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What is the experience of getting a DTV extension in Phuket?

DTV visa Phuket immigration Thai visa extension residence certificate TM 47 international driver license Thai immigration process

Oct 11, 2025

2 months ago

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello folks! DTV extensions in Phuket. Who’s tried it, and what was your experience? Based on initial research I’m expecting to meet friction.

But even a single successful extension would give enough confidence to try.

Otherwise I’m just going to mini-vacay in KL.

TIA

P.s. was just admitted to the group today, so my apologies if this was already covered. ￼

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the challenges and experiences of expats trying to extend their DTV visa in Phuket. Some members suggest that obtaining extensions from the immigration office can be quite challenging and may require multiple visits, while others have successfully completed the process with the right documentation. Many participants recommend taking a short trip to KL or other nearby destinations as an easier alternative to extending a visa in Phuket, highlighting the procedural difficulties expats face with Thai immigration.

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Richie-Rich ********

I’ve found Patong immigration office to be quite easygoing in general, but haven’t tried extending in my DTV yet. The immigration office in Phuket town was very bad when I had to get a medical extension before I got DTV. Made me pay and treated me pretty badly because of a TM-30 issue.

a month ago

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richie-Rich *******

appreciate the experience info. I will keep that in consideration. I actually didn’t even realize there was more than one immigration office in Phuket until you mentioned it. Very good to know.

a month ago

Richie-Rich ********

@Josh *******

yeah, I used to get all my extensions and stuff done at Patong without any issues at all. They didn’t even check TM-30 afaik. Only thing I’ve done there since DTV was my 90 day reporting and that was super quick and easy.

a month ago

Reply to

Richie-Rich ********

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for your time and effort. The Catch-22 is that in order to obtain a Thai drivers license, I’m going to need a residence certificate. In order to get a residence certificate, I need to file a TM 47. And even though I’ve already filed one TM 47, I understand, extending out of country will reset the 90 day clock. My IDP expires in seven months, which gives me enough time, but procedurally forces me to cut it close regardless of how well ahead I plan.

a month ago

Stuart *********

@Josh *******

The office is closed tomorrow.

a month ago

Stuart *********

@Josh *******

You’ve picked up old information from somewhere. Bangkok used to have that rule where you needed to have done a 90 day report before they’d issue a COR. They stopped that quite a while ago now.

Anyone can get a COR on any visa type.

You’ll need a copy of your passport data page, a copy of your latest entry stamp, a print of your DTV Visa, a passport photo and a printed TM30.

If you’ve been in Thailand for 90 days then you will have needed to file a 90 day report.

You’ll apply in the old 101 office which is the entrance to the left of the main staircase.

[edit] Forgot to mention they’ll charge 500 baht if you want it same day. Free if you wait 7 days.

a month ago

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Wow, that is very encouraging! I will inquire with immigration in Phuket town next week Re COR. Much appreciated, Stewart. Thanks for all you do.

a month ago

Reply to

Josh ********

Ettie *********

Extension in Phuket was successful for us. 👍🏻 We had all documents ready to go and took maybe couple hours. Traveling even to KL takes a lot longer 😊

a month ago

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ettie ********

Thanks, Ettie. That’s encouraging. Were you able to prove your bank funds using a non-Thai bank account? As I understand it I have close to a zero chance of opening a bank account here on DTV.

a month ago

Ettie *********

@Josh *******

it was no problem for an international bank account. We presented 1 month bank statement and logged in with the bank app on our phone to show the funds as well 👍🏻

a month ago

Josh ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ettie ********

I will visit immigration next week in Phuket Town to try and get the ball rolling, and bounce only if it makes sense to doing so.

a month ago

Reply to

Josh ********

Rory *********

Flyby out and in so much easier no questions

2 months ago

James ********

Forget trying to get the 180 day extension from your local Thai Immigration office.

@Stuart ********

, a member of the Thai Immigration volunteer Staff in Phuket, is correct.

2 months ago

Esmael ********

Just do a mini vacation. They want too many stuff such as a photo of you at home, bank verifications, multiple trips to immigration, etc. Just less of a headache to leave and come back. Work 6 months, take a break, and come back and grind again

2 months ago

Stuart *********

It’s not going to happen. Well to be fair it has happened in the past for a very small handful of people, but my guess is they won’t try again.

Immigration don’t want to do the extension so will do anything to make it almost impossible to do.

If you want to make 6 or 7 trips to immigration to actually achieve an extension then go ahead and try.

Otherwise do yourself a favour and visit KL for a weekend or even fly there in the morning and return the same afternoon for a new 180 day stamp.

Alternatively drive to Ranong and get the speedboat across to Myanmar and come back in 30 minutes.

2 months ago

Heinz ***********

@Stuart ********

why immigration don’t like/want to do the extension?

2 months ago

Anonymous ******************

@Heinz **********

They may prefer extending some visa types and not others...

2 months ago

Heinz ***********

Anonymer Teilnehmer 987 Obviously … and I‘d like to know why.

2 months ago