Thanks for the info. JD Gruen and

@Tod ********

, in the rare case that if I did apply for 30 day extension and was denied at immigration, do you know if I would only be given 7 days from the denial date to leave, or would it be 7 days added to my Feb 2 permission to stay stamp? (I'd assume the latter!)

Yes, understood. :) I just have additional worries, because of my long extended stays in LOS. Two previous entries ago (earlier this year), the IO took 5 minutes and appeared to be typing in notes into the computer from a bunch of my passport pages.

I don't think I remember being asked anything by an immigration officer when applying for an extension. I usually just show up when my number comes up, and look into the camera. :) If asked, I would probably just answer: visiting friends.

METV,

@T**

:)

Oh wow. Really? I didn't think they would allow to apply for an extension more than 30 days before permission to stay stamp expiry date! That's great. :)

I am one of the long time expats who posted recently about getting hassled/interviewed at my last entry, so I'm a bit wary of the extension possibly not going through.

Has anyone ever heard of, once someone is already in-country, getting an application for extension denied by the immigration office, based on long-term stay (5+ years)?

Unfortunately, that statement was incorrect.

Noteworthy Update:

Was asked what I was doing in Thailand. Asked if I had a GF here. Asked how long am I going to stay. First time being asked any questions out of all my entries. I had not been asked for any of the proofs: neither cash, nor ticket, nor hotel reservations (though I had legitimate proofs of all at the ready). Dressed smartly, not like a backpacker.

I was however verbally interviewed with suspicious tones. Three different officers were involved. Changed desks once. I'm not sure if it's because I have been here over 5 years & often, or the dozens of stamps in my passport from other countries here in Asia, the US, and Europe.. not sure what specifically would raise their concerns. Perhaps others have experienced the same recently. It just seems like in the last two years, going through this process has gone from slightly anxious, to very worrisome.

I made it through. Standard 60 day stamp. But I have a feeling I was lucky because I was traveling with friends who are enrolled in the expensive Thai Elite visa program, which includes 2 gold uniformed staff that shuttled us through the airport walkways and ushered us into the VIP line. They went ahead of me, and, of coarse, proceeded instantly with no problems. Had I not told the immigration officers I was here to visit them (pointing to the Thai Elite VIPs that had just passed through their desks), I might possibly not have received the standard stamp.

Cool, just checking. I have a lot of history in my passport (lots of Thailand, but also tons of stamps from other regions) and last time I came through a month ago, the immigration officer stared at my passport, flipping through all the pages for a full 5 minutes, seemingly making notes in the computer, before finally letting me pass.