Extension or fine at airport?

[CB1960]

Hello swarm intelligence!

I am in Chiang Mai right now and will fly back to Germany on 12th October, on day 35 of my vacation in Thailand which I started with a 30 day visa on arrival . I wonder if I should rather go to the immigration office for a five day extension which costs 1900 Baht plus 100 Baht for a photo and time at the office or should I risk to show up to at the airport and pay my fine of 2500 Baht? Will I get in trouble at the airport or will they be tolerant as long as I pay the fine?

Thanks a lot for your opinions!

[lopburi3]

You should get the extension of stay.  Overstay always involves some risk (it could be jail if caught) and will involve it being recorded in your passport and on computers.

[ubonjoe]

You should apply for a 30 day extension of your 30 day visa exempt entry at immigration. Well worth the time spent and the1900 baht fee for the extension.

Better than than taking the risk of being caught with the oversay before you get to the airport.

[elviajero]

It is best to apply for an extension of stay of 30 days (no 5 day available). You won’t have any problem at the airport as long as you pay the 2.5K fine; however, we don’t know how an overstay record could affect you in the future. Avoid it if you can.

[CB1960]

15 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

 

Thank you all for your answers - it helped a lot!

[VBF]

10 hours ago, CB1960 said:

Thank you all for your answers - it helped a lot!

And FYI, you got answers from probably the 3 most knowledgeable people on Visas on TV. Heed them old chap! ????