What should I do if my visa extension paperwork is delayed and I'm facing potential overstay in Thailand?

Oct 9, 2018
6 years ago
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My school has not received my paper work from the education department to extend my visa. My stamp is for October 8th. The staff at my school says they should get it this week and the 5-7 days overstay isn't a problem as it's been backlogged at the education department and it's not my fault. Can I believe this? I've never had a single day overstay in 15 years.
2,548
views
2
likes
61
all likes
32
replies
2
images
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is experiencing a delay in receiving visa extension paperwork from their school, with a visa stamp set to expire on October 8th. They express concern about a potential overstay of 5-7 days due to the backlog at the education department. Community responses emphasize that despite the circumstances, any overstay is ultimately the individual's responsibility and can result in fines. Some suggest being proactive and communicating with immigration authorities, while others describe similar experiences where immigration was understanding. The conversation reflects the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding visa compliance in Thailand for expats.
Robert *******
As the problem seems to be solved, the OP just replied he informed Immigration and will go into overstay and is expecting to pay the fines I close the commenting. Lets all hope he will during this overstay not checked by any official. Good luck.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Correct
Ron *******
That's because children under 15 years old are not fined for overstay.

Nothing to do with you or the school.
Ruben ********
And thailand is awesome again
Ruben ********
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My daughter was going to school here several years ago. When we were clearing immigration the officer said she had overstayed by 60 days and was upset. After his supervisor told him she was here going to school she was free to go and didn't have to pay a single day overstay. I followed everything her school had told me and I knew the immigration rules concerning her situation.
David ************
Yes Immigration will be very sympathetic. They will then tell you what your fine is and put an overstay stamp in your passport.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ***********
not worried.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm expecting to pay the 5-7 days. What I'm trying to convey is if you find yourself in that situation go to the immigration immediately they are there to help answer questions as what to do. I am doing what I was told. No problem here.
David ************
@Leo ********
yes. And I know students who overstayed and paid fines. So yes it can happen. Not saying it will but they can and do.
Robert *******
Some people got lucky, they should by lotery tickets. And past performance is no guarantee
David ************
@Leo ********
in the news they are now.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ***********
never had the police ask about immigration matters.
Robert *******
NO, I always made sure that I never came in the situation of overstay. It is simply not allowed in Thailand and I respect the rules as a guest in this country.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Have you read the above messages? I reported to the immigration department and the know and understand the situation. Are any of you making comments here on a Ed visa and been in this situation? Including going to the immigration department concerning 5-7 days overstay and why?
David ************
@Leo ********
also consider if you get stopped by the police and it's expired.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Expected
Ruben ********
It's almost seems like the entity supplying the paperwork has to pay an administrative fee to get the paperwork.
Robert *******
I totally agree with the School. It is not their problem. You as the one with the passport with ovestay goes in jail, get fined in court and deported. The school just sign up another student and continue with normal day lessons. No problem.
Darren *********
Yes overstaying IS our/your responsibility. However I do sympathise in some cases as when your waiting for an employer to produce the correct paperwork it can be a nightmare (here). I generally start to hassle EVERYONE involved in getting my paperwork sorted months in advance and even then it usually goes down to the last few days. Also, I think looking at some of the recent posts, overstay at the moment is definitely NOT ok, maybe you should show them the recent posts about being deported - email, message and tell every single person involved in your paperwork asap. Unfortunately it means being a ‘proper pain in the ass’ people will tell you to relax and that it’s ok - until it isn’t.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seems the immigration officer was sympathetic as well. He said he understands the situation at the education department and says it's normal here. Not the same as just overstaying and acting like it's no big deal. He was helpful including issuing a new departure card as that was lost through the process as well.
Darren *********
Ron *******
Immigration must now have a book of 'Its ok for Jack to be on overstay as he has notified us'.
Biff *******
So, the people who aren’t overstaying their visa, in fact people who’ve never even had a visa because they don’t need one in their own country have told you that overstaying a visa is ‘no problem’?

No problem for them obviously.
Ron *******
You really shouldn't keep telling yourselves that overstay isn't your fault and isn't a problem. YOU overstayed, its YOUR fault and YOUR problem.

***********************************************************
*******
/08/expired-visa-deportation/
Ruben ********
Complain complain complain.

They are neglecting their duty and putting you in a position where you could go to prison for overstay.

Just keep saying you are scared of going to prison and the paperwork magically appears the next day.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes that's what the school told me. No problem just pay 500 baht per day. Can only be
*****
baht maximum. No prom prom. Lol
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just went to immigration and and they said it's no problem as the education department is so backed up. They said some people are paying up to 30-40 k for overstay. Something🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟Y???
Ruben ********
@Leo ********
Don't overdo it and ask to stay at their house during the overstay to protect you from the police or that you want it in writing that they won't give you the paperwork because they "forgot" it.
John ***************
Just so sad that it's not our fault we have to suffer the consequences and need to pay from our own pockets.
John ***************
I had the same case before but the local immigration in my place said that I need to pay ฿500/day as penalty because my papers are incomplete and I actually did pay per day.
Leo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How many days did you pay? Did immigration give you a hard time or are they more relaxed as they know it's not our fault?
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice