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How to Extend Your Tourist Stay in Thailand: Thai Visa Extension Made Simpler

THAI VISA EXTENSION FOR SETV, METV AND VISA WAIVER

By John Belushi last updated on July 9, 2023

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When you are in Thailand, maybe you want to start a meditation retreat. Maybe you think you’ve fallen in love. Maybe you just want to sit around and drink beer while watching the waves crash on the seashore.

Maybe you are planning to find a job in Thailand (for which you would need a Thai work permit ).

And that’s when you realize you want to get a Thai visa extension or extend your visa-exempt entry. So a 30-day visa extension works out if you :

• Entered Thailand with a 60-day visa or SETV.
• Came with a 6-month visa or METV to Thailand.
• Entered with a visa waiver for 30 days (the Thai government has changed this visa waiver to 45 days starting from 1st October 2022 until March 2023). You can enter by land, sea or air.

And should you go for it, it’s really easy to go to the nearest immigration office and get it for 1900 THB. In reality, what you obtain is the extension of stay. You don’t get a visa sticker on your passport or anything. You simply get a stamp.

Table of Contents

How Many Thai Visa Waivers Can I Get & Extend?

There are a lot of conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.

My take is this: a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.

Personally, I think you would be fine since your last entry was a long time ago. But do have an onward ticket.

Which Border is the Best for Visa Run?

While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently.

You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take another train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.

And in case you want to try the Myanmar one, the Mae Sot border- what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand.

You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.

7-day Thai Visa Extension 1. Are you from Sri Lanka,India,Pakistan,Bangladesh, Iran,Nepal,Togo,Nigeria or Uganda? You can get a 7-day Thai visa extension only even if you entered with a SETV or METV. 2. Did you get 15 days visa waiver while entering Thailand? Then you can get a Thai visa extension for 7 days only. 3. Did you enter with a Thai visa on arrival for 15 days? You can get Thai visa on arrival extension for 7 days only for medical reasons.

What to Do about Onward Ticket for Thai Visa Extension?

This is something that a lot of folks have asked about in the comments. The thing about the onward ticket is that, while you do need it while extending the visa, there are a bunch of airlines that would not let you board if you don’t have one.

Been there and done that.

The best solution to this is to simply rent a flight ticket . There are a lot of other solutions that might or might not work for you. Here is a whole post on getting a travel itinerary for visa purposes.

Here is what you do. Rent the ticket a day or two before your original visa waiver or SETV runs out, without taking the extension into account. That means, if your SETV is for 60 days, you rent a ticket to leave Thailand on the 58th or 59th day.

Then once you are in Thailand, and when it is time for the extension, either buy a real ticket if you are gonna fly out or a bus/train ticket to Laos or some other country or rent a flight ticket again.

Do You Need Insurance for Thai Visa Extension?

No, for the extension itself, you don’t need insurance, although you would have gotten it in the first place for entering Thailand.

That being said, we always recommend to our readers that they are fully insured when they are traveling. And for what it’s worth, we believe at close to 10 USDs per week and covering almost everything including COVID, SafetyWing is one of the best providers.

This is something that we have already used ourselves. And if you are having doubts, here are 18 backpackers who could throw some light on why backpacker travel insurance is super important.

When to Get Thai Visa Extension

You must apply for a visa extension before your stay permit or visa expires!

I recommend planning to get your extension a week earlier. It is better to not wait until the last minute.

Where to Extend Thailand Tourist Visa

Each province has at least one immigration office. You can find the list of branches on the official website of Thailand Immigration . The office and its outbuildings act as a one-stop shop for the process.

You can also refer to this map for Thailand Immigration Offices, however, please note that sometimes the locations can change. Please do some homework before you show up.

You must visit in person to apply for the extension. The extension gives you an additional 30 days on your current entry.

New Location for Extension on Visa Waivers in Bangkok

There is a new location (because of Covid) for the extension of Visa Waivers in Bangkok: IT Square Laksi Plaza, 3rd Floor ( 8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

If you came with SETV to Thailand, then the location to get the visa extension is Chaeng Watthana.

Immigration offices are open Monday-Friday and closed on local holidays.

These locations in Bangkok have changed in the recent past. So make sure to confirm before showing up.

Here is Billy’s experience with Visa Extension in Ayutthaya .

It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.

The receptionist at immigration called my hostel, but not sure if actually checking that I was staying or just if it existed.

Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)

Then the office, where I was seen immediately. Around 10 minutes of her doing paperwork, a webcam pic, then you pay and another officer signs off on your passport. Takes up about 1/3 of a page.

(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)

Required Documents for Thai Visa Extension

To extend your stay, you will need:

• TM7 Extension of Temporary Stay form -Must include the complete address of your hotel or apartment
• A copy of your passport ID page
• A copy of your entry stamp or a copy of your visa, if you entered with one.
• Thai visa extension photo requirements:- 1 passport photo, 4x6cm
• 1,900฿ fee for extension paid in cash

Some immigration offices can ask for TM30 optionally. Usually they don’t since the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office. There have been cases where people dug up a screenshot of the filing done by the property manager from phone and business card, and that worked. But don’t count on luck.

All copies must be signed. There’s always a photocopier and a photoshop on-premise or nearby where these can be arranged for a small fee. 

Steps of Getting Thai Visa Extension

The whole procedure to extend Thailand visa is straightforward but it can be time-consuming. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the immigration office. The fastest I’ve completed an extension was in 30 minutes. 

Grab the TM.7 application form for Thai visa extension. It’s a 2-page form. You can also download TM.7 form here .

Complete the form. You will need to fill in your personal information, no. of requested days, the reason for the extension, address in Thailand etc. Then gather the necessary copies and a photo. Attach your photo to the designated area in the form and sign it.

Hand over your passport and paperwork to receive a queue number.

When your number is called you’ll approach the indicated desk and your photo will be taken. Pay the 1900 THBs at that time- cash only. You’ll be sent away and approximately 5-10 minutes later you’ll be called by your name.

This is when your passport is handed back to you with an extra stamp permitting an additional 30 days of stay. 

Whether you need 3, 13, or all 30 days; the process and the fee remain the same.

Important: Follow The Law

Now some people might be thinking, “Wow! 1900฿,  I only need 2 or 3 more days before I fly out. What if I don’t take the time and pay the money for an extension?”

There is an overstay penalty. Every day past your permission to stay is a 500฿ fine. This is usually discovered at departure. People get caught up, forget, change a flight, etc. You will get a stamp in your passport indicating you overstayed and how much you paid. In the past, if this is an honest mistake and you’ve overstayed a few hours to less than a day, the immigration officials at the airport may waive the fine. How does that happen? Maybe you’ve got a late night or early morning “red-eye” flight.

You arrive at the airport at 23:00 for your 1:30 flight. By the time you check-in and get processed by immigration, it could be after midnight. In this scenario, they are likely to waive the fine.

If you only call it an overstay fine, maybe it doesn’t sound so bad. The truth is you have broken the law. You are illegally staying in Thailand. This is no joke.

So, I would recommend you to get a Thai visa extension if you plan to stay longer.

How was your experience extending your Thai visa?

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Thai visa extension. If you want to add something that you experienced, do let me know. Please share if you think it’s useful.

Read More Thai Visa Experiences

• Thailand non-immigrant visa
• 60 Day Thailand Tourist Visa
• Thailand Work Permit Visa
• Thai Visa on Arrival
• 90 Days Report in Thailand
• Thailand Visa in Nepal

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclaimer policy  here. The Visa Project would by no means be liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, and any other online reservations that are made with any third-party provider.

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Reader Interactions

April 19, 2021 at 11:43 pm

How many times can a visa exempt traveler (flying in) extend? For example, Thailand is currently allowing a 45 day stay for visa exempt travelers. After that 45 days, one has the option to stay 30 more days. Beyond that, can this same tourist continue to extend without needing a border run, or how would that work?

April 20, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Aaron, After the first 30 day extension, you would need to make a border run. In some situations, you can get 7 more days, but that’s it really.

April 23, 2021 at 4:30 am

Hi again Deb,

Does the exentsion clock begin the day the extension is granted or received?

I have understood that with 15 days remaining, the extension would begin at the end of those 15 days to start the 30 anew (for a total of 45 days remaining). Is this true?

April 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm

Hi Aaron, The regular extension is added to the expiration date of your current stamp so that you wouldn’t lose any days. I you look at the extension pic in the article, you can see the date granted was 27 Mar but the date on the extension is 15 May. So it is a 30 day extension that means, it would actually be counted from 15th April.

October 28, 2021 at 5:17 pm

Hello, Is the limit to only one time 30 days extension for exempt holders still in place? Or can I extend twice 30 days now? In case of a border run, which one is the most convenient at the moment?

October 28, 2021 at 5:40 pm

Hi, You can extend for 30 days only once if you have a SETV. Not happening with exemption these days. The best option is to get a visa.

July 22, 2022 at 5:34 pm

Thanks for this topic hope you can help me. I just extended my visa to onother 30 days . Can i stay for 7 more . Because the reason my flight ticket is more than the i extend.please advice.

July 25, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Maricel, You can try the Covid extension for 60 days.

April 6, 2023 at 4:46 am

Hi.. after my 30 day extension visa last March, Ive done a visa run and got another 45 days. Can I have an extension again?

April 6, 2023 at 8:27 pm

Hi Nessa, I don’t see why not.

January 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm

Can you advise me I have a 30 day exempt visa from uk I want another 30 days so I apply at immigration making 60

I then leave for Laos for 30 Can I come back in again on another 30 day exemption. Even though I’m not starting from uk

How many times can I do this in a year?

January 30, 2024 at 3:57 pm

Hi Liz, Yes you can come back and stay and extend for 30 days again. That is fine. As per how many times, that’s always subjective. I would not recommend you to do it more than 4 times in a year but people have done it more than that in the past. Please feel free to read some comments.

Happy travels, Deb

January 2, 2022 at 10:27 am

I’m here in Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption from Australia and my girlfriend’s arrival from the Philippines has been delayed for a month until the 19th Jan. What are my best options? My visa exemption expires on 20th Jan. Also, can “visa agents” in Thailand be trusted? I’ve found some places in Bangkok that come and collect your passport and get your extension for you. Are they to be trusted?

January 22, 2022 at 4:25 pm

Personally, unless I know its a Gov official, NEVER hand over your passport to anyone. Not for a deposit hold, and certainly not for them to run off to do something for you. Go to immigration office yourself and hand them your passport.

July 18, 2022 at 9:57 am

Thank you for the article. Are the Covid extensions for BKK still being done at the Chaengwattana Immigration office or has the location moved to IT Square Laksi? I keep finding conflicting information online and haven’t been able to successfully get through when I call either office. Thank you!

January 27, 2023 at 5:01 am

If I enter before March 31 st…will I get 45 days exemption ?or is it back to 30 days from then

January 27, 2023 at 9:07 pm

Hi Paul, You should get 45 days ideally if you enter before 31st March.

March 16, 2023 at 4:49 am

Hello…is there a limit to the number of times you can apply for a 30 day visa extension at immigration office (arrival by 45 day tourist visa exemption).

May 6, 2021 at 6:03 am

Is it possible to extend into the STV if you came in on a 45 visa exemption?

Great article, really easy to follow.

May 6, 2021 at 4:21 pm

Hi Tom, Yes, you can extend for 30 more days after the 45 days of visa exemption.

May 23, 2021 at 12:50 pm

Hi Deb, is there an official website where inmigration show this information? I am not able to find it.

Just landed on your site looking for quick info, but it seems you provide consistent support. So great, thank you so much.

May 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Hi Toño, Unfortunately, the document that contained info was in Thai and the link to that document is not working right now. But you can still refer to the US embassy update on this: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ . Go to Entry and Exit requirements. US embassy updates the info frequently.

And thank you for your kind words.

April 21, 2022 at 2:45 pm

Hello. Is it possible to get a 60 day extension on my 30 VOA ( from UK); paying 1,900 baht?

Additionally, am correct in thinking this will finish near the end of May. Thanks.

April 24, 2022 at 6:33 am

Hi John, You can get the 30-day and then the 60-day extension. As per the current updates, yes, it is supposed to run until May.

July 9, 2021 at 7:49 pm

Where did you get the information that you can extend a visa exemption for 45 days (rather than 30)? – I can find this nowhere other than your website

July 10, 2021 at 8:29 am

Hi Roy, Thank you for pointing it out. The 45 days applies to stay and not extension. I have rectified it. You can look at the info on 45 days stay on the website of the Thai embassy in the US .

May 16, 2023 at 3:26 pm

I have a friend who went to Thailand on January 25, 2023. He continues to extend his stay every month for 30 + days. Can you tell me what Visa does he has in place.

May 26, 2023 at 10:35 am

Wish I knew. Why wouldn’t your friend tell you? 🙂

May 18, 2021 at 10:54 pm

Is the COVID extension policy still in effect (60 day extension) ? I came to Thailand on exemption visa from US (45 days) but like to use the COVID 19 extension to get additional 60 days, is that possible? Thanks

May 19, 2021 at 5:51 am

Hi Gilbert, Yes, the 60-day extension for the COVID program is now valid until May 29th. So if your stamp runs out before May 29th, you can apply for a 60-day extension. Although I must mention that in some immigration offices, they would ask you to apply for the 30 days extension first. In some, they would allow you to take the 60-days COVID extension straightaway.

August 31, 2021 at 9:48 am

If i applied for the 60 days extension after the 45 days visa exemption, is that mean that i need to apply for a new insurance also for another 60days?

May 27, 2021 at 5:01 am

Thanks, Rolando Ngabidj for thevisaproject.com

May 28, 2021 at 9:48 pm

Hi Deb, Why is it that people from the countries you listed have to extend only for 7 days despite the fact that the normal is 30-days.? In case if the covid 19 extension is extended after 29th may, is everyone eligible to get that? I am Nigerian planning to come with SETV for tourism. I also learnt that there is this special tourist visa (STV) which gives permission to stay up to 90-days with possible extension of another 90-days if the traveler enter thailand before 01 July, 2021. As a Nigerian, am I eligible to apply for the STV? Thank you for your nice article

May 30, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Hi Ameer, Unfortunately, that’s how it is. The rules are different for different nationalities. I would say yes, everyone would be eligible for the COVID extension.

And Nigerians are not eligible to apply Thai STV as of now.

April 17, 2022 at 6:12 pm

Hi, as per my information you can get a covid extention cisa till 26th May, 2022. Are Pakistani citizens also eligible to get this extention? If yes, what is the procedure? Thanks in advance.

April 20, 2022 at 4:33 am

Hi Zia, I am not sure if Pakistani citizens can get it. If they can, the process will be the same. You can give it a try and update us. It would be helpful to others.

February 2, 2024 at 2:30 pm

Hi Deb I have received a 60 day SETV commencing at the end of this month February. My return flight is for 89 later. I do plan on visiting Cambodia (flight) for 7 or 10 days as part of my trip. Do I need to go to an immigration office to extend my visa by 30 days or will having my visa stamped on reentry suffice? How would you recommend timing my visit to Cambodia in relation to the 60 day SETV? Thanks in advance.

February 6, 2024 at 1:54 pm

Hi Kevin, Yes, you do need to visit the immigration office for the extension. The best time to leave and visit Cambodia would be when the end of your extension is close. I always recommend to leave at least 4 or 5 days before it ends.

All the best, Deba

June 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm

Hi, I like to stay a year or two if when I go meet girl and maybe stay while K1 visa is processing am US retired military 20 years and disabled rated veteran not that, that matters some countries off retire plan.

June 15, 2021 at 12:13 pm

When i have a flight date on my departure card and i get my visa extention. Do they issue a new departure card with a new flight date or will i still keep the old card and just change my flight? Will there be a problem when my flight date is not the same like the one on my departure card?

June 15, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Hi Tom, You can keep the old card and simply change the flight. No issues.

June 29, 2021 at 7:36 am

there is no 45 day extension , your terminology is also completely incorrect (arrive on a waiver then extend your visa , also there are NO BORDER runs , land borders are closed)

July 1, 2021 at 12:53 pm

I would disagree with you. Do you have any sources to back it up?

You can look at the info on 45 days extension on the website of the Thai embassy in the US .

July 10, 2021 at 4:16 pm

Sorry about my earlier comment Darren. I actually meant 45 days stay, not a 45-day extension. The article has been rectified.

June 30, 2021 at 6:54 am

Hi Deb.I need your help some information I have a stamp visa and it has been renewed covid visa and it will expire on 25th August after this what can I do next? Can I still extend the time? Or do I have to run of boarders and exit to neighbouring countries?I need your advice Appreciated

July 1, 2021 at 12:46 pm

Hi Za, If you have only had the COVID extension, then you will still be eligible for the normal extension without making a border run.

July 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

Hi am from Tanzania , Am asking my Visa Expires 11 August, I came with 60 days Tourist Visa, is it possible to extend 45 days or is just 30 only?

July 5, 2021 at 11:10 am

Hi Mussa, You will be able to extend for 30 days since you came with a visa.

July 8, 2021 at 8:47 pm

Thanks for your article. 2 Questions:

– How can one do a border run when it seems most (if not all) nearby borders are closed?

– After extending a tourist visa for 30 days, can it be extended again for another 30 days, and then another after that?

July 9, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Hi Patrick, Yes, most borders are closed. But why do you need to make one now, considering the fact that you can get the COVID extension?

– You can get only one 30-day extension (which is 45 now if you entered visa-exempt) but more than one COVID extension as long as they are giving them out. In a pre-Covid world, you could get only one 30-day extension and make border runs.

July 12, 2021 at 3:43 pm

If I enter Thailand with the visa exemption program (no visa), I can extend it twice for a total of 90 days I believe. My question is how do I stay in the country longer? I want to stay for nine months, but the STV is proving painfully annoying to get. Can I enter Thailand on the visa exemption program and then apply for a new visa in-country? Or is there a way I can renew with the COVID extension over and over again? Probably not right?

Hoping you can shed some light on this.

July 13, 2021 at 8:34 am

Hi Oliver, I understand your frustration over the STV. If you plan to stay longer, you can enter as visa-exempt, then get the COVID extensions as long as they are in place and then get regular extensions. So that way, you get 75 days for sure(45 days when you enter and 30 when you extend). And you can get more than one COVID extension. People have received multiple COVID extensions. With every COVID extension you get, you add 60 days.

July 12, 2021 at 7:41 pm

Dear Deb, your site is the most informative one that I have browsed about Thailand visa. I have a question I wish you could help. I came in Thailand with a visa exempt entry ( US passport holder). Could I apply for a tourist visa inside Thailand? Appreciate very much your reply. Thanks again.

July 13, 2021 at 5:08 am

Hi GZ, Thank you for your kind words. Since you have entered visa-exempt, you can get the extensions(regular and Covid) while you are inside Thailand. But in order to get a tourist visa like SETV/METV, you would need to go to a Thai embassy. You can’t get it inside Thailand.

July 13, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Thanks deb for your reply. Understand now. Really appreciate your help.

July 16, 2021 at 8:56 am

How long do you think the 60-Day Covid-19 Extensions might be available to people?

The latest I’ve found online is “probably until late September”, but who knows? Not me!

I’m NOT trying to “trap” you into making a promise about the future, that you of course have no power over. You’re not in charge of Thai immigration law, and I’m not trying to “trick” you into pretending that you are.

But still, I’m very curious as to what you’re EXPECTING will happen, especially in the context of this “Covid Delta strain” situation that Thailand (and many other countries) appears to definitely be in today (middle July 2021).

(I’m not in Thailand yet, but thinking about coming, as a regular nobody-special USA tourist, through the 14-day ASQ quarantine thing, and hopefully for as much stay-time as I can get.)

July 16, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Hi Rocco, My gut feeling is that it would probably be in place until the end of this year and definitely until the end of September. Things are evolving with the Delta strain.

I sometimes wonder if there is anyone in charge of Thai immigration laws. Maybe many of us do. 🙂

July 26, 2021 at 6:25 am

Hi for covid – 19 extension visa can apply online or should go at the Thai immigration in person as the cases right now is a lot!

July 27, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Hi Joan, In some of the immigration offices, they are already accepting limited applicants. And in some places, they are asking you to contact them before coming down. But there is no online application process till now.

August 5, 2021 at 12:14 pm

How far in advance of your visa expiration date can you apply for the 60 day covid extension?

August 6, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Hi Tony, While different immigration offices interpret things differently, the consensus is that if you are getting the COVID extension for the first time, it would start the day you apply. So if you apply too soon, you would lose a few days. But I guess you should apply at least a week before.

From the second time onwards, the 60 days would be added to your existing extension of stay.

August 18, 2021 at 7:50 am

Which office in Bangkok deals with 30 day extension to the 45 day visa? and I assume I can download the forms so I can fill out my paperwork before I go to save time?

August 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm

The immigration office in Bangkok. You can find the exact address from the link in Where to extend section. Yes, you can download the form .

August 25, 2021 at 6:31 am

I read all comments and answers.

US Passport holder still in America. 36yrs old. Wanna stay in Thailand for 6 months. Should I go Visa Exempt and do the standard extension and Covid extension OR Apply for a Visa here in Los Angeles and then go for extensions in Thailand. If Yes to Visa what other visas are good options besides the 60 days tourist visa ? Thx a lot.

August 25, 2021 at 3:01 pm

Hi Weekii, The first option is pretty popular these days. Even if you manage to get one COVID extension, you can get 135 days, like 4 and half months. And maybe you could get more than one COVID extension which means definitely more than 6 months.

August 29, 2021 at 6:08 am

Sorry to bother you again. I called the Thai embassy here in Los Angeles and I was told by the person on the phone If I go to Thailand without any tourist visa just my US Visa exempt passport the immigration office in Thailand can’t give me the standard extension since I have no visa to extend. What do you think ?

August 30, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Hi Weekii, If they have stopped giving them out, in that case, you could come with a SETV or METV.

September 4, 2021 at 7:26 am

Questions about the 60 days Covid extension:

1) My immigration office is Jomtien Pattaya. They gave me a TM 7 and few other docs to fill in, but no TM 30. Is it normal? Do I need to fill in a TM 30 online?

2) My current tourist visa ends on september 15th. My lease agreement from my condo ends on september 13th. I may move from my condo. Is it a problem ? I will fill the documents for the 60 days covid extension this week and put my current address on them. But if I move, that would mean that technically, I wouldn’t be living at the address I notified to immigration after september 13th. Is it then safer to stay at my current place?

Thank you so much

September 5, 2021 at 2:58 pm

Hi Aurélien, 1. It is totally normal. TM30 is a requirement for the 90 days report. 2. It would definitely be a safer option to continue in your current place. But it is possible to do what you are saying, especially when it is in the same province. People have done it.

September 5, 2021 at 10:22 pm

Thank you so much for this piece, very informative!

Is there any news about the grant of Covid extension beyond September 27th? Can we expect that it would be forthcoming?

September 7, 2021 at 10:04 am

Hi Karen, We can definitely expect it. 🙂 Will update the article the moment I know.

September 9, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Deb, Great website, thx a lot for all the info! I have a few questions if you don’t mind. At the moment the visa waiver of 45 days is planned to come back to 30 days at the end of the month, do you think it will be prolonged seeing the current situation? And if yes, when should we expect an official announcement? I’ve read that foreigners entering Thailand under the visa exemption category must provide at the port of entry proof of onward travel to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (or 45 if prolonged). Now, I’m planning to extend my stay once there but can I buy a ticket with a return date that already includes my extended stay (so after 60 or 75 days)? May I tell them I intend to extend my stay of another 30 days and this is the reason of the return date or they are not flexible on this? Thx a lot!

September 10, 2021 at 11:58 am

Hi Masha, It might get prolonged. We never know what kind of surprises the pandemic has for us. Hard to guess.

I believe you should always have an onward ticket in Asia. And yes, people have been in trouble for this in Thailand. You don’t need to buy one really. You can rent one easily, for as low as 10-15$. And I would recommend buying it within 30 days of your arrival date. Much safer.

Here is my article on the onward ticket: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/ And the website if you want to jump there directly: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

September 10, 2021 at 6:38 am

Hi Deb, the info on this website is so helpful and you have put in a lot of effort to reply people who really want to get back to Thailand. Thank you so much. I would like to confirm that a Singapore passport visa exemption (45days) can be issued with an extension of 30days. Because I called up the Thai embassy in Singapore and the person told me that visa exemption cannot be extended.

How true is this? Thanks!

September 11, 2021 at 5:25 am

Hi Del, Thank you for your kind words. I have been recently hearing the same from a few sources. However, there is no confirmed report whether they have stopped giving these 30-day extensions to everyone forever or to some nationalities. So I think a SETV would be a better idea for getting an extension. I would add a note in the article on this.

September 13, 2021 at 9:34 am

Hi Deb, i have question about the exemption visa, i will go Thailand in october with exemption visa, it will be only for 30 days in october😓. Do you know if it will be possible to extend for 30 more days in immigration there? With all the new things with covid i m not sure 😅. Thank you very much 🙏

September 13, 2021 at 12:28 pm

Hi Jo, I doubt it. Have been hearing reports that it is not a thing anymore, although we don’t know if it is for all the nationalities. So a visa would be better if you want the 30-day extension.

September 20, 2021 at 10:46 pm

This isn’t supposed to be negative but I felt there was a little bit of incorrect information here advising others…. whenever I have had the 30 day extension at immigration, the date never runs on from your sate of expiry but commences from the day you attend.

ie…. If you attend the immigration office 7 days before your visa expires then you lose the 7 days, as the commence date is from the date you attend. So I usually go there 2 days before the visa end date, as generally unless there’s been changes, I am aware of what I need to take, being my pport, copy of pport page, copy of visa page showing the TM6, both copies signed and a pport sized photo with 1900 Baht.

Visa runs ‘did’ give an additional 60 days upon entering back in to Thailand NOT 7 days as previously mentioned on this thread by somebody.

Anyway just wanted to put this out there to avoid misinformation to others etc. 🙂👍

I have a 60 day tourist visa and yesterday went to get an extension and rather than a 30 day, I was given a ‘Covid’ 60 day extension.

Hope this info might be of interest to some peeps… Have an awesome day!

November 19, 2021 at 6:11 am

This is definitely also what I was told today. As soon as you get that extension, you lose the remaining days that you would originally have had!

November 20, 2021 at 8:31 am

I was today at the temporary center , counter K, to renew my visa waiver (=visa exemption, w 30) and I requested 30 days more. The 30 days they stamped started from when the visa waiver will end. Smooth procedure, now (as of 20 nov. 2021) they are also open on Saturdays and I was there just after lunch break (1 pm), no queue at all.

Here the link https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/ตม-1-เปิดจุดให้บริการเพิ-2/

Super friendly!I read on google maps some bad reviews and was prepared for the worse but my experience was perfect. As a reason I just put I wanted to do more traveling in Thailand.

August 11, 2022 at 9:30 am

The link is not working anymore, but the new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor)

September 21, 2021 at 5:06 pm

Hi, i’ll be going to bangkok by Visa exemption this November and I’m wondering if i could apply for a visa extension of 60 days once i arrive in bangkok?

September 22, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Hi Val, I don’t think so. I would recommend you to come with a visa.

October 15, 2021 at 7:19 pm

Hi Deb, After dealing with a Thai based travel agency while planning my visit this site and comment section has been very helpful. It seems you ard advising against the visa exempt and instead go with a TR visa which can then be extended for a total of 90 days. I am interested in staying longer and possibly applying for an Education visa. Can I apply for an Education visa if I arrive on a TR visa? I am looking to travel from Mexico City early November with a US passport. Or, what would you recommend if I want to stay for 6-12 months? Thank you for any suggestions.

October 23, 2021 at 6:05 pm

Hi Tom, I would recommend coming on a tourist visa and then extending it in Thailand. If you can get one Covid extension and a regular one, that will give you more or less 6 months. To Convert the tourist visa to an education visa, you need to make a visa run. Probably get an ed visa before coming down?

October 26, 2021 at 11:58 am

I was contacting phuket language school with this question and they said because of the pandemic situation, I can convert tourists visa to ED visas without leaving the country.

October 26, 2021 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for updating Martin. Hope everything goes well.

October 15, 2021 at 7:38 pm

Hi Deb, If I arrive on a TR visa and extend for a total of 90 days can I apply for a longer term visa? I am thinking about an Education or other long term visa if possible. My plan is to arrive in BKK in early November from Mexico City on my US passport. Any rumors about border immigration offices opening for ‘visa runs’ in the near future? Thank you for any suggestions or recommrndations.

October 23, 2021 at 6:06 pm

No such rumors yet. Thai immigration loves surprising people. 🙂

October 18, 2021 at 7:22 am

Hi Darren. Great article. Thank you very much. I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help

October 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Hi there I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help

October 23, 2021 at 6:12 pm

Hi Dr Saleh, You have not mentioned your nationality. Can not really say unless I know that.

October 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm

I have a return ticket to Thailand departing Spain 15 Dec 21 returning 9 March 22. I am a UK citizen resident in Spain. I want to enter Thailand on a Visa Exempt for 30 days and then change to one or two 30 days tourist visas or one of 60. Can you advise me of easiest options. Thanks David

October 23, 2021 at 6:10 pm

Hi David, I would recommend getting a single entry or multiple entry visa and not coming as visa-exempt if you want to stay longer.

October 21, 2021 at 1:39 am

Hi Deb First of all, your site is off tremendous value. Thank you so much for that. My question is about the return flight, the flight number we need to show on the TM6. Do I show the return flight # I currently have, (that departure date was based on my first 30 days), when applying for an extension or do I need to change my onward flight first, based on expecting another 30 days? The answer to this question is very important to me, as it is costly to actually change the plane ticket before I really know when my actual departure date will be after applying for the extension. Thanks in advance

October 23, 2021 at 5:58 pm

Hi Christian, Thank you for your kind words. I believe here is the answer you are looking for: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1647

October 24, 2021 at 1:34 am

Thanks and yeah, I saw that, yet not totally sure on how to proceed. Basically, I should leave my current real return ticket back to Toronto (am Canadian), based on the first 30 days, alone for now, and get a cheap onward ticket that shows me leaving after 30 or 60 days of extension? I hope to get this Covid extension, so I just go for 60 days and see what happens? Would that be the way to go, even if they give me only 30 days extension?

October 26, 2021 at 5:56 pm

They will give you 30 days even if you get the Covid extension. You can get a cheap ticket or rent one. Ideally, the date on the ticket should be before your visa ends, not the extension.

July 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm

Hi Christian I’m coming in from the United States so I get the free 30 days is it possible to extend another 30 days with A TM 7 form i thailand??

October 31, 2021 at 12:10 am

Great article! Thank you for providing so much information on the Visa process for Thailand.

My partner and I (both British Nationals) have been on a working holiday visa in New Zealand (not official residents) for the past 20 months and are planning on flying to Thailand at the end of November.

We’re currently stuck between two visa options:-

1) Is it possible to arrive in Thailand for 30 days on a Visa-exempt entry, and then apply for the 30 day extension once in the country. We already have both flights booked in and out of Thailand (for the duration of the 60 days), and were planning on renting a ticket as proof of our outward journey for the 30 day exemption. Do you know if this extension is still available?

2) Our other option is the Single Entry 60 day Tourist Visa (SETV). Do you have any insight into processing times and how easy it is to apply for? We are finding some difficulties in choosing correct documentation- despite being out of the UK for 20 months, we are still citizens and official residents there, whilst our most up to date documentation e.g. bank statements, are from NZ.

What are your thoughts on our options?

Many thanks in advance, keep up the awesome work!

October 31, 2021 at 5:40 pm

Hi James, Thank you for the kind words. I would highly recommend option number 2. You can apply for the SETV in NZ. It is pretty fast. Here is the info: https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/17614-applying-for-a-visa . Do check out the doc checklist.

This is what you would need for sure: a valid letter of recommendation from your educational institute or employer with the application.

November 8, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Deb Your highlighted section “Many expats have recently reported …” scared the hell out of me, as that was about to destroy my plans. I googled and googled, but couldn’t find anything to support that. I think you should remove that, unless you got details of why that happened to those. It is needlessly very worrisome! And here is why: Am Canadian and arrived Phuket Oct.14 with the Visa Waiver and got a stamp for Nov.12 (29 days only for some reason). I was there today in Bangkok, Nov.08, and got a new stamp for Dec.12. I talked to the handful of people there, while waiting, but none had any worries of getting the extension. By the way. The link for the Immigration Devision 1 in Bangkok you are showing is only good for real visas. There is a new location (because of Covid) for extension of Visa Waivers, where I was today. See this link: https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/courses/counter-k-limited-at-300-queues-per-day/

Question: If the 60 day Covid Extension stays as it is until November 26, then I must go there before that (in about 16 to 18 days from now), right? Haha, basically just answered my own question, but it is always good to hear you confirming that.

Thanks a lot

November 8, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Christian, Thank you very much for the update. I guess that the Thai embassies in various countries are being ambiguous about the whole thing. I will update the article with your comment.

Coming to your question, you can surely apply for the COVID extension before 26 Nov. Usually people go a week before the extension expires. I guess the COVID extension thing will continue after this, but who knows!!

March 14, 2022 at 9:16 am

Fino al 24 marzo

July 8, 2022 at 1:44 pm

Hi Deb, I went to the immigration in Bangkok to apply for the 60 day covid extend but was told I had to get the normal 30 day extension first. I plan to return before the 25th when the covid extension May expire but I was told I need a letter from embassy to get the covid extension. I looked on the US embassy website and it states thai immigration doesn’t need a letter and the US embassy does not issue such letters. Do you know anything about this? Also I want to stay in Thailand as long as I can. Can you give me any information on how to do border runs? Thanks so much.

July 10, 2022 at 9:06 am

Hi Lance, yes, you need to get the normal extension first. As per the letter, you can show the screenshot from US embassy website or even email them and get a response that they don’t provide any such letters. That would be good enough in most cases. Stay longer in Thailand: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

October 12, 2022 at 9:14 am

Hi guys, I’m arriving in Thailand on Oct 25th. If you do the visa on arrival do you know the maximum time you can stay? Its very unclear. Thanks

October 12, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Hi Chris, What’s your nationality? Visa on arrival is for 30 days now, but visa-free entry is for 45 days. It all depends on where you are from.

May 6, 2023 at 10:22 pm

And of course that link doesn’t exist!

November 12, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Thanks a lot for your information, just wanted to share my recent experience that may help answering recent comments. I have a French passport so i guess my experience may apply to EU citizens at least.

I entered Thailand on the 26th of September with a 45 days visa exemption using the Koh Samui sandbox program (back then you could get 45 days, but quarantine was 7 days strict + 7 days relax , with possibility to visit the island)

I then moved to Phuket and on the 4th of November (4 days before my visa exemption last day), I went to the main immigration office and applied for a Covid extension (TM7 + 2 other forms+1 document from hotel where I stay – TM-30 I think) The process is a described except that I was told to come back 1 week later to get my final stamp. I went back on the 11th and got a 60 days extension.

At least for Phuket (there were dozens of foreigners inside and outside the immigration office), I think it’s very easy to get an extension, from exemption or actual visa. Just block a day to do the first part (took me 5 hours).

November 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

thai embassy london has lost my application forms.say not time to do again.i come thailand for 45 days from 29 november.can i fly in for 30 days then get 15 days extra at thai immigration.thank you and hope to hear from you soon.

November 17, 2021 at 2:56 am

Based on the two stories (comments) before yours, your question has already been answered 🙂

November 19, 2021 at 6:09 am

Hi everyone,

I would like to share my personal experience with immigration regarding the ”Special 60-Day Covid Extension on a Thai Visa”. [Apologies if some of these things have already been mentioned by others.]

The first thing that immigration told me that this is NOT an extension of an existing visa – in my case a student visa – but an entirely new visa, i.e. the ”Covid visa”. Since you cannot hold two visas simultaneously, the first thing I had to do was to cancel my student visa. I assume this is relevant knowledge for those with a student and work visa….

I am not going to get into detail about the documents I needed to cancel my student visa, because this is a whole different story. But many of the documents overlapped with those required for my Covid visa.

Anyways, for the Covid visa I was asked to show:

-TM7 form -passport -copy of passport pages: main/first page, visa page, first + last entry page. (Hence, I just copied every single page of my passport that had anything Thai on it. Immigration liked that.) -TM6 (arrival/departure card) -copy of TM6 -rental contract that is no less than the 60 days that you are applying for. For example, if Immigration sees that your rental contract is about to end in a couple of days or weeks, they will most likely not give you the Covid visa for 60 days. Some may not give you a Covid visa at all. -copy of rental contract -copy of tabien baan of your landlord -copy of Thai ID of your landlord -1 photo

[I always suggest to make double or even triple coloured copies of all your documents before going to Immigration, because you never know…]

I don’t know how this is for those of you who live far away from Bangkok, but since I am based next door in Nakhon Pathom, I was informed that my Covid visa application would be sent to Chaeng Watthana in Bangkok. Huge bummer, because the people working there are something else, as I’m sure some of you may have already experienced.

I wish all of you the best of luck and success in getting the chance to stay in Thailand a bit longer.

Bless you all and stay safe!

November 20, 2021 at 6:15 am

Thank you, J very much for sharing the details for people with student/work visas.

June 15, 2022 at 6:46 am

Hello and thank you so much for your comment. I arrived without Visa and extended one time already. So after reading this I suppose it’s possible to get the covid visa to stay even longer? I would love to stay 30 more days.

June 16, 2022 at 5:50 am

Yes it is possible Torge.

November 21, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Me and my partner are on different visas (60 day tourist visa and 30 day visa exempt) can both be extended one time prior to the covid extensions.

Basically we both are a bit ill and will miss the covid deadline for extending, so will extend at the beginning of the month – both our first time to be extended and only want a one time 30 day extension and just wondering if thats possible?

November 22, 2021 at 1:17 pm

Hi Natalia, Yes, it is possible.

November 23, 2021 at 3:11 am

Hi Deb As mentioned earlier, I got my 30 day extension on my 30 day Visa Waiver at the new location north of Immigration Division 1. Reading the comment from J on November 19, would you happen to know at which location the Covid Visa extension, which I want to get this week before that special expires, is available? If I understood J’s comment right, the new location seems to be just for the 30 day extension on Visa waivers, correct? As always, your reply means a lot. Thanks in a advance Chris

November 23, 2021 at 5:24 pm

Hi Christian, Great to know. Yes, J is right about that. All the best.

November 25, 2021 at 7:35 am

Actually, we misunderstood J’s comment or it is different for other Visas than Visa Waivers. I went to Immigration Division 1 today, only to be send once again to Counter K in the new location. Got the 60 day Covid Visa extension – so happy. Would have not been possible without your website here, which is so very helpful.

November 28, 2021 at 7:34 am

Hi Christian, I am also looking to get a 30 day extension on my 30 day visa waiver. Could you help me please, did they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract? Also could you share the immigration office location please? Thank you, George

December 5, 2021 at 2:50 pm

Hi George. Very sorry for super late reply. Since I got all my extensions, I had no reason to check this site and just happen to see your questions now. Please look at my earlier comment, where you can see the link for the new location for Visa Waiver extensions. And they do not need a proof of your hotel booking. I just made sure that I do have a reservation (not yet paid for) with my hotel to cover the extended time, just in case they check (I don’t know if they do or not). The only documents you need are listed at the top of this webpage.

November 23, 2021 at 11:19 pm

Hi there I have booked up for 6th December and will be coming on 30 day visa when I arrive. My return flight is 27th January 22 days after my 30 days are up. Can I go straight to a visa shop and get an extension to that date? Amd also is it better to wait 1 week befour I want to extend or can I go and extend it the day after I arrive thanks very much.

November 28, 2021 at 10:19 am

Hi Tom, I think you are coming with a visa-exempt entry. You would need to apply for the extension a few days before your exit date, ideally a week.

December 23, 2021 at 5:16 am

You don’t need to wait to apply for the 30 day extension. I’ve always done it early whenever it was convenient.

November 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

HI, all good Info thank you and all understood, I will be going for 1 month from 1 Dec and hope to get a 60 day extension.

I have one question I have bought a return ticket for 1 month it is a changeable ticket (paid extra) will the Authorities accept that I will I have to show a defined date as proof ? thank’s in advance for any answer.

November 28, 2021 at 10:23 am

Hi Roy, They would accept it I believe.

November 26, 2021 at 4:56 am

Hi Deb If anyone is in Krabi Town , I just extended my stay today and it was the easiest and quickest extension I have done in thailand I was in and out within 15 minutes.

December 1, 2021 at 6:48 am

Hi Kyle, I arrived on 17th Nov on 30 days visa exemption (UK passport). I wish to extend my visa for 30 days- when I came under Test & Go scheme they asked for insurance, hotel laccomodation and what not. Do I have to provide these for extension also? -Sonny

November 30, 2021 at 11:36 am

Hello. I have EU passport and I’ve arrived with VISA exepmtion for 30 days. For extension, apart from passport pic, passport copy and TM30 form, do I need something else?

December 1, 2021 at 5:27 am

Hi, yes I also am wondering the same as Ray. Do they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30/60 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract? Also could you share the immigration office location please? Thank you, George

December 6, 2021 at 3:25 am

Hi, I entered Thailand from Germany on October 1st with a 60 day Tourist Visa and extended it for 30 days to december 30th. I will exit Thailand to Cambodia on December 11. On January 11. I want to go back to Thailand again, without a Visa. How long will I be allowed to stay? 30 days again or less, since I already spent so much time in Thailand in the year 2021. Thx

December 14, 2021 at 3:27 am

Hi Peter, Yes you should get 30 days again.

December 7, 2021 at 7:51 am

Thanks for all the info. My understanding is that the Covid extension application has been extended until 25 Jan 2022. I entered with visa exemption on 21 Nov. Can I extend first for 30 days (til 21 Jan), then apply for the 60 days (so taking me up until roughly 21 March)?

December 14, 2021 at 3:21 am

Hi Denise, Yes, it has been extended. You surely can do that.

December 7, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Hi Deb – Thank you so much for your article and for addressing all of the comments, it is truly very helpful.

I am a US citizen and am planning to get a SETV. I am leaving in January and ideally would like to stay in Thailand for 4 months (120 days). It sounds like the SETV grants a stay for 60 days and then I can go to an immigration office for a 30 day extension but I am wondering the best option, if possible, to get another 30 days. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

December 14, 2021 at 3:20 am

Hi Olivia, Thanks for your kind words. If you manage to get a COVID extension, you would surely get more than 4 months with the SETV. But since that is not totally sure, you would need to do a border run.

December 8, 2021 at 4:55 pm

Hi, I extended my visa from Chiang mai immigration today. The office is close to the airport. The process was simple but few things I would want to mention: – Make sure you have the photos with you. Photocopies can be done there for 1 THB each. You will also need your TM6 form which you got from immigration when you arrived. – The process should take an hour. But only if you arrive before 10:30 or after 2. If you arrive around 11, then you may have to wait like me as they break for lunch around 1. So if you are late you might well come around 2 when all morning applications have been processed. Fee is 1900 THB. You will get 30 days extension. I arrived from UK on 17th November and got 30 days visa on arrival. That is now extended till 15th Jan. Documents needed: – Copy of passport, TM6 slip, Visa. One photo required. Forms are available there so you need to fill three forms, not one. Ask for all three forms.

December 9, 2021 at 3:50 am

I will be arriving December 15th from the USA. Am I limited to 30 days or 45 days? If it is 30 days then where can I get an extention near Sukhumvit? Thanks in advance.

December 9, 2021 at 5:05 am

If arrival thailand 30 days visa exemption ,can extend one time. how about change to another visa? e.g working visa or student visa this is possible?

December 12, 2021 at 2:58 am

Hi Guys, I will arrive to Thailand on the 18th of December on a single-entry tourist visa. The longest I am allowed to stay is 60, so I will leave on the 9th of February. Am i allowed to extend my visa once in Thailand? And can I extend it like during the first two weeks of my stay? Or should I wait to last days? Thank you

December 13, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Hi Daniel, You can do it a week or two before the visa expires. The days are added to your current stamp, not from the date you apply for an extension. So, you won’t be losing any days. If you go during the first 2 weeks of your stay, it is possible that they’ll ask you to come back later. But you can give it a try.

December 20, 2021 at 1:36 am

I’m planning on getting a 60 day tourist visa and to convert it to an ed visa. But technically you just pay to extend the 60 day 30 days, then after 90 days is up you can currently extend again and again for 60 days each time due to covid for the year? Am I correct?

December 21, 2021 at 2:52 am

Hi David, Yes, you are correct.

December 30, 2021 at 4:30 am

Hi, Where and how do you apply for a COVID extension? Also, how long is the extension? Thanks.

December 22, 2021 at 8:44 am

Do children who are 12 and under need to apply to get the 30 day and the 60 day extension? Or are the automatically ok if the parents only?

December 24, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Good evening, we just got our visa on arrival (visa exemption) 30-day stamp extended for another 30 days. Easy peasy process in Bangkok, in and out in an hour with the right documents (thank you so much for all your information!!!). Do you know if it is still possible to get another extension after this one or if it’s wise to try it? Should we rather try the COVID extension? We were planning on going to Singapore or Malaysia after this but with the current situation we may be stuck here a while and are not sure what the best way is to stay in the country. Change the visa? (here with the whole family and 2 little kids, so not sure if a change in visa makes sense?).

December 25, 2021 at 11:29 pm

Hi Anna, You would need to try and get the COVID extension, as you have already received the normal extension. No need to change the visa which might not even be possible. 🙂

December 26, 2021 at 2:31 am

I arrived on December 18th on a visa waiver, so up to Jan 17th. I’d like to stay as long as possible – I’m wondering if I should get the normal extension or a Covid extension. If I get the normal one, that should see me through to Feb 16th or so, but the covid extension might be over by then.

I wonder if I have to get the normal one first, or if I can get the covid one first, can I get the normal one later. I’m also wondering if I get the normal, could I get the covid one right away? I’m in Chiang Mai, but I could travel if it helps to get a longer stay.

December 26, 2021 at 5:11 am

Thanks for all the great information on your website, very grateful to have a resource like this. I came here on the 30 day visa waiver. Just been to immigration and extended for 30 days.

Can you tell me how many times, I can keep extending by 30 days?

Thanks Grant

December 27, 2021 at 4:50 pm

Hi Grant, The 30-day extension is one time only. The COVID extension can be done more than once.

December 26, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Does it matter what you put as answer in “Reason for extension” section? Would “tourism” suffice for example?

December 27, 2021 at 5:55 pm

Yes, it would.

