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Answered6 months ago

What should I do if I need a medical extension in Thailand after already using my 30-day visa extension?

Jason **********
asked May 3, 2026
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I need some FAST advice.

I’m in Thailand on a 60 day free visa (American) and then got a 30 day extension. My flight leaves tomorrow and Im under care from a Thai surgeon for a bacterial infection in my incision from a surgery 60 days or so ago.

I cannot take the letter I got from him today to immigration to request a medical extension or even find out if one would be available after getting the 30 day regular extension already.

I have to change my airfare home today and do what is medically advised for another couple weeks here or get on the plane against the surgeons advice.

My extension ends the 8th of May.

Issue is if i change flight today and immigration tells me sorry can’t extend even with medical certificate what do i do? Do they just extend under this type of circumstance even after I used the regular 30 day up already?

Thanks for fast advice.
Answer summary
The user is seeking urgent advice about extending their stay in Thailand due to a medical condition. They currently hold a 60-day visa that has been extended by 30 days, and their flight home is scheduled for tomorrow. However, they are medically advised not to travel due to a bacterial infection following surgery. Responses suggest that even after a previous extension, a medical extension may still be possible with a doctor's letter certifying their inability to travel. Various commenters recommend taking the doctor's letter to immigration promptly after the holiday, emphasizing the importance of professional medical advice and the potential for an additional 90-day extension under medical grounds. Concerns regarding the timing of flight changes and immigration policies were discussed, with suggestions to involve the hospital's administrative assistance for easier processing.
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Steve *******
Steve *******
Depending on the hospital, they might have a section just for these situations. They handle everything. You sign a few documents and they take your passport to immigration for you. I had this done some years back and I let the hospital handle it all. No stress. Dropped off my passport one day, next day or second day I went and collected everything. If the hospital can do it, they also can answer any questions immediately.
Gary *******
Gary *******
Talk to immigration, they can be very understanding if you explaine the situation. There can be a charge of 500 baht per day if going over your time but they can waive that.
Bob *****
Bob *****
You've gotten a lot of advice I won't add to it except to say if you do have an infection in the leg you should not get on the plane.

at the most you may pay a fine for overstay... but with the letter from your surgeon it should be fine. you're overthinking and over worrying. go to immigration tomorrow
Tia **********
Tia **********
It’s not easy to get medical extension if you still able walk to immigration office.

I ever done this for my American friend and found the way to help him to get medical extension in last minute and got 60 days extension.

At Bangkok hospital, Petchabiri rd. Branch in Bangkok has Visa Service to service hospital’s patients. On Saturday (I’m not sure it’s on every Saturday or every other Saturday), immigration office will come to do medical extension visa for hospital patients. They service charge is about 3900 thb.( I’m not sure).

My friend was OPD patient and needed to do physical therapy continuously for his numbness feet. I requested doctor to issue medical certificate for medical extension.

For your case, I suggest you to bring your medical certificate to consult with a doctor as an OPD patient at Bangkok hospital and request medical certificate for medical extension. If doctor issues certificate for you, so you can bring this dic+ passport to contact visa service center.
Bob *******
Bob *******
Why not just call immigration and ask them instead of listening to all the Facebook experts 🙄??
Mitchell *******
Mitchell *******
The hospital or someone would do on your behalf, and immigration will probably come visit you to make sure you aren't mobile.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
Take the letter to immigration and see what happens, if a surgeon says don't fly that's what they mean.
Larry *********
Larry *********
your not hospitalized so its not stopping you from a short flight out to a neighboring country to recover a few weeks. then you can fly home. my take is you want to stay longer and the minor infection is your excuse. just own up to it.
Victor **********
Victor **********
Never go against your surgeon's professional advice. Reschedule your flight for a later date. Ask the hospital to assist with the paperwork for the medical extension.
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
You should be able to get a medical extension (up to 90 days) if your surgeon says you can't fly. If you can't go to immigration in person an agent can do it; they will need to visit you to get some things signed to allow them to do this. It may be preferable to have an agent do it anyway as it may be a stronger indication you cannot move personally.

I'd change the flight to a time your doctor thinks you will be able to leave and attempt to get the extension.
Gordon ********
Gordon ********
Hospital can extend for you, ask them.

