Why was I unable to obtain a 30-day extension for my tourist visa at Samut Sakhon Immigration?

Question

I just left the Samut Sakhon Immigration Office.  My goal was to obtain a 30 day extension for my 30 day tourist stamp.  I was unsuccessful today.  Figured I'd share my experience for others.

I entered the country on March 15th at BKK.  I received a 30 day tourist stamp.

At Samut Sakhon Immigration, the first step I was given at the information desk was to register where I was staying.  My Thai family was with me so that was easy enough.  We had to go across the street to get some documents copied.  My sister in law needed her house book and Thai ID, which she had.  No problem, 10 minutes.

Once that was completed, we went back to the information desk to begin the process of getting the 30 day extension.  The guy at the desk told us that the extension could not be issued the same day as registration of where I am staying.  He also said that the 30 day extension could not be issued until a few days before the current stamp expires.  So, we'll be making a trip back.

Everything I've seen here seemed to indicate that the 30 day extension could be issued anytime.  Apparently, that's not the case at Samut Sakhon.  I also get that every office does their own thing, so maybe that's what's going on here.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user shares their experience attempting to obtain a 30-day extension for their tourist visa at the Samut Sakhon Immigration Office. Initially, they registered their place of stay with the help of their Thai family but were informed that they could not receive the extension on the same day as the registration. Instead, they were told to return a few days before their current stamp expires. Other commenters confirmed that different immigration offices may have varying rules with respect to issuing extensions.

Wim ******** · Answer

perhaps your thai family did not make a TM30 registration, and then issues can happen when you want to make an extension.

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ไมเคิล ********** · Answer

Diversity in local practices across local immigration offices... Not uncommon, certainly frustrating at times. Live and learn. You'll get'em next time 😉

Andrew *********** · Answer

Unfortunately every office has different rules and every immigration officer goes by his own set of rules haha. Go another day and it all could be different. That's why we love Thailand TIT

Ellie ******* · Answer

Thank you for the report. Yes, there are offices that accept tourism extensions only within the last week or few days, such as Jomtien, Samui, Pha Ngan, etc. Now we know Samut Sakhon, too.

Sorry, you have to make two trips for your tourism extension.

Thank you again.

Why was I unable to obtain a 30-day extension for my tourist visa at Samut Sakhon Immigration?

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