January 5, 2022 at 7:07 am

I just was told that I need to reapply for my Thai Visa (I am an American citizen, flying from America). I will not receive my Visa in time, my flight leaves for Thailand in less than 14 days and it takes 15 business days to process the visa. I will be in Thailand for 42 days total. Is there a way to still travel to Thailand without a visa? Can I get an extension while I’m there? Will they ask to see my departing flight information? Can I just show them my flight information going to Thailand (one-way) and then extend when I get there?

January 5, 2022 at 7:35 pm

My reply is yes to all of your questions, with one caveat. Do buy an onward ticket or rent it here

January 9, 2022 at 6:34 am

Thanks for the article. I came in on a TV and will extend for 30 days soon. I’d like to stay longer but don’t want to fly out and back in as I’d have to do the asq again. Any suggestions as to which other visa I could apply for withinThailand?

January 10, 2022 at 1:22 am

Hi Sophie, You can go for the COVID extension if it is still there. If not, you would need to fly out and come back. While applying for visas inside Thailand is not impossible, the rules vary in different places. I have heard cases where people did it using agents, but you never know.

January 11, 2022 at 7:52 pm

Hi, if I enter Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa and I want to extend it.. would you know what kind of airline ticket I should purchase because I really don’t know when I want to return to the uk..should I purchase an open return ticket..I hope you can answer my question because I am confused..thank you

January 12, 2022 at 12:47 am

Hi John, It is way better and cheaper to rent one, and this is the one I recommend: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

January 13, 2022 at 7:32 am

I came on a 30 days visa exemption. I went for the 30 days extension. Now, to stay longer I need to get the Covid extension. I think that a document called TM30 is necessary. I asked my hotel in Patong to provide it but they were clueless.

Do you now where I can find it ?

January 14, 2022 at 4:14 pm

Hi Jay, They don’t usually ask for it. However, the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office.

January 13, 2022 at 10:51 am

Hello. I am a Dutch citizen and a resident in Singapore. I am currently in quarantine in Bangkok because of testing positive for covid. My visa will expire on 16 January but I will still be in quarantine then so am not able to leave my hotel and go to immigration. What should I do?

If everything goes well, I will leave quarantine on 18 January. My new flight back to Singapore is on 25 January.

January 14, 2022 at 4:17 pm

Hi Thijs, Ideally, you should get an extension. See if you can get the help of an agent to do so. In the worst case, you would need to pay some overstay fine when you leave.

January 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm

I came to Thailand and got the 14 days visa on Arrival. I wanted to know whether I could extend the visa to stay for one more week, since we will be in Hotel Quarantine for 7 days and have only 7 days to enjoy.

Please let me know if they is an option to extend.

January 14, 2022 at 3:54 pm

Hi Laxmi, Yes, you are allowed to extend it. However, you can get the extension for 7 days only for medical reasons. So it is not that straightforward.

January 15, 2022 at 8:20 am

Hi, so I have just extended my second one , First 30 and now 60, I still want be here for longer 😎, do you know if its possible or I need to a visa run now ? And How does that work

January 18, 2022 at 3:52 am

Hi Isse, Yes, it is totally possible to get more than one COVID extension. The process is very much the same as your first one.

January 18, 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi Deb Pati,

Getting more than one Covid Visa extension is great for everyone, however we currently don’t know if the Thai government will extend this offer again beyond 25 January, right?

I haven’t heard anything so far – not even rumours, which is a bit weird…

January 18, 2022 at 1:31 pm

Hi Isse, where did you apply ? in BKK ? (MuongThong Thani) – Thanks. Marco

January 15, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Hi, I am in Thailand with a 30 days on arrival visa and I have the mandatory medical insurance for this period. If i make now a visa extension do i also have to get a new medical insurance covering the remaining time? Thanks for your help

January 18, 2022 at 4:13 am

Hi Patrick, No need for a new insurance.

January 20, 2022 at 7:06 am

Hello, I’m a French citizen, came in Thailand with a 30 days exemption stamp on 21/11, extended once, my new stamp goes until 30/01. I would like to do the covid extension. Do I need to wait until the 25/01 or can I go before? Thanks

January 21, 2022 at 2:32 am

I wanted to know if you have heard of this. I went to immigration office for a 30 day visa extension and was told by the officer that I could not apply before I have been in the country for 45 days.

January 21, 2022 at 3:13 am

Never heard of this, William.

January 24, 2022 at 1:06 am

I have a situation where I have entered Thailand on a 60 day visa and I have already gone for a 30 day extension my question is can I get another 30 day extension or is it possible for me to apply for a married visa while I am in Thailand.

January 24, 2022 at 3:43 pm

Hi Larry, You can get a COVID extension for 60 days.

January 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm

Coming into Phuket on the 9th from the uk on 30 day visa exemption, will we be able to go the immigration office that week and get another 30 days?

January 27, 2022 at 2:01 am

I entered Thailand under the tourist exemption scheme for 30 days and have already extended it for 30 days. Does that mean I am not eligible for the Covid Extension myself anymore? I would really appreciate it if you can let me know.

January 27, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Hi John, Yes, you are eligible.

January 31, 2022 at 1:11 am

Hello, I am a indian national came here on 60 days Tourist Sticker Visa. I would like to know if I can get the 60 days covid visa extension?

February 1, 2022 at 9:50 pm

Hi Dheeraj, Ideally, you should be able to.

February 2, 2022 at 7:47 am

Hi, I have a STV that I already extended twice and therefore should leave. Would the COVID extension also work for me?

February 4, 2022 at 2:16 am

Great read. Thanks for doing this.

When entering with visa-exemption you are required to have proof of a flight back after 30 days with set a date. What kind of flight is the smartest to get for that reason? Open ended? Is that allowed? I’m not sure if regular flight dates can be changed?

February 7, 2022 at 3:45 am

Just wanted to say thank you so much for writing this! We came perfectly prepared because of you and got in and out within 1 hour. Would have been even faster if we went to the correct office immediately, so if I may add: to extend a visa exemption or tourist visa, people should go to office 101 on the left side of the entrance. We assumed we would get the 15 day visa waiver but instead they gave us a 30 day visa extension for the same price (1.900THB).

February 8, 2022 at 1:52 am

I’m japanese and planning to go for a 4 month stay if possible Will go with the single entry visa. Then apply for extension For normal extension I can apply just once, right? Can I get the covid one even before my visa expires? I’m going to go at the end of the month so by the time the covid visa extension ends (if not extended too) I will still be in the 60 days of my visa, so I cannot apply? Or can I apply in advance? Will that change the dates?

Also, how to get proof for it? It mentions about the “cannot go back” or “embassy letter”, but not sure I can get either of them. How is everyone getting the proof?

Thanks in advance!!

February 11, 2022 at 3:03 am

Hi Maru, You can get the normal extension just once. That’s right. They usually give you the Covid extension after the normal one. As per the proof, you can simply write a letter yourself but they don’t ask for the letter always.

February 12, 2022 at 2:09 am

Thank you very much for your promptly reply! 🙂 Was worried about that letter

Last question, how much in advance can you ask for the covid extension? I’m traveling on the 22th February and have tickets until 23 of April, but since the covid extension can be done until March 26 (if not extended), can I apply in March 25 for example even though my single entry visa will still have a little less than a month left?

(Also, do you know how much in advance do they mention if there will be an extension of the covid extension after March 26?)

February 15, 2022 at 11:07 pm

Hi Maru, They will ask you to get the normal extension first.

February 10, 2022 at 9:15 pm

hello Deb, thank you so much for all your efforts in providing this extremely helpful information!

I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in thailand on a visa exemption and has already extended for 30 days.

When I went to extend at the K counter in bangkok in mid January I was seeking the 60 day Covid extension but all the officials there were telling everyone that they were no longer issuing any Covid extensions and refused to give any information about it. I wonder if anyone else experienced this?

Now I want to try to request the 60 day Covid extension again next week. What are the list of documents for the Covid extension and where can I find them? What precise reasons due to covid will they issue the extension for? my parents live in Thailand and I am staying at their house, what kind of document would the officials need as proof of my residence? And lastly – if they refuse to give a Covid extension would they let me in again if I do a border run?

Thanks so much and sorry for the many questions!

February 11, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Hello Deb, Firstly, thank you so much for making the effort to put this extremely helpful resource you’ve put together!

I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in Thailand via test&go with visa waiver in December. on 18th january I went to K counter in Bangkok to apply for a 60 day covid extension but they told everyone there that no covid extensions would be issued. Therefore, they only gave me a 30 day extension. This coming week I am planning to try again to extend via the 60 day covid extension but after the last experience, am worried they will say again that they are not issuing those…I’m not sure if anyone else has experienced this.

A couple of questions: – What are the documents needed for the 60 day covid extension? – What reasons do they accept for the covid-19 extension? I have prepared a letter (in Thai) arguing that covid cases are very bad in my country of residence and provided proof, would this suffice? – My parents live in Bangkok and I’m staying with them. Therefore, I cannot prove my accommodation via hotel booking and my name isn’t on their rental contract. What sort of proof could I offer instead? Copy of their passports with residency permits in it and a letter they signed confirming I stay with them? -Do I need to show a ticket leaving Thailand within the 60 day covid extension period? – if all fails, is it still possible to do visa runs at the moment? could they reject me at the border if I try to come back into the country within a few days of leaving if they see I’ve already been here and extended once before?

Sorry for all the questions!!! but hopefully it will also be of use to others 🙂 thank you so much!

February 15, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Hi Vee, Thank you for the kind words.

– Documents needed: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1984

https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1961 – Yes, the reason you have mentioned would be fine. People have even provided the reason as tourism: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1993 .

– Believe the accommodation proof would work.

– It is not necessary to show a ticket, but it always helps. You can event rent tickets: https://visareservation.com/?ref=160

-It is possible to do visa runs. Believe they are already giving out Thai visas in Cambodia.

February 14, 2022 at 6:27 am

arrived here under the Sandbox to Phuket, now moved to Pattaya can I get a 30 day extension at Jomtien Immigration, I arrived from the UK on a 30 day waiver Thank you

February 15, 2022 at 10:36 am

Hi! First of all thnx alot for all the information. I wanna make sure some question if you know well. I came with TR visa and 60days over in few days. I know i can extension 30days. But is it possible to get covid 60 days visa instead of 30days?? Please could you tell me any info??

February 17, 2022 at 2:15 am

I am UK passport holder who arrived on 30th Dec 2021 with a 60 day visa. The stamp runs out 28th Feb 2022 so I am going to renew it for 30 days. I have lost my TM6 arrivals/departure slip. What happens now???

February 17, 2022 at 6:40 pm

These things happen. There are usually two possible scenarios for this depending on which immigration office is responsible for you:

(1) Just go to your local immigration office and ask them to replace the TM6 for you. Most immigration offices will do this immediately without any issues; (2) Go to the local police office and file a report about your lost TM6. You then take that report to your immigration office as proof.

You’ve got enough time, so even if you have to go to the police first you will be fine. If immigration is not too far from you I would head over and ask them. Or you can have someone who speaks Thai call them.

February 18, 2022 at 11:16 am

I recently heard from various sources including Thaiger and Richard Barrow’s Twitter page that it is now way more difficult to get a Covid Visa extension.

Apparently, only tourists can get this visa. If you have a Visa On Arrival or a Non-Immigrant Visa (such as my student visa, ouch!), you’re basically screwed.

Just wanted to throw this out there. Maybe our little online community can help each other come up with some sort of solution. 🙂

February 19, 2022 at 9:20 pm

Hello. Thanks for this information. If you come in on a visa free can you get the extension still? Also if you come in on a visa free with the purpose of getting the 30 day extension, does your original ticket need to still leave before the 30 days or can you have a round trip ticket in and out for 60 days(visa free+ext.)This would be for both USA passport traveling from Philippines and Filipino passport holder.

March 10, 2022 at 4:01 pm

Hello, we are entering Phuket via the sandbox scheme on the 24th March and are planning on staying in Thailand for around 50 days going to various places, we will be entering on a visa exemption on UK passports. Is it still easy to get a visa extension on this type of entry?

March 13, 2022 at 9:03 pm

Hi Maisie, Yes, it is.

March 14, 2022 at 9:55 am

Sono arrivato a Bangkok 8 dicembre test and go partito da Malpensa/ Francoforte non volevano farmi partire lista e gli ho spiegato che dopo 2 anni brutali per il Covid se avevo tutti i requisiti per entrare in Thailandia a loro cosa importasse alche ho detto di mandare le valigie a Francoforte e le avrei reimbarcate comunque una notte di quarantena avanti hotel pattaya 5 stelle peso di aver pagato 80 euro una notte con pcr limousine fino all’hotel 10 ore per l’esito stavo impazzendo dopodiché ho chiamato il manager e gli ho detto stiamo spendendo una marea di bath per room service o ci fai uno sconto del 50% altrimenti esco è arrivato subito esito negativo esenzione visto timbrato al 6 gennaio nel frattempo sono a Koh phangan mi danno una prim estensione di 30 giorni 6 febbraio poi covid extension fino Al 24 marzo probabilmente sono andato troppo presto adesso sono tornato a pattaya e la polizia die un mese o due!dopò apriranno Cambodia Laos Vietnam Filippine Malesia andrò consolato per fare Ed visa studiare lingua thai visto un anno oppure turistico 60 + 30 vedremo comunque sia i love thailand anche se riaprirà senza restrizioni il 1 luglio ma pochi turisti chiusure a dicembre 21 adesso 23/24 comunque è sempre magnifica amo Koh phangan e Phuket 2 isole thai completamente diverse!!! Sole mare natura yoga tramonti e party più occidentali con musica con dj famosi Phuket puoi vivere una realtà più thailandese con più scelta

March 14, 2022 at 5:52 pm

Hola Marco, No hablo Italiano, pero si hablo Español y entiendo lo que dijiste. Me gusta saber que te gusta Tailandia tanto. Si quieres, puedes escribir un articulo sobre como conseguir la visa de educacion para estudiar el idioma de Tailandia. 🙂

Buena suerte, Deb

March 21, 2022 at 6:12 am

Hi Deb Pati, I am a US Citizen and I was once got a Covid Visa Extension for 60 days, now that’s about to expire I need to apply for another extension. But I went to Immigration Division 1 and they told me I need to go to US Embassy to get a Letter if Extension is that correct?

Questions: can I get a second Covid extension without exiting Thailand?

What do I need from US immigration to give me the extension?

Please I appreciate your quick response my visa will expire March 26 plssss help. Thank you

March 22, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Hello April, Yes, you can get the second Covid extension without exiting Thailand.

As per the letter, you can simply take the screenshot from here: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/acsappointment/ as the US embassy doesn’t provide any such letter. And provide a printout of the same when you apply. As a backup, you can write a letter yourself telling them that you can’t go back and the embassy doesn’t provide any letters and attest it.

March 24, 2022 at 9:08 am

I arrived in Thailand in January, and I had a 60 day tourist visa, where I paid 1900 THB to extend for the 30 days, giving me to mid April. Today I went to extend my visa for the additional 60 days due to Covid, all before the the expiring March 25th cut-off date. I was given 2 options:

Option 1 : Pay 1900 THB, and get a 15 day extension stamp, where I would then have to return to immigration to then get a stamp for an additional 45 days.

Option 2: pay 3000 THB, where I would get an instant 60 days stamp there and then today, and I would not have to return to an immigration office drying my stay, until departing airport immigration.

Before I went through to the immigration officers, the people at the front desk said I would only have to pay 1500 THB for the 60 day covid extension, as I had already paid 1900 THB prior for my first 30 day extension.

I paid the 3000 THB as I did not want to return to immigration office again during my stay, all including travelling and time getting there etc.

I did not receive a receipt or proof of payment when I handed over the cash, I just got told that’s it I was free to go and visa was extended.

Did anyone have a similar experience/cost?

March 25, 2022 at 7:32 am

Hi Neo, Those are two very interesting options you got and I am glad to hear that you took the second option. Hope that you got the extension stamp and all to make sure that you got 60 more days.

Maybe others can pitch in if they had a similar experience.

March 25, 2022 at 11:23 am

Hi, I’m looking into the possibility of staying in Thailand for 2-3 months without going through the hassle of booking a tourist visa.

As a result, I was considering using the 30 day exemption to begin with, then extending this by another 30 days in the country.

After those 60 days if I decide I would like to stay longer I would just do a border run and get a new 30 day exemption from my understanding?

I just wanted to clarify if this would be the case? and that my possibility of getting a new exemption wouldn’t be affected by me having extended the previous one?

March 25, 2022 at 6:26 pm

Hi Tom, Not really. You should be fine. Here is an article to help clear out things: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

March 26, 2022 at 9:34 pm

Hello Team,

Thank you for offering this amazing service.

I am 40 and a U.S. citizen living in Pattaya.

My first Covid extension will expire this Thursday on 3/31.

I am going through a complicated orthodontic procedure and the hospital has issued a letter and 2 certifications already stating that I need to stay in the country for another 6 months. What are my chances to get a 1 year or even 6 months medical visa? what are the requirements?

If that fails? Do you think I have a good chance to get a second covid Extention for 60days if I go there 3 days ahead of time? The first time, they charged me 1900 BHT give me 30 days, had to return after 30 days to get the second stamp.

Thank you for your time

March 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm

I arrived from the US via my passport. I went to immigration and did an extension. I now have 1 week left, but I would love to find a way I could stay longer. Are there any options outside of doing a boarder run, or paying for an elite visa? I made a number of contacts / friends here so they would not mind leveraging their resources, such as a Thai business, if necessary.

March 29, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Hi, This article has all the info you need.

https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

March 31, 2022 at 7:29 am

Hi Deb, thank you for this helpful post!

After reading tons of reviews and helpful blog posts like this ( https://mikethemeanderthal.com/easy-chiang-mai-visa-extension-guide is another one), it seems that while the convoluted process of visa application is a given.. whether the whole thing go smoothly is hit or miss. I’m glad to say that my visa extension experience yesterday was definitely a hit, so I wanna pay it forward and share the latest updates.

I arrived in Chiangmai by plane on 8th March through the Test n Go Scheme, using a Singapore passport with 30-days visa exemption. Upon entering the immigration area, remember to take a queue number from the screening booth located at the center of the compound.

Proceed to the tents on the left side of the compound. Your queue number will be for the ‘form verification process’ here. Fill up all the necessary forms according to the many English signs there. If you need to photocopy or take photo, you can proceed to the back of the building. Wait for your queue number to be called after filling out the forms. When your number is called, you can direct all your enquiries to the person attending to you. Mine speaks good English and answers all my questions well. After confirming that my forms/copies are in order, I’m given a number and directed to the main aircon office building.

Give the number to the information window directly opposite the entrance and they’ll give you another queue number to wait for your turn at one of the window stations inside. Watch the tv screen and go to the station indicated when your number is up, pay the 1900 baht then go back to your seat to wait again. Someone will call your name for you to take a photo in front, then it’s time to wait some more before you’re called to collect your passport with a freshly stamped visa extension!

Remember to get a screenshot of the ‘tenant registration’ from your current landlord at least the day before. That will be your critical TM30 copy. My landlord forgot to register for me when I arrived but did it online just the day before my application, so it’s pretty fast to do. To play it safe, I went to print out this TM30 screenshot at a copy center in the morning before I went to immigration. You can download and print the TM7 form online too, but it seems the two acknowledgement forms can only be filled in at the office. While filling out the forms there, I realized that the SPM.2 form is actually just a second acknowledgment form, the first being the penalties acknowledgement form.

I wanted to get a 60 days visa extension if I could, so I enquired about the Covid Visa and was told that my ‘visa exempt’ case is classified under Tourist Visa (TR) and therefore I cannot apply for covid visa now. However, the covid visa is extended to May 24 so before my upcoming extension ends on 6th May, I can apply for that then.

I arrived at about 11am on Wednesday morning and there were very few people around. Finished my forms and photo-taking at almost 12pm so I was told to wait till their lunchtime is over at 1pm. In the aircon-office, I note that the wait time for each number seems to be only abt 5min so that’s quite fast. Left happy at about 2pm. Everyone I met was helpful and polite, making the whole experience a breeze.

All in all, I feel that the system could be better – e.g. the TM7 and two acknowledgement forms could be combined into one form for simplicity’s sake. However, seeing the many signs in English and the staff insistence on adhering to the queue system (which mysteriously skipped over the two guys beside me waiting in the office, much to their consternation), I feel like the people on the ground are doing all they can to make things better.

Or maybe I’m just lucky to come on a day with minimal crowd!

April 4, 2022 at 1:09 pm

Hi Yanxin, Thank you very much for your comment. Hope it helps the others.

April 19, 2022 at 4:42 am

where I can get a visa extension on Phuket island?

April 19, 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, I am from India. I will visit thailand in 2 days from now. I have return ticket after 15 days. Can I extend it to another 15 days to make it 30 days? I booked my flight for 30 days but I found out that visa on arrival allows max 15 days. So I changed flight but I really want to go for 30 days. I heard somewhere I can extend only for 7 days one time only. Hope you have some answer for my query. Thanks

April 20, 2022 at 4:36 am

Hi Nishant, You can extend it for 7 days only, and that too in very specific scenarios such as medical reasons. You are better off coming with a SETV if you want to stay for 30 days.

April 21, 2022 at 5:57 am

Thanks for the help but I would like to check, I flew from singapore to thai and my visa free is expiring on 27th april. Im aware that the tm7 needs a reason and what reason do people usually write for 30 visa extension? And I would like to ask for that can I get a covid visa just because I want to travel more? What reason would I need to write if this is the case, is it still easy to get covid visa too? Thanks for ur reply

April 24, 2022 at 6:31 am

Hi Tim, For the 30-day visa extension, you could simply mention that you want to travel more. But for the Covid extension, they are asking for more proof. You could say tourism as the reason or that you can’t go back to your country now.

April 27, 2022 at 4:53 am

They asked for the letter but Singapore embassy told me to contact them directly for any extensions, what should i do in this case ? thanks again!

April 28, 2022 at 11:51 am

You mean the Singapore emebassy in Thailand? In that case, maybe you can reach the embassy and see if they can provide a letter. If not, you can write one yourself mentioning that the embassy doesn’t provide any letters.

May 2, 2022 at 7:40 pm

Yes thats right, but they replied me that they do not issue “covid visa letter” so should i just print this email reply out and show the immigration? thank you!

May 6, 2022 at 12:57 pm

Yes, that is exactly what you can do.

May 16, 2022 at 10:51 am

Hi, I am in Chiang Mai and will be applying for a covid visa extension. When filling out the form I noticed that I have to specify the reason why I am making the request. Can I write that the reason is because covid cases are increasing in my region of origin? Do I need to bring evidence? Or possibly what motivation do you suggest to write?

June 6, 2022 at 3:40 am

My 30 day visa extension is about to end. Do I need a letter from the Australian embassy to apply for Covid 60 day extension? Will immigration ask? Thank you

June 7, 2022 at 7:15 am

Hi Jade, They surely can ask. Either get a letter or an email where they state they either don’t provide any such letter.

June 15, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi I need to extend visa actually my visa expires today but I don’t know where is immigration office and I extend visa

June 16, 2022 at 4:45 pm

Hello, to be granted access into thailand i need proof of my flight leaving the country. Once i am in thailand i wish to extend my visa. Do i therefore book the flight for what would be my departure date if they grant me an extension or do i book it for the original 60 days and then change my flight when the extension is granted?

June 18, 2022 at 7:40 am

If you are flying to Thailand, it is always advisable to carry proof of your onward journey. We recommend visa reservation to rent: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

Now, coming to the dates, you can plan to get a new one once you are in Thailand which can include the 30 days extension.

So effectively, you could rent it twice.

