DTV Extension in Chiang Mai – my experience 🫤

I recently tried to extend my Destination Thailand Visa in Chiang Mai instead of doing a border run – and here’s what happened:

🕰️ 6 weeks before my end of stay – gathering information



Immigration told me:

* There is exactly one officer responsible for the DTV.

* He checks documents at 3 pm daily and, if all is fine, gives you an appointment for the actual extension.

* Nobody else can process DTVs.

🕰️ 3 weeks before – first attempt

I showed up at 3 pm with all documents. The officer asked for passport, 90-day report, rental contract, company docs, CV, savings of 500,000 THB at a traditional bank (not a Fintech) … I had everything! Then he came up with something new: an official bank letter confirming:

1. The account is in my name.

2. The 500,000 THB have been there for at least 1 month.

My bank statements for the past 3 months were not accepted.

I was told to come back with this letter.

🕰️ 2 weeks before – second attempt

Monday, 3 pm: I returned with the bank letter. The officer didn’t show up. Staff told me he was “too busy” and asked me to come back again on Thursday.

🕰️ 1.5 weeks before – third attempt

Thursday, 3 pm: Same story. After waiting an hour, I was told I could leave my documents, but there was no guarantee they would ever be checked – or that I’d get an extension.

👉 At that point, I gave up and planned a border run instead.

💡 Takeaway:

* In Chiang Mai, extending the DTV seems almost impossible.

* Even with full documents, it's a hit and miss.

* My advice: If you live here, plan for a border run to save time and nerves.

Btw, if you’re German-speaking and want more detailed insights in German, feel free to check out my page.

Has anyone recently extended their DTV at Pattaya Immigration? My first 6 months expire at the beginning of October and I’d like to know which documents are required for the extension.

Please don’t suggest leaving the country, if it’s really impossible to extend, I’ll take a short trip abroad, but otherwise I’d prefer to extend.

Thanks.

Hi all, anyone has successfully done dtv extension in Pattaya?

Border Run Question...

My next 6 month DTV extension thing is due toward the end of september

6 months ago i just did a quick 1 day border bounce from chiang mai to laos

I am thinking of doing that again, to avoid the paperwork involved with the immigration office

But don't know how strict they are at the moment about this kind of thing

Am I perfectly fine to do it again? Or am i better off booking a couple of weeks vacation somewhere, then flying back in?

Any advice is kindly appreciated

Sharing my successful DTV extension experience at Chiang Mai Immigration (Workaction category). Took 2 visits, but I was approved for the full 6-month extension. Yes, it was a lot of documentation to provide, but I'm happy with taking this route for the 1,900THB fee over funding a border bounce. I hope this information is helpful to somebody out there!

What I Submitted:

* Passport

* TM7

* Copy of passport bio page

* Copy of visa page in passport

* Copy of entry stamp in passport

* Copy of TM30 (printout from landlord)

* Copy of 90-day report (and had to show the original)

* Bank account verification letter

* 3 months of bank statements (originally provided 6 but the officer gave 3 back to me)

* Printout of the current bank account balance (printed from my bank's website)

* Job offer letter

* Employment verification letter

* Resume

* Portfolio

* Employment agreement

* Copy of Rental Lease

* 3 months of rent payment slips

* STM.2, STM.9, STM.11 (basic acknowledgment and consent forms on Thai visa/immigration laws. provided at the office, quick to fill and sign)

Final Thoughts:

* You can apply up to 45 days before your current stamp expires. Highly recommend using that window.

* Foreign bank accounts *are* accepted, but the officer required a bank verification letter (in addition to printed statements). My bank (U.S.-based) simply provided a letter with my name, account info, and balance. That seemed to do the trick.

* Didn't apply to me, but I was told that while we must show the equivalent of ฿500K held in the same account for 30+ days, shared accounts may be asked to show ฿1M

* One officer at this branch seemed to specialize in the DTV requests. He was helpful and professional, and openly acknowledged the inconsistency in how extensions are handled across Thailand.

If you're applying for your DTV 180-day extension at immigration, make sure to do so at least two weeks before your visa expires.

This was a small but important detail I wasn’t aware of. Despite preparing a very comprehensive document package to support my application, I was turned away because I applied only 10 days before my visa's expiration date.

The immigration officer was very helpful and suggested I do a visa run instead.

I flew out to Malaysia and returned via Phuket Airport. Note: Arrivals are now required to complete a digital arrival card in advance. Honestly, this streamlined the entire process. You’ll have the option to list your employment - I listed myself as Founder and CEO of my own corporations, which I operate remotely - and you can also include your visa number for immigration reference.

Thanks to the new digital system, the entire re-entry process was smooth and hassle-free.

Edit: I had applied through Phuket Immigration Office.

For the second time I do the 90 day report, I can do it online right? What do I need to prepare in order to complete it online? Thank you

Went to extend the DTV, was told I need to have the 500k in my account for the 30 days prior has anyone else experienced this - booked a land border run through loas and hoping that will be ok - any advice would be appreciated!

DTV extension.

The officer said came back next week and bring back bank certificate that must be last updated and new employee recommendation with new date.

He said other documents are all ok and also suggest to make 90 days report. I think he will be approved if i can give those documents.

But

I just wanna know because he does not give new appointment for me. When i come back next week, I think Officer will be randomly selected .

Can Another officer know officer today suggestion by searching in the system ?Or, will another officer start from beginning when i come back immigration?

Do I need the Tm30 report for my 90 days dtv extention? If yes where will I get it ?