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.