What is the process for transferring my visa extension stamp to a new passport in Thailand?

Question

Hello!  In February, 2023, I have plans to apply for a new non-O retirement extension (this is my “normal” time to apply) intentionally using a passport which expires in January, 2024. I do this because I’d prefer my extension application date to be a few months earlier than it currently is, and I think(?) this will accomplish that - I believe they will only give me this next extension up to the passport expiry date.

However, I think I just read that immigration adopted a new policy in August, 2013 which requires me to start the entire visa process over using the new passport; this implies that simply going to immigration with both passports and requesting they transfer the stamp is no longer an option.  As I’ve seen discussions on stamp transfers, I suspect this is incorrect information(?).

I will apply for and receive a new passport while in the US. Assuming the information in my second paragraph is incorrect, other information via Internet suggests that no embassy letter is required when I go to transfer the extension stamp as long as my arrival stamp is in the new passport. So, I would arrive in Thailand carrying two passports, desiring that the official put my arrival stamp in my newer passport. Will that occur automatically once I point out what’s going on, or will I have to try and convince the officer to do this?

As you can see, I’ve some conflicting information and it’s my first time renewing passport while on a long-stay visa and I’d appreciate your expert help in ironing all this out. Thanks much.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user plans to apply for a Non-O retirement extension in February 2023 using a passport expiring in January 2024. There is confusion about whether they can transfer their visa stamp to a new passport without starting the application over. Commenters clarify that applying early won't extend the expiration date of the visa past the passport's expiry. They also note that the policy has changed, and the user will need to apply for a new yearly extension whenever their passport expires. However, upon entering Thailand with two passports, the user should receive their arrival stamp in the new passport automatically, and they likely won't need an embassy letter for the stamp transfer.

Tod ********* · Answer

When you fly in with TWO passports you will get the arrival stamp in the new passport then you go get the stamps moved, and immigrations should know that you entered with two passports (meaning you didn't get a new passport here) so you shouldn't need the letter.

Tod ********* · Answer

You're confusing several things...

When you apply for an extension EARLY it doesn't move the yearly expiration date. At most offices you can apply for a new yearly extension when you have 30 days or less left on your current one and they ADD the new year extension to your current expiration date (meaning your extension expires the same date year after years)

BUT when you apply for a yearly extension on a passport that isn't valid for the whole year, you only get an extension until the passport expires, SO in your case when you apply you will only get an extension until Jan 2024.

The part you're confused about is AFTER you get your passport renewed you USED TO BE ABLE TO show up with both passports at the immigration office and they'd give you the rest of the time on your yearly extension free.. Now they do not and the expiration date you get when a passport expires before the year is up becomes you NEW extension expiration date from then on, and when it comes up you go apply for a new yearly extension like normal.

What is the process for transferring my visa extension stamp to a new passport in Thailand?

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