What should expats know about visa extensions and office closures in Thailand?

Visa Rules Thailand Immigration Visa Extension Royal Ploughing Ceremony Overstay Penalties Planning and Preparation Expat Advice

May 18, 2023

2 years ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Quite a few people got caught out today as yesterday immigration offices were closed (not sure if all) for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. 

They were given overstay stamps as their entry stamp expired yesterday. 

When giving extensions for tourist or exempt entries all offices will allow you to go at least 7 days prior to your stamp expiration. Most will allow 30 days and some even 45 days prior. 

They add on the days so there is no downside to going early. 

Don’t leave it until the last day if you can help it. You could be caught out not realising it’s a holiday (or even the weekend). 

*Caveat. If you are changing the reason for an extension like marriage to retirement or tourist to retirement they’ll date it from the day you apply so you will loose the remaining days.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post highlights the importance of timely visa extensions for expats in Thailand, especially noting that immigration offices were closed for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which led to some individuals receiving overstay stamps. It emphasizes the benefits of applying 7 to 30 days before the expiration of tourist or exempt visas to avoid issues, encourages early visits to immigration offices to avoid holiday closures, and warns that changing the type of extension may result in the loss of remaining days on the current visa.

Debbie ******

appreciate the advice here!

2 years ago

Graham *******

PPPPPP!

2 years ago

Chris *******

If you fail to plan;

you plan to fail.

2 years ago

Jorge ****

I always file my visa extension request 2-4 weeks before due date to leave room for unforeseen events: rain, traffic, holiday, lunch hour, change of requirements, extra photocopies, wrong size picture, no more numbers for the day... just imagine one. One week before the 90 day report is due. Lose nothing, gain peace of mind.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I deleted the “being fined” part as they would have only been given a stamp saying “overstay fine waived due to closure”.

Still not something people would probably want in their passports.

2 years ago

Geoff ********

Ended up staying in a hotel waiting for them to open this morning🌄🙋

2 years ago

Reply to

Geoff ********

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