June 20, 2022 at 4:38 am

Hello! Like many others of the commenters, I landed on this site after looking for information on how to extend and I think that this is the most easy-to-understand info I have found so far so thank you for that.

I’m heading to immigration for an extension this week. Aside from the documents you list here, will I need to show a ticket for onward travel and a confirmed hotel-reservation as well or can I skip those? I don’t know where I’m going next yet (so if I indeed need an onward ticket, I was going to rent one, but I’d rather save that money and spend it on something more fun) and I’m frankly too paranoid to book my next accommodation before I have that stamp in my passport so I’m sitting here now trying to decide if I should get those ready anyway or if I’ll be fine anyway. I have never applied for an extension in Thailand so I don’t know if they’re as grumpy and strict as in other countries or what I should expect, haha.

Anyway, thank you again for the great information!

June 22, 2022 at 5:04 pm

Hi Nicole, They can sometimes ask for the onward ticket. So it is always better to carry one. Or you can simply show up without it and bring it with you the next time if they ask for it.

Accommodation proof is pretty far-fetched.

June 22, 2022 at 8:29 pm

Hello! We just discovered that the 60 day Thailand Tourist Visa which we were able to apply for via e-visa back in December 2021 is no longer available as an e-visa. You have to apply in person at a Royal Thai consulate or embassy. So, now we are considering a 30 day visa free entry as US passport holders and then extending for another 30 days at an Immigration office. Information on the internet is very confusing. Some say only 15 day extensions for air travelers is given, and your site says 30 days. And of course the Royal Thai Embassy website doesn’t appear to provide ANY info about extending visa free. We are coming in August 12 and staying 60 days through Oct 10. Are you still confident the 30 day visa free will extend for 30 days? Thanks in advance for your reply.

June 25, 2022 at 11:53 am

Hi, You should get 30 days. Have not heard of anyone getting 15 days in the recent past.

July 5, 2022 at 11:49 pm

According to people I talked in Thailand they will not give you 30 days you have to do it in your own country

July 7, 2022 at 11:59 pm

Please help. Its July 8 2022. Planning to enter in 10 days on US passport visa exemption no visa required. IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE STAY? HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT GET EXTENDED? Thanks…

July 10, 2022 at 9:03 am

Yes it is. 30.

July 11, 2022 at 4:08 am

Hello! I am Canadian flying to Thailand in two weeks time. I know I can get a tourist visa/visa upon arrival if my stay is limited to 30 days but i want to extend my stay just by a few days – probably just by 3-5 days.

A) If I arrive at the airport and my return ticket is over the 30 day limit, will I be refused entry into the country? Or would they still let me in? B) If they do let me in, would I just be able to extend that 30 day stay visa before it expires?

Thank you in advance! I’ve tried calling the Thai embassy but no one seems to be answering!

July 20, 2022 at 3:03 am

Sorry about the late reply Stephanie. A) No you should not be refused entry over this. B) You can file for the extension for 30 days before the initial entry date allowed.

July 18, 2022 at 4:01 pm

Thanks for all the info but my head is exploding! Decades ago when I went to Thailand twice for a total of 3 months, none of this was necessary.

American arriving October 2022 and I want to be in Thailand for at least 2 months. Can I do the 30 day non Visa requirement as a tourist for free and THEN apply for then apply for the 90 day single entry the tourist Visa that you can use for 60 days, while I’m already in the country?

How long do I have to wait before before coming in again for another either free 29 days or applying for the 90 day Visa?

Can I show a bus or train ticket for an exit to a neighboring country because I don’t plan to fly?

I keep reading conflicting info on $ requirements for this Visa and when they ask an amount, is that per week, per month or total $ for whatever length of stay?

Sorry for so many questions but I’m traveling to many countries and I’m tired of spending endless hours on trying to get clear, precise, current info.

July 22, 2022 at 10:24 am

1. You can get 30 days visa-exempt entry. You can extend this inside Thailand.

2. You can not get a tourist visa when you are inside Thailand. You need to make a border run. There are multiple articles on the website on that. https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/60-day-thailand-tourist-visa-in-laos/

3. Train/ bus tickets are accepted.

4. The cost of the tourist visa would vary depending on where you apply.

Here is another article that would be useful : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

January 8, 2023 at 9:37 am

I’m from the Netherlands and I’m cycling around South-East Asia. I’ll extend my visa-exempt entry of 45 days tomorrow, for another 30 days, but I might need another 15-30 days after that.

My question is whether a border run gives me 15 or 30 more days? I read conflicting things about that.

I’ll be in the North of Thailand then, so the Laos is the obvious choice. How long should I stay there before coming back?

Also, my first 45 days expire today (Sunday) already. I was in Kaeng Krachan and realized too late that immigrant offices are closed in the weekends. I’ll go to the office tomorrow morning. Will the overstay of one day give me a problem now or later on?

Kind regards,

January 9, 2023 at 8:38 pm

Hi Michael, If you end up doing the extension 1 day late, most probably you would need to pay the 500B fine nothing else.

If you do the border run, you should get 45 days as it would be a visa-exempt entry. Earlier the land border runs gave you 15 days only. Laos is surely a great choice. 1 or 2 days in Laos would do the trick.

Please update us on how it goes. Would help others a lot.

Cheers, Deb

July 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

Hi I’m American and have a flight for the 3rd of August, I signed up for a tourist visa a week ago but I don’t think it’s going to be finished before I leave, so I have a question and it’s a but of an emergency situation now

A) can I just land at the airport and get the visa exemption, then extend it there?

B) can I keep my flight return date still showing 2 months later on the 3rd of October? My accommodation are on the same days as well.

All together my time there is 63 days, but I can Push back my departure date if necessary. I’ve gotten so much mixed up info on all of this. Thanks for the help

July 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

Hi Chuck, A) Yes, you can do it. B) I would recommend keeping it within 60 days so that you can reason with them. There is always someone who is not having a good day.

August 11, 2022 at 3:09 am

Just to give everyone a heads-up (since the link posted here now doesn’t work any longer), I had my visa exemption (30 days) extended with another 30 days yesterday.

The new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor). The process went quite smooth. Prepared everything as was explained here, but still had to fill in two additional documents, which were provided at the location. Took me a little longer than 1 hour, but beware that there’s only 300 queue tickets given out each day. I arrived at 15:00 and had queue number 220, btw.

August 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Hi Zero, Thank you for the update. Would you mind sharing which additional documents were you needed to fill in?

August 18, 2022 at 2:31 am

I am SO happy I found this website !! So I have never been to Thailand, but I had got my tickets already. I’m leaving Nov 2nd 2022 and coming back May2nd 2023. So 6 months. I am Canadian, coming from Canada. I am waiting for my SETV online application to be approved. I know I can do 90 days with the extension. Do I have other options of extensions ? Without having to leave ?.. and if I do have to do a run, would I come on my 30 day no visa, and extend for another 30… then have to do another run ? Any help is sooo appreciated. Thank you so much.!!

August 19, 2022 at 6:40 am

Hi Aly, This article will help you in understanding all those details : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

August 29, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Is it possible to stay 90 days on a british passport,I know I can extend by 30 days,but what can I do for the last 30 days.will I have to do a border run. Thanks

August 31, 2022 at 7:48 am

Hi Stuart, You can surely do a border run, however it would be better to get a SETV if you are planning to stay in Thailand for a longer time. Cheers, Deb

August 31, 2022 at 5:36 am

Hi, I read the covid extensions will no longer be given again and again. is this correct?

August 31, 2022 at 7:43 am

That is right Ron. They have discontinued it for now.

August 31, 2022 at 7:58 pm

Hi buddy , I was curious , I’m American and came on a visa free and they gave me 30 days, Which ends September 9th, next week. When do you think I should go for the visa extension. Also after that extension I can apply for another one? Also if I can’t , can I make a border run get 30 days and then get another extension . And repeat this process over and over? Last thing, you say you can get visa free 45 days , but I only received 30 days. Thankyou

September 3, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Hi Cody, You get visa-exempt entry for 30 days now. During Covid times, they had temporarily extended it to 45 days. Not anymore. You can apply for the extension 1 week before the 30-day limit is over.

Give this article a read to get an idea on the border runs and other things in general: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

September 10, 2022 at 7:39 am

Hi, I am travelling to thailand from Australia on a 90 days volunteer visa. At the end of that 90 days I would like to travel as a tourist for another 15 days. Can I request an extension of my volunteer visa or do I need to reapply for a tourist visa?

September 16, 2022 at 6:39 am

Hi Amber, I believe it is a Non-O volunteer visa? You can surely extend it. In order to get a tourist visa, you would need to leave Thailand.

September 19, 2022 at 2:24 pm

Hi, can anyone advise me? we are flying out to Thailand on 27th september for 34 days. We know the Thai government are extending the visa to 45 days stay from 1st October, We return home on the 1st November. can we travel without an E visa? sorry if this sounds confusing. john

September 23, 2022 at 6:59 am

Hi Austin, As of October 1st citizens from 53 countries can enter Thailand without visa for 45 days (up from 30). Since you are entering before that, you would get 30 days, and then you would need to extend it for 30 more.

September 30, 2022 at 7:41 pm

Hi Deb, as all the others trippers I am so grateful for your skilled help! It is nice to read how may people would stay in this amazing country long as possible, “fighting”against every kind of administrative difficulties! Arrived to Bangkok from Paris on the 18 of September with a non visa 30 days limited stay, I am preparing my documents to go to the IT Square Lakes Plaza for the extension. – If I have to include the T6 form I don’t have ? I don’t remember if they didn’t give me ( is it possible?) or if I’ve lost it…it is not a form that I can download isn’t? -If I’ve understood correctly, I will not benefit of 45 days because I arrived before the 1 of October, right? – at the moment of my demand I still have an hotel address, but not for longtime as I wish go outside Bkk.The authority is asking an address covering all the extension stay? Thank you so much, Faustina

October 4, 2022 at 1:16 pm

Hi Faustina, Thank you for the kind words. Yes, let’s hope they get better. 🙂 – It is possible that you didn’t get one. Rarely happens but possible. See J’s very helpful comment on this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509

– You wouldn’t get 45 days since you arrived before 1st October

– It is better that you get the TM7 mentioning the hotel where you would be staying at. You should already have it. A little less hassle. Then once you get the extension, you can go outside Bangkok.

October 4, 2022 at 7:45 pm

Hi there, I am a NZ citizen arriving in Bangkok on 17 October, i want to stay 85 days in Thailand, i will get the 45 day Visa Exemption on arrival, can i do a visa run to Cambodia/Malaysia 45 days later, and re-enter and get another 45 day visa exemption? thanks a lot!

October 5, 2022 at 5:50 pm

Hi Don, I believe yes you would.

October 4, 2022 at 9:58 pm

Do you have any infos about the Special 60-day Covid Extension of Thai Visa… for end 2022 and begining 2023? Thanks!

October 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm

Right now it is not happening Phillipe. I doubt they will go back to Covid extensions.

October 8, 2022 at 9:22 am

Hi Ded, I’m wondering if a land border visa extension run (post 60-days visa ) cab be also done in Myanmar/laos? Txs

October 12, 2022 at 2:16 pm

Hi Karina, It can definitely be done in Laos. Don’t think Myanmar is an option right now since the borders with Myanmar are closed( Last checked in September).

October 16, 2022 at 9:00 pm

Hi Deb We entered Thailand with a STV on 19 august and need to extend by November 16,2022. I have heard that some with this visa were not granted extensions. We are in Bangkok so we were just wanting to verify that it’s still possible to get extensions for the STV ? Otherwise we would need to do a border run seeing we can’t change to another visa type here. Thank you

October 17, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Hi Glynn, Have not heard of anyone who got denied the visa extension with STV. As long as you have everything they need, you can count on getting it.

November 21, 2022 at 4:52 am

I just got denied the STV visa renewal. they say it finished by 30th September

November 21, 2022 at 6:59 am

Hi Josh, Sorry to hear that. Do you mean, they denied you a 30-day extension on your STV?

October 18, 2022 at 6:11 am

Hi Deb I will be re-entering Thailand on the 4th of November on the 45 day visa exemption. I plan to extend my visa for a further 30 days during my stay. A few days after I arrive will be flying to Krabi and I have heard the visa office there is a very relaxed and quick process compared to Bangkok. My question is will I be able to extend my visa in Krabi a couple of days after arrival in the country or do I have to wait until a week or so before the visa runs out in December. Thanks for your help!

October 19, 2022 at 11:19 am

Hi Conor, Yes, you can do it a couple of days after you arrive. No need to wait for the week before the visa expires.

October 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm

Hello, Thanks again for your information! Do you know if it’s possible to extend 30 days after the 45 days visa exemption on arrival? And is there 45 days for landborder crossing?

October 19, 2022 at 11:14 am

Yes to both.

October 19, 2022 at 8:26 am

Is it possible to get an extension on the day of expiration. Say my stay expires on the 27 but I am asking for an extension on the 27 will that work?

October 19, 2022 at 11:16 am

I believe it is possible, but why take the risk? You have time to do it beforehand.

October 21, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Hello, we are coming to BKK Thailand from Canada November 4 and getting the 45 day visa exception with plans to extend for an additional 30 days. Then we are leaving for about 6 weeks to travel elsewhere, and then would like to return again for another 45 day visa exception and fly home on March 30 2023. Can we use the 45 day exception 2 times within our 5 month travel plan? Thanks for any information you can provide.

October 23, 2022 at 5:54 am

Hi Sandra, Yes, this is totally doable.

October 23, 2022 at 12:47 pm

I wonder if it’s then possible to extend for a second time the 45 days for another 30 days… I am canadian who will arrive november 15 2022

Visa waiver end december 29; make extension until january 28 Going to Laos until february 25 2023 Back in Thailand february 25 with visa waiver 45 days Make a second 30 days extension until until I go back in canada may 9 2023??? Thanks a lot for your infos, it is very appreciate…

October 25, 2022 at 7:00 am

Technically speaking, it should be possible although no one has done this yet. Worth a try, and do let us know if you succeed.

October 27, 2022 at 8:11 am

Hi Deb, Super helpful blog and advice. We’re wondering if we book flights for longer than 45 days apart (30 Dec 22 until 15 March 23) will we still be able to get the 45 day visa upon arrival (UK and Swedish citizens) and then extend it for 30days to cover us for our full stay? Or do our flights need to be less than 45 days apart to start with? Thanks for your advice and help!!

October 28, 2022 at 8:59 am

Hi Alex, Appreciate your kind words. Please book the flights for less than 45 days. In fact, I highly recommend renting a ticket or buying a 24-hour cancellable one ( totally free). I recommend doing this before the 45-day limit runs out. The date ideally should be on the 43rd/44th day. Refer to the section: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension

I have a whole article on this: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/

October 30, 2022 at 3:54 am

Hi Deb, Great info, and thanks for your willingness to advise all of us! My 90 day non-imm O visa (Thai wife, I’m American) will expire in a couple weeks, yet we are planning to stay in Thailand for a couple more months. As I didn’t create a Thai bank account when I arrived (stupid me), an item that seems to be needed to extend the non-imm O, what are my options for continuing my stay here? Thanks!

November 1, 2022 at 7:14 am

Hi Seattlite, I would not recommend a visa conversion inside Thailand since that is always a slippery slope. The easiest option would be to make a border run and come as visa-exempt, and then do the extension on that. That gives you 75 days easily. In the meanwhile, you can open a bank account and have that option ready.

Hope it works out for you, Deb

November 13, 2022 at 1:43 pm

Hello I am traveling to Thailand for 85 days, I will get 45 days visa free. If I take a a day trip over to Laos , will I get 45 more days when I return through the border on the same day or do I have to spend a specific time out of Thailand ?

November 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

Hi Mel, Try to stay at least one full day in Laos, and then enter Thailand. Technically speaking, you should get 45 days. Request to update us. Would be really helpful to others.

November 15, 2022 at 2:55 am

They did’nt give me a TM6 CARD when I come in… can I do extension without this card?… or I should find one and if so how where I can get one?

November 18, 2022 at 9:07 am

Hi Philippe, Yes, you can get a new one or file a Police report for this. See this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509

November 19, 2022 at 11:41 am

Actually it’s a new procedure… they do not give TM6 card when you come in Thailand… I wonder if I should ask for one…

November 21, 2022 at 9:52 am

I did not see where the immigration office locations are shared on the immigration.go.th website. Can you help me find such? I am staying in CBD area and will try to go tomorrow to extend m 45 day tourist visa. Then I will do a visa run in January.

I may eventually re-enroll in Thai classes and get an Education visa again, as I did during Covid (they were online and pretty spotty back then, so I could use more classes anyway).

November 23, 2022 at 8:04 am

Hi Chris, I have added a map that you can refer to for the location.

All the best in your endeavors.

November 23, 2022 at 5:33 pm

November 22, 2022 at 11:36 am

Can can visa free entry in thailand be extended by another 30 days? So I come in with a 45 visa exemption and then once in Thailand I extend that by another 30 days for a full 75 days?

I think if I understand this article right it is possible, but I want to be sure.

Thanks for this site. Nowhere in the internet I found such detailled info about all this.

November 24, 2022 at 10:11 am

Hey Johannes, Yes, this is possible.

And thank you for the kind words.

November 24, 2022 at 2:56 pm

Hi Deb, Regarding the 45 day plus 30 day extension for 75 days total: Would I book a return flight now for 45 days or at 75 days? thanks

November 25, 2022 at 6:37 am

Hi Nick, You need to get two in reality. One let’s say on the 43rd day and the other, say, 28 days after that. Please refer to the section on onward tickets as well.

December 2, 2022 at 9:32 am

Yes, this is correct.

I was given a 45 day exemption on arrival and this afternoon I went to the Immigration office and paid THB1900 for an additional 30 days.

November 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm

I did not find a list of Bangkok Immigration/Visa offices on the link above. I have the form to extend my 45 day tourist visa, but do you know where I can go to file it in Bankgok?

November 27, 2022 at 10:26 pm

Hi Deb, I intend to fly in from the states on January 1st, 2022 on the 45 day visa exempt option. i am going to transfer 800,000 Baht to my Thai bank account in early December. Do you know if I would qualify for the 12 month “extension of stay” visa if I enter with the 45 day exempt option, and not the 60 day tourist visa?

November 30, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Steve, I don’t think this is possible with the 45-day visa-exempt option or with the 60-day tourist visa.

December 1, 2022 at 4:34 am

Firstly, thanks in advance for any help you may give me.

I’m a little bit stuck on what exactly to do.

I have a 45 day visa waiver, I’d like to extend another 30 days.

My question is to do with the address I have to supply on the TM7.

My visa waiver expires on the 31/12/22. So when I apply, do I need to book a hotel for the 31/12 only and put this on the form? Does it need to be longer?

I’m travelling around the country just now, so all a bit ad hoc at the moment.

Thanks again mate

December 2, 2022 at 11:05 am

Hi Ian, Yes, booking a hotel for a night can do the trick. Not really needed for much longer.

December 2, 2022 at 6:45 am

Hi Deb, I mistakenly believed I had a 90 day visa and have already stayed past the expiry of my actual 30 day visa. I will be flying out next week near but not over the 90 day limit; should I go to the Immigration Bureau and self-report? Is there any chance to extend my visa now it’s already expired? Would I be arrested and taken to IDC?

December 4, 2022 at 11:12 am

Hi Tom, Sorry to hear about this. If you’re stopped by the police you could be arrested. Let’s hope it does not come to that. Try to leave asap and pay your 500 baht/day fine on exit. You will probably receive an overstay stamp on your passport.

Please update us on how it goes.

December 2, 2022 at 3:45 pm

Hi Deb, Indian who received an e-visa for 30 days, got the VOA stamp when I arrived. If I go to the IT Plaza, will they only give me 7 days extension? Thanks!

December 4, 2022 at 11:18 am

Hi Salo, It’s possible to extend your visa on arrival by 7 days only in case you are ill and unable to travel. It is not straightforward for Indians as far as I know.

And from what I have heard from other expats, the 7 days you are offered is in actual fact a denial to approve an extension and they give you 7 days to leave. It is better not to take this option because they will put a stamp saying so and this could become an issue in the future.

If you areally want to travel longer in Thailand, get a Thai STV.

December 5, 2022 at 3:39 am

It seems you can get visa extension via Thai government e-visa service. https://online.vfsevisa.com/ Do you have comment on this process?

December 5, 2022 at 10:48 am

Hi Jo, I don’t think that is possible.

December 8, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Does anyone know if they now require a TM30 at Chang Wattana when doing a 30 day extension on a 45 day Visa waiver?

Thanks in advance for any help.

January 6, 2023 at 8:38 am

So this 45-day visa expires on March 31, 2023.

What if I arrive on March 1, 2023? Would that mean my date to leave would be April 14, 2023? And if I wanted to extend this date by another 30 days, I would need to go to apply for an extension at least about a week before April 14th?

Does that sound right?

January 9, 2023 at 10:49 am

Hello there 75 days. Yes, that is true. And depending on where you apply for the extension, you can also apply much earlier.

January 23, 2023 at 4:38 am

I was wondering if you know the limit to how many visa free waivers you are allowed per year when entering by air to Thailand.

I have used a two month visa (June – Aug 22′) then two visa waivers (extending them both) with visa runs in between.

I am about to come back to Thailand in Feb and am a bit worried they are going to question me at the airport or refuse entry.

I’ve seen conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.

If you or anyone else can answer my question I would greatly appreciate it.

January 24, 2023 at 8:33 pm

Hi Conor, There are indeed conflicting reports about this. Some say a maximum of 4 times as well, and a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.

All the best, Deb

February 23, 2023 at 1:51 am

Hello Deb, May be you have information about land border with Malaysia and Myanmar… I would like to do visa run before end of march so I guess I could have an other 45 days waiver (I am canadian)? 1- wondering about Padang Besar (Malaysia) it’s use to be easy there… is it still the same? With night train to Bangkok… or I have to go to Hat Yai for catch this train? Do I need to stay one night in Malaysia? 2-wondering about Myanmar… Ranong and Mae Sot border… I heard that Mae Sot bridge is open but is this okay for visa run?… it’s you use to be…. Could I go Myanmar and come back Thailand in the same day? Thank you very much for all the infos you give! Philip

February 25, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Hi Philippe, While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently. You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take an other train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.

Coming to the Mae Sot border in Myanmar, what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand. You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.

Please update once you do it so that the others can benefit.

February 24, 2023 at 9:52 am

1st, many thanks for all helpful informations provided here.

I would like to ask for your kind confirmations on following 2 questions, please :

1) Got a first 45 days’ exemption (arrival by plane) expiring on March 4th. According to some others experiences here, a 30 days’ extension at Gvt Complex next week should then be no problem, yes ?

2) If exiting Thailand to Laos on March 30th then crossing back by land on the next day March 31st, could I normally still get another 45 days’ exemption ? And, if so, would that one be regularly elligible to an additional 30 days’ extension again ?

With great thanks and brgds.

February 25, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Hi J, Yes to the first question, and technically yes to the second one. Why wait until the last day to do this? 🙂

February 26, 2023 at 10:12 am

Hey Deb, Thanks for reply. To answer your question : just with the intention of bringing my stay in Thailand as far as it can go. ) By the way, did you have any actual report of that kind of border run by land getting a renewed 45 days’ exemption yet ?

February 26, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hi J, Yes, I surely do.

