Hi guys,

I moved to Thailand in October with a Non imm. B visa ( multiple entry ), which i obtained in Europe and will expire end of Jan 2009.

Since i went to China from Dec. 9 - 19, i am permitted to stay in the kingdom until March 18 2009

My WP is valid now until Jan 7 2009.

Beginning of last week i went to the immigration office in Bangkok to ask them for a visa extension ( 1 year ) based on my WP. The officer told me that i can't extend my visa right now. He said it couldn't be done until 30 days before the March 18.

Since i need to leave again to China tomorrow and will return on Jan 3, i will get another stamp which is valid until beginning of April - i.e. the first possible day for applying for my visa extension will be beginning of March 2009.

Now i am planning to extend my WP beginning of Jan so it matches up with my Visa stamp ( beginning of April ). But obviously i shouldn't leave Thailand anymore after end of Jan, because my Non Imm. B will expire on Jan 27. So i need to stay in Thailand until March to get my visa extension...

I wonder, if it is correct that i can't get the visa extension earlier than 30 days prior the expiration date.

Could anyone please help me out?

Thanks & Brgds,

Schlomo

It is immigration policy not to extend permit to stays until the last 30 days.l

If you need to leave again before you are able to get your extension you can get a re-entry permit (1000 baht) at immigration that will allow you to leave and then re-enter.

You will need one photo and this form. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm8.doc