Urgent! Onward Ticket And Tourist Visa Extension

[sallyomalley]

the 60-days on my tourist visa are almost up, and i want to extend it for 30 more days. i plan to go to the Chiang Mai immigration office and do that in the next couple days. however, how important is it that i have proof of onward travel documents with me? i do not have any of these. do the immigration officials usually demand to see an airplane ticket? can i show up without one? also, i read that i should bring 20,000 baht just as proof that i'm not broke...this is a lot of money. can it be brought in travelers cheques? again, will the officials probably demand to see the money as well as the onward ticket?

if someone could get back to me, i'd really appreciate it...thank you!!

[lopburi3]

You should have a ticket out within 30 days. The money should not be required. Although normally it is a routine experience and no ticket proof will be asked for, if it is and you do not have it, the extension may only be for 7 days.

[sallyomalley]

thank you...does it have to be an airline ticket or can it be a bus ticket to a neighboring country like vietnam, cambodia, or laos?

[waveydavey]

Hi Sally, I often get a TV extension at Chiang Mai and I've never been asked for onward transport details or proof of funds. The best thing is to go a few days early and ask them if these will be required before you hand in your application (I've always found the staff there to be very helpful). If they are required then you can go away and get a cheap ticket and then go back to immigration. That way you'll get the 30 days rather than 7.

[sallyomalley]

ah, waveydavey, thank you so much. that sounds like a good idea-- my TV expires tuesday so i will go in on friday (tomorrow) and do what you said. i appreciate the advice!