February 28, 2023 at 6:41 am

Hey Deb, Some update to whom it may be of some use : I can confirm that, in Bkk, visa extensions (at least for Tourist and 45 days waiver) are not processed at the Gvt Complex anymore but at IT Square (awful shabby place…) Surprisingly very few people there. So, except for the gloomy ambience, it went smooth and fast. Didn’t even take 15mns altogether to get my 30 days extension.

March 19, 2023 at 3:28 pm

Hi Deb, great article, but I’m still struggling to figure out what is my best option. I just wanted to explain my situation and hope you can offer the best advice! I am going to Thailand from England on 23rd May 2023 and I booked a return ticket back on the 20th August. I was planning to apply for a 60 day tourist visa and then extend for another 30 days. I now realise that it’s not great to assume that I will get the extension. Will this cause an issue that my return flight is already longer than the initial 60 days I will be offered? Will I need to book something else? Also is the 60 day tourist visa the best option? Or could I possibly arrive and get 45 days, leave the country briefly and then get another 45? Finally if I apply for an extension on the 60 day visa on say day 45, will the extension apply immediately, or be effective from the end of the 60 days? thanks so much if you can take the time to reply.

March 24, 2023 at 9:35 am

Hi Hollie, I believe you can do both but to me getting the SETV for 60 days and extending it would always be a better option, just because you could stay in the country for 90 days continuously. And the extension kicks in only when your 60 days expire, not from your date of application. So you are fine in that regard.

How to plan the flight tickets: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension

Hope you have a good time in Thailand.

April 19, 2023 at 10:29 am

Hi Deb, Thanks for all the advice given on this page, it’s very useful. My situation is: I will return to Thailand on the 25th May after a two week trip to India. I have read various reports that people entering Thailand from India or China require medical insurance and a negative PCR test. Is this true and should I be buying insurance and getting tested beforehand? I cant find much info on this online. I am just worried I will be denied access if i don’t have these things. I am a British citizen and will be using the 30 day visa waiver if that makes a difference. Thanks again

May 2, 2023 at 10:19 am

Hi Conor, Sorry about the late reply. You do need travel insurance. This insurance must cover the duration of your stay in Thailand plus an additional 7 days from their planned date of departure. It should be of at least USD 10,000 and include treatment for COVID‑19 related costs.

There is no need for negative PCR test as far as I know.

Thanks, Deb

May 26, 2023 at 5:57 am

Thanks for the detailed guide! Didn’t realize there were so many offices outside of Bangkok. Just extended 30 days to my visa-exempt stay.

FYI for others in Ayutthaya: It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.

Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)

(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)

May 28, 2023 at 8:04 pm

Thanks a lot for the update Billy. Hope it helps everyone.

June 2, 2023 at 9:00 am

Thank you for all the advice up to this point, it is incredibly helpful.

I am going to explain my current situation and hope that I can get your advice on how to proceed. I am arriving in Thailand as a UK national on the 24th July 2023, and will be using the visa waiver for 30 days to travel the South of Thailand. I will then be travelling to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos (staying 30 days in each place). I then want to re-enter North of Thailand and stay for another 30 days before flying back to the UK.

1. The re-entry permits online are not backpacking friendly as they ask where I am staying and I do not know this information, only the first 3 days usually. How do I get around this?

2. Should I apply for a re-entry permit and extension when I am in Thailand the first time, or go to the Thai Embassy in Laos and apply for re-entry and extension there?

3. Do you think this trip is risky trying to re-enter and extend the visa? Or do you think it will be simple to do?

Many thanks, Paige

June 7, 2023 at 10:55 am

Hi Paige, I believe in your case, it would be quite simple since you are using the visa waiver to enter both the times, and you are not really exceeding the limit or getting an extension.

I don’t think you would need re-entry permit. As per the hotel reservations, you can always do refundable reservations and then cancel them.

July 21, 2023 at 4:09 pm

I just need an advice, regarding risking a visa extension in IT Square Laksi, or to go on a border run to Cambodia. We (with my parents who are senior citizens) arrived in BKK from MNL last July 5 and will end Aug 3 (a 30 day visa exemption) to visit relatives and friends as well as tour and of course, go shopping. Our return ticket to MNL will be on Aug 20MN, to have enough rest for the elderly between travels and visits, thus the requirement to have a visa extension.

My great concern is, we are not staying in a hotel/resort but with my Aunt’s (my mom’s sister, with a non-immigrant O visa) house in Bangkok. This is where it goes possibly deep for the immigration with TM30 besides the TM7. I am not sure what or where TM30 further dives in to with regards to document requirements, but it will entirely be complicated. Some says it is simple, but my Aunt’s house is named under my uncle, and they are no longer together. Thus the complication deepens if we talk about TM30.

With our situation, I am not sure how the Thai immigration treats elderly aliens who just wants to visit and stay with relatives in Thailand, tour great sites with relative and friends, and do shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.

So my two options are: 1. Easy 30min – 1hr but risky visa extension in IT Square Laksi with a non refundable fee of thb1900 if denied because of TM30 concern and would have to rebook our tickets to go back home. 2. An assuring but tiring whole day border run to Cambodia with a elderly parents worth thb2500.

Any advice will be great for a Thai visa extension.

July 23, 2023 at 9:27 pm

Hi GB, I get your concern. Here is the thing. You do not really need proof of a TM30 to extend a tourist visa or visa exempt entry (though someone still needs to have submitted it for you). So the assumption here is that your uncle, the owner in this case, should have submitted this.

I would say that give it a try a week or so before so that in case it does not work out for any reason or a moody official, you still have time and energy to do a border run.

Hope it works out. My heart says it will. Please keep us updated.

August 7, 2023 at 4:18 am

Hello Deb, Great site and advice. My question re a scenario – Entered Thailand with a US passport for 60 days, then extended for 30 days whilst awaiting decision for a 5 year Elite Visa (with rules for Elite extension to 10 or 20 years). Then Thailand Elite announced a complete revamp of Elite visa and a discontinuation of a 5 year Elite but provided people a short time to pay more to upgrade to 10 or 20 years. A five year can still be granted, but the extension ability ceases so upgrade would have to occur about now. In October 2023 the Elite visa is likely to be much more expensive and possibly have less incentives. Therefore, although the 5 year elite is still awaiting approval, the changes required a backup plan to apply for an O-X long stay retired pensioner option application, now also submitted. Therefore, there are now two options awaiting approval by officials, and the current extension of 30 days is about to end. As it is changes by authorities that have created the unknown situation eith no indication when approvals or denials will occur, would officials be inclined to grant a second 30 day extension? I understand that your answer will be speculation based on experience, but your opinion is valued and may be used as a guide as to whether an attempt should be made to put the case forward. Otherwise, there will be added expense of moving out for a border run flight and return. Kind regards.

August 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm

Hi Mark, Yes, this is quite a situation. I understand your concern. In most countries in the world, if your visa application is under process, you don’t have to worry even if your current visa expires. I personally have been in this situation more than a few times and this is totally fine.

Thailand being Thailand, you can’t predict these things. If all your documents for the O-X are in order, they have no reason to deny it. I would say that be positive and wait for the approval. If I were in your shoes, I would have done that and faced the consequences in case things did not work out in the end.

But if you want to play it safe, a border run is always an option. Would love if you could update on the final outcome.

August 17, 2023 at 3:08 pm

Hi we was in Thailand for 30 days on the visa waiver stamp we have since left the country and visited Laos and currently we are in Vietnam. We are planning to fly back into Thailand soon. The question I have is can we get another 30 day waiver stamp when we arrive (we would’ve been out of Thailand for 20 days since our last visit) secondly if we can get another waiver stamp is it possible to pay to extend this for a further 30 days for 1900 Bhat? Or do we have to apply for a visa online? Thank you in advance for your reply!

August 19, 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi Reece, Yes, you should be able to get a waiver and an extension. In case you decide to get an SETV in Vietnam, you can do so as well : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/tourist-visa-to-thailand-in-vietnam/

September 5, 2023 at 7:40 pm

Uwaga! Nie można przedłużyć wizy w dowolnym urzędzie! Musi być odpowiedni dla twojego adresu!

September 6, 2023 at 2:17 pm

I don’t really understand this comment but I will let it slide.

October 6, 2023 at 1:24 am

Hi, regarding the amount of visa waiver entries you can have per year: Siam Legal (who runs the Thai Embassy website) clarified that under the new rules, you can get up to two (2) entries by land per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) and up to six (6) by air. People who enter on the visa exemption / waiver can still extend by another 30 days. Thought this might be useful 🙂

Source: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-latest-update

January 5, 2024 at 7:12 am

I just got a 30 day extension of my ’30 day visa exemption’ on arrival (w/ US passport) at IT Square Laksi. There are 2 photo & print /copy shops next door. They open at 8:30am, close from 12-1 for lunch, and stop taking new people about 3:30pm, closing at 4:30.

In addition to TM-7, there are 2 more forms they want you to fill out with your info but no other supporting docs. Bring your own pen!

Get there early to avoid having to wait through lunch break. After lunch things move slower as there were many ‘agents’ with 4500-5000b clients skipping the cue.

I tried the ‘new’ E-Visa system, but the next appointment was a week away, and then it was going to take 7-12 business days to ‘process’. You get to ‘skip the line’ by submitting your documents online, but you also have to pay another 500b. You can pay more to get faster processing: 1500 for 2-3day, and 5000 for same or overnight processing if my memory is correct.

January 30, 2024 at 3:03 pm

Thanks a lot Greg. This would definitely help the others a lot.

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Thailand Visa » Thailand entry Information » How to get a Thailand visa extension

How to get a Thailand visa extension

Many visitors decide to stay longer than they originally planned in Thailand. This raises the question: how do you extend a Thai visa ?

Whether it is possible to obtain a Thailand visa extension (and for how long) depends on the visa type.

A number of nationalities can apply for a Thai tourist eVisa online through an easy online application, which removes the need to wait in long border queues or visit a diplomatic mission in person. In many cases, this is a simpler solution than extending a Thai visa.

What Kind of Thailand Visa Can Be Extended?

Only Thailand tourist visas obtained at an embassy or consulate can be extended. It is not currently possible to extend eVisas or visas obtained on arrival in Thailand.

However, since it is much quicker and easier to apply for the eVisa than at an embassy, many travelers prefer this option.

If they need to extend their stay, they can do a “visa run”. Simply this means temporarily leaving Thailand for a day or 2 , applying for a new eVisa, and then returning. Many people use this opportunity to visit a neighboring country like Cambodia or Laos.

This is usually more enjoyable than going to an office in Thailand to deal with the paperwork needed to extend a consular visa.

How Many Times Can I Extend my Tourist eVisa in Thailand?

It is not currently possible to extend a tourist visa for Thailand obtained online .

It is not currently possible to extend a tourist visa for Thailand obtained online . Instead, you can leave the country briefly, submit a new Thai visa application online from outside Thailand, and return once it is approved.

This allows you to extend your stay and saves the trouble of dealing with the paperwork to extend a consular tourist visa in person.

An online visa application for Thailand can be completed in just a few minutes by supplying basic personal, passport, and travel details.

An online visa for Thailand is usually processed quickly, within a couple of days. Therefore, crossing the Thai border into a neighboring country to submit a new eVisa application is a viable option.

How to Extend My Thailand Tourist Visa

Visitors can extend a Thailand tourist visa originally obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate by going to a special office. They must complete the necessary paperwork to apply for a visa extension.

There is also a Thai visa extension fee to be paid.

It is only possible to get a Thai visa extension for an embassy tourist visa once inside the country. A Thai tourist visa can only be extended once.

This is the only option for foreign nationals who are not eligible for the eVisa.

Those who are eligible for an eVisa can extend their stay simply by reapplying for a new tourist visa online . This must be done from outside Thailand, so it is necessary to leave the country temporarily. This could be a good opportunity to visit a neighboring country before returning to Thailand.

It is not currently possible to extend a Thailand visa on arrival (VOA) .

Where can I extend my Thai visa in Bangkok?

To obtain a non-immigrant Thailand visa extension, it is necessary to go to a Thai Immigration Bureau office . There are offices in various locations around Thailand where it is possible to apply for an extension.

It is not possible to obtain a visa extension at a border crossing checkpoint.

Documents to extend my Thailand visa

To extend a Thai visa, the applicant needs to supply immigration officers with:

• A completed Thailand visa extension form
• A copy of your original visa
• A copy of the passport information page (this can be made at the offices)
• A photo of the applicant , passport-style.
• A copy of your Thailand departure card (TM6)

There is also an extension fee , which is currently 1,900 baht (regardless of the length of the extension). This will need to be paid in cash in the local currency , as credit and debit card payments are not currently accepted.

How long can I extend a Thai visa for?

Thai embassy tourist visas are either valid for 30 days or 60 days.

They may be extended for the following periods :

• An additional 30 days for a 60-day visa
• An extra 7 days for a 30-day visa

The online tourist visa for Thailand allows the holder a single entry stay of 30 days for purposes of tourism and leisure.

Each new eVisa you apply for will allow you another 30 days in Thailand from the date you return to the country.

When to Apply for a Thai Visa Extension

It is important to renew a Thai visa before it expires in order to avoid any of the overstay penalties. An extension can be made at any time once the traveler is inside Thailand.

The Thai visa extension application process takes around an hour from start to finish. This may take longer in some cases, depending on the length of lines at the immigration office at any given time.

What should I do if my eVisa expires?

It is important to leave Thailand before the 30-day stay permitted with an eVisa expires . This is because penalties apply to anyone who has overstayed the maximum stay permitted with a visa for Thailand.

Even overstaying by 1 day in Thailand will result in a fine for the eVisa holder. Longer overstays may result in other penalties such as detainment and imprisonment.

Can you leave Thailand on the day your eVisa expires?

Yes, the holder of a Thai tourist visa is able to leave the country at any time on the day the eVisa expires . However, they must not stay longer than the 30-day period of permitted stay, which begins once they have their passport stamped by immigration authorities on arrival in Thailand.

• Thailand Online Visa
• eVisa Application
• eVOA Online
• eVisa Conditions
• Thailand Visa on Arrival for Bhutanese Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Indian Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Taiwanese Citizens

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

Did I miss anything? Got a question? Leave it below.

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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

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Thailand to extend visa stays and introduce 'Golden Visa' program

Thailand will soon be making it easier for tourists to stay longer. The country announced that it is extending its Visa on Arrival duration to 45 days from the current 30 days allowed for U.S. visitors.

This visa length extension is part of an effort to jumpstart Thailand's tourism economy after it was decimated due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

In addition to the tourist visa extension, Thailand is also introducing a "Golden Visa" program to allow more foreigners to stay for extended periods of time — up to 10 years — but with some very strict conditions.

For details and timing of Thailand's new visa rules, read on.

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New Thai tourist visa duration

New Thailand tourism visa rules will take effect on Oct. 1. They will allow automatic 45-day stays for U.S. citizens and those from 64 other countries including the U.K. and Canada.

However, the program is currently only scheduled to last until March 31, 2023, at which point Thailand hopes its tourism industry will be fully recovered from all the coronavirus-related shutdowns and visitor restrictions.

Currently, U.S. citizens with at least six months validity on their passports and an outbound airline ticket do not have to register for a visa prior to traveling to Thailand, according to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

When U.S. tourists arrive by air or ship at passport control in Thailand, Thai immigration officials will issue a Visa on Arrival by stamping the passport, thereby permitting a 30-day stay in Thailand. This time limit may later be extended for an additional 30 days by paying a 1,900 baht (about $50) fee to the Thai Immigration Bureau office.

Alternately, U.S. citizens can apply for a 60-day tourist visa prior to arrival in Thailand, with the ability to extend it later for an additional 30 days for the 1,900 baht fee.

The new 45-day visa duration will automatically be added during the VOA stamping process until it reverts back to the 30-day length next April.

Related: Traveling to Thailand is about to get easier again

The new Thai 'Golden Visa'

Beginning September 1, 2022, Thailand will accept applications for its new Long Term Residence visa program. Some are calling this the "Golden Visa" both for its value in terms of multi-year stays, as well as its requirements of wealth from the applicant.

The new LTR visa will be valid for 10 years of residence in Thailand, with multiple entries and exits permitted; it also allows the applicant to work in Thailand under most conditions. The visa holder can bring up to four dependents with them during stays.

The visa also has a few other requirements that may make it difficult to obtain (beyond the $1,600 visa fee).

Still, there may be some potential for aspiring digital nomads to obtain the "Work from Thailand" visa, and prop up their laptops on a beachside table in Koh Samui for the next few years.

The Thai Embassy visa webpage shares some high-level LTR visa information for the different categories highlighted below. It also has detailed application forms if you think you measure up to the process.

Wealthy global citizen

• Must have at least $1 million U.S. dollars of assets.
• Must have a validated annual personal income of a minimum of USD $80,000 for the past two years.
• Must have an investment of at least $500,000 U.S equivalent in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment or Thai property.

Wealthy pensioner

This is targeted toward retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable income.

• Must have a personal income of at least $80,000 per year at the time of application.
• In case of personal income below $80,000 per year (but no less than $40,000 per year), applicants must have at least $250,000 in Thai investments.

Work from Thailand professional

This is targeted toward remote workers working for "well-established" overseas companies. Hello digital nomads!

• Must have had a minimum of $80,000 annual income for the past two years.
• In case of annual income below $80,000 (but no less than $40,000/year) for the past two years, applicants must have a Master's degree or above, own intellectual property or receive Series A funding.
• The applicant's current employer must be a public company on a stock exchange, or a private company in operation for at least three years with combined revenue of at least $150 million in the last three years.
• Must have at least five years of work experience in the relevant fields of the current employment over the past 10 years.

Related: Earning points and miles as an expat: What you need to know

Bottom line

Thailand is hoping to boost its tourism and foreign visitation rates by extending visa stays and introducing a new long-term visa program.

Starting in October, U.S. travelers to Thailand can enjoy extended tourism visits of 45 days compared to the current automatic 30-day grant of stay.

The so-called Golden Visa program that grants up to 10-year stays will be of interest to potential investors in Thailand as well as retirees and some digital nomads looking to set up shop in Thailand. The visa extension's impact on tourism is expected to be minimal, although it might enable more foreign staff to work in tourist-facing businesses such as resorts and excursion companies.

If you were ever thinking about a six-week stay in Thailand, the extended visa period running from this October through next March is the time to make it happen.

• 0-2141-9889
• [email protected]

For foreigner

1. visa extension – in the case of business necessity, for example, the applicant must stay to carry out work for a company or partnership.

Criteria for Consideration

• The alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• The alien must earn an income per the attached Table of Income (Annex A).
• The business must have a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 2 million.
• Said business must have submitted its financial statements as at the end of its fiscal year for the past 1 accounting year which have duly been audited and certified by a certified public accountant or a tax auditor, to prove that the business is sufficiently secure with actual and continuous operation, according to the guidelines for consideration of business status concerning the actual and continuous operation attached hereto (Annex B).
• Said business must have a ratio of one alien employee per four permanent Thai employees.
• The following businesses shall be exempted from the Criteria (3), (4) and the ratio of Thai employees specified under Criteria (6), shall be reduced to one alien employee per one permanent Thai employee: (a) International trade business (representative office) (b) Regional office (c) Overseas company (branch office)

Documents to be submitted

• Application form TM.7 (Attach 1 photo size 4*6 cm., fee 1,900 baht)
• Copy of applicant’s passport (copy of passport with; photo and information page, last arrival stamp page, Re-entry Permit stamp page, Departure card (TM.6) and last extend visa) and the applicant must certify his/her signature on every sheet.
• A copy of work permit.
• In case the applicant is accompanied by the family, their vital statistics e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate of their child/children must be provided. If these documents were issued by a foreign government, they must be certified by such foreign embassy.
• Certificate of employment prepared in accordance with the form prescribed by the Immigration Bureau (Sor.Tor.Mor.1)
• The Acknowledgement of Penalties for a visa Overstay.
• Other supporting documents required by the competent authority (Sor.Tor.Mor.2)
• Proof of corporate formation e.g. certificate of incorporation of company or partnership certified by the Registrar within the previous 6 months.
• Certified list of shareholders (Bor.Aor.Jor.5) certified by the Registrar within the previous 6 months and it must be certified by The Department of Business Development.
• A copy of passport and a copy of the Director’s work permit.
• Power of Attorney duty stamp neat and attach a copy of the identity card and delegate.
• Form submission SOP 3. Balance sheet and statement of income and income tax a company/partnership (P.N.D. 50) last year with receipts, they must be certified by The Revenue Department or by The Department of Business Development.
• Form for filing income tax withholding (P.N.D. 1) that has the name of Thailand employees and name of applicant-alien 3 months last receipt. To pass the authentication from The Revenue Department.
• Copy of latest personal income tax return of the applicant (P.N.D.91), together with receipt. It must be certified by The Revenue Department.
• Business License
• Location map of Applicant’s Workplace
• Photos of Applicant and Workplace – Outside the building : must appears number and the establishment sign clearly. – Inside the establishment : Applicants must appear together with the directors and Thai employees while working.

  Remark : Documents other than certified by government agencies, must be signed and affixed with the company’s seal on every sheet by the authorized director according to the registration letter specified.

2. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the applicant must carry out duties relating to investment approved by the relevant ministry, department, and bureau

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• Must have been confirmed and requested by the relevant ministry, department, and bureau.
• Application form
• Copy of applicant’s passport
• Copy of work permit
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant ministry, bureau, and department

3. 3.Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the applicant must carry out duties for the government, state enterprise, or other government agency

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by said agency or organization.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the government, state enterprise, or other relevant government agency
• Evidence proving the status of the government agency (if any)

4. Visa Extension - In the case of tourism purposes

• Must have been granted a tourist visa (TOURIST)
• Must not be of a nationality or type prescribed by the committee monitoring official proceedings of officers of the Immigration Bureau. ( In case of the following nationalities ,extension of stay permit will not be longer than 7 days ; Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Togo, Nigeria, Uganda)
• Application form TM.7 (application must be made in person)
• Photo 4 x 6 cm. (not older than 6 months)
• Application fee 1,900 Baht.

Document For case :

In the case of receiving medical treatment :

• Application form TM. 7 (application must be made in person)
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment

In the case of attending rehabilitation or taking care of a patient :

In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment and document stating relationship (in the case that the caretaker is a member of the family), such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, child adoption registration certificate, or confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate.

In the case of a person who used to have Thai nationality or whose perent is or was of Thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland :

• Copy of documents proving that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that hit/her parent is or was of Thai nationality.

In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of Thai nationality

• Documents of relationship 3.1 Copy of household registration certificate 3.2 Copy of national ID card of the person having Thai nationality 3.3 Copy of a marriage certificate or copy of a birth certificate

In the case of litigation or court proceedings :

• Confirmation letter from an iquiry official involved with the case, official paper or document confirming that the applicant is being involved with the litigation or court proceedings of the case.

In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization :

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary sty issued by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officer of a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force, who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization.

In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate :

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the embassy and consulate in Thailand
• Only in the case of training, the applicant must have been granted a work permit.

5. Visa Extension - In the case of investment

A. Investment of no less than Baht 3 million:

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM);
• Must have entered the Kingdom before October 1, 2006 and must have been consecutively permitted to stay in the Kingdom for an investment of no less than Baht 3 million;
• Must have evidence of transferring funds into Thailand of no less than Baht 3 million;
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of a condominium unit for no less than Baht 3 million issued by a relevant agency or by the government; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the form of a fixed deposit of no less than Baht 3 million with a bank which is registered in Thailand and has Thai nationals holding more than 50 percent of its shares; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of government or state enterprise bonds of no less than Baht 3 million; or
• Must have evidence of making an investment as set out in Criteria (4), (5), or (6) with a total value of no less than Baht 3 million.

