Answered8 years ago

Will I be penalized for overstaying my visa if I leave Thailand just after it expires?

Thailand Visa Rules Visa Overstay Non-B Visa Visa Exemption Immigration Advice

Lawrence ************

asked May 8, 2018

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Good afternoon all. Just came off a non-b visa after 2 years and returned a few weeks later to BKK on 30 day exemption at the airport. It expires on 18 May and my flight out of BKK is on 19 May at 06.30 and I plan to return to Bangkok in 2 weeks. 

Will I be done for overstaying if I get stamped out on 19th morning? I could also do another quick visa run and return for my other flight but will that come across as odd or not?

Many thanks for your help.

Answer summary

A user is concerned about overstaying their 30-day visa exemption, which expires on May 18, while planning to leave Thailand on the morning of May 19. They are seeking advice about potential penalties and whether a quick visa run would be advisable.

7 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

Okay this comes up a LOT :/ IF you are leaving the country by AIR and it is within 24 hours of your stamp expiring the passport control officers at the airport usually waive the 500baht overstay fine and all they do is put a small stamp worded in thai next to your triangle departure stamp

8 years ago

Richard *********

Best to extend it at your local immigration office by another 30 days. Cost 1,900 baht. More expensive than a 500 baht overstay fine. But will be easier to obtain a visa in the future if you do not have this stamped in your passport. Also you could be arrested if there is a police check on your way to the airport and then deported although very unlikely. Just pointing out the possibilities...

8 years ago

Lawrence ************

@Richard ********

Thank you for all your help. I think I will just border bounce by air this week to avoid any problems. Thank you again 🙏

8 years ago

Richard *********

@Lawrence ***********

It depends what immigration office you go to. But once you are seen by an officer it is 5 minute process... As for doing another border bounce as it is called you can only do two of these per calendar year by land.

8 years ago

Lawrence ************

@Richard ********

Yes you are right, checking in would be a problem. Might just do a short visa run this week unless you think that will be detremental to future entries then i would rather extend it. Do you know how long it takes to extend the visa?

8 years ago

Richard *********

Lawrence Ching'anda I am pretty sure you can not check in for your flight 6 hours early. It is usually 3-4 hours before your flight. So impossible I thinks. There was an anouncement today from the consulate in Penang that anyone with an over stay stamp risks a high rate of refusal for a visa. Dont tempt fate. Just extend your current visa exempt entry. You can do this now. You do not have to wait until the admitted to stamp.

8 years ago

Lawrence ************

Thank you! Makes sense. 1900 is cheaper than a flight and hotel visa run. Or do you think if I just clear immigration before 12am it will be all good - hang out at the airport? 30 day extension for 1 day in country and I assume i will just get another 30 day when i return 2 weeks later.

8 years ago