2 Visa Options 

The two easy ways to get your visa extended are a short-term extension and a long-term extension. Which of these suits you best depends on your circumstances, but if you have a tourist visa, it is likely that the short-term extension is the best option for you. If granted, the short visa gives you an additional 30-60 days stay in the country. Sometimes this can be negotiated to 90 days, depending on why you are seeking it. 

A long-term extension is for a minimum of 90 days and can be valid for up to a year, and this is more likely to be granted if your original visa was a non-immigration visa.  These visas are generally for people who have a work permit and valid employment in the country. 

Where to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension 

The best way to apply is to go to Bangkok and visit the Office of the Thai Immigration Department and apply in person. Technically you can apply at local offices outside of Bangkok, but all they do is take the paperwork and send it to the head office in Bangkok. Not only does this increase the decision time; however, they are notorious for losing paperwork. It is better to go directly to the primary office. 

The office opens each morning and operates a queuing system. There is generally no quiet period, so you are better off turning up at a time that suits you and joining the line. The decision is not instant, but you need to make the application in person using the TM.7 form and have all your supporting documentation with you. Your application can be made within 30 days of your current visa expiring, and you should ensure that you do not leave it too late, as being on an expired visa and then trying to extend it can end badly. 

Re-Entry Permit

If you stay in Thailand for a while, you should also apply for a re-entry permit. Without this, you will not be granted permission to return if you leave the country for even a few days. If you do not have the permit, you start the whole visa application process again, and your current paperwork becomes invalid. If you are in the country for 90 days or more, you must submit a 90-day report each time you hit that key count – days 90, 180, 270, 360, etc. This involves reporting to your local office and reconfirming details such as your address. If you have a SMART visa, this becomes an annual commitment rather than every 90 days. If you stay in the country for three or more years, you become entitled to apply for residency. 

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