B. Investment of no less than Baht 10 million:

• Must have evidence of transferring funds into Thailand of no less than Baht 10 million.
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase or rental of a condominium unit for a period of no less than 3 years issued by a relevant agency or government, at a purchase or rental price of no less than Baht 10 million; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the form of a fixed deposit of no less than Baht 10 million with a bank which is registered in Thailand and has Thai nationals holding more than 50 percent of its shares; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of government or state enterprise bonds of no less than Baht 10 million; or
• Must have evidence of making an investment as set out in Criteria (3), (4), or (5) with a total value of not less than Baht 10 million.
• Copy of evidence showing a transfer of funds from a foreign country to a bank in Thailand
• Copy of a condominium purchase agreement and a copy of the ownership registration of said condominium issued by the government or relevant agency (in the case of purchase of a condominium); or
• Funds deposit certificate issued by a bank and a copy of evidence of the funds deposit (only in the case of investment in funds deposit); or
• Copies of bond certificates (only in the case of investment in a purchase of government or state enterprise bonds)
• Copy of a condominium purchase agreement and a copy of the ownership registration of said condominium issued by the government or relevant agency (in the case of purchase of a condominium) or a copy of a long-term lease agreement; or

6. Visa Extension - In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a government educational institution

In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a government educational institution:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by the particular educational institution.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment
• Copy of a teaching license or a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand (except for teachers, instructors, or experts of higher education)

7. Visa Extension - In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a private educational institution

In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a private educational institution:.

• Said educational institution is permitted to operate by a relevant government agency.
• The alien must have been confirmed and requested by the particular educational institution.

– For education in school system such as general education, English program schools, vocational schools that follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum, and international schools:

• Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment, together with a copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission
• Copy of a teaching license or a copy of a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand

– For education of non-school system

• Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission

– For institutes of higher education

• Copy of evidence that permission has been granted to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the dean of the educational institution specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment

8. Visa Extension - In the case of study in a government educational institution

In the case of study in a government educational institution:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by that particular educational institution.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement

9. Visa Extension - In the case of study in a private educational institution

In the case of study in a private educational institution:.

• The alien must have been confirmed and requested by that particular educational institution.
• The alien must have been confirmed by the relevant government agency (except in the case of study in an international school and higher education).
• Copy of evidence of permission to establish the educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement
• Confirmation letter issued by a government agency at the departmental level or by the Provincial Governor in charge of that particular institution (except in the case of enrolment in an international school or in the case of higher education)

10. Visa Extension - In the case of conducting training or research in a university or research institute

In the case of conducting training or research in a university or research institute:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the dean of that university or by the head of that research institution.
• In the case of conducting training or research in a private university or research institute, must have been confirmed and requested by the relevant government agency.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the dean of that university or by the head of that research institution
• Only in the case of Criterion (3), the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant government agency.

11. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of an alien who has been permitted a temporary stay in the Kingdom for study in an educational institution according to Clauses 2.8 or 2.9 hereof

In the case of being a family member of an alien who has been permitted a temporary stay in the kingdom for study in an educational institution according to clauses 2.8 or 2.9 hereof (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• The alien must have proof of relationship.
• In the case of spouse, the relationship must be de jure and de facto; or
• In the case of children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, said children, adopted children, and spouse’s children must not be married, must live with the alien as part of the family, and must not be over 20 years of age; or
• In the case of parents, funds must be deposited in a bank in Thailand, under the father’s or the mother’s name, of no less than Baht 500,000 for the past three months. For the first year only, the applicant must have proof of a deposit account in which said amount of funds has been maintained for no less than 30 days prior to the filing date.
• Copy of the passport of the alien who has been permitted to stay in the Kingdom for education purposes
• Copy of documents showing proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimisation, household registration certificate, child adoption registration certificate, or other evidence issued by the government or relevant agency
• Only in the case of Criterion (5), the applicant must attach a funds deposit certificate issued by a bank in Thailand and a copy of a bankbook.

12.Visa Extension - In the case of performing duties in the mass media

In the case of performing duties in the mass media:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the Government Public Relations Department or the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the Government Public Relations Department or the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.Visa Extension - In the case of studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities

In the case of studying buddhism or practicing religious activities:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the National Office of Buddhism, or Office of the Prime Minister, or Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, or Mahamakut Buddhist University.
• Must have been confirmed by the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities.
• Confirmation letter from the National Office of Buddhism, Office of the Prime Minister, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Mahamakut Buddhist University, or other educational institutions for monks
• Confirmation letter from the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities

14. Visa Extension - In the case of a missionary

In the case of a missionary:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the Department of Religious Affairs or the Office of National Buddhism.
• Must have been confirmed and requested by the particular religious organization
• Confirmation letter from the Department of Religious Affairs or the National Office of Buddhism
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the religious organisation

15.Visa Extension - In the case of a skilled laborer or a medical expert or a practitioner of other professions for the purpose of transferring knowledge to Thai people

In the case of a skilled laborer or a medical expert or a practitioner of other professions for the purpose of transferring knowledge to thai people:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by a relevant organization or agency.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant organization or agency

16. Visa Extension - In the case of installation or repair of machines, aircraft, or ocean vessels

In the case of installation or repair of machines, aircraft, or ocean vessels:.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant organization or agency

17. Visa Extension - In the case of an actor, vocalist, or musician working at a hotel or an entertainment company in Thailand with a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 20 million

In the case of an actor, vocalist, or musician working at a hotel or an entertainment company in thailand with a paid-up registered capital of no less than baht 20 million:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a hotel or an entertainment company in Thailand which has a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 20 million.
• Copy of the employment agreement to work as an actor, vocalist, or musician
• Copy of evidence proving company registration, such as a certificate of company or partnership registration, certified by the registrar within the previous six months
• Only for companies in the entertainment business, the applicant must attach a copy of the list of shareholders certified by the registrar within the previous six months.
• Copy of the latest monthly withholding income tax return specifying the applicant’s name together with payment receipt
• Copy of individual income tax return for the latest year together with payment receipt

18. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of a Thai national

Thai children.

1)  Applicant must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O)

2)  Having proof of relationship

3)  Having evidence of nationality of Thai children

4)  Children, adopted children, or stepchildren being considered for guardianship must meet the following criteria: Must be unmarried, must reside within the same household and under 20 years of age, except in cases of illness, disability or the inability to support themselves and must remain under the care and protection of either the father or mother

4) 5) Having evidence of definite financial the father or mother must maintain an average annual income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month, or must have no less than 400,000 Baht in a bank account in Thailand or have a combination of an average annual income and a deposit totaling at least 400,000 baht to cover expenses for 1 year

1)  Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant. The photo cannot be older than 6 months.

2)  Statement (No.3)

3)  Form for acknowledging the criteria and conditions required for temporary residence permission within the Kingdom. (STM.2)

4)  Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM 6), Report address (TM30), Report 90 days

5)  Evidence of relationship

5.1 Copy of Birth certificate and household registration of Thai children

5.2 Copy of Registration of Child Legitimacy (Khor Ror.11) and a copy of the court judgment (if any)

5.3 In the case of parents register their marriage in Thailand

– Copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3)

– Copy of Registration of Marriage (Khor Ror 2)

5.4 In the case of parents register their marriage abroad

– Copy of Marriage Certificate

– Copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* In the event of divorce, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration

6)  Copy of Identification and household registration of Thai parents

7)  School certificate (If the child is currently enrolled). A picture of the father or mother with the child in front of the school (Within the last 6 months)

8)  Documents supporting financial status of the father or mother

8.1 In case of working in Thailand

– Foreigner’s work permit

– A certificate from the employer company, signed by an authorized person, should include details about job duties, the type of position as per the work permit, and a monthly salary of no less than 40,000 baht

– Form of filing income tax withholding (Phor Ngor Dor 1) past 3 months and latest personal income tax (Phor Ngor Dor 91) together with receipt must be certified by The Revenue Department

– The original certificate of company registration and the list of company shareholders (B.O.J. 5) must be certified by The Department of Business Development within the previous 6 months

– 2 pictures depicting individuals in the act of performing their work duties, 2 pictures with the office building in the Background and Company map

8.2 In case of having money in a bank account in Thailand (Fix/Saving Deposit)

– Letter from the bank certified the account in the bank no less than 400,000 Baht

– A copy of bank passbook dated as of the application submission date, showing a balance of no less than 400,000 Baht

8.3 In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension

– Letter from the applicant’s Embassy in Bangkok verified monthly pension or other income not less than 40,000 Baht

8.4 In the case of have a combination of an average annual income (Evidence according to Section 8.3) and have total calculated deposits of not less than 400,000 baht. (Evidence according to Section 8.2)

9)  If your current residence does not match the address on your house registration, please provide the following documents: A rental contract or a certificate from the homeowner, A copy of Homeowner’s ID card, A copy of the house registration of the landlord (if renting) or proof of house ownership (if you own the house), Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner

10)  Family picture of applicant for 4 pictures (The photo cannot be older than 6 months/ Outside house 2 pictures, Inside house 2 pictures, House Map

11)  Application fee is 1,900 Baht

12)  Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau

1)  Applicant and spouse must contact in person for an interview

2)  The originals of required documents must be shown to the competent officer and photocopied with certified signature by applicant

STAYING WITH THAI HUSBAND

1)  Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O) (The photo cannot be older than 6 months.)

2)  Having any proof of relationship.

3)  Having evidence of nationality of Thai husband.

4)  Having relationship with Thai husband must be de jure and de facto.

1)  Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant

2)  Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM 6), evidence of report address, evidence of report 90 days

3)  Evidence of relationship

3.1  In the case of registering a marriage in Thailand – Copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3) – Copy of Registration of Marriage (Khor Ror 2)

3.2  In the case of registering a marriage abroad – Copy of Marriage Certificate – Copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* In the event of divorce, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration.

4)  Thai nationality issued by authority or governmental agency concerned and copy of Birth certificate and household registration of child/children.

5)  Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner.

6)  Family picture of applicant for 4 pictures (The photo cannot be older than 6 months / Outside house 2 pictures, Inside house 2 pictures, House Map.)

7)  Application fee is 1,900 Baht

8)  Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau.

STAYING WITH THAI WIFE

1) Applicant must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O)

2) Having proof of relationship

3) Having evidence of nationality of Thai wife

4) Having relationship with Thai wife de jure and de facto

5) Having evidence of definite financial status of the alien husband must earn an average annual income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month, or must have no less than 400,000 Baht in a bank account in Thailand for the past two months to cover expenses for one year or have a combination of an average annual income and a deposit totaling at least 400,000 baht for yearly expenses

1) Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant.

2) Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM.6), evidence of report address (TM.30), Report 90 days.

3) Evidence of relationship

3.1 In the case of registering a marriage in Thailand

– A copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3)

– A copy of Registration of Marriage (khor Ror 2)

3.2 3.2 In the case of registering a marriage abroad – A copy of Marriage Certificate

– A copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* If you have previously been married, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration.

4) Copy of Identification and household registration of Thai wife or any other document proving his Thai nationality issued by authority or governmental agency concerned and copy of Birth certificate and household registration of child/children.

5) Documents supporting financial status of husband

5.1   In the case of working in Thailand

– Certified letter from employer for salary in details. (monthly salary no less than 40,000 Baht)

– Certificate of Incorporation of company and Certified list of shareholders (Bor Aor Jor.5) must be certified by The Department of Business Development within the previous 6 months

5.2  In case of having money in a bank account in Thailand (Fix / Saving Deposit)

– Letter from the bank certified the account in the bank of not less than 400,000 baht

– A copy of bank passbook dated as of the application submission date, showing a balance of no less than 400,000 baht

5.3  In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension

– Letter from the applicant’s Embassy in Bangkok verified his monthly pension or other income not less than 40,000 baht

5.4  In the case of have a combination of an average annual income (Evidence according to Section 5.3) and have total calculated deposits of not less than 400,000 baht. (Evidence according to Section 5.2)

6) Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner

7) Family picture of applicant with Thai wife and child/children for 4 pictures

• Outside house 2 pictures
• Inside house 2 pictures
• Map of applicant house in Thailand

8) Application fee is 1,900 Baht

9) 9) Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau

1) Applicant and spouse must contact in person for an interview

2) The originals of required documents must be shown to the competent officer and photocopied with certified signature by applicant

19. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of a Thai resident

In the case of being a family member of a thai resident (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• In the case of children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, said children, adopted children, or spouse’s children must not be married, must live with the alien as part of the family, and must not be over 20 years of age; or
• In the case of parents, the father or mother must be 50 years of age or over.
• Copy of documents proving relationship, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, household registration certificate, child adoption registration certificate, or other evidence from the government or relevant agency
• Copy of residence permit and copy of alien residence certificate

20. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of an alien permitted a temporary stay in the Kingdom

In the case of being a family member of an alien permitted a temporary stay in the kingdom under  clauses 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.21, 2.22, 2.26, or 2.29 hereof or section 34(7) (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• Must have proof of relationship.
• Copy of the passport of the alien who has been permitted to stay in the Kingdom

21. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the alien must stay to perform duties in a public charitable organization, a foreign private company, a foundation, an association, a foreign chamber of commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, or the Federation of Thai Industries

In the case of necessity where the alien must stay to perform duties in a public charitable organization, a  foreign private company, a foundation, an association, a foreign chamber of commerce, the thai chamber of commerce, or the federation of thai industries:.

• The Alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• The Alien Must have been confirmed and requested by the authorized person or the person holding the highest position in the organization, and/or
• The Alien Must have been confirmed and requested by the head of a government agency equivalent to or higher than the departmental level or by the head of a state enterprise or by the head of another government agency relating to the organization.
• Copy of evidence of permission to establish the organization or a copy of the permit to enter into and operate the organization in the Kingdom issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the organization
• List of aliens working in the organization
• Only in the case of Criterion (3), the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation or request for a temporary stay issued by the head of a government agency equivalent to or higher than the departmental level or by the head of a state enterprise or by the head of another government agency relating to the organization.

22. Visa Extension - In the case of retirement

In the case of retirement:.

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-Immigrant Visa).
• Must be 50 years of age or over.
• Must have evidence of monthly income of no less than 65,000 Baht or
• At least 2 months prior to the filing date and at least 3 months after being granted permission, an alien must have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand of no less than 800,000 baht. After being granted permission for 3 months, an alien can withdraw the said deposit and must have the remaining balance in the bank account of no less than 400,000 baht or
• Must have an annual income and a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand with total sum of no less than 800,000 baht as of the filing date. The said deposit must maintain in the bank account prior to and after the permission is granted and the withdrawal can be made under the same condition in the Criterion (4).
• Only for an alien, who has been granted Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa, must have health insurance or non-Thai social welfare covering medical expenses including the ones for Covid-19 disease with the coverage of no less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 baht for the entire duration of stay in the Kingdom. 6.1) In case of purchasing Thai health insurance, an alien can purchase through the website: longstay.tgia.org 6.2) In case of purchasing foreign insurance or having non-Thai social welfare, it must be certified by a foreign embassy in Thailand or a signature of authorized person on submitted documents (Notary) must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant. 6.3) In the case of insurance company totally or partially denies a health insurance’s purchase, an alien must have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand of no less than 3,000,000 baht at least 2 months prior to filing an application or have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand and other health insurances with total sum of no less than 3,000,000 baht for medical treatment and evidence of denying health insurance’s purchase certified by the said insurance company or a foreign embassy in Thailand or a signature of authorized person on submitted documents (Notary) must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant, depending on circumstances.
• An alien entering the Kingdom before October 21, 1998 and has been consecutively permitted to stay in the Kingdom for retirement, shall be subject to the following criteria: (a) An alien must be 60 years of age or over and have an annual fixed income with a deposit maintained in a bank account for the past 3 months of no less than 200,000 baht or have a monthly income of no less than 20,000 baht. (b) If less than 60 years of age but not less than 55 years of age, an alien must have an annual fixed income with a deposit maintained in a bank account for the past 3 months of no less than 500,000 baht or have a monthly income of no less than 50,000 baht.
• Evidence of income such as a retirement pension or interest or dividend and/or
• Fund deposit certificate issued by a commercial bank located in Thailand and a copy of bank account
• Only an alien according to the criterion for consideration (6) is subject to the following criteria: 5.1) In case of purchasing Thai health insurance, an alien must have insurance evidence in accordance with the form approved by the Office of Insurance Commision (OIC) by checking at the website: longstay.tgia.org 5.2) In case of purchasing foreign health insurance or having non-Thai social welfare, an alien must have a certification letter from a foreign embassy in Thailand or a certification letter of authorized person’s signature on submitted documents (Notary) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Health. 5.3) In case an insurance company totally or partially denies a health insurance’s purchase,         5.3.1) In case of purchasing health insurance in Thailand, an alien must have a letter of denial issued by the said insurance company.         5.3.2) In case of purchasing foreign health insurance, an alien must have a certification letter of authorized person’s signature on submitted documents (Notary) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Health.
• In case of Criterion (7), an alien must submit the documents same as the list no.1 – 4 mentioned above.
• Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau.

23. Visa Extension - In the case of a person who used to have Thai nationality or whose parent is or was of Thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland

In the case of a person who used to have thai nationality or whose parent is or was of thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland:.

(1) There must be evidence that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that his/her parent is or was of Thai nationality.

• Copy of documents proving that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that his/her parent is or was of Thai nationality (In the case that the evidence of having Thai nationality is inconsistent with the information shown in the passport, the applicant must submit a confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate, or document verifying the applicant as being the same individual, such as an affidavit from a reliable person.)

24. Visa Extension - In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of Thai nationality

In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of thai nationality:.

• There must be proof of relationship.
• In the case of spouse, the relationship must be de jure and de facto.
• Copy of household registration certificate
• Copy of national ID card of the person having Thai nationality
• Copy of a marriage certificate or copy of a birth certificate

25. Visa Extension - In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient

In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment with full explanation about the illness, period of treatment, and the physician’s opinion that the illness is an impediment to travel.
• In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital providing the examination and treatment or by an embassy or consulate.
• In the case of caretakers who are not the parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, permission shall be granted for no more than one person.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment
• In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment and documents stating relationship (in the case that the caretaker is a member of the family), such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, child adoption registration certificate, or confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate.

26. Visa Extension - In the case of litigation or court proceedings

In the case of litigation or court proceedings:.

There must be evidence confirming that the applicant is involved in a litigation or court proceedings as accuser, injured person, accused, plaintiff, defendant, or witness.

• Confirmation letter from an inquiry official involved with the case, official paper or document confirming that the applicant is being involved with the litigation or court proceedings of the case.

27. Visa Extension - In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization

In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officerof a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or by a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, RoyalThai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization.
• In the case of necessity on a case-by-case basis, to stay more than 90 days, the application must be forwarded to the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau or Deputy Commissioner of theImmigration Bureau for consideration.
• Copy of a passport of an applicant
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officer of a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force, who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization

28. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate

In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the embassy or consulate.
• In the case of training, said alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the embassy and consulate in Thailand

29. Visa Extension - In the case of proof of nationality

In the case of proof of nationality:.

1. Must have been confirmed by a relevant government agency.

1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Confirmation letter from the relevant government agency

30. Visa Extension - In the case of an actor, vocalist, musician, or performance director, including persons responsible for entertaining performances or plays conducted from time to time

In the case of an actor, vocalist, musician, or performance director, including persons responsible for entertaining performances or plays conducted from time to time:.

1. Must have been confirmed and requested by a relevant private entity.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the relevant private sector entity

31. Visa Extension - In the case of a person in charge of conveyance and crew of conveyance who entered through a port, station, or locality in the Kingdom, and has not departed from the Kingdom

In the case of a person in charge of conveyance and crew of conveyance who entered through a port, station, or locality in the kingdom, and has not departed from the kingdom:.

1. The case shall be considered based on the reasons and necessity of not being able to depart from the Kingdom.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the relevant government or private organization or agency

32. การขออยู่ต่อ – กรณีเป็นนักกีฬาอาชีพ หรือบุคคลากรที่เกี่ยวข้องด้านกีฬาอาชีพ

กรณีเป็นนักกีฬาอาชีพ หรือบุคคลากรที่เกี่ยวข้องด้านกีฬาอาชีพ.

หลักเกณฑ์การพิจารณา

• คนต่างด้าวต้องได้รับการตรวจลงตราประเภทคนอยู่ชั่วคราว
• คนต่างด้าวต้องมีรายได้ขั้นต่ำไม่น้อยกว่า 40,000 บาทต่อเดือน
• ได้รับการรับรองและร้องขอจากหัวหน้าองค์กรนั้น
• ได้รับการรับรองจากการกีฬาแห่งประเทศไทย
• กรณีบริษัท ต้องเป็นธุรกิจซึ่งมีทุนจดทะเบียนที่ชำระแล้วไม่ต่ำกว่า 2 ล้านบาท

เอกสารประกอบที่ต้องใช้

• แบบคำขอ ตม.7
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• สำเนาใบอนุญาตทำงาน
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วย ให้แสดงหลักฐานครอบครัว ได้แก่ ทะเบียนสมรส ใบเกิดบุตร หากออกโดยรัฐบาลในต่างประเทศให้ผ่านการรับรองจากสถานทูตของประเทศนั้นๆ
• หนังสือรับรองคนต่างด้าวเข้าทำงานตามแบบของสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (สตม.1)
• หนังสือรับทราบแนวทางปฏิบัติการห้ามเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• เอกสารหรือหลักฐานอื่นตามที่คณะกรรมการติดตามการปฏิบัติราชการของพนักงานเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของสำนักงาน ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองกำหนด (แบบ สตม.2)
• หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนขององค์กรนั้น เช่น หนังสือรับรองการจดทะเบียนบริษัท หรือการจดทะเบียนห้างหุ้นส่วนจำกัด ฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน หรือสำเนาใบอนุญาตให้จัดตั้งองค์กรจากทางราชการหรือสำเนาใบอนุญาตให้เข้ามาดำเนินการจากส่วนราชการที่เกี่ยวข้อง
• บัญชีรายชื่อผู้ถือหุ้น (บอจ.5) ฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน (เฉพาะกรณีบริษัท) ต้องผ่านการรับรองจาก กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า
• หนังสือมอบอำนาจติดอากรแสตมป์เรียบร้อย พร้อมแนบสำเนาบัตรประจำตัวประชาชนผู้มอบและผู้รับมอบ
• หนังสือรับรองจากบริษัท สมาคม สโมสร หรือองค์กรยืนยันการจ้างผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• สัญญาการจ้างงาน
• หนังสือรับรองจากการกีฬาแห่งประเทศไทย
• สำเนาหลักฐานรับรองภาษาอังกฤษระบุการเป็นนักกีฬาของบริษัท สมาคม/สโมสรฟุตบอลที่ผู้ยื่นคำขอเล่นอยู่/เคยเล่น ผ่านการรับรองจากกระทรวงการต่างประเทศหรือหน่วยงานที่รับผิดชอบของประเทศนั้นๆ ที่ใช้ประกอบการยื่นขอรับ การตรวจลงตราก่อนเดินทางเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• สำเนาหนังสือรับรองว่าไม่มีประวัติอาชญากรรม/ยาเสพติดจากประเทศที่คนต่างด้าวพำนักอยู่ที่ใช้ประกอบการยื่นขอรับ การตรวจลงตราก่อนเดินทางเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• แบบแสดงรายการภาษีเงินได้บุคคลธรรมดา (ภ.ง.ด.91) ของคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอปีล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน ต้องผ่าน การรับรองความถูกต้องจากสรรพากร
• แผนที่แสดงสถานที่ทำงานของผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• รูปถ่ายสถานประกอบการ – ภายนอกอาคาร ให้ปรากฏเลขที่ตั้ง และป้ายชื่อสถานประกอบการให้ชัดเจน – ภายในอาคาร ให้ปรากฏภาพคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่น พร้อมด้วยคณะกรรมการบริษัท และพนักงานคนไทยขณะปฏิบัติงานอยู่
• บัญชีรายชื่อคนต่างด้าวที่ทำงานในองค์กร

  หมายเหตุ  :   เอกสารนอกเหนือจากการรับรองโดยหน่วยงานของรัฐ ให้กรรมการผู้มีอำนาจตามหนังสือรับรองจดทะเบียนกำหนดไว้เป็นผู้ลงนามรับรองเอกสารและประทับตราบริษัททุกแผ่น

33. Visa Extension - In the case of Necessity to Perform Duties in a Juristic Person

กรณี b.o.i. , การนิคมฯ , กรมเช้ือเพลิง , รับรอง.

