Extension of stay inside Thailand
Over the last couple of years, Thai immigration rules have been the recurrent content of many news site and different forums in Thailand. Every bit of discussion boiling down to one thing – changes in the Thai immigration rules. Truth is, we cannot expect rules and policies to be the same years after years. And this rings true even before the military took over the Thai government in 2014. As it turned out, we’ve seen a lot of head-scratching, especially among foreigners who periodically travel in and out of Thailand.
Confusion over the process
Foreigners are notified of changes in Thai visa rules well in advance. The confusion comes over the subject of getting an extension inside Thailand. It is not uncommon for a foreigner to enter Thailand then make a decision to extend his stay for couple more weeks or months. They are then looking for options of what to do without leaving Thailand.
Given the inconsistency of Thai immigration policy, we can understand why many foreigners in Thailand are at a loss. This article aims to shed some light on questions frequently asked by those who call our office.
Options to stay inside Thailand on an extended duration
Clause 2 of Order No. 327/2557 of the Royal Thai Police (June 30, 2014) describes when a foreigner can apply for an extension by paying the fee of THB 1,900 at the immigration office in Thailand.
- Extensions for visa exempt scheme and tourist visa holders.
Nationals from countries who enter Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption can get an extension of another 30 days. This gives them the option to stay inside Thailand for up to 60 days in all without having to leave the country. Holders of Vietnamese and Laotian passports, however, can only get a 7 days extension. Note also that this option is not available to those who are on a visa-on-arrival.
Holders of a Thai tourist visa, on the other hand, can get an extension of 30 days, regardless of their nationality, by paying the extension fee at any immigration offices in Thailand.
- Extension for foreigners who are legally married to a Thai national
A foreigner of any nationality, for as long as he is legally married to a Thai citizen, can be granted for one time an extension of no more than 60 days. This is applicable in the case of a foreigner who entered Thailand on a tourist visa or a 30-day visa exempt stamp.
- Visa extension for up to one year
A foreigner can extend his visa every year and with validity of extension for up to one year under circumstances when he meets the criteria for consideration. This option is offered to those who have recently been granted a non-Immigrant visa and are in the cases under any of the categories below:
- Business owners or investors
- Employees of Thai companies
- Retirees
- Spouses of a Thai citizen
- Conductors of training or research in a university or research institute
- Family members of a Thai citizen or an alien who are permitted a temporary stay in Thailand
- Students
- Missionaries
Another concern is the subject of filing for a change of visa. This can be tricky since regulations are not the same for all immigration offices. There are also only few circumstances when an application for change of visa can be done without having to leave Thailand. While anyone can take the risk of doing the process on their own, it is advised to seek help from firms who understand the process and ensure that the application is properly prepared and filed.
I have a 60 double entry visa issued in Pretoria. I wish to extend it by 30 days but I have not used the second entry as my planned trip to Singapore was cancelled.
Will that affect my application for an extension?
Peter
Not using the second entry of your visa will not have any effect on applying for another 30-day extension. You may apply for an extension to your visa as long as it is still valid.
In regard to your second entry, this can still be used within its validity period by making an exit or border run in a neighboring country if traveling to Singapore is no longer an option for you.