What are the implications of overstaying a visa exemption in Thailand, and how can I avoid future issues?

That's my password for most things! :-)

I over stayed for a week just paid at immigration it was cheaper but I was in a hospital bed so no chance of getting pulled by the cops

No problem getting back into the country on next visit

Noga, my 6-month visa expired January 9 and I flew out of Suvarnabhumi January 10. I got the triangle stamp in less than a minute without having to pay 500 baht as I had expected. GL.

That's exactly what they did to me Wednesday afternoon.

It's a personal decision for sure but for what it is worth I do not carry my passport anywhere and have not been stopped or asked for it either in many years in Thailand (and a decade in Asia). Outside of ONE time when I was cycling past a nuclear facility in Iran. That is the only time I've been asked in MY LIFE for my passport by police. I have never seen a street blockade stop anyone who isn't on motorized transport (I ride a bike, they just wave me through 100% of the time). So YMMV and it depends on your appetite for risk but I would personally just live on the edge for that <48 hour period rather than going queuing in immigration. But I gave that option if she wants to be 100% safe. I would I think avoid going clubbing in those last 48 hours, that is the circumstance you are most likely to be picked up as a pedestrian. You were young and foolish once yourself Marike when you overstayed for 5 hours :)

She's fine at some borders and only i she doesn't get caught. Chiang Mai currently having occasional street blockades and asking to see passports of everyone including pedestrians. It's an automatic ban if they catch you first.

Marike I believe whether you get charged for under 24 hours depends on the border, the land borders do, I think CNX airport does as well but BKK doesn't. I have also been charged 500B for under 24 hours. Noga you should be fine yes just pay 1,000 and don't get picked up the police in those 2 days. If you want absolute peace of mind you can go get an extension at immigration for 1,900B but I think I would just pay the 1,000 at the airport. Show up a bit early so you have time, it doesn't take long.

Not necessarily. I have been fined for 5 HOURS overstay.

Many many years ago.i was 1 day overstay had to pay fine.ive heard since they waive one day overstay.but this is thailand.

I cant say categorically buy from past experience wont be a problem..just pay the fine

you will get a stamp that says "overstay of less than 24 hour fine waived" and that's it.

It will not cause you any problems in the future.

The stamp looks like this usually (its the one in thai stamped diagonally) .