When is the best time to apply for a tourist visa extension in Koh Phangan, Thailand?

Visa Extension Tourist Visa Immigration Koh Phangan Thailand Visa Rules TM.7 Form Visa Application Process

April 4, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good morning everyone!  Apologies, I have asked a similar question before.  I'm in KPG writing this 10 days into my Visa Free entry stamp.  My intention is to extend this.  Someone in this room did mention to wait until a week before the expiry of my Current Visa-free permit if I was to apply at immigration on this Island.  I would like to firm up ongoing plans, flights, bookings etc so ideally would like to head on in and apply now.  This leads me to this question?   Will they send me away?  Is it random depending on how busy the Officers might be?  Really only after personal anecdotes and I understand there's no real hard and fast rule.  Lastly, I have prepared my TM.7 form and passport photos.  Should I get a document of residence from the place I'm staying as well?  Thanks and look forward to hearing of any experiences.  Rog.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around applying for a visa extension for a visa-free entry in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Participants advise that the best time to apply is within the last week of your current visa-free stamp, as early applications may lead to being sent away by immigration officers. They recommend preparing all necessary documents, including a TM.7 form and residence proof, and suggest that the process can be influenced by office busyness and the applicant's demeanor. Personal anecdotes indicate that extensions are typically granted if all requirements are met, despite some uncertainties.

Henrik *****

If you go and apply in the beginning of the 30 days, it looks like you arrived at the wrong visa, especialy if your returnflight is around 60 days after arrival, them it seems like you allready had plans to stay 60 days, and then you should have made a 60 day touristvisa instead of 30 days visa excempt.

6 months ago

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

all sorted everyone!

Heads up, there’s no hard and fast rule. Can depend on how busy staff are and how respectful you are.

Visa extended not quite two weeks into my visa free entry stamp.

Have your photo copies , letter certificate from residence, photo, passport photo, form filled out correctly and no problem. Issued.

Thanks all for comments.

6 months ago

Henrik *****

It could also have worked in your favor, that songkhran is just around the corner, with closed offices, and thereby longer quques to be expected.

6 months ago

Reply to

Henrik *****

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

not beginning , more around two weeks before would be ideal. A week is cool though. Do you know if they ask for a letter from the accomodation?

6 months ago

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

onya Henrik

Henrik *****

Reply to

Henrik *****

Chris *******

Remember your extension gets added to the end of your stamp .

No reason you can't plan snd book.

6 months ago

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ******

true Chris but always that tiny bit of uncertainty. If for whatever apparent unknown reason they decline the extension application.

6 months ago

Brandon ************

@Roger *********

I've never heard of anyone being denied a tourism extension over the last 3 years that I've been in multiple visa groups. If you meet the requirements you get the extension.

6 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Mark ********

Keep an eye on Imm office closures for songkran! Gonna be busy office after! But your timing extension might be ok😎🙏

6 months ago

Rene ******

Here is what you need. Prepare the documents perfectly and arrive at 7am.

6 months ago

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thx Rene. Awesome.

6 months ago

Reply to

Roger **********

Brandon ************

There are 3 immigration offices in Thailand that only allow you to apply for a tourist extension during the last week of your existing stamp, and Koh Phangnan is one of them. If you go there before then you'll have to wait in line, only to be sent away and told to come back during that final week.

There's no reason that would affect your ability to plan and purchase flights though. Just plan around getting your extension during your last week on the island or do it after you fly somewhere else.

6 months ago

Roger **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

all good, just after personal anecdotes. cheers.

6 months ago

Reply to

Roger **********

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