When should I go to immigration for a visa extension if my return flight is before the expiration of my visa-exempt stay?

Aug 30, 2021
3 years ago
Donnie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So my question is hopefully fairly simple. I came here July 29 on Visa exempt, which gave me 45 day stamp upon arrival which expires Sept 11. In order to get COE I had to purchase return flight, as I’m sure y’all know. Typically I would go about 3 days before stamp expires to get extension but my return flight is Sept 8. Should I go to immigration before the 8 since that is date of my return flight or should I go sooner? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster arrived in Thailand on a visa exemption that allows a 45-day stay, expiring on September 11. The return flight is scheduled for September 8. Community responses indicate that there's no need to visit the immigration office if leaving before the visa expired, as they will be stamped out at the airport. However, if the OP wishes to extend their stay, they should go to immigration before the expiration date, typically when 30 days are left on the stamp.
Benjamin ******
I pulled down a bunch of comments that were COMPLETELY unrelated to the OP. The OP is using Jomtien immigration office. The time required to submit a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism MAY BE different than Kanchanaburi (or wherever). Please keep on topic.
Tod *********
I take it you aren't leaving on the 8th?

If that's the case, they aren't gonna care at all when your return flight is because you don't show that when you get an extension. You only needed it to get the COE to get in the country

Most offices will let you go get an extension when you have 30 days or less left on your current stamp and some will let you go when you have 45 days or less left on it (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Buriram, etc). What immigration office are you using?
Donnie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I plan to go to Jomtien, thanks for the info, I was just worried ( yes I am a big worrier)that if they don’t extend for 30 days or maybe even 60, I would have to purchase another flight to leave.
Tod *********
@Donnie ******
you are allowed one 30 day "regular" extension on a visa exempt entry for 1900baht without any issues at all. Now whether you can get the 60 day covid extension or not is another thing and between you and the office you deal with AND that's if the program is still in effect when you need an extension

Good luck with it, dial back the worry just a notch, you're fine and will get the 30 day extension without too much trouble at all
Donnie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you very much, and not too worried about whether 30 or 60 day extension, will be getting Non O and then retirement anyway after extension…. Just buying time lol
Robert *******
You return on day number 8 and are allowed to stay until day 11. No need to visit an Immigration Office, you get stamped out of Thailand at the airport
Donnie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
sorry I failed to mention that I plan to stay and get Non O then retirement
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