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How to Extend your tourist Visa in Bangkok

Visitors to Thailand from countries that hold a valid 60 day tourist Visa, can get an additional 30 day Visa extension without leaving the Country. I am not sure, but I believe you can get an extension from Pattaya and Chang mai also, but this article is an attempt to answer the question: How do I get a 30 Day Visa extension in Bangkok.

The main Immigration office in Bangkok is on Thanon Sathorn, Suan Phlu (otherwise known as soi 3). You can take the MRT to the Lumpini station and then take a taxi or motor-bike taxi from there. You can tell the taxi driver "Tow Mow" and he/she will likely understand and take you right there. You can get your Passport copies and Passport photos done right across the street. They will know exactly what you need, just tell them you need photos and copies, they will open your passport to the right page and copy both your "departure form" and your passport. For 4 photos and two copies they charged me 104 Baht. You can then cross the street, walk through the gates and turn right. The main entrance is on the front, but is down a little ways. When you walk in, the information desk is right there. Get in line, and get the TM7 form. You can then fill out this form at one of the counters, there are a few pens available, but it is best to bring your own. There is also glue that you use to glue your Passport photo onto the TM7 form. Once the form is completely filled out, return to the information desk and give the officer all your goods; Completed form with signature and photo attached, Passport, and the 2 copies of your Passport, he will double check your paperwork and give you a number. You then exit (to your right) and head into room 102. This is the big room that is on your left as you entered the Immigration office, not the room you see as you exit the information desk with all the signs mentioning Visa extensions! Yes, it is a little confusing and Chaotic, but as we all know, This Is Thailand!.

So you go into room 102 and hopefully find a seat. You then listen and look for your number to be called. Don't be surprised if your number is in the 200's and the last number called is something like 13! They are running a Chaotic system in which many different numbers are called out along with the appropriate counter to report to. At this time, the Visa renewals report to counter #2. For example they might call out number 187 for counter 4, then call out 25 for counter 3, etc... So when your number is called, you walk up and give your paperwork and 1900 Baht to the Immigration officer who will then check it out, make you sign 3 forms, then ask for a phone number and address in Thailand. If you have overstayed, you will then be charged 500 Baht for each day you have overstayed your Visa. She then give you another number, and you return to your seat and wait. At this time, the next number is suppose to be called for counter 2 as it says on the number card, but actually its a counter to the left of number 2, and they do not vocally call out the number but have a small LED that displays the number. You can easily make the mistake of believing what it says on the card, and thinking you will go back to the same counter as before and can easily hear the loudspeaker say your number. It is best to sit up front so you can easily hear and pay attention, the guy that gives the stamped Visas back, does not like to use the loudspeaker and you can easily miss your turn.

All in all, despite the Thai version of order and efficiency (Chaos), the whole thing seems to go rather quickly. I recommend going early in the day as I heard that later in the afternoon the lines can be quite bad. I have also been told that anytime you deal with Thai officials it is best to dress respectfully, shave, shower, etc... and ALWAYS smile and be nice even when things do not go as planned. You will be amazed how often "Mai Dai" (cannot) turns into "ok Khap" if you can smile and be persistent. Losing your temper will not only cause you to lose face, but the Thai official will also lose face and will then be of no further assistance to you. I watched while one Farang lady completely lost it on the Immigration officer, lucky for her, she had an assistant, a nice Thai girl with her to assist and get her through the process or rather bail her out after she pissed off the officer. She would have been toast if it had not been for her Thai assistant. Remember you are a guest in the Kingdom, keep that attitude and everything should go smoothly.

In summary you will need:

  • two Passport photos
  • two Passport copies
  • Passport
  • TM7 form
  • 1900 Baht
  • 500 baht for each day overstayed
  • A Smile and a little patience!
  • Immigration office is closed on Saturday and Sunday
  • Thai Immigration Telephone Number: 022873101 Thanon Sathorn, Soi Suan phlu, Bangkok

 

Thai Visa questions

Q:  I am currently staying in Koh Samui on my vacation.
I entered Thailand with a tourist visa and was granted a permission to stay for 60 days until the end of this month. However, I wish to stay longer. What should I do?

A:  You may apply for an extension of stay at any Immigration Office in Thailand
where you may be permitted to stay for another 30-day period. You must do so
before your stay permits expires, otherwise you will be fined 500 Baht for each day you overstay in Thailand.  

 

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