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What can my friend do after facing issues with Thai immigration and wanting to extend his stay?
Visa rulesImmigrationThailandVisa extensionTourist visaExpat helpVisa exemptImmigration officerAgent services
Feb 17, 2025
a year ago
Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi my friend had trouble coming in, he had hassle at airport immigration saying he had come back too quick . He flew to uk after stayin in Thailand for 90 days from sept to December then he flew back on 16 January after more than a month at home. The officer gave him a real hard time , to the point he thought he was getting refused entry. He wants to extend his 60 day tourist entry to 90 like he did last time but his fear is the immigration officer said she had put a note on his file. Do you think an agent would be able to get information on what was put on the file, he’s terrified to go to immigration to try extend and get refused . This is only his second visit , he hast been to Thailand since covid and even then only came for a 30 day visit. Any suggestions, he is not a con man just wanting to have nice longer holiday with new friends he has met. What would be cost for an agent to do 30 day extension? And do you think they can access what has been put in his file by airport immigration? Thanks in advance
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared a concern regarding their friend's recent experience with Thai immigration, where the officer reportedly put a note on his file after he returned to Thailand shortly after a previous visit. The friend wants to extend his 60-day tourist entry to 90 days but is worried about potential repercussions from the note. Suggestions from commenters include approaching immigration directly for the extension, using an agent for assistance, or considering a different visa type for longer stays. Comments reveal mixed experiences with extensions and the complexity of immigration rules in Thailand.
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Norbert **********
500 B cost a 30day or like for me retirementvisa 90 day extension
Cissi *********
Yes, the local immigration offices can access whatever note that the airport immigration made in his file.
There have been reports from people being denied extension because of notes made when they were questioned on their last visa exempt entry. If your friend told airport immigration that he would leave within 60 days, then they likely noted that...
He don't need to fear trying to get an extension. If he is denied he will not be deported (if that is what he is afraid about)... he will be given 7 days to leave. However he will get a stamp in his passport saying "application for extension denied" and that might not be the type of stamp he want to have... Not if he plans to travel and apply for visas in the future (I've read that it caused problems to some).
There have been reports from people being denied extension because of notes made when they were questioned on their last visa exempt entry. If your friend told airport immigration that he would leave within 60 days, then they likely noted that...
He don't need to fear trying to get an extension. If he is denied he will not be deported (if that is what he is afraid about)... he will be given 7 days to leave. However he will get a stamp in his passport saying "application for extension denied" and that might not be the type of stamp he want to have... Not if he plans to travel and apply for visas in the future (I've read that it caused problems to some).
Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cissi ********
this is probably what he is worried about he could not hear clearly what the officer was saying, she questioned where he was going in Thailand and if he will go out etc . He answered honestly and she said get correct visa I put note on your file . This is why we want agent to check file and apply for visa. I think he would be so embarrassed if he got a 7 day notice to leave country put on his passport, thanks for replyCissi *********
@Ar ******
well I have never used an agent so I have none to recommend. I think, if you write where in Thailand you are, you are more likely to get useful suggestions of agents and their prices.Reply to
Cissi *********
Reply
Patrycja ********
Why won't you people just pay a multiple entry TR ... 🤔
Andy ************
@Patrycja *******
exactlyReply to
Andy ************
Reply
David ***********
Im sure the 30 day ext will be no problem. HOWEVER, since the change to 60 days visa exempt immigration are MUCH harder on individual border bouncers (go with a visa bus seems ok). Basically i had the same issue and they made it clear that the 60 days is 60 days (or 90 days) then leave leave not just for a short period. Those need a proper visa and it wont be long before entries start getting denied
Bo **********
Best way for Thailand is just to Remove the.. Extension.. Total.... Problem over...
Force ppl to get A real Visa in sted...
.... Is bether...
Force ppl to get A real Visa in sted...
.... Is bether...
Aden ******
Dont panic, aslong as they have the 60 day stamp, immigration will extend it for the 30 days no problem.
Luit *****************
@Aden *****
the 30 day extension is not a guarantee.Aden ******
@Luit ****************
granted, but it basically is a certainty aslong as you dont have overstay. I did over a year on tourist visas doing border runs/extensions and never been refused an extension, never even been questioned by immigration during an extension eitherLuit *****************
@Aden *****
since visa exempt is 60 days, everything is becoming more difficult, and it makes sense, since 60 days is long enough for normal tourists.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
John **********
I have to travel back and forth , my mother is in the uk she has dementia and i have a son in thailand got a 60 day the day i landec they changed to 60 day on landing with 30 day ext the officer laughed and told me i didn t need to do it so next time i didn t then i was told i need to buy a visa can t win
Ian **********
@John *********
visa-exempt entries are for tourists so if you are here to visit your son you need to get Non O visa based on visiting family for more than 60 days. You will get a 90 day entry when you arriveJohn **********
@Ian *********
thank youReply to
John **********
Reply
Krystian ******
@Mots *********
ask themRajivv *****
Please donot do visa extension for second time if you intend to stay for longer. Do a border run instead.
Luit *****************
@Rajivv ****
I expect a border run has more risk than an extension.An extension they only can refuse and then you have seven days to leave.