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 ( ค่าธรรมเนียม 1,900 บาท)
• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 ( ค่าธรรมเนียม S= 1,000 บาท, M=3,800 บาท )
• รูปถ่าย ขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. ถ่ายไม่เกิน 6 เดือน จำนวน 2 รูป
• หนังสือรับรองจาก B.O.I. , การนิคมอุตสาหกรรม , กรมเชื้อเพลิงธรรมชาติ
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทาง พร้อมหนังสือเดินทางฉบับจริง–ใช้หน้าที่มีรูปถ่าย – หน้าวีซ่า Non ครั้งแรก – การเดินทางครั้งแรกของ Non – หน้าวีซ่า ที่ได้รับการอนุญาตครั้งสุดท้าย – หน้า Re-Entry สุดท้าย – หน้าการเดินทางเข้าประเทศครั้งสุดท้าย – บัตร ตม.6
• แบบฟอร์ม สตม.2 ( การรับทราบเงื่อนไขการอนุญาตให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักร )

ติดต่อที กองกํากับการ 3 กองบังคับการตรวจคนเข้าเมือง 1 อาคารจัตุรัสจามจุรี ชัน้ 18 เลขท่ี 319 ถ.พญาไท เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพฯ โทร. 0-22090–1100 ต่อ 1016

34. Visa Extension - In the case for Foreigners Having Rights under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520, the Petroleum Act B.E. 2514, and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522

กรณีเข้ามาประจําสํานักงานผู้แทนของนิติบุคคลต่างประเทศในธุรกิจการค้าระหว่าง ประเทศ สํานักงานภูมิภาคของบริษัทข้ามชาติ และสํานักงานสาขา.

เอกสารประกอบท่ีต้องใช้

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทาง และสำเนาใบอนุญาตทำงาน
• หนังสือชี้แจงตำแหน่งของคนต่างด้าวที่ปฏิบัติงานในบริษัท โดยให้ระบุ– ลักษณะธุรกิจ – เหตุผลความจำเป็นในการจ้าง ระบุตำแหน่ง อัตราเงินเดือน คุณวุฒิ – จำนวนพนักงานคนไทยและคนต่างด้าวที่มาปฏิบัติงานในบริษัท
• ใบอนุญาตประกอบธุรกิจและหนังสือรับรองการประกอบธุรกิจ
• หลักฐานการนำเงินเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรตามเงื่อนไขใบอนุญาตประกอบธุรกิจ
• หนังสือแต่งตั้งจากสำนักงานใหญ่ ( Power of Attorney )
• รายการภาษีเงินได้ของคนต่างด้าวและพนักงานคนไทย (ภ.ง.ด.1 ) เดือนล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน
• รายการภาษีเงินได้ของคนต่างด้าว ( ภ.ง.ด.91 ) ปีล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน
• สำเนาแบบรายการแสดงการส่งเสริมเงินสบทบตามที่ได้ยื่นไว่ต่อสำนักงานประกันสังคม ( สปส.1-10 ) เดือนล่าสุด
• แผนที่แสดงที่ตั้งของสำนักงาน
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วยให้แสดงหลักฐานความเป็นครอบครัวเช่นใบทะเบียนสมรสใบ สูติบัตร หรือหนังสือรับรองจากสถานทูต
• หนังสือรับทราบเงื่อนไขการอนุญาตให้อยู่ต่อในองค์กร

35. Visa Extension – In case of journalist with certification by government agencies

กรณีปฏิบัติหน้าที่สื่อมวลชน โดยได้รับการอนุญาตจากทางราชการ.

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป
• หนังสือรับรองจากกรมสารนิเทศ กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ หรือส่วนราชการที่เกี่ยวข้องระดับกรม หรือ เทียบเท่า

ติดต่อที กองกำกับการ 3 กองบังคับการตรวจคนเข้าเมือง 1 อาคารจัตุรัสจามจุรี ชั้น 18 เลขที่ 319 ถ.พญาไท เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพฯ โทร. 0-22090–1100 ต่อ 1016

36. Extension of temporary stay under Section 15 - For Persons on Diplomatic Missions sent by a Foreign Government to perform duties in the Kingdom

• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของผู้ยื่นขออยู่ต่อ
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของคนต่างด้าวที่ได้รับอนุญาตให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักร
• สำเนาเอกสารแสดงความสัมพันธ์กัน เช่น หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนสมรส สำเนาสูติบัตร หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนรับรองบุตร สำเนาทะเบียนบ้าน หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนรับบุตรบุญธรรม หรือหลักฐานอื่นจากส่วนราชการ หรือหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง

37.Extension of temporary stay under Section 15 - For Consular parties and their employees sent by a Foreign Government to perform duties in the Kingdom

กรณีเพื่อธุรกิจ/สำนักงานปฏิบัติการภูมิภาค ( ปีแรก/ปีถัดไป ).

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป (ผู้ขอ,ผู้ติดตามตามลำดับ (ถ้ามี) )
• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป (ผู้ขอ,ผู้ติดตามตามลำดับ (ถ้ามี) )
• บัญชีรายชื่อคนต่างด้าวทุกคนในบริษัท
• แผนภูมิแสดงตำแหน่งงาน
• หนังสือรับรองคนต่างด้าวเข้าทำงานตามแบบคำขอของสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง(สตม.1)/หนังสือชี้แจงต่าง ๆ/ประกาศรับสมัครพนักงานคนไทย
• สำเนางบดุล และงบกำไรขาดทุน ปีล่าสุด (พร้อมฉบับจริง)
• สำเนาแบบยื่นรายการภาษีเงินได้หัก ณ ที่จ่าย (ภ.ง.ด.1) ที่มีชื่อพนักงานคนไทย และชื่อคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอและสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงินเดือนล่าสุด พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• สำเนาแบบแสดงรายการภาษีเงินได้ส่วนบุคคลธรรมดาของคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอ (ภ.ง.ด.91) และสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงิน  พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• สำเนาแบบรายการแสดงการส่งเสริมเงินสบทบตามที่ได้ยื่นไว้ต่อสำนักงานประกันสังคม ( สปส.1-10 ) และสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงิน เดือนล่าสุด พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนขององค์กรนั้น เช่น หนังสือรับรองการจดทะเบียนบริษัท (ฉบับจริง) หรือ การจดทะเบียนห้างหุ้นส่วนฉบับนายทะเบียน (ฉบับจริง) รับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน
• บัญชีรายชื่อผู้ถือหุ้นฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน (บอจ.5) (ฉบับจริง)
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วย ให้แสดงหลักฐานความเป็นครอบครัว เช่น ใบทะเบียนสมรส ใบสูติบัตร หรือหนังสือรับรองจากสถานทูต (ฉบับจริง)
• รูปถ่ายของบริษัทฯ ภายในบริษัทฯ ในรูปถ่ายต้องมีพนักงานนั่งปฏิบัติงาน จำนวน 4 รูป และภายนอกบริษัทฯ ต้องมีป้ายชื่อบริษัทฯ และสถานที่ตั้ง ของบริษัทฯ จำนวน 2 รูป
• เอกสารหรือหลักฐานอื่น ตามที่คณะกรรมการติดตามการปฏิบัติราชการของพนักงานเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมือง ของ สตม.กำหนด (แบบ สตม.2)

38. Visa Extension - In the case of Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Documents to be submitted (In case of granting visa from the overseas Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate)

• Application form for extension of temporary stay in the kingdom (TM.7) with a photo attached
• Acknowledgement of terms and conditions for permit of temporary stay in the kingdom of Thailand (STM.2)
• A copy of passport, visa sticker from the embassy (Special Tourist Visa (STV), the latest arrival stamp, TM.6 card (Departure Card)
• Proof of payment for hotel accommodation or hospital chosen as an alternative state quarantine and ASQ certificate from Department of Disease Control
• Proof of place to stay after discharge from the quarantine facility such as proof of payment for hotel accommodation, copy of condominium title deed owned by an alien or a family member, proof of condominium or house rental, proof of payment for purchasing or leasing a condominium where an alien can legally purchase or lease
• proof of health insurance policy which covers the whole length of stay in the kingdom with a minimum 100,000 USD coverage for Covid-19 medical treatment
• Proof of Thai health and accident insurance which covers the whole length of stay in the kingdom with no less than 40,000 THB coverage for outpatient treatment and no less than 400,000 THB for inpatient

Documents to be submitted (In case of granting visa at the Immigration Checkpoint (entering by cruise ship and yacht))

• Proof of advance payment for dock rental
• An alien will be permitted to extend a visa for 2 times, each permission will be granted for not exceeding 90 days
• An alien who entering into the kingdom from 3th July 2022 onwards will not be permitted to extend visa
• An alien, who is permitted to stay in the kingdom not more than 30th September 2022 and wishes to extend the length of stay for STV, must submit an application for visa extension before 30th September 2022

39. Visa Extension - In the case of Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)

1. An alien who has been granted LTR Visa. 1.1   LTR   “W” 1.2   LTR   “P” 1.3   LTR   “T” 1.4   LTR   “H”

List of documents

• Passport or document in lieu of passport of an applicant and a copy of passport or document in lieu of passport
• Notification Letter from the Board of Investment to the Immigration Bureau within 60 days from issuance date of the endorsement letter
• Criteria and Conditions Acknowledgement Form for a Temporary Stay Permit in the Kingdom (LTR Visa) (STM.8)

2. An alien who is a dependent of the main LTR Visa holder and has been granted LTR “O”.

• Passport or document in lieu of passport of the main LTR Visa holder who has already been granted permission to extend a Temporary Stay in the Kingdom and a copy of passport or document in lieu of passport
• Copy of documents proving relationship such as a marriage certificate, registration of child legitimization, household registration certificate or child adoption registration certificate or other evidence from the government or relevant agency

1. คนต่างด้าวสามารถรายงานตัวแจ้งที่พักอาศัยเกินกว่า 90 วัน ผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ต ล่วงหน้าก่อนวันครบกำหนด 15 วัน

2. ระบบจะส่งเอกสารตอบรับ ผ่านทาง Email ที่ได้ลงทะเบียนไว้ โดยเป็นสถานะอยู่ระหว่างการพิจารณาอนุมัติ “Pending”

3. เมื่อเจ้าหน้าที่ได้พิจารณาข้อมูลผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ตแล้ว ระบบจะส่งผลให้คนต่างด้าวทราบทาง Email ที่ได้ลงทะเบียนไว้ภายใน 3 วัน ทั้งนี้ คนต่างด้าวสามารถตรวจสอบสถานะการแจ้งฯ ได้ด้วยตนเอง ผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ต โดยคลิกที่เมนู Check the status of application

4. ระบบจะแจ้งเตือนวันครบกำหนดการแจ้งครั้งถัดไป ล่วงหน้า 15 วัน ผ่านทาง Email ที่แจ้งไว้ในขั้นตอนการลงทะเบียนสมัคร

5. คนต่างด้าวจะไม่สามารถแจ้งรายงานตัว 90 วันผ่านระบบออนไลน์ได้ ในกรณีดังต่อไปนี้

– กรณีมีการเปลี่ยนหนังสือเดินทางเล่มใหม่

โดยต้องมาแจ้งกับเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองตามเขตพื้นที่ที่คนต่างด้าวพักอาศัย ทั้งนี้คนต่างด้าวจะแจ้งด้วยตนเอง หรือมอบหมายให้ผู้อื่นไปแจ้งแทนก็ได้ หลังจากนั้นจะสามารถยื่นรายงานตัว 90 วัน ผ่านระบบออนไลน์ได้ตามกำหนดนัดรายงานตัวครั้งต่อไป

***********

1. Procedure for Notification of residence for more than 90 days via the internet can be report 15 days in advance.

2. The system will send a response via registered email and your application(s) will be mark as “Pending” approval status.

3. When the officer has considered your application, the result will be send via the registered email address within 3 days. You can check the status via the internet by yourself  by clicking on the menu “Check the status of application ”

4. 15 days in advance the system will notify you of the next due date for notification of residence through the registered email address.

5. The online service do NOT support if:

– There have been a change of new passport.

The foreigner have to make the notification in person or authorizes another person to make the notification at the immigration office located in the locality in which the foreigner have taken residence. After that, the foreigner can make the next 90 days notification by online service.

This project (e-Extension) will be served based on the following 12 reasons or necessities for extending stay:

1. Tourism 2. Public school teachers 3. Attending a public school 4. Serving in a government agency 5. Former Thai 6. Resident’s families 7. Press 8. Trainer and researcher for a government agency 9. Machine installation and repair 10. Medical Specialist 11. Stationed vehicle operator 12. Embassy-certified and requested

For more information:  Thaiextension.vfsevisa.com .

In the first phase, service recipients can obtain a visa sticker from the Immigration Division 1 Which is located at the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana, Building B (FL.3) , Lak Si District, Bangkok.

TM7 Form Thailand: How to Fill Visa Extension Form

TM7 Form Thailand , called “APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM”, is needed when applying for Thai visa extension. Thailand visa extension form is provided at the immigration office where you will be requesting the extension or you can download TM7 form to print and fill it in advance.

Thailand Visa Extension Form TM7 Download

Thailand visa extension form TM7  can be downloaded here: Thai Visa Extension Application Form PDF or by clicking on the for picture below.

Make sure to print both pages of TM7 Form on two sides of one paper sheet as otherwise you might be requested to fill in a new Thailand visa extension form provided by the immigration office.

How to Fill TM7 Form Thailand Visa Extension

Learn how to fill Thailand visa extension form TM7 correctly for your Thai visa extension application.

Information Required for TM7 Form Front Page

On the front page of Thailand visa extension application form TM7 you need to submit the following information:

• Immigration Office Name
• Date/ Month/ Year
• Your title, family name, first name, middle name
• Age in years and the date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Passport or travel document No., date and place of issue, valid until date
• Type of visa used for your entry into Thailand
• Type of transportation and the destination from where you came
• Port of arrival and the date of your entry into Thailand
• Arrival/Departure Card TM.6 No.
• Number of requested days
• Reason(s) for extension

How to Fill the Front Page of TM7 Form

On the top of TM7 Form you need to provide the  Immigration Office Name of the place you are applying for Thailand visa extension at. In most cases it is the name of province, e.g. Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chonburi. Pay attention that if you are staying at the hotel in Suvarnabhumi area , there's a high chance that you will need to apply for visa extension at Samut Prakan Immigration Office instead of Bangkok as some of the hotels in the area are actually located in Samut Prakan province.

Then you need to choose your title (Mr., Mrs. or Miss) and underline the correct one. Next you need to provide your family name , first name and middle name (if you have one. Pay attention that family name comes first on this Thailand visa extension form.

Write your Age in years at the time of visa extension application and then the date of birth as it is displayed in your passport.

Place of birth is the name of the country, where you were born. Nationality is provided according to the country of your passport used for Thailand visa extension application. You can simply write the name of the country in this place.

Passport or travel document No., date and place of issue, and valid until date should be as displayed on the main Bio page of your passport. Pay attention that when providing your passport date of issue and date of  validity, the date format on TM7 form is a bit strange as you need to provide day in a separate line than month and year.

Type of visa used for your entry into Thailand should be as the one you used for the latest arrival, like  Visa Exemption , Visa on Arrival , Tourist Visa , Non-Immigrant Visa, etc.

Type of transportation used for arrival in Thailand should be airplane, bus, train, ferry or cruise. The destination from where you came is the last country you were in before arrival in Thailand, e.g. Singapore if you changed flights, or Malaysia, if you arrived from there by train or bus.

Port of arrival should be the name of the airport in Thailand where you landed (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket Airport, etc.), the sea port or the land border crossing (e.g. Padang Besar, if coming via it from Malaysia, Nong Khai, if coming via it from Laos) and the date of your entry into Thailand as written on your last entry stamp.

Arrival/Departure Card TM.6 No. should be provided if you arrived in Thailand by land or by sea. Travelers arriving in Thailand by air no longer need to fill up Thailand Arrival Card so they can leave this place blank.

Number of requested days should be according to the type of your visa. Travelers entering Thailand with Visa Exemption or Tourist visa, can request for 30 days extension, while holders of Visa on Arrival can extend their stay by 7 days. Holders of some other types of Thai visa, such as Non-Immigrant Visa, can apply for the extension up to 1 year / 365 days, if they meet other criteria and provide all the required documents.

Reason(s) for extension should be according to your own case but in most cases for users of visa exemption, Visa on Arrival or Tourist Visa the reason should be Tourism.

Information Required for TM7 Form Second Page

On the second page of Thailand visa extension application form TM7 the requested information is the following information:

• Address in Thailand
• Applicant signature or right thumb print
• Photograph 4 x 6 cm

How to Fill the Second Page of TM7 Form

Address in Thailand should be the address of the place you are staying at. You should provide not only the name of your hotel but also its full street address. Make sure that the address of the hotel is in the province you are applying for Thailand visa extension at. You should also have your hotel reservation document as a proof of your stay that would be needed in case your accommodation haven't reported your arrival that they normally should do.

Sign your Thailand visa extension form in the place dedicated to the Applicant signature or right thumb print.

Attach your photograph 4 x 6 cm that should be not older than 6 months or at least for you to look similar as in the photo.

Even if there's no space dedicated for this, somewhere on the second page of TM7 form write down your telephone number for the Immigration to contact you, if needed.

Thailand TM7 Example

Thailand Visa Extension Form TM7 example as provided by Bangkok Immigration Office can be seen below.

Front page of Thailand Visa Extension Form TM7 example.

Second page of Thailand Visa Extension Form TM7 example.

Thai Visa Extension Documents

The form must be completed in its entirety, obviously in English and presented to the immigration officer personally with other required documents. Full list of required documents for Thailand visa extension can be found here:  Thai Visa Extension .

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Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Tourist Visa in Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. The country offers a wide range of experiences, from the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the tropical beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui. However, for those who wish to stay longer than the initial visa allows, extending a tourist visa can be a necessary step. The process can seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation and patience, it is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to take to extend your tourist visa in Thailand, along with the fees and other details to keep in mind.

Thailand tourist visa

Source: Shutterstock

Tourist visas are required for most foreign nationals who wish to visit Thailand for vacation or leisure. The process for obtaining a tourist visa can vary depending on the country of origin and the length of stay in Thailand.

The most common type of tourist visa for Thailand is the 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. This type of visa is available to citizens of most countries and can be obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate before traveling to Thailand.

Another option for tourists is the 30-day visa exemption, which is available to citizens of certain countries and can be obtained upon arrival in Thailand. This visa allows visitors to stay in the country for 30 days without the need to apply for a visa in advance.

Additionally, there's a Visa on Arrival, which is also valid for 15 days and can be obtained at most major airports and land border crossings upon arrival in Thailand.

It's important to note that overstaying a visa in Thailand can result in fines and even possible deportation. Therefore, it is important for visitors to plan their trip accordingly and ensure that their visa is valid for the entire duration of their stay.

Overstaying your visa in Thailand

If you overstay your visa in Thailand, you may face fines and/or deportation. The fine for overstaying your visa is 500 baht (about $16) per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (about $640). If you overstay for more than 90 days, you may also be barred from re-entering Thailand for a certain period of time. Additionally, if you are caught overstaying your visa, you may be detained by immigration authorities and held in a detention center until your deportation can be arranged. It is important to note that overstaying your visa is a violation of Thai immigration laws and can have serious consequences, so it is best to avoid it if possible.

How to extend your tourist visa in Thailand

Also read: How to Extend a Visa in Vietnam: A Complete Guide

Overall, extending a tourist visa in Thailand is a relatively simple process, but it can take some time and planning. By following these steps and being prepared with the necessary documents and fees, you can ensure a smooth and successful extension of your stay in this beautiful country.

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Thailand Visa Mastery: How to Secure 3-Month Stays for Tourists

Published by mr. nomad numbers on january 26, 2024 january 26, 2024.

Thailand, with its lovely culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, continues to be a top destination for travelers worldwide, including ourselves (with our favorite destinations being Chiang Mai and Koh Samui for month-long stays).

If you’d like to come to Thailand, you know that the visa situation can be quite a headache, especially as the country is now only granting a 30-day visa exception. That being said, understanding the different types of tourist visas available is key to making the most of our journey and staying for 3 months at a time, as we did in 2023!

In this blog post, we will go through all the tourist visas that are available and how to apply for them. We will also cover the visa extension process and share the recent online E-Extension Visa process!

Last update: January 2024

Type of Tourists Visa in Thailand

Visa exemption.

The Visa Exemption is a widely utilized option for tourists visiting Thailand, primarily because it requires only a passport valid for over 6 months upon entry, and best of all, it’s FREE! However, despite its convenience, this visa only permits a stay of up to 30 days. It’s imperative to verify if your nationality qualifies for this benefit before planning your trip.

As of October 2023, here are the 64 countries that are allowed to stay for 30 days in Thailand upon entering the country:

Note : Travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme

Important : Passport holders who are not eligible to enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival Scheme are required to get a tourist visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their visit.

Tourist Visa (TR)

The Tourist Visa (TR) is a great option for those planning a more extended stay in Thailand and this is what we’ve done in 2023 to stay for 3 months.

The Tourist Visa typically allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities for a total of 3 months. You can opt for either a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa, depending on your travel plans.

Single Entry Visa (SEV)

Single Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand once and can be extended up to 3 months

• Validity:  Usually valid for entering Thailand within 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Once you enter Thailand, you can stay for up to 60 days.
• Extension:  It’s possible to apply for an extension of stay for another 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand, making the total potential duration of stay up to 90 days.

Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

Multiple Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand as many time as you’d like over a 6 month period and can be extended up to 3 months per visit.

• Validity:  Allows multiple entries into Thailand over a 6-month period from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Each entry allows a 60-day stay, meaning you can come and go as many times as you want during the 6-month validity, but each stay can’t exceed 60 days.
• Extension:  Like the Single-Entry Tourist Visa, each entry can potentially be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office.

How to Apply

There is no application required for this visa if you qualify.

Keep in mind that you must provide the address of your hotel / airbnb once you enter the country . You might also be required to provide the following information:

• Proof of a return ticket exiting Thailand within 30 days
• Proof of funds of at least 10,000 THB for single travelers, or 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand

Note: On the few Visa Exemption we got, we never had to provide a proofs of return ticket or proof of funds as we entered by air through either Bangkok or Chiang Mai airports. Let us know if you had to provide these by leaving us a comment in the comments section below.