Also call Tourist Police 1155, and they can arrange for immigration to come to you
Carlos *********
Carlos *********
Get a medical extension with the hospitals help if they will supply it.
Michael **********
Michael **********
If you ate medically exempt, stay, sort your documentation and go to immigration even if it is a day or 3 late, they can fix at immigration. Delay your flight for the time you need, end of.
Succ*****
Succ*****
Get on the plane.
Paul ******************
Paul ******************
Succondis I'm curious to know why you suggest flying against medical advice which can invalidate insurance and endanger health?
Alain ***************
Alain ***************
Every (private) hospital i visited in Thailand had some sort of a immigration communication office or whatever i should call this. Bumrungrad can even get you sn extension on the 10th floor. Unless it’s a DTV. They should know what to do in your case. You’re not the first one in this situation. If you’re in a rural thai hospital, you probably have to contact a reputable visa agent and ask for advice
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
Alain Alä Pfaeffli it shouldn't matter if it's a DTV or anything else as a medical extension is not based off what visa you were on.
Fabian *****************
Fabian *****************
Jason get well soon. If it was me. I would rebook flight home and apply for extension for medical reasons. If in hospital care, ask for assistance from them.

If a medical condition prevents you from leaving Thailand within your 60-day permitted stay, you can apply for a medical-related extension.

Duration: Typically, a 90-day extension is possible, but this is at the discretion of the Thai immigration officer.

Requirements: You must provide documentation from a Thai hospital or a physician detailing the treatment plan, that you are fit to stay, or that you are too ill to fly.

If Hospitalized: If you are hospitalized, ask a hospital representative to assist with obtaining the extension, as a representative can often handle the application.
Tohksic ******
Tohksic ******
A few hrs on a plane are not gonna kill you. A few days in immi detention if u get stopped/ID'd anywhere other than the airport however, just might give that infection time to do just that.
Stefan ******
Stefan ******
Medical advice via FB is very rarely a good idea. Having said that your description fits a pretty wide spectrum of conditions. Are you hospital-bound with multiple infusions a day or do just have to take some pills and do some wound dressings? Lots of unknowns here. If your condition is somewhat serious then yes, best way is obv not to fly and probably contact one of the usual big name visa agencies.
Narelle *********
Narelle *********
If i were you, i would contact “Thai visa Centre” NOW they are experts for these kind of situations and can act on your behalf with immigration.
@https://www.faceboo********************
?
Brent *******
Brent *******
Get on the fkn plane!
Peter *****
Peter *****
ring a agent to take your letter to imigration
Paul ********
Paul ********
Contact Thai Visa Centre
Narelle *********
Narelle *********
Paul Wallis agree!!
Roger **********
Roger **********
Was your Dr at a hospital? If it was one like BDMS or Bamrungrad Hospital, they have people who can help on the visa issue.

Otherwise, Tomorrow is a public holiday here, but get to an immigration office on Tuesday, with all documents plus the letter and your changed ticket.
Jason **********
Jason **********
OP
I suppose my biggest concern is that I need to change airfare as of today and normally I’d think that a visa extension should be approved first but it sounds like since I have a surgeon stating I have an infection and he’d prefer me stay for care here for 2 weeks I’ll be ok switching airfare and on the 5th after holiday taking letter to immigration since I’m effectively good on current t extension until the 8th.

Thank you all. That’s the gist of what I’m reading hope im interpreting it correctly
Rodger **********
Rodger **********
You need to talk to immigration……should have already done it so you wouldn’t be pressed on time with airline!
Lana ***********
Lana ***********
I wouldn’t fly home with such an infection - your insurance might not cover treatment if you do something against doctor’s advice. Plus, if infection is visible, you might not be allowed on the flight by a crew. I’d take my chances and change flight, and if immigration wouldn’t extent - I’ll go by bus or train(?) to Malaysia or something and request medical visa from there
Jonathan **********
Jonathan **********
You don’t have a visa, you have a visa waiver, there is a big difference. Getting surgery on a visa waiver is as rather idiotic of you. But since you are here in just one waiver and one extension, you might try a boarder bounce. Stay two nights in Vientiane, and then come back across the boarder with your doctor’s note. Or you could just go up to Vientiane and visit the consulate and apply for a genuine 90 day tourist visa and all the complications will be resolved.
Brook ********
Brook ********
You say you are under care, but not hospitalized?

What city are you in?

Your answers make a difference.

If you are under care, you can go to immigration with your doctor's letter and perhaps get a 7-day extension.

If you are in a hospital, most major hospitals have an office that handle inpatient visa issues for you.

