What are the rules for extending a 30-day tourist visa in Thailand?

Thailand visa rules Tourist visa extension Visa exemption Immigration procedures Visa application process

May 8, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey sorry for asking a question that has probably been answered a lot, but there is confusion among my circle.

I was going to extend my 30 day tourist visa another 30 days tomorrow, but some thing it is too early since I’ve only been here a week and my friend says there has to be 15 days or less.

Does there have to be a maximum number of days left before you can go in and renew?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses confusion about extending a 30-day tourist visa in Thailand. It clarifies that there is no 30-day tourist visa; instead, travelers typically receive a 30-day visa exemption stamp upon arrival or can apply for a 60-day tourist visa beforehand. Extensions can generally be applied for when there are 30 days or less remaining, but some specific locations have their own rules, allowing applications only during the last week of stay.

Graham ******

In Bangkok you can apply with 30 days or less remaining so where are you?

6 months ago

Stuart *********

@Graham *****

Actually in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Buri Ram and possibly others you can apply 45 days prior. Which by the fact they have an exempt entry they can apply immediately. For a tourist visa they’d have to wait for a fortnight to apply. Well technically 15 days.

6 months ago

Gregory *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

yeah sounds about right haha. Thx

6 months ago

Gregory *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I’m in bangkok, was planning on going to lak si. My 30 day tourist visa expires May 24. So I am good to renew early tomorrow or no? And that will add on the 30 days to the 24th right?

6 months ago

Stuart *********

@Gregory ********

Yes. In Laksi Plaza you can renew and they will add on the days to your current stamp.

6 months ago

Gregory *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

okay great! Thanks. I will go and renew with 17 days left

6 months ago

Stuart *********

@Gregory ********

ok great. Friday is a holiday so go tomorrow or Monday. Both days will probably be extra busy because of the Friday closure.

6 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Brandon ************

First of all, there's no such thing as a 30 day tourist visa. A tourist visa is something you apply for and pay for before you travel, and it gives you 60 days.

If you arrived without any visa then you got a 30 day visa exempt stamp.

When you can apply for an extension depends completely on which office you'll be using. Most offices will allow you to apply when you have 30 days or less left (so you can apply as soon as you arrive with visa exempt). Jomtien, Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan all only allow you to apply during the last week of your stay.

6 months ago

Ken ***********

@Brandon ***********

good explanation.

6 months ago

Reply to

Ken ***********

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