Tourist Visa (Single & Multiple Entry)

You need to apply for these visa at your local Thai Embassy!

Important: Do not try to apply for a Single or Multiple Entry Visa at an Thai Embassy outside of your country of residency, as you will likely get your visa declined!

You also need to apply within 3 months of your entry to Thailand, so don’t apply to early as well!

Documents Required

• Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One recent 4 x 6 cm. photograph of the applicant
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (10,000 baht per person/20,000 baht per family) such as bank statement
• Proof of Hotel or private accommodation booking

30 USD Note: Fee is subject to change, so make sure to always double check with your local Thai Embassy!

Tips for Visa Application

Here are our tips to ensure a smooth visa application process and approval

• Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. (You want usually to apply within 3 month of your entry to Thailand)
• Check Requirements: Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type and ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information during the application process to prevent any complications later on.
• Stay Updated: Always double check the latest information on your local Thai Embassy website as these policy do change from time to time.

How to Extend your Visa

Once you have entered the country you can usually extend your stay for a final 30 days extension. ‘

Online Application

Important: Thailand is rolling out an E-Extension Visa program that let you apply for your extension online. We have not try this yet as it was launched in early 2024. Feel free to check it out: Thailand Official E-Extension Website ( news related to this announcement)

We will update this post with our experience once we have the chance to try out this process! In the meantime if you were able to extend your Visa Except or Tourist Visa that way, we would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment in the comment section below!

In Person Application

Based on our multiple experiences in Chiang Mai (2019, 2022, 2023), here’s what the application process looks like:

• Head to the Immigration Bureau in the city of your stay. These bureaus are situated in major cities across the country, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. (major locations listed below)
• Bring along the required documents & money (list provided below)
• Complete the requisite forms, readily available at the Immigration Bureau or downloadable online. People will check that these form are filled property before let you submit them at the office. Tip: download these forms (link below) and filled them out at home, as you will save a lot of precious time!
• Submit your application and pay the necessary fee.
• Wait for your extension to be process (this could take between 30 minutes to a few hours based on how many people are applying)
• Retrieve your passport and updated visa. Once your extension request is approved, collect your passport and the new visa from the Immigration Bureau. Tip: Double-check the visa’s expiration date for accuracy.

Our tip: Plan to spend at least half a day doing this, and do it as soon as you can because your extension will be added to the last day you’re allowed to stay according to your latest visa stamp in your passport.

Required documents:

• Your passport
• The personal information page, showing your picture, name, expiry/issue date, etc.
• The page showing your Visa
• One passport-sized photo (4 x 6 cm)
• Form TM30 (should be filed by your landlord)
• 1,900 THB (in cash) to pay for the 30 days extension fee

Here is the form you need to fill out:

• Form TM30 (note: there is an immigration app that your landlord should use to provide you with this form that will looks very different)

Major Immigration Offices in Thailand

• ChiangMai Immigration Office (Centra Festival Branch) Business Hours: 9am to 12pm – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Bangkok Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Phuket Immigration Office Business Hours: 10am to 12pm – 1pm-3pm Monday to Friday
• Koh Samui Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-4:30pm Monday to Friday

Our Bottom Line

Navigating Thailand’s visa requirements doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the different types of tourist visas available and following the application guidelines diligently, you can set off on your Thai adventure with confidence and easily stay up to 3 months in this wonderful country.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or exploring ancient temples, let your visa be the least of your worries as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand.

For more information and updates on Thailand’s visa policies, visit the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or consult with authorized visa agencies in your country. We suggest the following pages that should hopefully stay updated with the latest information:

• Visa Exemptions and Bilateral Agreements
• Tourist Visa For Thailand
• Thai Embassies Around The World
• Thai Immigration Forms

Of course, feel free to leave us a comment in the comments section below if you have any questions for us as we will be happy to answer any we can based on our own experience.

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Mr. Nomad Numbers

We are a couple who travel the world and want to inspire people to think differently about the life they can design for themselves through our journey.

Kylie · January 29, 2024 at 1:16 pm

Thanks for sharing! Am I understanding correctly that on a Multiple Entry Visa you could possibly stay up to 6 months by:

1) Entering for the first time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days)

2) Leaving and entering a second time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days, cumulative 180 days)

Thanks! Kylie

Mr. Nomad Numbers · February 4, 2024 at 2:10 am

You are correct! Are you considering applying for a multiple entry visa?

Flipflops & Jandals · January 29, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Helpful info thanks as I have just been looking into this over the last week. Do you have recommendations or advice if we wanted to stay 3.5 months? And I keep seeing conflicting info on how many times in a year we can go back to Thailand – do you know the current restrictions?

Mr. Nomad Numbers · January 30, 2024 at 1:49 am

Hi Flipflops & Jandals.

I haven’t heard anything about doing more than 3 month in a single shot in Thailand at the moment on a tourist visa. You could consider a student visa for a year but you will need to make sure you take some classes (learning Thai being a very common on) that would get you 12 months stay in the country.

That being said visa run are quite common and most people will do these (with as little as 24 hrs between te-entry) to reset their visa clock. Though I heard story of people getting black listed from entering Thailand (for up to 5 years) from doing too many. So like with everything if you don’t abuse the system you should be fine.

Since you can get 3 months on a SEV why do you need 3.5? Could you get a MEV, spend a week outside of Thailand (probably less than that) and re-enter again for another 3 months?

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How Many Times Can I Extend My Tourist Visa In Thailand?

Published: November 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sharyl Eades

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• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and captivating kingdom of Thailand, a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Thailand offers a wide array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. While visiting Thailand, many tourists may find themselves wanting to extend their stay beyond the initial period allowed by their tourist visa.

In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations surrounding tourist visa extensions in Thailand. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how many times you can extend your tourist visa, the procedures involved, and the limitations you need to be aware of.

It is essential to note that while we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, visa rules and regulations may change over time. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with the Thai immigration authority or seek professional advice to ensure accurate and current information.

Whether you wish to explore Thailand’s pristine beaches, immerse yourself in its bustling cities, or delve into its rich cultural heritage, understanding the possibilities and limitations of tourist visa extensions will help you make the most of your stay in the Land of Smiles.

Overview of Tourist Visa in Thailand

Before diving into the intricacies of tourist visa extensions, let’s first understand the basics of the tourist visa in Thailand. The tourist visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit Thailand for tourism purposes or to see friends and family. It allows visitors to enter the country and stay for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 to 60 days.

There are different types of tourist visas available, depending on the purpose and length of your stay. The most common types include the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV).

The Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) allows you to enter Thailand once and stay for a designated period. Once you leave the country, the visa becomes invalid, and you will need to apply for a new visa if you wish to return.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is a more flexible option, allowing you to enter and exit Thailand multiple times within a specified period. This type of visa is particularly useful for those who plan to explore neighboring countries while based in Thailand.

It is important to note that the length of stay granted on a tourist visa is at the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. The initial period is typically 30 days, but it can vary depending on the nationality of the visitor and the immigration officer’s decision.

Now that we have a general understanding of the tourist visa, let’s explore how many times you can extend your stay in Thailand.

Initial Length of Tourist Visa

When you first enter Thailand on a tourist visa, the initial length of stay granted is usually 30 days. However, it is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality, as some countries may receive a longer initial stay of up to 60 days.

During this initial period, you are allowed to explore the country, indulge in its diverse cuisine, visit its majestic temples, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Many tourists choose to stay in popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Pattaya.

It’s worth noting that you are not eligible to work or engage in any paid employment during your stay on a tourist visa. The visa is strictly for tourism purposes and does not permit any form of employment, business activities, or long-term stays in the country.

If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, you have the option to apply for a tourist visa extension.

Next, let’s explore the process and limitations of extending your tourist visa in Thailand.

First Extension of Tourist Visa

If you wish to stay in Thailand beyond the initial 30-day period granted on your tourist visa, you have the option to apply for a visa extension. The first extension allows you to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 60 days in the country.

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to visit the nearest Immigration Office in Thailand. Bring along your passport, a completed visa extension application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee (typically 1,900 Thai Baht).

During the visa extension process, you may be required to provide supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and an outbound flight ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave Thailand within the extended period.

It is important to note that visa extension requirements and procedures may differ slightly depending on the specific Immigration Office you visit. Therefore, it is advisable to check the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau or consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you have the correct and up-to-date information.

Once you have submitted your application, the Immigration Office will process your request. The extension is typically granted on the same day, and you will receive a stamp in your passport indicating the new departure date.

It is essential to keep track of your visa expiry date as overstaying your visa can result in fines, penalties, or possible deportation. If you wish to stay in Thailand beyond the 60-day mark, you will need to consider applying for further visa extensions.

Now that we have covered the first extension of the tourist visa, let’s explore the possibilities for additional extensions.

Second Extension of Tourist Visa

If you desire to stay in Thailand beyond the initial 60-day period granted by the first visa extension, you may apply for a second visa extension. The second extension allows you to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 90 days in the country.

The process for the second visa extension is similar to the first. You will need to visit the Immigration Office, bring the required documents (passport, completed application form, photograph, and fee), and provide any additional supporting documents if requested.

It is important to note that the authority to grant visa extensions lies with the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. They may choose to grant the extension for the requested period or a shorter period based on their assessment of your circumstances.

As with the first extension, it is crucial to keep track of your visa expiry date and ensure you do not overstay your visa. Overstaying can result in fines, penalties, or potential problems in future visa applications.

If you require an even longer stay in Thailand, you may consider applying for additional visa extensions. However, it is important to understand that tourist visa extensions have limitations, and multiple extensions are not guaranteed.

Now that we have covered the second extension of the tourist visa, let’s explore the possibilities and limitations for further extensions.

Third Extension of Tourist Visa

If you wish to stay in Thailand beyond the initial 90-day period granted by the first and second visa extensions, you may consider applying for a third visa extension. The third extension allows you to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 120 days in the country.

Similar to the previous visa extensions, you will need to visit the nearest Immigration Office, complete the application form, provide the necessary documents (passport, photograph, and fee), and possibly submit additional supporting documents if required.

It is essential to note that obtaining a third visa extension is subject to the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. They will consider factors such as your travel history, financial stability, and the purpose of your stay in Thailand before granting the extension.

It is important to keep in mind that visa extensions are not guaranteed, and the immigration authorities may choose to grant a shorter extension or deny the request altogether. Therefore, it is advisable to have a backup plan and be prepared to make alternative arrangements if needed.

Throughout your stay in Thailand, it is crucial to comply with the immigration rules and regulations. Overstaying your visa can result in significant penalties, deportation, or even being blacklisted from re-entering the country in the future.

Now that we have discussed the third extension of the tourist visa, let’s explore the possibilities and limitations for further extensions.

Fourth Extension of Tourist Visa

If you require a longer stay in Thailand beyond the initial 120-day period granted by the first, second, and third visa extensions, you may consider applying for a fourth visa extension. The fourth extension allows you to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 150 days in the country.

Applying for a fourth visa extension follows the same process as the previous extensions. You will need to visit the Immigration Office, complete the application form, provide the necessary documents (passport, photograph, and fee), and potentially submit additional supporting documents if requested.

As with previous extensions, the approval of the fourth extension is at the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. They will consider various factors before deciding on the extension, including your travel history, financial stability, and the purpose of your stay in Thailand.

It is important to note that the Thai immigration authorities may grant a shorter extension or deny the request altogether. Therefore, it is advisable to have a contingency plan in place and be prepared for alternative arrangements if needed.

Overstaying your visa is strictly prohibited in Thailand and can result in severe penalties, deportation, or even being banned from re-entering the country in the future. It is crucial to stay within the authorized stay period granted by the visa extensions and abide by all immigration rules and regulations.

Now that we have discussed the possibility of a fourth visa extension, let’s delve into the options and limitations for further extensions, if applicable.

Fifth Extension of Tourist Visa

If you require a further extension of your stay in Thailand beyond the initial 150-day period granted by the first, second, third, and fourth visa extensions, you may explore the option of applying for a fifth visa extension. The fifth extension allows you to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 180 days in the country.

Similar to the previous visa extensions, the process for applying for a fifth extension involves visiting the Immigration Office, completing the application form, submitting the necessary documents (such as your passport, photograph, and fee), and potentially providing additional supporting documents based on the discretion of the immigration authorities.

It is crucial to understand that the decision to grant a fifth extension lies solely with the Thai immigration authorities. They will review your application and take into consideration factors such as your travel history, financial stability, and the purpose of your stay in Thailand before making a decision.

It is pertinent to note that visa extensions beyond the fifth extension are generally not granted for tourist visas. If you require a longer stay in Thailand, you may need to explore other visa options, such as a non-immigrant visa or a long-term visa category that aligns with your purpose of stay.

Once again, it is essential to comply with the immigration regulations and avoid overstaying your visa. Overstaying can result in significant penalties, deportation, or potential difficulties in future visa applications.

Now that we have discussed the possibility of a fifth visa extension, it is important to understand that this represents the limit for tourist visa extensions. If you require additional time in Thailand, it is advisable to investigate other visa categories that suit your specific needs.

Additional Extension Options

If you require an even longer stay in Thailand and have exhausted the possibilities for tourist visa extensions, there are alternative visa options to consider. These visa options offer different durations of stay and may be more suitable for specific purposes.

1. Non-Immigrant Visa: The Non-Immigrant Visa is designed for individuals who wish to stay in Thailand for purposes such as employment, business, education, or retirement. This visa category allows for longer stays and may provide more flexibility in terms of work permits and residency in the country.

2. Education Visa: If you plan to study in Thailand, you can apply for an Education Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course or program of study. It requires enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Thailand.

3. Retirement Visa: If you are 50 years or older and meet the financial requirements, you may be eligible for a Retirement Visa. This visa allows for a long-term stay in Thailand for retirees who wish to enjoy the country’s relaxed and affordable lifestyle.

4. Business Visa: The Business Visa is suitable for individuals who plan to conduct business activities in Thailand. It permits longer stays and allows for the possibility of obtaining a work permit to engage in professional activities.

It is important to consult with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or seek professional advice to determine the most suitable visa option based on your specific circumstances and intended duration of stay in Thailand.

Remember to adhere to the visa regulations and ensure timely application for the appropriate visa to avoid any legal complications during your stay in Thailand.

Now that we have explored additional extension options beyond tourist visa extensions, it is crucial to assess your specific needs and choose the best visa option accordingly.

Considerations and Limitations

While there are options for extending your stay in Thailand through visa extensions or alternative visa categories, it is important to be aware of certain considerations and limitations.

1. Discretion of Immigration Authorities: The approval of visa extensions and other visa categories is at the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. They have the right to grant extensions for shorter durations or deny the request altogether based on their assessment of your circumstances and compliance with immigration rules.

2. Overstaying Penalties: It is crucial to adhere to the authorized period of stay granted through visa extensions or other visa categories. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, penalties, deportation, and potential difficulties in future visa applications. It is advisable to keep track of your visa expiry date and plan your departure or visa renewal accordingly.

3. Supporting Documentation: When applying for visa extensions or alternative visa categories, you may be required to provide supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and an outbound flight ticket. It is important to prepare these documents in advance and ensure they meet the requirements set by the immigration authorities.

4. Limited Number of Extensions: Tourist visa extensions in Thailand typically have a limit. While the specific number of extensions can vary, it is important to note that there is a maximum number of extensions allowed. Beyond this point, you may need to explore other visa options that align with your intended stay and purpose in Thailand.

5. Consult with Professionals: Visa rules and regulations can change, and it is important to stay updated. Consulting with immigration lawyers or professional visa agencies can provide you with the most accurate and current information regarding visa requirements, processes, and limitations.

Understanding these considerations and limitations will help you plan your stay in Thailand effectively and ensure that you comply with immigration regulations throughout your time in the country.

Now that we have explored the considerations and limitations, let’s conclude our discussion on visa extensions in Thailand.

In conclusion, Thailand offers a range of options for extending your stay beyond the initial period granted by a tourist visa. Understanding the process and limitations of visa extensions can help you make the most of your time in the country and avoid any legal complications.

Through multiple visa extensions, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand up to 180 days, depending on the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. However, it is important to note that there is a limit to the number of extensions available for tourist visas.

If you require a longer stay in Thailand, it is advisable to explore alternative visa options such as non-immigrant visas, education visas, retirement visas, or business visas. These visa categories provide longer stays and cater to specific purposes such as study, work, retirement, or business activities.

When applying for visa extensions or other visa categories, it is important to prepare the necessary documents, comply with immigration regulations, and be aware of any potential penalties or consequences of overstaying your visa.

Consulting with professionals, such as immigration lawyers or visa agencies, can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements, processes, and limitations.

Thailand offers a wealth of experiences, and understanding the possibilities for extending your stay can enhance your exploration of this captivating country. Whether you are drawn to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tranquil beaches of Phuket, or the cultural wonders of Chiang Mai, having a clear understanding of visa extensions will enable you to make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles.

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Single Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has always been a popular holiday destination. Tourists return year after year to enjoy the rich culture, exquisite food, long warm beaches, and natural getaways in the mountains. Holidaymakers can enjoy short-term getaways of up to 60 days with a Single Entry Tourist Visa. The visa is easy to obtain and this article will provide all the information you need to simplify the process.

There are many ways for foreigners to visit Thailand. If they want to visit for up to 30 days, certain nationalities can enter the country under the bilateral-agreement Visa Exemption scheme. This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for visa exemption, they may apply for a 15-day Visa on Arrival.

If you are entering Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes, are not intending to visit other Asian countries, and know that 30 days will not be long enough, then you can apply for a 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa.

What is a Single Entry Tourist Visa?

A Single Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals one entry into Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. It is perfect for those who are looking to relax or maybe complete a scuba diving or Muay Thai training course. People can enter either by air, land, or sea.

The visa has a 3-month validity from the time of approval. This means that people have 3 months to use and enter Thailand from the date their visa is approved. People often confuse validity and the time they can spend in Thailand. Validity is how long you have to use or utilize the visa. When arriving in Thailand, a permit to stay stamp will be placed in your passport for 60 days, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their valid time frame and still receive the full 60 days permit to stay.

How to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must fill in online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname as it appears on their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where you apply for the visa (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best practice to print a copy of the confirmation email to present to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

There are certain countries not eligible to apply for an E-Visa, as additional documents are needed for approval.

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Many embassies will not allow walk-ins, and immigration requirements may change without notice, so it is best to contact them beforehand and confirm what documents you need to provide.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a single-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $30 – $50 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like to confirm documents are correct or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a visa assistance agent . These agents are aware of all current immigration requirements and can confirm the correct details before lodging your application. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents charge a fee for their service but will often save you time and money in the long run. They can streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through e-Visa’s secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Single Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities while in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you intend to take part in any of the above activities, there are long-term visa options available. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa.

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Financial statement or bank statement showing funds available (10,000 or 20,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

For some people, 60 days is never enough. If you enjoy your time in Thailand, it is possible to extend your stay. Visitors with a Single Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

You will need to visit the office before your tourist visa expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available once within the country.

Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

Prime minister srettha thavisin has discussed the schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in cambodia, laos, malaysia, myanmar and vietnam in recent months. the six southeast asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data..

By Bloomberg   April 7, 2024, 11:05:27 AM IST (Published)

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Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

BANGKOK – Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint visa programme with five other countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists in 2023, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travellers.

Mr Srettha – who has pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hot spot into an aviation and logistics hub – has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months. The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travellers among the six neighbouring countries.

The Schengen visa allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe.

With most of the six countries’ leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveller and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that has hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six South-east Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data. Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about US$48 billion (S$65 billion) in tourism revenue.

The single-visa idea is the most ambitious among Mr Srettha’s line-up of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20 per cent of total jobs and making up about 12 per cent to the nation’s US$500 billion economy.

Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Ms Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying “a common visa could entice long-haul travellers to make an easier decision”. The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said. 

Mr Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China – Thailand’s largest market for tourists – and offered temporary visa waivers for travellers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan.

It is also mulling over a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and event-based tourism that will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel will not be confined to tourism alone, as ease of travel would be a boon for business travellers and trade, according to Mr Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

“Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Mr Barnett said. “Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations, unlike in the European Union, can pose challenges, according to Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak from Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty.

Asean as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Mr Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the joint visa proposal, Prof Thitinan added.

“All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Prof Thitinan said. “Sometimes, fruits on the ground are rotten.” BLOOMBERG

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Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to attract more tourists

Plan could encourage more business travelers and trade.

Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers.

The plan is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six Southeast Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data.

Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term.

The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy.

Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying "a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she added.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China — Thailand’s largest market for tourists — and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan.

It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes, and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa may be an uphill task given ASEAN's poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

"Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. "Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa plan, approvals have to be coordinated, and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations, unlike the European Union, can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty.

ASEAN, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being a neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

"All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said. "Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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Schengen-Style Visa For Southeast Asia? Thailand Favours Joint Visa Across Six Nations

Thailand has proposed a groundbreaking joint visa programme for southeast asia to enhance tourism and revenue across six regional countries..

By: Yashita Vashishth Published: Apr 08, 2024 10:09 AM IST

In a move to promote seamless mobility across Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is leading an initiative for a joint visa programme spanning six nations. The proposed single visa would encompass Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar, collectively hosting 70 million tourists last year. Notably, Thailand and Malaysia contributed over half of this figure, clocking in USD 48 billion in tourism revenue.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin aims to streamline tourist entry by implementing a single visa for these six nations, thereby boosting tourist arrivals and maximising revenue per traveller. Targeting affluent long-haul holidaymakers, this initiative will enhance Thailand’s appeal as a tourist destination while also fortifying its aviation and logistics sectors. The Thai PM has also discussed this Schengen-like Single Visa with counterparts from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia , and Myanmar in recent months.

Thailand’s Single Visa initiative: Key points

Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year https://t.co/95FtIIvWzl — Bloomberg (@business) April 6, 2024

The proposed Single Visa seeks to boost tourism in Thailand, a sector accounting for 20 percent of its total employment and contributing 12 percent to its USD 500 billion economy. The initiative aims to lure long-haul vacationers to extend their stays and explore multiple countries by offering a common visa for six regional nations. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former Thai Hotels Association president, suggests extending the visa validity from 30 to 90 days to make the offer more attractive.

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Thai PM Thavisin aims to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027, with the government actively pursuing initiatives to achieve this goal. Recent efforts include signing reciprocal visa waivers with China and providing temporary visa waivers to passport holders from India, Kazakhstan, and Taiwan . Additionally, the government plans to promote event-based tourism and develop casinos with entertainment complexes as part of its tourism-centric strategies.

While the proposed venture promises to revolutionise tourist travel and the perception of holidays in the region, experts believe that bilateral visa-waiver agreements between individual nations may present fewer challenges in implementation.

(Feature Image Credit: Andrey_Vasiliskov/Shutterstock)

Related:  Consistent Welcome: Explore Visa-Free Countries For Indian Passport Holders

• thailand visa

Yashita Vashishth

Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.

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Thailand Leads Push for Six-Nation Visa to Lure Moneyed Tourists

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(Bloomberg) -- Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers.

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Srettha — who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub — has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months. The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

READ: Srettha Unveils Plans to Revive Thai Tourism, Build EV Hub

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six Southeast Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data. Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy. Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying “a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China — Thailand’s largest market for tourists — and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan. It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa, which allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe, may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

“Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. “Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations unlike the European Union can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty. Asean, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

“All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said.“Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

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