Honestly, this should have been initiated weeks ago.
Jason **********
Jason **********
OP
I’m under care by a surgical doctor after a tummy tuck healed I got bacteria in tissue and am under same surgeons care for daily cleaning of an open wound that cannot be closed until 100% bacteria infected tissue is all removed and cleared. He’s ok with writing letter for a month or two as an infection that’s uncleaned for a 24 hour plus flight back to US could become massive issue as it’s also time before flight between his last cleaning and the next cleaning in USA (any American knows that’s not the day I arrive back). I am in Bangkok, I do have a surgeon willing to put 30-60 days under his care for open wound infection post operation, and I do have condo rented for another month. I also have significant cash still on hand as well as credit that I can show. The only issue I had was the concern I was cancelling a 1st class flight home without a guarantee of extension for medical because the immigration offices are closed until the 5th my flight was today.

I decided I’d risk it and hope Thai government approves extension for atleast a month with surgeons letter.
Brook ********
Brook ********
Jason Campbell poor planning and even worse decision making.

You are now subject to arrest, detention, fines and forced deportation should you come into contact with police.
Jason **********
Jason **********
OP
Brook Powers based on what? My 30 day extension that expires on the 8th? Literally 3 days from now? Or the fact that I canceled my airfare home on the 4th? Or maybe my “poor” planning that I had a surgery 2 months ago and 7 days ago had a bacterial infection appear in the tissue at what point my surgeon started monitoring and clearing the wound? Arrest? I think not. I don’t think the Thai government arrests 50 year old men that spend $100+ USD a day in their country, smile daily even when in pain, help others around him, is genuinely kind, and also has the ability to leave their country if necessary before my visa expires on the 8th as it would only be money that is spent on cancelling and booking a new flight if they deny a medical extension on the 5th. I’m amazed at the advice here but seriously fear isn’t one of my weaknesses, and my visa is good until the 8th and immigration holiday ends tomorrow the 5th 😊
Ursula *********
Ursula *********
Brook Powers He still has an extension until the 8th.
Itellth********
Itellth********
Brook Powers Why do people insist on giving advice while being clueless? Its 90 days with the letter.
Brook ********
Brook ********
Itellthetruth33 it’s 7 days with an inadequate or unacceptable letter.
Itellth********
Itellth********
Brook Powers Incorrect. A 7 days extension is available to everyone and unrelated to medical. Anyone can get 7 days but most never does it because in most cases its stupid.
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
Brook medical extension is typically 90 days, technically it's whatever the doctor asks for but usually they give the full 90. 7 days is typically when they reject an extension.
Braulio *********
Braulio *********
Fly to KL, stay awhile, go home
Betty *********
Betty *********
How long has the surgeon advised you to stay home ? Are you stuck in bed,?

Can you not go in a taxi to immigration with the letter ?

You should have had the hospital to sort that out for you while there!
Betty *********
Betty *********
If you cannot go out from home, who is helping you ?
Terry ***************
Terry ***************
Just go home
Jason **********
Jason **********
OP
This may be true except the surgical center I had my surgery at isn’t getting more money. They are cleaning and re dressing my wound daily. The surgeon does this cleaning, uses general anesthesia for deep cleaning now 3 times. Supplies me with antibiotics as well, ALL at not a single additional baht. So yes I’d had thought twice had they been charging me but they aren’t at all.
Melissa *******
Melissa *******
Jason Campbell that isn’t a reason to stay. It is nice. But, if you can make the flight you need to go home and take whatever care you have there.

Can stay because you like their healthcare and anything needed you’ll get at home.

It is pretty hard to medically be unable to fly without good reason this far out.

Doctor recommended and medically unable to fly are not the same and immigration will take unable. Not “recommended or aftercare” reasons.

Immigration hears stories and excuses all day every day and this is a classic. So be prepared to prove you have no way to extend, leave or contact them.