A border run to get a 60 day stamp for the third time in a year has a high risk of being refusded entry
Rajivv *****
@Luit ****************
Not only me, all my Digital Nomad groups traveling seperately on similar dates , on similar patterns faced issue after extensionLuit *****************
@Rajivv ****
it seems immigration just wants to stop this incorrect use of visa exempt.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
David ***********
Did I get this correct. They entered Thailand on a 60 day exempt then asked for an immediate 30 day extension?
When I did my reporting the Immigration offical told me to come back about 7 days before the expiry of the 60 days.
When I did my reporting the Immigration offical told me to come back about 7 days before the expiry of the 60 days.
Cissi *********
@David **********
no you got it wrong... His friend WANTS to do an extension, but is "terrified" to do so because of the problem he had on his entry and that the airport immigration officer said she would make a note in his file.David ***********
Reply to
David ***********
Reply
John **********
The immigration office can access the database and see what has been written there. I've seen reports of extensions being denied in the situation where the person was allowed in until the date of the exit plan they showed at the airport but at the end of the day it will be up to the immigration officer
Stephen *********
Just go and use an Agent if you're worried, they'll take care of it with no issues.
Graham *******
There are multiple crackdowns at the moment, they are also cracking down on agents. Imm will increasingly be saying, "why don't you have a visa, there are plenty to choose from"
Steve *********
What they say is, if you coming for this period of time this many times. You need get the correct visa ,
Jordan *****
@Steve ********
give me a break. Where does it say how much you can spend in one year on visa exemptions or tourist visas?Reply to
Jordan *****
Reply
Adrian *****************
He can get a vip entry service for 2000baht no questions asked
Peter *********
@Adrian ****************
Last time I used it, they still asked me and the immigration officer called over the big boss. It was a friendly conversation, but I was certainly asked. Bkk international airport.David ***********
@Adrian ****************
plus 2000thb at the border so total 4000thb. The days of 1500-2000thb total finished before covidAdrian *****************
@David **********
not true,I paid 2000 and entered at suvarnabhumi 3 weeks ago,I also paid 4000 because it was the day before entry at Don meuang in October,book a week in advance and it’s 2000.Reply to
Adrian *****************
Reply
Adrian *****************
Thai visa centre
Jonathan **********
@Adrian ****************
do you have one you can share?Adrian *****************
Reply to
Adrian *****************
Reply
Mma *******
@Adrian ****************
can you find those after you land and before you hit Immigration at the airport..?Adrian *****************
@Mma ******
no you have to do before you fly the earlier the better price rises if last minuteMma *******
Reply to
Mma *******
Reply
Lamprianos **********
@Adrian ****************
Do you have any service to refer to?Adrian *****************
Reply to
Adrian *****************
Reply
Gorgon *****
just to be clear re "He wants to extend his 60 day tourist entry to 90"
he had a tourist visa or was coming in under visa exempt ..and if he did have tourist visa did he show a printout of that new one ??
he had a tourist visa or was coming in under visa exempt ..and if he did have tourist visa did he show a printout of that new one ??
Adam ********
It sounds like your friend isn’t a tourist if he is trying to stay in Thailand for such lengthy spells. Immigration are starting to get stricter with this.
Why does he not just apply for a DTV. He can get stamped for 6 months every time he flys into Thailand and can come and go for 5 years.
Why does he not just apply for a DTV. He can get stamped for 6 months every time he flys into Thailand and can come and go for 5 years.
Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adam *******
he is a tourist but I can understand that maybe the people you mix with are not as genuine as he is so you might judge him the same .Thanks for your suggestion but hopefully we can get it sorted out for him.Abhishek *******
@Adam *******
they are asking questions to DTV holders tooLuit *****************
@Abhishek ******
What kind of questions?Abhishek *******
@Luit ****************
money in account and classes etcnLuit *****************
@Abhishek ******
it sure makes sense, but a lot of people here keep telling it is impossible for immigration to ask these things at the border.Luit *****************
@Abhishek ******
are you sure this is happening now? At which border?Abhishek *******
@Luit ****************
I don't have dtv friend has he was asked to show documents again a lot of people aren't asked anything but some are and it only makes sense they want to see if soft power courses aee current that's what the visa is for visa duration and ability to stay in country are different things I guessReply to
Abhishek *******
Reply
Henrik *****
Do not try to circumvent the visa rules, get the proper visa for the lenght of time wanting to stay in Thailand, and visa excempt is not for staying long time in Thailand.
It can be hard for a civil servant, that may work long hours 6 days a week, and with less than 2 weeks holiday / year, to comprehend how you can be tourist for 6 months.
Do not support corruption by using agents.
It can be hard for a civil servant, that may work long hours 6 days a week, and with less than 2 weeks holiday / year, to comprehend how you can be tourist for 6 months.
Do not support corruption by using agents.
John *******
@Henrik ****
your an idiot shut your mouth keep running that jaw With no help this is a help form not a I'm mad at the word form
Your a troll get another hobby
Nick ************
@Henrik ****
did you read his post?Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
is it corrupt to ask for genuine help?Henrik *****
Thai public servants expect to be approced politely and respectful, try that next time.
