration Office, where they encountered strict requirements for hotel reservations and supporting documents, specifically mentioning that using AirBNB could lead to complications. They noted a fellow applicant's fine for not checking in within a specified period, suggesting a cautious approach to the office's regulations. Other users provided additional context about the importance of filing a TM30 form and recommended considering more 'user-friendly' immigration offices, like those in Bangkok.

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been in BKK for the past 45 days -- I was in Pattaya for just a couple of days, and staying at an AirBNB (which I guess is forbidden). After all - I just left and will do the extension in BKK

7 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Terary *********

you can do that as well...as the Thai girls always say...Up to You...

7 years ago

Terary **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

or... go to BKK

7 years ago

Jeremy ********

its not forbidden the TM30 is easy to fill out...most places you can go to the front desk and have them fill it out, or contact the owner of the AirBNB to have them authorize it as you as their "Friend" which can be filled out by the front desk....

7 years ago

Tod *********

It's not forbidden to stay at an AirBnB, they don't care at all about that. It's that IF you're gonna apply for an extension of stay in Chonburi you need to either have a confirmed hotel reservation and proof of it OR if you're staying at a private residence you need to file a TM.30. That's just how they work it there.

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Jeremy ********

1,600 THB is the fine for not reporting in on your TM30 card...and you only have a 24-hour window to submit it...but there are mitigating circumstances to that 24-hour window which are Weekends, and Public Holidays, or other unforeseen events that will make the immigration office closed....

7 years ago

Robert *******

Immigration want you to file an address or proof of hotel stay. Based on my limited experience play by the book and you will have no fines.

7 years ago

Tod *********

If you are using the chonburi immigration office you definitely need to have filed a TM.30 form or have the receipt of where you're staying along with the business card of the hotel. They are hella hard on people who haven't filed a TM.30 for extensions.

I'd say go to a more "user friendly" immigration office. Bangkok doesn't require a TM.30 form at all for extensions.

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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