Hard sell.
Dean ******
Dean ******
Terry Bill McGinty That's what I would do also.
Terry ***************
Terry ***************
Dean Dana yeah, nothing to stop him going home apart from the surgeon's advice, the same surgeon who's getting paid if he stays and continues getting treatment in Thailand.
Jason **********
Jason **********
OP
Terry Bill McGinty I get it “just go home” is simple, except when this is what’s on your side, covered by gauze and infected tissue still remains as it drains fluids that soak an inch of gauze 4x4 in a matter of hours…….yeah please I don’t want the medical advice, I’m not being played for money as they aren’t charging me at all for this as I stated. All I came here for was simple advice on medical extension being something I could get after using both the 60 day entry and 30 day visa extensions. I came here asking because I had to make a decision to cancel airfare and rebook as a high cost BEFORE I’d be able to have immigration decide on a medical extension due to the Thai Military program occurring and thus the closed immigration offices. Not everything is black and white, not once have I felt manipulated by my medical team for this surgery.
Vyasa ******
Vyasa ******
Besides infection, fresh suture line is closed at sea level or ground level not much higher here. Planes are pressurized but the pressure is to about equal to 10,000 feet, not sea or ground level. So, besides infection there might be other reasons why going to altitude so soon is unwise. Depends on surgery.
Sea *******
Sea *******
A medical extension is a separate category of stay. It is designed for situations exactly like yours, where a physician certifies that you are medically "unfit to travel".
Larry *********
Larry *********
@Sea ******
then hit the bars and beaches for an extended holiday. lol
Sea *******
Sea *******
Larry Wheeler That's a good idea. Thailand is the perfect place to healing heart, mind, and soul. 😁
John **********
John **********
You say your surgeon has already provided you with a letter to immigration stating you are unable to travel. It should mention the period of time he says you can't travel for. Take it to immigration and apply for an extension on medical grounds, the fact you've already had a 30 day extension is immaterial. If the hospital has a section to help with this get them involved, if not ask the surgeon if he'll give you his mobile number so immigration can call him if need be.
Chris ****
Chris ****
Take photos of the infection in case
Jim ********
Jim ********
If you are told you are not fit to fly then stay. Go to immigration tomorrow with your “not fit to fly” certificate and they will help you out
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
Jim Faulks except that immigration is closed tomorrow for a holiday.
Jim ********
Jim ********
Wannikea Wanblee ok the next day. Doesn’t make any difference
Brenton ******
Brenton ******
Just go over the border and come back. That'll give you 30 days or whatever it is now. A short trip is better than a 20 hour trip, and you'll be all good with immigration. You can then stay as long as you need to recover properly. Get a flight to Malaysia for the weekend or Luang Prabang.
Steve ********
Steve ********
If you overstay a short time (you are only talking 1 week), when you go through immigration at the airport, they will pull you aside and tell you to pay a fine of 500 THB/day. If you pay that, there is no prejudice in the future.

I cannot remember how many days you can overstay before prejudice - maybe 2 weeks? 30 days? but certainly one week is OK
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
Steve Keller Great as long as you dont get caught or have any interaction with police or immigration. Then it becomes a sh*t show
Nigel ***********
Nigel ***********
Steve Keller its 40 day's
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
Nigel it's 90 days without ban if you present yourself. If you are caught with any overstay (even 1 day) it's a ban from day 1 though. 40 days is when the fine maxes out, this just means the fine is 20k between day 40 and day 89, there is still no ban until day 90.
Jeremy ********
Jeremy ********
You can get One more week extension. Go on last day
Jean ************
Jean ************
Immigration will not give any days extra with just a letter written by a doctor, especially if you are able to go there yourself.
Sylvia ********
Sylvia ********
Jean Pacquement if letter states fit to fly, they extend on medical grounds
Jean ************
Jean ************
Sylvia Corley I guess you mean unfit. In any case, it is not so simple!
Sylvia ********
Sylvia ********
Jean Pacquement apologies
Itellth********
Itellth********
Jean Pacquement Incorrect. The 90 days extension is very simple.
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
While overstaying is not to be taken lightly, I would not fly against medical advice with an active post surgical infection, those can turn septic in hours. Your travel insurance will likely not cover you if you have issues in transit if you are flying against advice, and medical care in the air or in a third country after an emergency landing or medivac could easily hit the hundreds of thousands. Since you are still legal for a few more days, I would talk to a big name visa agent/solicitor first thing tomorrow morning to seek some sort of emergency extension or medical visa on your behalf. Do not try to navigate this yourself - you will get the best result from someone with relationships and knowledge of the system.
Paddy *****
Paddy *****
Deslea Selmes no big name needed. A quite straight forward when proper documents available.
Cliff *********
Cliff *********
Deslea Selmes there should be someone at the hospital that can assist with this.

Supposed he was in intensive care and could not do anything for himself.

Ask them.
Janet ********
Janet ********
I don't know what they would do, but I would fly home. (if I wasn't hospitalised)
Bent *************
Bent *************
Go and ask Immigration

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