Why do I need a 30-day tourist extension before applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Mar 9, 2023
2 years ago
Bruce ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Talking to a mate yesterday he entered Thailand from Lao at Nong Khai got 45 days on entry so the 45 days are nearly up so he went to Kalasin Immigration yesterday to a apply for a Non O visa based on retirement. They told him he has to now apply for a 30 day tourist extension then a Non O after that. l will be doing the same thing except from Swampy and everything l have read l don't remember reading about a 30 day extension before the Non O. Have l missed something or maybe just the Kalasin Office rules?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A discussion about the requirement for a 30-day tourist visa extension before applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand. It highlights how some immigration offices may have specific rules, such as needing to have 15 days remaining on your current visa to apply for a new visa.
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Ellie *******
It's not because of the entry point to Thailand or immigration offices. It's because you need to have at least 15 calendar days or more remaining on your current stamp when you apply for an initial in-country Non-immigrant visa (for any reason) at most offices (Chiang Mai has a minimum 15 WORKING days policy) on your tourist entry. That's the reason why that immigration officer had him apply for 30 days tourism extension so that he could have more than the minimum remaining days.

You can apply for an in-country visa immediately without 30 days tourism extension no problem as long as you meet all other requirements even if you entered on visa-exempt.
Bruce ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thank you for your clear explanation.
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