Answered7 years ago

When can I apply for a 30-day extension after entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption?

visa extension Thailand immigration visa rules 30-day visa exemption visa application timing

Ani *******

asked Aug 29, 2019

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Hi I'd like to know after etting a 30 day entry visa at the airport on arrival which will take me up to 9th October how long in advance can I apply for an extension of another 30 days? Do I have to wait till the first 30 days exires or can I apply eg 28th September. What date is the visa issued from the date of application or the date the previous visa expires? Thank you

Answer summary

After entering Thailand with a 30-day visa exempt entry, you can apply for a 30-day extension at an immigration office as early as two weeks before your initial visa expires. This means you can apply as early as September 22 if your entry date will take you to October 9. The extension will be added to the expiry date of your original entry stamp.

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Robert *******

There are over 70 immigration offices in Thailand, choose the office there where you like to stay during your holiday, not the other way around.

7 years ago

Ani *******

Thank you for your advice helpful. Some one suggested that Iaply from Chiang rai while I'm there as the office is less busy than Chiang Mai what do you think?

7 years ago

Ani *******

some one just mentioned that I should ask all you knowledgeable people if there will be any problem re-entering Thailand in January after one has been granted two 30 day visa permits. I have to fly back to Brazil from BKK and was hoping to stay 5 days more before I fly out. Do you forsee any problems?

7 years ago

Ani *******

thanks I'm not employed anywhere for money just been invited to give a few talks here and there it's not a job. but thank you I'll be careful not to say what I'm doing as such.

7 years ago

Robert *******

i see, i would not tell the world that you like to stay inside Thailand on a Visa Exempt Entry, employment prohibited because you are leading retreats and teaching for months.

7 years ago

Ani *******

Sorry my computer is not functioning well-something wrong with the key board so many errors

7 years ago

Ani *******

@Richard ****

not staying in a hotel or hostel staying at the New Life Foundation in Chaing RaiwhereI'm leading a retreat from 22-27th but planned to leave there on the 28th for Chiang Mai where I'll be teaching till end of Oct/Nov when Ileave for Burma. Someone suf=ggestedI do the extension in Chiang Rai but if I'm not staying there long they may not accept the applicatio-what do you think Richard?

7 years ago

Richard *****

@Ani ******

, if heading for CR and staying in a hotel then it’s easy and yes, immigration is usually empty with no one queuing. Took 30 mins to get our ‘retirement’ extension in all. Walked in a straight up to the desk. You should have no issues while there. If not staying in a hotel/hostel then make sure that your address is registered before applying for the extension. Form TM30. CR are quick but efficient and work by the book. Have fun!

7 years ago

Robert *******

You do NOT have a visa, you have the free 30 day Visa Exempt Entry and at most Immigration Offices you can apply between 30 days and the last date mentioned as Admitted until ../../.. stamp in your passport. You apply for an Extension of Stay, not for a visa and the 30 days will be added to your current stay, going early does not make you loose days.

7 years ago

Jan **********

dpending on your nationality you could apply visa on arrival or get visa exempt stamp (30 days)

7 years ago

Jan **********

-in most immigration offices you can apply 2 weeks before expiry

-date is calculated from expiry date of first visa on arrival/ visa exempt free stamp.

7 years ago