What is the current status of the visa exemption period for Thailand: 30 + 30 days or 7 days?

May 4, 2023
2 years ago
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi!

Is the visa exemption currently 30 + 30 or 7 (renewal)?

An agency in Koh Samui told me +7 since the new April rule, yet online I see +30.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The current visa exemption rule allows travelers to stay for 30 days on arrival in Thailand, with a possible extension of an additional 30 days at an immigration office. A recent claim from an agency suggested a change to '30 + 7' days, but this appears to be incorrect according to multiple commentaries. Discussions also highlight the importance of verifying visa information directly with official immigration offices rather than relying solely on agencies.
Roberto *********
Agencies will tell you anything to get your money
Roberto *********
@Vincent **********
Why didn't you enquire at the immigration office? They also give advice free, and it's correct
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
via their phone number? Could you share it please?
Roberto *********
@Vincent **********
You visit your local immigration officer. I have no idea of the number
Roberto *********
@Vincent **********
Find a new agent, or better still, do it yourself at no cost!
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
that’s is what I am doing. She shared for free.
Roberto *********
@Vincent **********
If you're paying an agent, shouldn't they get it right? What are you paying for? Mistakes? 😆
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
I didn’t pay. She said it’s the new rule.
Bob **********
@Vincent **********
you already used your 1 extension you can only be denied and given 7 days to leave go get a TV in a neighboring country
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
ahah. I think it’s more of a Mistake.
Joe ******
Not quite sure how anyone can give you advice, without knowing what kind of visa you want to extend.
Stuart *********
@Joe *****
it’s in the question. Visa exempt. As in having no visa on entry.
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
visa exemption I wrote.
Joe ******
@Vincent **********
Sorry, my bad. Well in this case, you can apply for one 30 days extension of stay.

In an emergency, you could always apply for a second extension. Then you'll get a stamp saying "Extension Denied" and an order to leave the country within 7 days. You will also need to sign a form where you acknowledge that you understand the implications of overstaying those 7 days.
Andy **********
I’ve been many times, 30 on arrival and twice extended for 30 days.
John **********
@Andy *********
you can't extend a single entry twice
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
@Stuart ********
I am interested in the answer too.
Stuart *********
@Vincent **********
I know the answer. Just it was worded that it could have been taken either way.
Stuart *********
@Andy *********
You mean you’ve extended your stay by 30 days on two of those occasions? Or on each occasion you got 2 extensions of 30 days each.
Stuart *********
Visa exempt you get 30 days on arrival and can get 30 additional at an immigration office.
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
ok, so the agency information is wrong?

There is no exception of max 7 days with Samui or Phangan?
Stuart *********
@Vincent **********
They may be referring to nationals that can’t get an extension off a tourist visa (some countries) or people that have already had an extension. They can apply but get refused and are given a 7 day stamp.

Possibly lost in translation.
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thanks. I came in February for 45 days. Went to Malaysia. Then I got 45 more days and extended for 30 days. This extension this year is not limiting me for a new 30 + 30 rather than +7?

Otherwise I’m still pondering if it’s best that I do a visa exemption at Padang Besar or if I do a tourist visa (for the first time) in Penang.

Is there more advantage to the tourist visa than the greater length of stay 60 + 30?

The longer version: special tourist visa is no longer available?

Let me know if it’s best to ask those questions as a new discussion.
Stuart *********
@Vincent **********
With back to back entries like yours I’d say the tourist visa is possibly a better option, but either way expect to be asked why you’re trying to stay long term in Thailand without a relevant visa.
Vincent ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
any recommendation on a response? Am I sort of obliged to say “I want to continue visiting Thailand”

I’m honestly wanting to live here. But I’m not yet ready for applying to a work visa. Perhaps next time.
Stuart *********
@Vincent **********
No set response but this may help.

If questioned by immigration on arrival (rare but does happen) you need to provide 3 proofs for entry into Thailand.

1. 20,000 baht cash or equivalent in a major currency. It needs to be in cash. A bank statement, credit card or phone app showing you have funds won’t suffice.

2. Accommodation booked for at least the first few days. If you’re staying with family or friends then have them write an invitation letter for you to stay at their place.

3. A ticket out of Thailand booked within the number of days your entry allows, regardless that you can get an in country extension. 30 for Exempt, 60 for Tourist Visa (although the likelihood on being asked if you have a actual tourist visa is minimal). Bus train or plane. The two former must be an international ticket out, not just to a border town where you could walk across a border.

These proofs won’t guarantee you entry as that’s at the discretion of the immigration officer, but they’re the three things they’ll generally use as a reason to deny entry.
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