Ollie ******
@Henrik ****
even with a 6 month visa I was getting hassled on every entry. Immigration officers (only women) are absolute jobs worths. Power trip like crazy to cause you problems.Henrik *****
Thai public servants expect to be approced politely and respectful, try that next time.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Tracy *********
@Henrik ****
give me a breakGareth ********
@Henrik ****
doesn’t really sounds like this person is trying to stay long term though really given the history on the op.Henrik *****
He is trying to stay 90 + 90 days on visa exempt, which is only 60 + 30 days, so he have to apply for a visa that allow him to stay 180 days, if that is the lenght of stay he wants.
Or go back home after the 60 + 30 days.
You cant always get what you want !
Or go back home after the 60 + 30 days.
You cant always get what you want !
Gareth ********
@Henrik ****
it’s says he stayed 90 days before Christmas, went home for at least a month then came back. Prior to that his last time in Thailand was around covid time.Unless I’m reading it wrong. Doesn’t sound excessive to me.
Reply to
Gareth ********
Reply
Peter ******
F
Mma *******
You’ll get the 30 day extension, you’re in here now spending money and the extension’s 1900bht in their Jonathan…
Steve *******
@Mma ******
Most likely but a 30 days extention is not a given. People do get refused.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Tim *********
Your friend was unlucky to meet an Immigration officer having a crap day. No need to be scared of requesting an extention. The same IO will not be there
Ryan ****
@Tim ********
there's been a lot of reports like this lately. So I'd say it's not an isolated case and they are cracking down on overuse of visa exemptions.Luit *****************
@Ryan ***
since it is 60 days, they are more strict.That seems normal to me, 30 days can be a bit short for a holiday, but over 60 days or even 90 days and then again within a month has nothing to do with tourism, so it is a correct decision of the immigration officer.
Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
he is a tourist , his partner died and his friends have encouraged him to travel , he is a bit fragile and sensitive. He has never been in trouble with the law in any country and would be nervous of facing another immigration officer with the same attitude and temperament of the one at airport. If we can get an agent that could understand our request, which is ask what has been written on his file, get a 30 day extension for him. This would put his mind at rest. He will go home to uk in mid April then travel to Spain with his son and family for a month then stay out of Thailand until at least September/ October . He likes it here as he has friends here . I can understand why you might think he’s not genuine but I can assure you he is , other friends I have might not be so I can tell the difference. Thanks for your reply. I see a few agent names in the replies so we will approach one of them to ask if they can do what he is asking.Luit *****************
@Ar ******
visa exempt is for normal tourists which stay a short time. For longer times there is the Multi entry tourist visa which is more appropriate in his situation. You never know what kind of immigration officer you meet, but my experience at the immigration offices is they are always friendly and helpful as long as you also show you you want to cooperate and not try to misuse the system by getting as much free stamps as possible. I just left Hat Yai office 10 minutes ago after 90 day reporting. They were friendly as always, 90 day reporting was less than 5 minutes needed, finding place to park the car takes more time.Ar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
yes good luck to you , think you totally missed the point, my friend is never rude to anyone and shows courtesy. I’ll get him to buy a pair of the rose coloured spectacles you are wearing. Thanks for your reply , hope you find parking easier next timeLuit *****************
@Ar ******
your friend is using visa exempt, while for his purpose of stay he just need the correct visa, mist likely METV. So he is just using the visa system incorrect, accidentally because he does not know, or on purpose because he wants to save money. You cannot blame immigration officers for this, and I certainly do not wear a rose colored spectacle. I was once stopped at the border after shopping in Malaysia, completely without reason, so I know they are not always acting according the rules, but your friend just has to get the right visa if he does not want to have risks. And parking in Hat Yai is never easy, I think the officers working there just use up all parking space.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Henrik *****
The Officer didn’t do anything wrong, it is always and solely up to the discretion of the Officer in front of you, to decide if you get allowed entry into Thailand.
Ellis ******************************
@Henrik ****
-up to the discretion of the officer employed by the Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Meaning their decision-making processes/ “discretion” must comply with legal frameworks under Thai immigration laws, regulations, and official directives as per Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (1979), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regulations, Immigration Bureau Orders and any Royal Thai Police Directives? Is that what you’re talking about?Reply to
Ellis ******************************
Reply
Bob **********
Just go to immigration what is in the file I’m sure has to do with his next entry
Mark *******
@Bob *********
it is just that,I've had the same problem but I've been abusing the system for years so now I've got a retirement visa as I was told that I wouldn't be allowed in againReply to
Mark *******
Reply
Damon ********
I had same problem late last year, went to an agent for extension, no problem.
John ******
@Damon *******
how does an agent manage it as You need to be at immigration in person for
Your photo ?
Frances ********
@John *****
we did a 30 day extension with agent in Pattaya. Agent took us into immigration and took our pic.Peter *******
@John *****
no queuing straight inJohn ******
Ok cheers for that
Damon ********
@John *****
they take you for photo but nil issues.Reply to
Damon ********
Reply
Todd *********
@Damon *******
you can always extend 30 daysReply to
Todd *********
Reply
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